23 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Near Salem, Missouri, Flying W Store & Campground accommodates equestrians with dedicated areas for horse parking. Visitors mention the clean facilities and easy accessibility for riders. The campground is located near riding trails and fishing spots, making it ideal for those traveling with horses. The Flying W remains open year-round, allowing for seasonal trail access regardless of weather conditions. Tent and RV camping options are available, with diesel fuel on site for horse trailers. Campground facilities include drinking water, electric hookups with both 30-amp and 50-amp service, and full sewer connections. The property maintains clean shower houses and restrooms, creating a comfortable base for riders exploring the surrounding Ozark terrain.
Trail riders accessing the Current River area can utilize Flying W as a strategic basecamp. Located near multiple riding paths, the campground serves as a convenient starting point for day rides. Horse owners benefit from the campground's proximity to off-road trails and river access points, with bluffs connecting to the Current River offering scenic riding opportunities. The nearby natural areas provide varied terrain for riders of all skill levels. Trail access remains available throughout the year, though seasonal conditions may affect certain routes. The surrounding region features additional equestrian opportunities with connections to conservation areas and forest trails. Visitors note that the campground's strategic location near river bluffs creates exceptional riding experiences, with water crossings and diverse trail conditions throughout the seasons.
"This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete."
"Went here hoping to see the wild horses. We didn't see any but still loved this park. Nice hiking trails and clean cool creek to splash in. Will go back again and maybe see the wild horses next time."
from $13 - $34 / night
Check Availability"They even got a place to park your horse. About every thing you want to do is near by, I recommend you to give this place a try first before going anywhere else. They are Open all year round!"
"Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."
"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
from $15 - $80 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $32 / night
Check Availability"Positives: quiet time starting at 11:00 pm, we didn’t hear cursing, loud music, or anything else that disturbs little ones once they go to sleep, close to the river, clean restroom and shower house, shaded"
"They have a family section if you prefer to be away from the louder bunch."
"It's remote and off the beaten path. A small campground with only 8 spots, some big enough for RVs. No hook ups or water. Pack it in and pack it out. Each site had enough space from each other."
"Pavillion, parking and horse tie out area adjacent trailhead. Excellent place to bring the kids if you want to unplug them from the media world. Trails and bugs and things that go bump in the night."
"This go around we pulled our popup down and chose a site with out hookups. (545) only negative things to say about the site was that it was very densely populated with trees."
from $11 - $16 / night
Check Availability"Family operated and located in the Ozark Mountains with beautiful scenery nearby to explore."
from $56 - $65 / night
Check Availability"One we used, and many other we saw, had small trees outlining the edges of the sites.
We had a group of people next to use who were very loud on Friday evening until past midnight .""We took a couples float during the week to get away from our busy lives and relax. The huzzah resort is always top notch."
"Enjoyed my stay and hikes on the equestrian trails. At the time no horses were around, only other tent campers, one of which gave me their extra camp wood."
"This site was probably my favorite one in Missouri so far. Has a few sites that are great for groups. Then a few sites that are more private for solo/family camps."
GuideIf you want to see the wild horses of Shannon County, this is the place to stay. Right on the Jack's Fork, so beautiful. New bathrooms, but everything else is primitive. Equestrian sites down the road in both directions. $10 a night!
ScoutEnjoyed my stay and hikes on the equestrian trails. At the time no horses were around, only other tent campers, one of which gave me their extra camp wood.
Hazel creek is a picturesque crystal clear creek that is near the campground, featuring tons of wildlife and peaceful views.
The campsites are flat and clean gravel fill or dirt, the grass is usually tamed, each with a campfire ring with a grill and a picnic table and lantern pole. Densely wooded, full shade.
The access road was rough but my wife’s tiny compact car didn’t have any trouble, but I’m sure it’s a mess when wet.
LegendJohnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends. If you plan to go, make a reservation by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). This is a State Park with about 80 walk-in, basic, electric, sewer/electric/water and equestrian campsites. Some of the sites have wooden platforms. The park also has a small store located in the center of the campground. Swimming is popular at the park. The “shut-ins” are rock formations where the river is limited by hard rock that it is cutting through. In these shut-ins, the river cascades over and around smooth-worn rock, creating a natural water park. There is also hiking and rock climbing.
TravelerThis is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete. Camp hosts are helpful and kind. The lodge is in walking distance and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is pretty good also! They offer inside dining but the best place to eat and enjoy the outdoors is on their huge deck. Wonderful place all around and Missouri really has done this one the right way!
ScoutStayed here a few nights in May. This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail. There is only one table and one metal fire ring but people have made various fire rings out of rocks and there is plenty of room for a lot of people. The camp is right by the creek which is ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in :). There are also a few fish in there. In recent years they put in a single vaulted bathroom but thats it! No showers or drinking water if you cant filter the stream water. They also have several hitching posts for horses here since you can ride horses on berryman trail. I have at&t and ive been getting 1 to 3 bars. But the other person im camping withuisnt grtting anything with their provider. Over all I think its a great little spot if youre ok with no electricity, light or just wanna get away from it all for a while.
LegendTo me Brazil Creek Campground is an ideal spot to base your adventuring out of. Primitive horse sites in your own little haven in the woods. Have an actual map handy and make any calls before you get here because your phone will do you no good.
One of the sites is the "Creme De'la Creme" with tie out areas for your horses, plenty of tent and horse trailer parking space and a short walk to a crystal clear steam just deep enough to dangle your tired legs in or sit your saddle sore body in the ice cold water.
True there is no variation of facilities (in other words bring your small shovel and tp, plus plenty of drinking water) but a small price to pay for the privacy and quiet this campground offers.
