9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Greensfelder County Park offers extensive equestrian facilities within 30 minutes of downtown St. Louis. The campground features a covered horse barn with standing stalls, a round pen for turnout, and campsites specifically designed to accommodate horse trailers. Electric hookups are available at sites 20-29, with each site including standard fire pits and picnic tables. The campground serves as a primary staging area for horseback riders using the park trails, making reservations advisable during peak seasons. Showers and restrooms remain open year-round, with frost-free water available at both ends of the campground. Most equestrian sites are spacious enough to accommodate trailers up to 36 feet, though site 29 can fit larger rigs up to 40 feet. The park charges standard county rates while maintaining clean facilities that cater specifically to the horse-riding community.
Multiple trailheads connect directly to the campground, providing immediate access to well-marked equestrian paths throughout the park. The trail system includes maintained bridle paths with eventing jumps along some routes, attracting riders of various experience levels. Hikers and mountain bikers share many of these trails, though 90% yield appropriately to horses according to regular visitors. Weekend mornings typically see increased horse traffic as local equestrians use the park for day rides. The extensive trail network offers routes ranging from short loops to longer combinations that can be customized for different riding preferences. Water access is available for horses at designated points throughout the trail system. The campground's proximity to Six Flags amusement park (within 2 miles) provides additional entertainment options for camping families, though some ambient traffic noise can be heard during daylight hours.
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved."
"site: shaded. medium sized. semi-private. amenities: older. clean. attractions: less than an hour from St. Louis. hiking. I would go camping here again/ get out of city."
"Tucked away, not far from St. Louis, you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"This was our first campground in the St. Louis area and proved to be in a fantastic location. We tent camp and the setting was great with a nice stream and cliff walls close to the campground."
"We actually didn’t hang out in the campground very much because we spent a lot of time in St. Louis. The campsite was very nice with lots of trees."
"Stayed two nights while visiting St. Louis. Check-in was easy even and staff was very accommodating to add another night. Game room and putt putt was fine. Pool was still closed unfortunately."
"pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"
"Pretty nice wooded campground close to St. Louis! Each site has a picnic bench, a fire pit and grill."
"Heavy equestrian park, it’s not required (to have a horse) to stay here. A few piles of horses droppings but very well maintained."
"Cuivre River state park is a nice hidden treasure for a weekend getaway from St. Louis. Great trails to hike and a sandy beach to dip in for a quick swim. "
"Plenty of gorgeous campsites and a lake to swim and kayak! And if you need a place to camp with your horse they have an entire equestrian section. Close to **St. **"
from $15 - $42 / night
Check Availability"Right next to the marina and with many sites right on the lake, you can’t go wrong here."
"They smell like the laundry facilities as well, so great all around there. Rangers are walking/driving around, and really friendly."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Nice hiking trails near. Watch for ticks. Don’t be alarmed if you see cats or the neighbors dogs roaming around the site. They are friendly."
"There’s a house to rent or primitive camping trails have a map but need a little more marking on newer sections. Very well maintained. Neat look out points"
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability
Guidesite: shaded. medium sized. semi-private. amenities: older. clean. attractions: less than an hour from St. Louis. hiking. I would go camping here again/ get out of city.
GuideThis is truly a hidden gem. Tucked away, not far from St. Louis, you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious. There is one bathroom, centrally located, that was a 2-3 minute walk from our campsite. There was a picnic table and firpit provided. The main gate closes at 9 p.m. but if you call ahead there is a code you are given....or you can contact the camp host. I would love to go back and explore the lush, green trails.
TravelerA state park with FULL Hook-ups! Cuivre River state park is a nice hidden treasure for a weekend getaway from St. Louis. Great trails to hike and a sandy beach to dip in for a quick swim. Did I mention full hook-ups in a state park. It would make a great return place for a weekend in the fall to see the colors as the trees turn. I would highly suggest getting a screen house to enjoy the evenings outdoors to keep the gnats and mosquitos away.
LegendThis is a perfect place to enjoy with the family. Plenty of gorgeous campsites and a lake to swim and kayak! And if you need a place to camp with your horse they have an entire equestrian section. Close to St. Louis but far enough out to enjoy peace and quiet!
TravelerPretty nice wooded campground close to St. Louis! Each site has a picnic bench, a fire pit and grill. It was very quiet when we stayed there on a Friday night, but it go really busy on Saturday morning because the equestrian folks use the campground as a staging area. There are two trail heads near the campground(very nice hiking!)
LegendCampground Review: This is a nice little hidden gem outside St Louis in a great county park. If you are a Six Flags kinda person, the amusement park sits at the southern entrance to Greensfelder. The park itself has some great hiking and biking trails, but the big draw is equestrian in nature (including eventing jumps along some of the trails). This campground caters to the horse-set, with more campsites attached to the equestrian park than not, which means you should make reservations in advance as it is a busy little campground. The equestrian camping area has a standing stall type open barn, a round pen for turn out, and large campsites designed for horse trailers. All of the sites with electric are meant for horse trailers as there are no amenities for RV's. The showers and toilets are in the horse camping portion of the campground. The non-horse camping area seemed to be an afterthought, and is along side a park artery leading to a boarding barn and more trails. I did like that there were two trail heads on opposite sides of the camping lot, and the trails were well marked. Expect this campground area to be busy as it is the staging area for equestrians who use the park.
