Best Equestrian Camping near Springfield, MO

Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area provides primitive horse camping opportunities near Springfield with multiple designated equestrian campsites available by permit only. The forest features an extensive trail system with sections specifically designed for horseback riding, including clearly marked bridle paths through wooded terrain and crossing several small streams. Camping permits must be obtained in person at the Missouri Department of Conservation office in Springfield, as noted by local visitors familiar with the area. The campground accommodates both overnight horse campers and day-use riders with adequate space for horse trailer parking at designated trailheads.

Bar K Wrangler Camp near Garrison offers free horse camping in a rustic setting approximately 45 miles southeast of Springfield. The campground provides basic amenities for equestrians including vault toilets and picnic tables, while maintaining a natural environment for horses and riders. Direct access to forest trails allows riders to explore the surrounding Mark Twain National Forest without trailering between camp and riding areas. The camp's open design accommodates multiple horse trailers with sufficient room for portable corrals or highlines. Visitors mention the camp provides good water access for horses from nearby streams, though riders should bring their own drinking water as no potable water is available on site. The relatively flat terrain makes the area suitable for both novice and experienced riders seeking day trips or overnight equestrian camping experiences.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Springfield, Missouri (10)

    1. B Berry Farms & Co.

    22 Reviews
    Marshfield, MO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 933-2046

    $7 - $48 / night

    "Driving through Missouri needed a quiet place to stay. We stayed at Honey Berry Hideout, it has metal fire ring and grill."

    "Brendan and Teresa are an adotable young couple who are transforming a large area in the midst of Missouri farm country into a small black- and blueberry farm that includes a small RV camp."

    2. Busiek

    8 Reviews
    Chestnutridge, MO
    21 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."

    3. Bar K Wrangler Camp

    4 Reviews
    Chadwick, MO
    27 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"

    4. Swan Creek

    1 Review
    Chadwick, MO
    26 miles
    +1 (417) 459-7376

    "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."

    5. Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson

    6 Reviews
    Forsyth, MO
    37 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."

    6. COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point

    6 Reviews
    Stockton, MO
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 276-7266

    $14 - $20 / night

    "This particular site was just up the hill from the lake and completely private."

    "While 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"

    7. Riverfront Campground and Canoe

    10 Reviews
    Windyville, MO
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 588-3386

    $250 / night

    "It offers direct access to the Niangua River, and it is only a short drive from Bennett Springs State Park, where you can fly fish and pull trout from the river from dawn until dusk.  "

    8. Bar M Resort & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kimberling City, MO
    40 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"

    9. Orleans Trail

    3 Reviews
    Stockton, MO
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 276-6948

    $14 - $160 / night

    "Cheap 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."

    "We had a view of the lake across the road. The bathroom was a several minute walk.  Site D37 across from us had water access and looked really nice."

    10. Big M

    5 Reviews
    Golden, MO
    48 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Springfield, MO

67 Reviews of 10 Springfield 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.

  • Nikki M.
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Busiek

    Nice area

    Nice place to walk in the woods, camping by permit, short drive from Springfield, high traffic

  • Anthony S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Busiek

    Camping by permit only

    I've never been to this site but I live in Springfield just a few miles away and 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, don't know if you can go to any office or specifically the one in Springfield, but there is one in Springfield; 2630 N Mayfair ave

  • 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

  • Sharon W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    B Berry Farms & Co.

    Peaceful sleeping

    Driving through Missouri needed a quiet place to stay. We stayed at Honey Berry Hideout, it has metal fire ring and grill. The owners were very friendly , informed us amenities , they have coffee pot , small stove to use in a barn in walking distance, bathrooms and showers for small fees. Family friendly with large area for kids to play.

  • A
    Jun. 27, 2022

    B Berry Farms & Co.

    Secluded rustic mini-resort

    Brendan and Teresa are an adotable young couple who are transforming a large area in the midst of Missouri farm country into a small black- and blueberry farm that includes a small RV camp. They also make and sell natural products (soaps, balms, etc.). They have constructed a cute rec house with darts, corn hole, even a little reading nook. There is a swing on the big tree in front of the rec house as well as horseshoe pits. Dispersed around the berry fields are hidden firepit areas for guests to enjoy. And you can pick berries for your breakfast!

    They have built an exquisite shower room with cedar walls and river rock flooring, and there are bathrooms for guests as well.

    Brendan and Teresa could not have been more accommodating. They presented us with a goody bag with s'mores fixings and a sample lip balm from their product line. And Brendan helped us with hose repair parts when our water hose jammed on the reel and we had to cut it off! First rate customer service.

    The drawback for us is that (1) it is FAR from the main highway so not convenient for one-night stays and (2) 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 (no "excessive slope" error).

    Also, we knew from the start there was only 30 amp service and no sewer, so we can't complain about that.

    But for smaller RVs and boondockers, this is a charming getaway for families and anyone who enjoys getting away from it all.

  • 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!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Bar K Wrangler Camp

    A good waypoint.

    No amenities other than composting toilets. There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers. This is a horse camp with plenty of evidence, but it was only us and a couple of other tent campers.

    The creek was obviously spring fed, crystal clear and had a gravelly bottom. There were plenty of places to get in the water...understanding that this is horse camp.

    The place was well maintained and mowed and it was super peaceful and quiet. The main annoyance was some trash in fire pits along the creek.

    If you consider this as a waypoint, two things:

    1. There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough.

    2. We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp.

  • Miranda M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Bar K Wrangler Camp

    Lots of space to camp, secluded

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


Guide to Springfield

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Springfield, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Springfield, MO is B Berry Farms & Co. with a 4.9-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Springfield, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.