1 campground with availability next weekend
Bar K Wrangler Camp provides primitive equestrian camping with direct creek access near Garrison, Missouri. The free campground features designated areas for horses with picnic tables and fire rings throughout the grounds. Swan Creek runs alongside the camp, offering water access for horses while providing natural scenery for trail riders. The campground has composting toilets but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. The grassy areas accommodate RVs and horse trailers with ample space for setup. The camp is well-maintained with mowed grounds, though the entrance requires navigating approximately one mile of dusty, somewhat rough gravel road.
Equestrian trails connect directly to the campground, allowing riders immediate access to riding opportunities. Swan Creek offers crystal clear, spring-fed water with a gravelly bottom where horses can cool off after trail rides. The area provides secluded camping with beautiful backdrops for overnight stays. Busiek, another horse-friendly area near Mansfield, features gun range access, dedicated horse riding trails, and tent camping opportunities. The surrounding conservation areas offer extensive trail networks for day rides. Cell service is limited at Bar K Wrangler Camp, with T-Mobile users reporting no signal within the campground boundaries. Visitors should prepare for a pack-it-in, pack-it-out experience as trash service is not provided.
"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."
Available next weekend
from $7 - $48 / night
"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"
"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."
"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."
"Nothing but icadas, crickets and quiet laughter from the camp next to us."
"I was right next to the river, and the sounds of the water made everything tranquil. There is a ton of space for tents and RVs, and the road in is well paved."
from $5 - $100 / 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. "
"atv rentals make getting around a breeze. canoe raft and kayak rentals."
from $250 / 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."
from $48 - $251 / night
GuideHost was not aware of our reservation with The Dyrt but was welcoming just the same. (even gave us fresh baked brownies as welcoming gift). We were just passing through and got a peaceful place to sleep. There's many play options like swimming hole, axe throwing, horseshoe throwing, dart throwing, pool table, etc.
GuideBeautiful place, has river float drop point and pick up with kayak and raft rentals. Only reason 4 stars is the very steep grade going down to the main camping area thats on a curve. They did atleast pave the uphill side but definitely need to make sure your brakes are good.
GuideCampground was very nice. good river access and pool area. the store is nice to get a coffee or a smoothie. atv rentals make getting around a breeze. canoe raft and kayak rentals.
GuideUpon arrival, I could not find my site. I called the phone number and the owner came out. Very sweet woman. She showed me my spot and explained the entire property to me. Very nice property. I f I'm in the area again, I will definitely stay there.
TravelerDriving 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.
ScoutI'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
ScoutThis "resort" is just a basic campground. There's no place to dump your camper's tank, which you'd expect at the prices they charge. The owner is in some sort of a feud with the residents that live around the campground, so now one of them fires a shotgun off every half hour, and another one blasts revelry early in the morning. Nothing scary, but I didn't like knowing that we were right next to residents...certainly wouldn't want a campground in my back yard.
Otherwise, it's mediocre. Depending on the time of year, the river can be quite low, so be sure to check the forecast before planning a stay. It was only about 6 inches deep when I was there. The Gasconade Hills campground is just down the road and was a much better experience.
GuideNO PLUMBIN, PORT O JOHNS ONLY
PRIMITIVE CAMPSITE 10 IS BEST FOLLOWED BY 7
Froggys has one flaw, see first sentence. Other than that its perfect. The crew is so friendly and you can tell they love running the CG and caring for guests. They had a fire pit in the middle of the river which was so cool and did a pork steak dinner one of the nights. The sites along the river are great for primitive camping. And the six mile float on the gasconade was lovely. The river moves slow, so if you're used to floating 16 miles on the spring fed Jacks Fork or Current, halfing that will be plenty. Shower house was clean and efficient.
