Horse camping opportunities near Springfield include both designated equestrian campgrounds and multi-use areas across the Ozark region. These sites range from primitive facilities to locations with basic amenities for both horses and riders. Most equestrian campsites in the area require advance planning, with several sites located within a 45-mile radius of Springfield offering direct trail access.
What to do
Trail riding access points: Busiek State Forest offers extensive trail options for equestrians as noted by a visitor: "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!" The forest contains multiple trail loops of varying difficulty levels.
Water recreation for humans and horses: At Swan Creek, campers can access both riding trails and water features. "Has great dispersed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT," reports one visitor. The creek provides natural water sources for horses after trail rides.
Berry picking during your stay: B Berry Farms & Co. combines camping with unique activities. One camper shared: "We enjoyed picking black berries right next to our campsite to have with breakfast in the morning." Another mentioned: "We had a later checkin and they had the campfire with plenty of wood going on our arrival. They also had a small tiki torch burning and a s'mores starter package!"
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many equestrian campers value privacy and room for their horses. A visitor to Big M noted: "Our campsite had a lot of privacy on 3 sides and had a small creek running through a ways behind it, downhill." Sites with natural boundaries allow for better horse containment and camping comfort.
Natural water features: Access to water for horses is important. At COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point, campers appreciate the water access: "Just 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."
Clean facilities: When available, clean facilities enhance the camping experience. At Bar K Wrangler Camp, basic amenities support equestrian needs with vault toilets and space for portable corrals. For those seeking more amenities, "The cedar shower smells so good!" reported one camper at B Berry Farms & Co.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Certain sites require advance permits. A visitor to Busiek noted: "Camping is by permit only, and permits can not be obtained online or by phone, you have to go in person to the Missouri department of conservation office." Verify requirements before arrival.
Road conditions: Access to some horse camping areas involves unpaved roads. At Bar K Wrangler Camp, "There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough," according to a visitor who added: "We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp."
Weather considerations: Seasonal flooding can affect accessibility. During heavy rain periods, low-lying areas may become unusable. One camper at Big M reported: "The swim area was very clean and accessible even though it was flooded."
Tips for camping with families
Multi-activity options: Look for campgrounds offering varied activities beyond horseback riding. At B Berry Farms & Co., families appreciate diverse options: "This place has everything from axe throwing to free coffee and the property is engineered and planned very nicely."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some horse camping areas include amenities specifically for children. A camper shared: "There is so much to do and for all ages. Great family fun activities and very nice layout plus she even brought us freshly baked cookies that I believe to be the best chocolate chip cookie I think I've ever had!"
Safety considerations: Areas with mixed uses require extra attention. At Busiek, one visitor cautioned: "Be wary of the water level, this can impact any hiking you might be looking to do, so be ready." Another Busiek visitor mentioned: "Absolutely beautiful hiking trails and amazing off grid camping for family. Just make sure to bring the bug spray and tikis bc there are tons of bugs."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: RVers with horse trailers should carefully select sites. At B Berry Farms & Co., one RVer noted: "The one site suitable for large RVs is not very level. We have a 40' Renegade Verona and it took 6 tries to find a place near the hookups where our auto-level would find a good position."
Power limitations: Be aware of electrical hookup limitations. Many equestrian sites offer only basic or no hookups. The same RVer mentioned: "We knew from the start there was only 30 amp service and no sewer, so we can't complain about that."
Accessibility for horse trailers: Orleans Trail campground offers options for RVers with horses. "Cheap full hook ups at a nice lakeside campground, they also have a hotel and cabins that are nice getaways," noted one visitor. The spacious sites accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers.
