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Best Equestrian Camping near Shell Knob, MO

135 Reviews

Bar K Wrangler Camp near Shell Knob offers free camping spaces for equestrians with access to primitive toilet facilities. The campground accommodates horses while providing simple amenities in a natural setting. Sites are suitable for both walk-in and drive-in access, making it convenient for visitors arriving with horse trailers. While the campground lacks drinking water and electrical hookups, its natural setting and year-round availability make it popular among horse enthusiasts seeking budget-friendly options in the area.

Located approximately 30 miles from Shell Knob, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch provides more developed accommodations for equestrians, with electric hookups, shower facilities, and toilets available. The ranch offers multiple accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping options that can accommodate visitors with horses. Trail access from both Bar K Wrangler Camp and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch connects riders to the broader Ozark trail systems. The region's terrain features a mix of wooded areas and open meadows suitable for various riding experiences. Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds in the Shell Knob area maintain seasonal availability, with facilities generally being more accessible during spring through fall months when trail conditions are optimal.

Map showing campgrounds near Shell Knob, MissouriExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Shell Knob, Missouri (15)

    1. Roaring River State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 847-2539

    "Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."

    "Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."

    2. Big M

    5 Reviews
    Golden, MO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 271-3190

    $16 - $28 / night

    "Nestled snug on the Missouri Arkansas border is a gem of a campground. Large grassy sites some most with electricity and water, and some with sewer. Sites are paved and pretty level."

    "Our campsite had a lot of privacy on 3 sides and had a small creek running through a ways behind it, downhill."

    3. Bar M Resort & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kimberling City, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 338-2593

    $50 - $60 / night

    "Access to Table Rock, Game Room, Pool and Jacuzzi. Small cabins and A-frames to rent. They have it all. This is my getaway**!"

    "Nice, easy and quiet with a great pool and lake access! We will definitely be coming back. Site 47 has a bit of sun"

    4. Busiek

    8 Reviews
    Chestnutridge, MO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 895-8660

    "Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!"

    "Busiek isn't to far of the beaten path. It has several trails and camping sites. There is plenty of wildlife available for viewing."

    5. Beaver Lake Hide A Way

    6 Reviews
    Garfield, AR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 925-1333

    "Easy access to Rocky Branch boat launch ramps"

    "Nice and close to beaver lake. They had kayakes to rent and jet skies. Fishing is good as well. Also lots of wild life! Owls, lizards, tons of birds, deer, and foxes. I would definitaly come back!"

    6. Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson

    6 Reviews
    Forsyth, MO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 546-3000

    $48 - $251 / night

    "Half the sites are close to pool and playground, but not many trees. The other half are an easy 2 minute walk and tree covered!"

    "Close to lake Bull Shoals, Taneycomo, and Branson if that's your thing."

    7. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-2570

    $20 / night

    "The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us."

    "You wake up every morning to the sound of the Buffalo River coursing by just a few hundred yards away, and are greeted by the breathtaking view of the bluffs you are surrounded by!"

    8. Erbie Campground — Buffalo National River

    14 Reviews
    Marble Falls, AR
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "Located within a few miles of the horse camp , this site is Aimed more at group camping, there is not as much shade as I’d like to see."

    "I explored each in detail and took a day to enjoy the trails around them.   "

    9. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    45 miles
    Website

    $5 - $245 / night

    "They have horse back riding and tons of world class rock climbing. Very safe and clean. Facilities were just fine."

    "Car camp, hammock, tent camp, or rent one the cabins to enjoy the roaming goats and horses around the property. Infamously known in AR as one of the best climbing spots."

    10. Bar K Wrangler Camp

    4 Reviews
    Chadwick, MO
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers."

    "This a horse camp, but there is plenty of space to just pitch a tent if needed. Free site with a beautiful backdrop"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Shell Knob, MO

2 Photos of 15 Shell Knob Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Shell Knob, MO

135 Reviews of 15 Shell Knob Campgrounds

  • David L.
    Jun. 22, 2019

    Swan Creek

    Dispersed Camping Galore

    Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT.

  • Hannah W.
    Oct. 15, 2018

    Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    Close sites, beautiful area

    We rolled in at 8pm on a Friday night. The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us. The 26 sites are in two layers, one closer to the parking lot, one closer to the woods, river and bluffs. Rangers patrol regularly and are very helpful. There is a ranger station beyond the horse campground which is a pleasant walk or a quick drive. We stopped there to get our National Park stamp! Easy access to a trail directly from the lot, or walk beyond the horse camp to the Old River trail head. Centerpoint Trail is a 15 minute drive away and offers access to the Big Bluff/Goat Trail. Caution drivers: the road in to the campground is windy and steep. A sign warns against bringing RVs. However there were an enormous bus and tons of horse trailers and campers at the bottom of the hill - braver people than I:) Bathrooms are clean, dimly lit at night presumably to keep bugs out. Each site has a lantern pole, fire ring and picnic table. Lost Valley Trail and shelter are a 10-15 minute drive away. Since it was raining we cooked our dinner in the shelter. Overall a beautiful place with great access to multiple trails as well as river access. Sites are a little close, but if you're fine with having neighbors 20 or so feet away, we highly recommend:)

  • Jane T.
    Apr. 16, 2019

    Erbie Campground — Buffalo National River

    Erbie is a great base for group camping! It is located right by Erbie putin

    Located within a few miles of the horse camp , this site is Aimed more at group camping, there is not as much shade as I’d like to see. It is immediately next to Erbie put in, with walking distance to both the Erbie Ford and the old community of Erbie, which includes several old homes that have been preserved, the old Erbie Church and Cherry Hill cemetery.