GuideTerrible decision to rent a cabin , turns out not a cabin but a room and bath. Nothing at all like site. Ask for explanation and extra coats. Ask for another correct cabin , they said it was cabin? I ask for Someone to come by and explain the situation. No other cabins and no refunds… the bait and switch ! bewared awful service, photos of cabins, we stayed in a room with a bathroom that was in the garage of a cabin? Heard baby crying the 1night when down and agian said this is not the cabin we reserved and also extra charges on my credit card. I ask for someone to explain why the add was nothing at all like payed for and we requested another correct cabin or refund. nothing from anyone , no one came to room , or called me . We went to fish at Bennett spring with grandson 14 birthday. He felt and I felt uncomfortable with baby crying knew we been scammed by internet false photos and prepaid. We left early to stay in lodge just down road from riverfront. We never got refund and excuses that they fixed web page and grandson posted negative review, I said why would we give a good review? was a room not a cabin, payed the mortgage on the cabin that the campground family lived in!! This was the worst experience with renting a cabin. Not one photo online or description was correct. Then overcharged on credit card? I hope this helps someone else who’s thinking of cabin at Riverfront Campground.
Equestrian camping near Mansfield, Missouri offers several primitive camping options with direct trail access for riders. The Mark Twain National Forest surrounds much of the area, featuring elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide more moderate conditions for trail riding and camping.
Creek swimming opportunities: At Rippee Conservation Area, visitors can cool off in Bryant Creek after riding trails. "It's a beautiful spot on the Bryant creek," notes Ashlin S., who adds that "it's free, and it's about as nice as you can expect from a free campground." The area provides simple amenities while maintaining a natural setting.
Berry picking excursions: Seasonal campers at B Berry Farms & Co can incorporate berry harvesting into their camping experience. "We enjoyed picking black berries right next to our campsite to have with breakfast in the morning," shares Nick S. The farm offers a unique agricultural camping experience not found at traditional equestrian sites.
Target shooting sessions: For riders wanting additional recreational options, Busiek offers shooting range access near horse trails. "Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source," explains Brandon M., noting that "the scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!" This combination of activities makes it suitable for groups with varied interests.
Private campsites: Campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites at Paddy Creek Recreation Area. "Most sites are well shaded and spacious. Good privacy between sites," notes Cheryl M., who adds that "parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders." The area maintains a $5 recommended donation system rather than mandatory fees.
Crystal clear water access: The spring-fed streams around Mansfield provide exceptional water quality for horses and humans alike. "Creek is spring fed so water is always cooler than most creeks," remarks Aaron T. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area. This consistent water temperature creates comfortable conditions even during summer months.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peaceful setting of Swan Creek for overnight stays. "Has great dispersed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses," reports David L. The lack of amenities contributes to fewer crowds and more solitary camping experiences throughout the area.
Permit requirements: Some conservation areas require advance permits for overnight stays. "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," warns Anthony S. about Busiek.
Limited cell coverage: Communication services vary widely throughout the region. Patricia S. notes about Bar K Wrangler Camp: "We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp." Prepare for limited connectivity at most equestrian sites.
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Most horse-friendly campgrounds lack trash service. Gregory from Paddy Creek Recreation Area recommends bringing supplies for a fully self-contained experience, noting each site has "a paved parking spot big enough for my truck and 25ft camper... a picnic table, Shepherd's hook, and a fire pit/grate."
Age-appropriate trails: For families with younger riders, look for conservation areas with shorter loops. Josh S. recommends caution when selecting hiking and riding trails: "Be wary of the water level, this can impact any hiking you might be looking to do, so be ready." Water crossings can be particularly challenging for inexperienced riders.
Bug preparation essentials: The wooded areas around Mansfield harbor significant insect populations during warmer months. "Just make sure to bring the bug spray and tikis bc there are tons of bugs," advises Linze K. about Froggys River Resort, where many equestrian families combine river activities with camping.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for encounters with local fauna. "Our first time here we got to experience the amazing raccoons which made for a pretty funny story later," mentions Lyric O. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area. Food storage containers with secure lids are essential for overnight stays.
Site selection strategies: RVers should prioritize campgrounds with adequate turning radius and level pads. Angela M. reports about B Berry Farms: "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."
Road condition expectations: Access roads to horse camps often present challenges for larger rigs. Patricia S. warns about Bar K: "There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough." Consider approaching during daylight hours when towing horse trailers.
Parking limitations: Many equestrian sites have specific requirements for trailer parking. "Parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders. Worked fine for our 16ft TT big rigs probably not so much," observes Cheryl M. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area, suggesting that smaller rigs fare better at primitive horse camps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mansfield, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mansfield, MO is Rippee Conservation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mansfield, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Mansfield, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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