Best Equestrian Camping near Chillicothe, MO

Bonanza Conservation Area near Chillicothe offers limited equestrian access with no dedicated horse facilities or corrals. Camping is restricted to gravelly parking lot areas rather than true dispersed sites, with citations issued for camping elsewhere. The conservation area provides free camping with basic amenities for riders. Multiple campsites are available along the highway near a fishing lake, though campers report mixed experiences with hunting season safety concerns during deer season.

The conservation area connects to natural terrain suitable for day rides but without marked bridle trails or equestrian facilities. Trailer parking is unstructured, with no designated equestrian camping zones or hookups for horse trailers. Visitors must bring all necessary water and supplies for their horses, as no drinking water or equine facilities are provided. The area features primarily primitive camping conditions with no toilets, showers, or trash service. Wallace State Park, located approximately 30 miles west, offers more developed camping options but similarly lacks specific horse-related amenities or corrals for overnight equestrian visitors.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Chillicothe, Missouri (3)

    1. Wallace State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Cameron, MO
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 632-3745

    "Great MO state park, close to the city with easy access to 35 N. Trails, lakes, camping, great spot! If you don’t want/need electric, try campground 1, the spots are tucked into the trees."

    "Not far off of RT 36 going East through Missouri. Cost only $13 with hot showers. Nice campsite with table and fire pit. The night of our stay the ranger did a naturalist talk about stream life."

    2. Bonanza Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Cowgill, MO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 675-2205

    "Multiple campsites available along the highway, but the marked site is one of the best, right by a great fishing lake. Very quite, no amenities."

    3. Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Excelsior Springs, MO
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 580-3387

    $12 - $42 / night

    "Watkins mill SP is located a short distance from Kansas City off I-35 near Kearney. The park has a large lake that you can fish and boat as well as multiple hiking options."

    "This place offers peace and quiet outside of a small town with close by amenities. Clean and helpful staff"

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Chillicothe, MO

70 Reviews of 3 Chillicothe Campgrounds


  • Grant M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2021

    Wallace State Park Campground

    Solitude close to KC

    Great MO state park, close to the city with easy access to 35 N. Trails, lakes, camping, great spot! If you don’t want/need electric, try campground 1, the spots are tucked into the trees.

  • Paul A.
    Apr. 8, 2016

    Wallace State Park Campground

    Wooded Hosted Campground

    Best value on a trip across country. Not far off of RT 36 going East through Missouri. Cost only $13 with hot showers. Nice campsite with table and fire pit. The night of our stay the ranger did a naturalist talk about stream life. Host was very nice and we were able to pay with a debit card. The Missouri State park system is automated and accepts credit cards.

  • Sayler O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Wallace State Park Campground

    Rain camping

    We came here fully expecting rain and we got it. Only problem was we planned to tie up some tarps to sit under but we didn't know that it was against the rules to tie to the trees at these sites. luckily we made it work tieing to the roof of the table and a stump. As far as the camp ground its self, rules aside, it is amazing. All the tent sites are separated by trees and bushes so you get plenty of room to your self but they are close enough you can still connect with other groups if you want. Another great part about it is that there are walking paths through the woods from each site that meet up at a central restroom. The main bathrooms and showers are over by the office and are super nice but it is good that there are a couple stalls close for the middle of the night situations. Tons of walking trails are around and a decent playground for the kids as well. Overall loved this place.

  • Chad K.
    Jun. 1, 2017

    Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    Fantastic area close to KC

    Watkins mill SP is located a short distance from Kansas City off I-35 near Kearney. The park has a large lake that you can fish and boat as well as multiple hiking options. The historical site is a neat step back in time to the 1800'. The campground is broken up into 3 different areas with plenty of space for campers, RV's and tents. Park features include an updated showerhouse, large playground for the kids and helpful and friendly park staff. Thanks to the staff for giving us an heads up on the raccoons that are bold! Reservations are recommended on holiday weekends.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    Great close getaway

    This place offers peace and quiet outside of a small town with close by amenities. Clean and helpful staff

  • Meaghan S.
    Aug. 30, 2020

    Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    Nicely shaded spots.

    We stayed for two days in spot #92. Many of the spots have a good amount of room, but there are some that looked tricky to level. 92 was fine for leveling. The only downside is that the spots, while larger, are fairly open (in the area around 92). I prefer a spot that has a tucked away fire pit and table, but this worked OK for us. Bathhouses were clean and there is a great 3.75 mile paved loop around the lake if you have dogs that enjoy long walks.

  • Jim S.
    Oct. 29, 2018

    Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    Nice quiet primitive site loop

    We stayed in primitive site #3 - fairly close to neighbors, but with some berms/hills between it still felt relatively private. Site didn’t have a ton of level tent sites, but was otherwise in good shape.

    Fall foliage was gorgeous this past weekend, and we thoroughly enjoyed the woolen mill tour at the adjacent state historic site.

    Shower and restroom facilities seemed adequate, though more dated than other similar state parks in the area. Serviceable but not immaculately clean.

  • R
    Aug. 3, 2016

    Wallace State Park Campground

    Wallace State Park in Cameron, MO

    There are mixed RV and tent camping sites, including primitive and walk in sites. You can get water and electric at most sites. Each campground has an iron fire ring with a grill attached.

    There are nice hiking trails. Trails are well marked. There three levels to choose from based on distance.

    There is also a small lake to fish or swim in. The lake for it's size, had some nice fish.

    The community shower and bathroom houses are not air conditioned. The floors are slab cement, but the park staff clean them daily.

    Overall, I think that campgrounds are decent.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2021

    Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    Wonderful

    This is a close by great campground. Up the road is history of the mill. Has a nice lake for fishing or kayaking. Paddle boarding. Sites are clean. Hosts are great. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Most weekends feom spring to mid October are typically full.


Guide to Chillicothe

Horse camping in Missouri offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for riders and their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Equestrian campgrounds include spacious sites

  • Wallace State Park Campground features well-separated tent sites surrounded by trees, providing ample space for both campers and their horses to enjoy the outdoors comfortably.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Bonanza Conservation Area allows pets, making it a suitable spot for horse owners looking to camp with their equine companions in a natural setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chillicothe, MO is Wallace State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Chillicothe, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.