Looking for a place to camp near Schell City with your horse? Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect equestrian sites that are scenic and easy to access.
Camping limited to 14 days
Hawker Point Campground is a shady campground located on Stockton Lake in the scenic Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri. The lake and surrounding landscape offer countless recreational opportunities along its nearly 300 miles of shoreline, providing visitors with many ways to explore one of the most sought-after natural areas in the state.
Boating is always a popular pastime at the lake. Sail boating is especially popular and the lake hosts several races each year. The facility provides a boat ramp for easy access to the water. The waters of Stockton Lake are home to several species of fish including small and largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, walleye, catfish and sunfish, making it an ideal area for anglers. Several trails wind around the lake shore and through the landscape. The Stockton Lake Equestrian Trail continues approximately 15 miles between Hawker Point and Orleans Trail Campgrounds.
The land surrounding the lake contains hundreds of acres of native prairie grasses, rolling hills and thick forests that turn crimson in autumn. An abundance of wildlife lives both in and around the water, including wild turkey, great blue heron, deer and bald eagles. Visitors can learn about the lake's bald eagles by attending an annual eagle-watching event during the winter.
There are three full-service marinas located around the lake, which offer a wide range of services and supplies, including boat rentals, fuel, fishing tackle and restaurants.
$18 / night
Berry Bend Campground sits on the shores of Harry S. Truman Lake in the hills of western Missouri. Visitors enjoy fishing, hunting, and boating.Click here for the Harry S. Truman Lake virtual tour.
Berry Bend Area is an excellent fishing location. Truman Lake is also a popular destination for tournament fishermen.Several miles of trails are available for hikers and horses within Berry Bend. The Park Trail is a 2.5 mile trail that is a great hike for beginners and those wanting to explore the area. The West Trail is approximately 10 miles and traverses many steep ridges and valleys, while the East Trail is approximately 16 miles and is somewhat more level and overlooks the lake in several areas. Both the West and the East trails have cut through trails for riders that dont wish to go the entire route.
Harry S Truman Reservoir lies among the rolling hills and rocky bluffs of the Ozark Plateau. Mature hardwoods of Oak and Hickory with cedar trees mixed in cover the area. Wildlife such as whitetail deer, turkey, hawks, ospreys, eagles, and many different water birds can be found in and around the park. An abundance of fish such as crappie, bass, walleye, paddlefish, blue and channel catfish can also be found in Harry S Truman Reservoir. Approximately 8,800 acres of standing timber were left in the lake to provide quality aquatic habitat.
The 950 miles of shoreline around Truman Lake provide plentiful opportunities for fun in the outdoors. Many parks surround the lake, including Harry S. Truman State Park. The Harry S. Truman Visitor Center sits atop Kaysinger Bluff and provides a spectacular view of the dam and reservoir. Exhibits provide information about the rich history of the Osage River Valley from pre-civilization to modern day. Waterfowl, bald eagles and turkey vultures are commonly seen from the observation deck.
$40 / night
Orleans Trail Campground is a shady campground located on Stockton Lake in the scenic Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri. The lake and surrounding landscape offer countless recreational opportunities along its nearly 300 miles of shoreline, providing visitors with many ways to explore one of the most sought-after natural areas in the state.
Boating is always a popular pastime at the lake. Sail boating is especially popular and the lake hosts several races each year. The facility provides a boat ramp for easy access to the water. The waters of Stockton Lake are home to several species of fish including small and largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, walleye, catfish and sunfish, making it an ideal area for anglers. Several trails wind around the lake shore and through the landscape. The Stockton Lake Equestrian Trail continues approximately 15 miles between Hawker Point and Orleans Trail Campgrounds.
The land surrounding the lake contains hundreds of acres of native prairie grasses, rolling hills and thick forests that turn crimson in autumn. An abundance of wildlife lives both in and around the water, including wild turkey, great blue heron, deer and bald eagles. Visitors can learn about the lake's bald eagles by attending an annual eagle-watching event during the winter.
The Orleans Trail Marina is located nearby with camping and full marina services available.
$160 / night
Enjoy visiting the historic sites, parks, sporting, concert and local events in Fort Scott and Bourbon County, Kansas in an economical year-round central location that’s convenient to Fort Scott dining and entertainment. Bourbon County Fairgrounds Camping, 2102 Huntington Blvd in Fort Scott (across from Fort Scott Community College)
$20 / night
Shawnee Bend Park sits on the shores of Harry S. Truman Lake in the hills of western Missouri. Visitors enjoy fishing, hunting, swimming and boating. Click here for the Harry S. Truman Lake virtual tour.
