8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area offers primitive equestrian camping with several designated sites throughout the 3,300-acre property. The conservation area features over 20 equestrian campsites distributed in the forested sections, providing ample space for horse trailers and tie-outs. These primitive sites accommodate tent camping but lack amenities such as electric hookups, showers, or water connections. Vault toilets are available near the lake area, but equestrian campers should note there are no dedicated horse corrals or permanent hitching posts at the campsites. The heavily forested setting provides natural shade for horses during summer months. Campsites are positioned to allow easy access to the extensive trail system while maintaining separation from the fishing lake area.
The conservation area maintains a network of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding that wind through wooded terrain. Trails are well-maintained and designed to accommodate riders of various skill levels. Horse trailer parking is available at designated areas throughout the property, with sufficient room for loading and unloading. The park layout includes roads that pass through both conservation land and private property, making it essential for equestrians to obtain a park map at the entrance to navigate properly. Daily trail rides connect to various sections of the property, including access to the central lake area. Riders have reported well-marked trails that avoid conflicts with the shooting range located in the central portion of the park. Camping is free, and the conservation area remains open year-round, though trail conditions may vary seasonally with weather changes.
"A rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast."
"Finger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs."
from $15 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass."
"Stay at lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks."
"We didn’t explore the grounds much but apparently we could’ve walked and seen the horses by the resort. The only thing I didn’t love was the gravel road all the way in."
"We had family from Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and everyone raved how this was their new favorite spot."
"Though I grew up outside of St. Louis, I'd never been to this campground or to Mark Twain Lake. Really enjoyed exploring the area and the campground was nice. "
"When I stepped out it felt like I was walking through a thousand spider webs everywhere. The bathrooms aren’t that clean either. That being said though, bugs are to be expected of a campground."
from $10 - $125 / night
Check Availability"This is an equestrian campground that allows non-horse campers, but prefers you check Pine Ridge first."
"Others had left some trash around. we picked up what we could. please pack it out if You pack it in.."
"Great place to stay, doesn’t seem to have a lot of hiking trails. They do have nice secluded little spots mostly all electric. Bathhouse is pretty a long walk, but big and really clean."
"Used their dump station and filled the water tank as we exited the park. Would recommend & would stay there again"
from $24 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Several ponds and a larger lake but it was currently being repaired so it’s very low."
GuideHeavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass. Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided. Parked lakeside. Quite night with one fishing boat late morning. Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property.
LegendThe Pine Ridge Campground a few miles down the road was full, so we ended up at 1 of the 8 sites here. This is an equestrian campground that allows non-horse campers, but prefers you check Pine Ridge first. We had a fine one-night stay while traveling through, but encountered A LOT of ticks on the overgrown trail. BEWARE of ticks and check yourselves and your pets if staying here. No cell service.
GuideGreat place to stay, doesn’t seem to have a lot of hiking trails. They do have nice secluded little spots mostly all electric. Bathhouse is pretty a long walk, but big and really clean. only 20.00 per night. It’s has an archery range and equestrian site.
GuideStayed for 1.5 weeks. Stay at lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks. It has been a windy month so I relocated farther up hill to nestle in more with the trees. There are several equestrian campsites +20 throughout the park. Also a shooting range centrally located in the park.
TravelerThe campground was average, as were the amenities- but the activities offered were enjoyable (kayak rentals, walking trails- these were shared with dirt bikes, horses, etc.) The lake water was fine for kayaking but we definitely did not want to swim in it. The Park Ranger was unfriendly, and we read reviews of similar experiences written in the campground office guestbook when renting the kayaks.
Not likely to return.
LegendA rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast. The campground is laid out in a series of small loops, with some loops in open grassy areas and others tucked into the trees. I had my pick between a site in either situation and so I picked the trees to get some shade. Sites are fairly close together, so you will get to know your neighbors. There is one nice and modern bathhouse with showers on one side and bathrooms on the other. It was very clean and well maintained, and they are in the process of putting in an additional concrete walkway. Over in the grassy loop there was an additional basic bathroom.
There is lots to do in this park if you are into canoeing/kayaking or ORVing as there are several marked trails for both. If you are a hiker, welllllll, not as much available here. There is a nice mountain biking and hiking trail, but you can still hear all of the ORV's running the many trails specific to ORVing. There is also a Motocross track with nice stands if you like to watch. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent (stop by and see the rangers near the entrance) and there are a couple of marked trails to take you from lake to lake.
LegendThis was a good stopover site on our journey. The campground reps were kind and great to work with. The registration online was seamless. We submitted an inquiry online, they replied within a day with the invoice to confirm our site and sent us confirmation details via email. Checkin was simple. The lots felt a bit tight but no big deal since it was just a stopover. It appeared there may be permanent residents who stay so if you’re looking for that, it might be an option based on the setups and work trucks parked at a few. Everyone was friendly, quiet and seemed to keep to themselves. Nice pond onsite that you can fish. We didn’t explore the grounds much but apparently we could’ve walked and seen the horses by the resort. The only thing I didn’t love was the gravel road all the way in. Our truck and camper was covered with gravel dust. So if you had anything exposed, it’ll get a bit dusty. But again overall a nice stopover and the employees were great to work with.