    Both cecil Cove Trail and the main Buffalo River trail are right there. With bathrooms and a nice swimming hole, this is a local favorite. The water is seasonal, so ne aware of flash flood risks.

  • B
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Down Home Campgrounds

    Hidden Gem

    This place is a true hidden gem. It is so close to the Buffalo River, Jasper, and Erbie Horse camp. We had such a great weekend with our family! Loved being away from all of the crowds in this secluded area.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Bar K Wrangler Camp

    Hey Cowboy

    Open:  year round

    FREE

    FCFS

    Pack it in Pack it out

    LNT

    This a primitive horse camp that is not far off the highway.  It is far enough that it is or  can be quiet.  It is also great for star gazing, hiking, mountain biking and trail rides.  Swan Creek runs along side the camp so you will need to be aware of possible flash floods if you are camped right next to the creek.  There are picnic table, fire ring and a pit toilet.  NO WATER

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • T
    Sep. 2, 2019

    Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    Needs improvement

    We booked 6 sites of horse camp for Labor Day weekend back in July. They had plenty of time to take care of sites. We got there and the grass was high on all sites. One of the guys with us brought a battery operated weed eater and started to weed eat our area when a park ranger stopped and said we weren’t allowed to weed eat only they are allowed to mow. We asked if they would mow sites and they said NO. The people right down from us on other horse site had to keep horses tied to trailer because weeds were that high you couldn’t get to horse post. One of had brought our RV with horses and were told we weren’t allowed to bring RV even though when we booked it online, it gave us the option to book RV with horses. We usually come to horse camp 5-6 times a year, but think this might be our last time going. Seems they are trying to close down horse camp.. we had reservations on Memorial Day and when we got there it was full of tent campers with NO HORSES but they were allowed to stay there. This place is turning into a joke. You pay $20 a night to get nothing but harassed by the park rangers!!

  • M
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    Clean, accessible and a great starter site!

    This is a great campsite if you’re wanting to get outdoors, but aren’t quite adventurous to go full-out. You wake up every morning to the sound of the Buffalo River coursing by just a few hundred yards away, and are greeted by the breathtaking view of the bluffs you are surrounded by!

    It has running water, and even a pretty nice public bathroom. Fees are not outrageous, and there is even a site for campers with horses. Overall, it was a great experience, and I’d recommend to all! One thing to consider, however, is to make sure your car has pretty good handling and brakes— as the drive up to the entrance and down to the campsite is steep and curvy (it is paved, though)!

  • W
    Mar. 14, 2017

    Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    Buffalo Base Camp

    Steel Creek campground is a beautiful grass savanna orbited by 500 foot bluffs. From the campsites is a short hike through large beautiful hardwood trees. A glorious river of milky blue green waters flows at the base of the bluff around the camp's peninsula. East of Ponca this is the closest area to car/RV camp. This camp is also horse camp friendly. Many trails come through Steel Creek for backpackers, horse trails, and of course canoe/kayakers dock and launch from here. I call this base camp because there are so many trails and historic options in this upper area of the Buffalo. My one and only con is the tent camp area is open to all the other tent campers. In other words your camping side by side. Aside from that its definitely worth it!

  • Brandon M.
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Busiek

    Words really can't describe.

    But here we go....

    This place is AMAZING! Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!

Guide to Shell Knob

Horse camping in Missouri offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for riders and their horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • At Bar K Wrangler Camp, visitors enjoy spacious grassy areas perfect for setting up camp alongside their horses.
  • Swan Creek provides a dedicated equestrian area, allowing horse owners to camp comfortably while having access to nearby trails.
  • Busiek features horse-friendly accommodations, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the scenic trails with their equine companions.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential facilities

  • Roaring River State Park Campground offers amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay for both horses and riders.
  • Big M has well-maintained sites with electric hookups, making it convenient for horse campers who need to recharge their gear.
  • Erbie Campground features vault toilets and trash disposal, providing essential services for those camping with horses.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused activities

  • At Kyles Landing Campground, guests can enjoy kayaking and hiking, with easy access to the Buffalo River for a refreshing experience after a day of riding.
  • Steel Creek Campground is known for its beautiful hiking trails and proximity to the river, perfect for cooling off after a long ride.
  • Rivers Edge RV Park offers a great location for exploring nearby trails, making it a popular choice for horse enthusiasts looking to combine camping with outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Shell Knob, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Shell Knob, MO is Roaring River State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 45 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Shell Knob, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Shell Knob, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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