Shawnee Bend is an excellent fishing location. Truman Lake is also a popular destination for tournament fishermen.A playground and sandy beach make the area perfect for families.
This year-round day-use area offers a large group picnic shelter. Amenities include flush and pit toilets and drinking water.
Harry S Truman Reservoir lies among the rolling hills and rocky bluffs of the Ozark Plateau. Mature hardwoods of Oak and Hickory with cedar trees mixed in cover the area.__ Wildlife such as whitetail deer, turkey, hawks, ospreys, eagles, and many different water birds can be found in and around the park.__ An abundance of fish such as crappie, bass, walleye, paddlefish, blue and channel catfish can also be found in Harry S Truman Reservoir. Approximately 8,800 acres of standing timber were left in the lake to provide quality aquatic habitat.__
The 950 miles of shoreline around Truman Lake provide plentiful opportunities for fun in the outdoors. Many parks surround the lake, including Harry S. Truman State Park. The Harry S. Truman Visitor Center sits atop Kaysinger Bluff and provides a spectacular view of the dam and reservoir. Exhibits provide information about the rich history of the Osage River Valley from pre-civilization to modern day. Waterfowl, bald eagles and turkey vultures are commonly seen from the observation deck.
$30 / night
Scout
It was quiet. We enjoyed our stay. I read about the black cat that was found there in the other review. It was still there when we camped in late December and quite hungry. Very friendly and needing love. We brought him home with us and he is the most amazing cat. Took a while to get litter trained but I’m glad we opened up our home to him before the bad weather got here. Thanks to this site, we found our new family member! Thanks to whoever posted.
GuideThere is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help. 🤣
Bathrooms were fine. It’s free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all.
One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads. Apparently, she has found a lot in the area so that’s a good activity if the kids are bored.
If you’re looking for a good wine, you can find some at the local auto parts store. I am not kidding! I think it’s Rick’s Auto Parts and their liquor is priced very reasonably. 😄 If your car’s broken down and you can’t drive, I guess you might as well drink and Rick’s there to help you out with both. 🤣
GuideLarge grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse. Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping. The lake is really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt. No picnic tables or fire pits. The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper.
ScoutWe got to campsite pretty late, so when everyone was unpacked we went straight to bed. shortly after we all passed out from the long and beautiful 16 hour drive, we started hearing all the wildlife and I will never forget waking up in the most beautiful place. Was a picture perfect moment, Colorado springs will forever hold a spot in my, and my family's memories. have fun and safe travels!
TravelerBig lake, several sites to choose, good fishing, pit toilets. The sign says NO FISHING after Oct.14 because of duck season. Open for camping. Mowed, TP stocked, plenty of firewood and room for dogs to run.
GuideNice city park campground. Location was nice and quiet with beautiful views of lake. Bathrooms were terrible. Verizon service was good. No other amenities. Nice location for an over night stop but not much more.
RangerThere is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes. Thankfully we were not shot! While free, dispersed sites, there are easily established fire pit areas to choose from Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper. Easily accessible car camping. Not too many other campers at the other site where we spotted some RVs. Overall the remote location, gorgeous scenery and with a couple boats makes for a great weekend.
ScoutBeautiful Campsites on the opposite side of the boat drops and free.
Legend
We were guided to a large grass area and backed in next to an electric panel with multiple outlets. The 30amp worked well and we only had one other camper while we were there. Peaceful and quiet during the evenings and nearby to the downtown and historic fort. Verizon signal was good for streaming. Water spigot was located near the gravel access road and we filled our freshwater tank on the way out. The dump station has easy access and allowed for a good black tank flush.
Scout
Enjoyable stay at this COE campground with plenty of lake views and access. Sites are level, electric only with easy access to fresh water and dump station as you enter the facility. Camp ground host friendly. Right across from the marina.
Ranger
This was our go to campground for years. But the last few times have been subpar. Dirty campsites. Old flood debris in some site next to water. There trying to fix it up but at the time of this review I would recommend long shoal or truman state park.
Legend
This review should have gone under Berry Bend Campground. If fishing boating of all types is your thing this is it. This. Is a very large campground very well maintained. Showers flush toilets and pit.