Product Review: In July I won some gear from Primus for reviewing some campgrounds I visited earlier this summer. This was the first opportunity I had to try out my Primus Profile Camp Stove. This is a nice car camping stove; at eleven pounds, it isn't something to carry far. Things I liked about it include the wind guards, the latching lid, and the fairly thin profile when collapsed. For a two burner stove, it really didn't take up much room in my trunk and it is sturdy enough that I wasn't worried about piling gear on top of it. However, while new out of the box, the igniter didn't work. Glad I always pack a lighter. It's not going to boil water in record time, but certainly held a steady flame and was easy to adjust. I have other stoves, but this one seems like it will be my go to when car camping with friends as I can cook more on two burners than one. https://primus.us/collections/camping-stoves
TravelerGreat spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$.
LegendThis was our first campground in the St. Louis area and proved to be in a fantastic location. We tent camp and the setting was great with a nice stream and cliff walls close to the campground. We walked to 6 Flags which wasn't to tough but took maybe 30 minutes. We also used it as a base camp to explore St. Louis. Everyone at the park is friendly and accommodating which makes a return trip likely in our future if we are in that area again.
ScoutGreat well maintained state park right outside of St Louis. Park has an awesome trail system around the lake, and it looks like you can rent canoes/kayaks in the summer (was not open in the winter).
Horseback riding trails extend over 16 miles within Greensfelder County Park, offering riders varied terrain across its 1,670 acres. Located in the eastern Ozark border region, the elevation changes provide both challenging and gentle trails with limestone outcroppings. Weather conditions typically allow for year-round trail access with most trails remaining navigable even after moderate rainfall events.
Horseback riding at multiple locations: Several equestrian campgrounds near St. Louis, Missouri provide specialized facilities. At Cuivre River State Park Campground, "if you need a place to camp with your horse they have an entire equestrian section. Close to St. Louis but far enough out to enjoy peace and quiet!" The park maintains separate trail systems specifically for riders.
Fishing opportunities: Carlyle Lake at Dam West Spillway offers productive fishing spots. "There were alot of people when we were there. But alot of good trails and fishing at the spillway," notes one visitor. The 26,000-acre lake holds numerous fish species including bass, crappie, and catfish with accessible shoreline fishing areas.
Trail exploration: The McCully Heritage Project maintains nature trails with scenic viewpoints. One visitor mentioned, "Very well maintained. Neat look out points." The trail system includes educational markers identifying native plants and wildlife across its 940 acres.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. At Greensfelder County Park, campers appreciate the upgraded amenities: "Has everything you need. Even got a hot shower while tent camping." The shower facilities remain open year-round with reliable hot water.
Lake access: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground provides affordable water access near St. Louis. "Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," writes one camper. The lake permits boating and fishing but prohibits swimming.
Spacious sites: Camping areas offer adequate room between sites. One visitor to Dam West Spillway noted, "Big, spacious campsites with really pretty, big trees for lots of shade. The bathroom and shower facilities are FABULOUS, and super clean." Most sites include a fire ring, picnic table, and parking pad.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, securing spots can be challenging. For St. Louis area equestrian camping facilities, one visitor advises, "Kinda busy maybe make reservations when it's a holiday." Most parks accept reservations 6-12 months in advance.
Wildlife encounters: Expect to share space with native animals. At Greensfelder, one camper observed: "The campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!"
Ambient noise levels: Some campgrounds experience transportation noise. At St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, a visitor noted, "This was such a nice and serene setting. Close to the city and local attractions, yet surrounded by nature none the less. It will be even better when they invent silent trains." Highway and train sounds affect primarily perimeter sites.
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas. Dam West Spillway offers "several playgrounds, drivers were slow and courteous." The largest playground sits near the main bathhouse with equipment suitable for various age groups.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs provide learning experiences. The McCully Heritage Project offers family-friendly activities as "a small and not crowded place to camp with all you need and hospitality. Great for tent camping and hiking." Their nature center hosts weekend programs from April through October.
Swimming options: Water recreation keeps children entertained. Cuivre River State Park Campground provides safe swimming areas: "They have a large lake to swim in and you can kayak as well! Their trails are well marked and a pretty walk." The designated swimming beach includes a roped-off shallow section for younger children.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. At the World Shooting and Recreational Complex, "This is the site of the American Trap Shooters Association 'Grand' Event. During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full." Outside of events, hookup sites remain readily available.
Site leveling considerations: Terrain affects parking ease. One RVer at Greensfelder County Park shared detailed observations: "Most sites are great for trailers 26' or less and 1 slide (sites 24-26 can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft)." Bringing leveling blocks helps at sites with slight grades.
Dump station access: Not all parks offer on-site waste disposal. For locations without facilities, "no dump but KOA and RV dealer 5-7 mins away." Most local dump stations charge $10-15 for non-campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near St. Louis, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near St. Louis, MO is Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near St. Louis, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near St. Louis, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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