4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Horse camping opportunities near Van Buren, Missouri include sites with direct access to trail systems. The Turner's Mill campground provides river access with suitable areas for horses and riders. Primitive sites accommodate tent camping with space nearby for horses. The Ozark National Scenic Riverway maintains several horse-friendly access points where riders can set up camp after exploring the region's extensive trail network. Sites at Turner's Mill remain secluded even during peak seasons, allowing campers to enjoy the crystal clear springs and river access points without crowds. Trailer parking is available at designated areas, though space may be limited during busy weekends.
The Irish Wilderness area offers backcountry camping opportunities for equestrians exploring its 20-mile White's Creek Loop. Riders should bring GPS devices as trails can be difficult to follow through the remote terrain. Water access points along rivers provide natural watering opportunities for horses during rides. The Eleven Point River corridor includes several primitive camping areas where horses can be secured. Trails connect various camping areas throughout the region, allowing for multi-day riding excursions. The natural terrain features rocky sections that may require horses with proper shoeing or conditioning. Most equestrian camping areas in the region are primitive with limited facilities, requiring riders to pack in supplies and carry out waste.
"We enjoyed our 1.5 mile hike to get to the river access to float. We brought our own flotation devices and really enjoyed every aspect of the seclusion."
"There are 2 huge campgrounds (around 100 sites each!) and a nice paved bike path connecting them."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $46 / night
"This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete."
"Went here hoping to see the wild horses. We didn't see any but still loved this park. Nice hiking trails and clean cool creek to splash in. Will go back again and maybe see the wild horses next time."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $27 / night
"Ggreat area to walk"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $50 / night
"this campground is totally off the beaten path. a great place to relax and unwind. this is also a good place if your new to off grid camping and want to test your gear before you say bye to society. the"
"She just wasn't there when we arrived, and we had a hard time determining property boundaries, tent site locations, etc. on our own."
from $15 - $30 / night
"Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."
"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $75 / night
"We took a last-minute trip on a beautiful weekend in June 2020 to get outside (responsibly) during the pandemic. Two Rivers campground did not disappoint!"
"Be sure to visit the nearby springs and sites of the recreational area. The springs are so deep blue and dramatic against the rocky cliffs."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $25 / night
"I love the shaded tent campsites and easy access to firewood, boat dock and open area perfect for large family gatherings"
"I hiked from McCormack Lake to here, which is only about 4 miles (unfortunately, though, some of the trail is quite overgrown.) However, most people just park at their campsite."
"The campsites are a little close together but no one was at the one next to us so it did not feel so bad. Staff was very nice and friendly."
"People were wonderful and you are right next to the water. Pickup for float trips is nice too If the facilities are great it would be five stars."
"River access and super close to stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!"
"going here and it is great , there is great trout fishing and several real good swing holes the campsites are right beside the river which is really nice , the only issue is the restroom is a little walk"
"You can access it from the river and it is a short walk and well worth it"
"Well worth the walk or float, such a beautiful place it used to have a big sycamore tree we could swing off of or jump out of , the old rock damn / bridge is still there and a nice place to take pics"
TravelerThe camp sites are full hook up with good size lots. Lots of room for dogs to run. They have hiking trails, lake for paddle boarding or kayaks( free to use on site), mini golf( have to supply own balls they have putters) 9 hole golf course,and Disc golf. The pool and shower house with game rooms are clean and showers open 24/7. Grounds keepers go a fantastic job
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
TravelerAs with every Mo State park we've been to so far, it is perfect. Easy access to the river for fishing and swimming. RV sites have electrical and water hookups. Some have sewage as well. Showers available. Even a restaurant at the lodge as well as a store with the basics, and beer!
LegendThe campground is very new and modern. Not too many trees though. Great hiking, biking, and boating. There is a hotel, restaurant, and cabins for rent. Food is good at the restaurant. Watch for the wild horses! This is great for any size rig and beautiful walk in tent sites on platforms.
LegendThe trees changes are amazing in the fall. Lots of great camping spots to select from. Good for any kind of camping and has cabins, store, and restaurant. Great bike trails and plenty of water play in the river.