Travelerthis little off the beaten path camp ground his paved roads, boat access for 2 areas 1 near the damn which closes a gate after 10pm, we use the other area near the conservation station(although ive never seen anyone there) park rangers are mostly non existent , they do drive through, they are quite nice an most the time never stop just smile an wave, there some fire spots but be kind an put up rocks that you can find along the shore, there is bathroom facilities and a dumpster behind the conservation building.
the area is surrounded by trees but the area is clean, nice soft grass, there are pecan an walnut trees so watch out for your heads when its fall lol . you can fish, boat and swim but i recommend water shoes. the water is very shallow most the time its only chest deep out in the middle. there is loads of wildlife to see an arent much scared of humans, racoons,beavers, crane, squirrels,dear,owls an much more. theres also blackberries in the fall.
all in all a very nice quiet little free camp area. we go all the time.
TravelerWe enjoyed a weekend there and can't wait to go back. Hopefully for longer than a weekend. The lake was great, the sites were level and not too close together, shaded and beautiful. I saw my first armadillo too!
Guide
Lake camping isn't my favorite because often times the sites are too close together for the privacy and quiet that I prefer that being said Hawker point is my favorite lake campground. Many sites are well spaced and shaded. Campground host is friendly
GuideJust got home from a weekend stay at site C19 at Hawker Point COE Park. This particular site was just up the hill from the lake and completely private. The walk to the lake was about 50 yards and a little steep but we managed to carry two kayaks down and up without too much trouble (and we are a middle-aged couple), and it was totally worth the effort because it was as if we had our own private cove.
The site is very spacious and shaded with plenty of trees for our hammocks and clothesline. Lots of level places for tents. The park attendants were very friendly and helpful.
C19 has no electricity or water and the closest vault toilet is a good walk down the road. The shower houses were driving distance away. We have a shower tent, so that wasn’t an issue for us.
We drove through the rest of this park to check out A and B campground loops. A loop consists of full hookup sites and many sit right on the water. Little shade and crowded, but if you like to play on the lake all day these might be for you. B loop had pretty wooded sites but many were not close to the water. C loop is where it’s at!
ScoutVery clean and nice campground. Steps from the lake. Staff was friendly.
TravelerI enjoy camping here because the sites are spacious. The lake is clear and has good fishing. The bath houses leave a little to be desired. You have drive half a mile to get to them.
GuideThis is a great family campground!!! It’s not nearly as busy as the state park which is awesome!!
TravelerNice spacious spots, lake views, friendly campers. Great Hosts! Clean and well maintained. Our favorite spot for camping at Truman Lake. Close to boat launch. Great fishing, lake is accessible from many sites.
ScoutCheap full hook ups at a nice lakeside campground, they also have a hotel and cabins that are nice getaways. The food at the restaurant is pretty good as well.
ScoutAwesome lake, fishing is decent, the food at the Marina is great
TravelerMy family has been camping here in October- after winterization, thus no water- for decades. In season, there are nearby showers and running water. Sites are large and heavily shaded. The sandy swim beach is clean and fun, even off-season. Lots of places to hike and fish. Great place for boating. The bathrooms are generally kept clean. I have little experience here during season, but highly recommend it if you are looking for a quiet place to camp off-season... unless you come the same weekend as my large family. :)
GuideWhat a nice getaway. No internet, no cell, no problem. Great beach with a beautiful view.
RangerWhile Stockton Lake itself brings a lot to the table, with beautiful blue water, cliffs to jump from, and close proximity to town if you are craving some ice cream (I suggest Squeeze Inn), the State Park and several of the other campground sites offered by the Corps of Engineers or by private citizens are always jammed together with few trees. This campground is an exception. There is plenty of room and the trees make your site feel much more private. If it isn’t full, I suggest Hawker Point as your first choice when headed to Stockton Lake
GuideWe had our first trip to Long Shoal last week even with the extreme heat it was a nice spot. We always camp in a tent and the spots were nicely wooded and spaced. This is now our second favorite place for camping. They had the cleanest facilities I have ever seen.
TravelerHawker Point campground together with the lake is great. The campground was well kept, mowed, clean and fellow campers were friendly while at the same time respectful of others .
The lake is to die for. Water was clear clean and like glass. We have kayaks so our morning trips were accidently long, peaceful and awesome.
Make reservations early because it is full most of the time. Mon Tues, Wed seem to be the only openings if you wait too long.
Also, fill your rig with water before you go. There are no water hookups.
Horse camping in Missouri offers a unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts, combining beautiful landscapes with facilities that cater to both riders and their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Schell City, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Schell City, MO is Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Schell City, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Schell City, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