GuideFinger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs. Helmets for riders and flags for vehicles are required for riding, and there is a variety of terrain for hours of fun. Camping is generally quiet with ample space to relax in your lawn chairs, cook and dine outdoors, and fellowship with others. Most camping sites have at least some shade.
GuideI have two dogs. They are friendly, but get rather rambunctious when they see other dogs. I prefer sites that I can keep them tucked away.
On the electric sites - sites 1-10 are in an area with lots of trees and shade, while sites 11-17 are more open, but still have a few trees for shade.
We stayed in the premium electric spot #15. It felt roomy and was close to the bathrooms. If your like me, and prefer a tucked away spot, go for #17 (no immediate neighbors to your left).
The park itself is delightful. There are hiking, biking and water trails. Hiking trail was really nice with a surprise waterfall! Because the majority of campers were out in their ATV’s, we had the hiking trail all to ourselves. The kayak/canoe loop trail is nifty as there is no need to park a car in another location.
Bathrooms were well kept. Shower house was just ok.
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area offers 3,300 acres of outdoor space located about 15 miles northwest of Sturgeon, Missouri. The area features a network of trails through oak-hickory forest at elevations between 800-900 feet. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for equestrian trail riding and camping.
Horseback riding trails: Explore the extensive multi-use trails at Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area where riders can access forest paths. "Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses," notes Linda H.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at several water bodies within conservation areas near Sturgeon. "Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided," reports a camper about Rudolf Bennitt. Many conservation areas maintain stocked ponds for anglers.
Archery and shooting: Practice your aim at designated ranges in the area. Frank Russell Campground "has an archery range and equestrian site," according to Lindsey C. Rudolf Bennitt also features "a shooting range centrally located in the park."
Historical exploration: Discover remnants of early settlements on hiking trails. At Dry Fork Recreation Area, Curtis M. found "old homestead foundation along the trail. Perfect stop during you back packing trekk."
Spacious equestrian sites: Horse campers appreciate the room to spread out at conservation areas near Sturgeon. Ron R. stayed at Rudolf Bennitt for over a week and noted "several equestrian campsites +20 throughout the park."
Well-maintained facilities: Whetstone Conservation Area gets high marks for upkeep. Kayla W. describes it as "Super well maintained conservation area, 5 camp sites with fire pits and picnic tables."
Water access: Many campers enjoy proximity to lakes and ponds. "Camping at lake is open gravel or grass," says Linda H. about Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area, while at Frank Russell Campground, Emily C. notes "There is a trail that leads right to the water where we were able to have a swim and not have to leave the campground."
Seclusion and quiet: The rural setting offers peace for overnight stays. Jason R. appreciated Indian Creek's atmosphere: "Super quiet after hours" and "Total darkness, perfect for stargazing."
Limited amenities: Most equestrian camping near Sturgeon is primitive with minimal facilities. Ron R. mentions Rudolf Bennitt has a "lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks."
Navigation challenges: Roads in conservation areas can be confusing. Linda H. advises: "Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property."
Ticks and insects: Be prepared for bugs, especially during warmer months. Meghan B. warns about Dry Fork Recreation Area: "we encountered A LOT of ticks on the overgrown trail. BEWARE of ticks and check yourselves and your pets if staying here."
Seasonal variations: Weather affects trail conditions significantly. Paul K. experienced this at Dry Fork: "was a wet start, weekend turned out very nice once the front moved thru."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting animals in conservation areas. Charlotte B. says about Dry Fork Recreation Area, "you are guaranteed to see deer and turkey."
Lake activities: Several conservation areas offer swimming and boating options. Indian Creek Campground "has its own beach that you can only get to by boat or if your camping in the campground," according to Kayla S., who adds "Felt more private that way."
Biking options: Bring bicycles for additional recreation. Kayla S. mentions Indian Creek "has a lot of road to bike on if you like to ride your bike."
Seasonal wildflowers: Spring visits offer educational plant identification opportunities. Charlotte B. notes that Dry Fork has "Great flowers for viewing in the Spring."
Level sites: Check site descriptions carefully as some camping areas have uneven terrain. Doug W. warns about Indian Creek: "the photos of the sites are a bit deceiving. I thought my site, #6, was dead level. While it was level side to side, it had about 6" of slope front to back."
Hookup availability: Most equestrian camping areas near Sturgeon have limited or no hookups. For full hookups, Jan K. recommends Frank Russell: "Most impressed by how perfectly level our paved parking pad was. We didn't have to level the rv or even unhook it from the truck."
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal. Jan K. notes that at Frank Russell they "Used their dump station and filled the water tank as we exited the park."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sturgeon, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sturgeon, MO is Finger Lakes State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sturgeon, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Sturgeon, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