A trailhead is nearby for your riding enjoyment. This is what we call a remote or backwoods site in Ky and can be had through contacting the visitors center in the area for explanation of permit.
GuideWent here hoping to see the wild horses. We didn't see any but still loved this park. Nice hiking trails and clean cool creek to splash in. Will go back again and maybe see the wild horses next time.
TravelerWe have stayed at Blue Springs for three consecutive years in a row. We have children in tow, and love all of the amenities. We park close to the creek, we drive to the Meramec River and sometimes enjoy petting a horse or goat. Last year we zip lined. It’s close to the caverns and other awesome sites. Clean shower houses and a pool cap off the nice experience
TravelerThis is the newest state park in MO. The campground is located at the bottom of a steep grade hill in an open area. New trees have been planted throughout the campground with established mature trees surrounding the outer boundaries. Basic and premium sites are available for RV’s and trailers along with a separate area for tent camping only. Pull type wagons are provided for tent campers to haul their belongings to their campsites. Restrooms and showers are conveniently located within the campground. A Clearwater creek is a short walk from the campground where swimming and floating may be enjoyed. The “Current River” is also less than a mile away and canoe rentals offer free pickup at the campground. One of the most unique aspects of the campground is the periodic presence of wild horses who roam freely throughout the campground and park. There are several well established hiking and biking trails.
Salem, Missouri sits within the rugged Ozark highlands at around 1,200 feet elevation where limestone and dolomite formations create diverse terrain for campers. The area receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually, supporting the dense forests and clear waterways that characterize the region. Campgrounds range from primitive sites in Mark Twain National Forest to full-service resorts along the Current River and Meramec River watersheds.
Waterfront activities: Echo Bluff State Park offers easy access to clear streams for swimming and fishing. "Amazing scenery, spacious, peaceful. Great river access, floating, campsites are amazing except wit being new, there are no mature trees," notes Jenny H. The park's proximity to Current River makes it popular for water-based recreation.
Trail exploration: Berryman Trail Campground serves as a trailhead for the 24-mile Berryman Trail. "The trails there were one of a kind and the best looking trails I've seen and walked on after going on trips to almost half the country. The 100 foot tall pine trees really make Mark Twain National Forest amazing," reports Jake K. The trail system connects to multiple routes suitable for hiking and mountain biking.
Wildlife viewing: The forests surrounding Paddy Creek Recreation Area support diverse wildlife. "We've been camping here for 3-4 years now and we are still amazed at how quiet and secluded it is. We love being able to have an escape from the world," shares Lyric O. The spring-fed creek remains cooler than most waterways in summer months, supporting unique aquatic species.
Riverside campsites: Bass River Resort offers sites directly on gravel bars near the water. "This site is right on the gravel bar and about 100 ft from waters edge. Great for relaxing and having a 'beverage' while watching the floaters figure out life," says Rick K. These waterfront sites allow campers to enjoy both privacy and river access.
Clean facilities: Huzzah Valley Resort maintains well-kept bathhouses and shower facilities. "Very clean facilities. Sites are large and well kept," reports Kari F. The campground's attention to cleanliness extends to the overall property maintenance and site preparation.
Seasonal considerations: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park operates year-round with varied experiences each season. "We stayed in the fall and the colors were amazing. Our kids loved climbing all over the shut-ins. We have already planned to return in the summer to swim!" shares Ashlee B. Spring visits offer wildflower viewing while fall brings dramatic foliage.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "The only negative is that we have experienced are that you need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular," warns J K. about Echo Bluff State Park. Peak season reservations often require booking 3-6 months ahead.
Primitive camping considerations: Little Sinkin Creek RV Resort provides an alternative to busy state parks. "This place is a gem. Family operated and located in the Ozark Mountains with beautiful scenery nearby to explore," states Sean O. The campground offers RV sites with hookups while maintaining a natural setting.
Shade availability: Many newer campgrounds lack mature trees. "If you have an awning or some kind of shade mechanism, all is good. It is beautiful, the creek is awesome, the lodge is beautiful, and the food is fantastic," advises Janet S. about Echo Bluff. Bringing portable shade structures helps during summer camping.
Beginner-friendly sites: Echo Bluff State Park accommodates first-time campers with convenient amenities. "This campground has full amenities. Clean bathrooms and showers. Firewood available for purchase and even WiFi. The WiFi doesn't reach the primitive campsites but that was perfect for us to unplug! It was a great place to take our kids!" recommends Stephanie W.
Swimming options: Johnson's Shut-Ins offers natural water features that children enjoy. "My kids go on an 'annual cousins camping trip' with my sister in law and her girls every summer. Johnson's Shut-Ins was perfect!" says Melissa M. The park's natural water slides and pools form where the Black River flows through volcanic rock formations.
Equestrian-friendly campsites: For families with horses, several equestrian campgrounds near Salem, Missouri provide specialized facilities. "They even got a place to park your horse. About every thing you want to do is near by, I recommend you to give this place a try first before going anywhere else," mentions Martin K. about Flying W Store & Campground.
Pull-through site availability: Huzzah Valley Resort offers accessible RV spots. "Great site on the end. Extra space for our two dogs to run around," notes Melony M. End sites typically provide more room for outdoor setup and pet areas.
Hookup options: Many campgrounds offer multiple connection types. "We, personally, like more of a woodsy feel. This campground felt very sterile. You are not sheltered at all by the forest trees," cautions Anita B. about Echo Bluff State Park's RV area, which features concrete pads and full hookups but limited privacy.
Size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "Each site has a paved parking spot big enough for my truck and 25ft camper. I would say it could fit up to a 35ft trailer," advises Gregory about Paddy Creek Recreation Area. Always check length restrictions before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Salem, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Salem, MO is Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Salem, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near Salem, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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