LegendWhat's more to love? It has paved spots, great amenities, cool spring water, cabins, a lodge and gorgeous scenery.
ScoutI Reserved a camp site for$150 3 days before the festival. I called to cancel and they said it wasn’t 8 days before then they canceled it without refund and they gave up our campsite and said we couldn’t come. They were really rude on the phone. Rednecks are poor businessmen we offered to switch to the next week now they have a chargeback F-
LegendGeneral: Very large state park with six separate loops/areas:
• Loop 1: 10 Equestrian sites with water and electric (50 amp)
• Loop 2: 20 FHU sites (50 amp)
• Loop 3: 21 Sites with electric only (50 amp)
• Loop 4: 14 sites with no hookups
• Loop 5: 14 walk-in sites plus three special use sites
• Six cabins
Site Quality: We stayed in Loop 3. Each site was very generous in size and reasonably distanced from each other. Most had foliage separating them. All sites looked to be level, and the camper pads were either all concrete or concrete/macadam and in very good shape. A large wooden picnic table, lantern/garbage hook, and fire pit complete each site.
Bath/Shower House: The one closest to our site (and I’m assuming others are the same) had three toilet/sink combos and one family restroom/shower. On the other side of the building were three shower rooms. While they were clean, the floors were concrete, and the walls cinderblock and there was a bit of a musty odor.
Activities/Amenities: We were there during the week in May and the visitor center and both stores (one in the campground and one by the Shut-Ins) were only open on the weekends. There was a laundry room with very reasonably priced machines ($1 each for the washer and dryer), a playground, and an amphitheater (which also was not in use when we were there). There is a gravel path that bisects each of the loops providing a nice way to walk/run throughout the campground. The signage in the park is good so even though no one was at the check-in station, it was easy to find our site and other facilities. The big draw for this park is the shut-ins (narrow constriction or gorge in a stream) where people can swim/slide from one to the other via small waterfalls into pools of water. We did see a few hearty souls in the water when we were there, and I can only imagine what it would be like on a hot summer weekend!
We had almost the entire Loop 3 to ourselves, so it was a very quiet stay for us (except for the cicadas)!.
LegendI’ve been coming to the Current River area for over 60 years, before the National Scenic Riverways, when Round Springs, Alley Springs, Big Springs, and Montauk were all state parks. They were great places for camping, swimming in the Current River, and canoeing. This new State Park at Echo Bluff is everything I would eliminate from a campground. Sites are packed close together, everything is concrete. No privacy, no shade , no natural beauty. A big modern lodge, cabins and townhouses. I made reservations for two weeks expecting a state park experience. Sorely disappointed! We left early. The staff mostly didn’t bother us. But we watched the cop that sat along the road partway down a steep hill almost every day and gave out tickets for exceeding the 20 mph limit. Showers/bathrooms were new, but not centrally located. Probably would not go back.
Equestrian camping near Van Buren, Missouri offers access to the Ozark highlands terrain, characterized by karst topography with numerous springs, caves, and clear streams. The region averages 44 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions for trail riding. Most horse camping locations sit between 500-900 feet elevation, providing moderately challenging terrain with rocky outcroppings that requires proper horseshoes.
Spring exploration trails: The Eleven Point River area features multiple blue springs worth exploring on horseback. At Boze Mill Float Camp, riders can access "a beautiful blue spring coming out of the bottom of a pool formerly used to power Boze Mill" as noted by William M., with dedicated campsites that include fire rings and hitching posts.
Historic mill sites: Visit remnants of pioneer-era water-powered mills. At Turner's Mill, campers appreciate the "beautiful secluded area" with an "awesome mill you can climb on and awesome spring that makes individual pools," according to Ashley W. The site provides river access with only 3-4 primitive campsites.
Multi-day river routes: Connect multiple camping areas via horseback along riverways. Michael D. recommends accessing Boze Mill "from the river," noting "it is a short walk and well worth it" for riders stopping during float trips. These access points allow horses to rest and water during extended trail journeys.
Natural water features: Riders appreciate clear, accessible water for horses throughout the region. At Turner's Mill, Kaylee D. notes the "water from the cave is so fresh and clear" while Jared G. mentions "the river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in," providing ideal conditions for horses to water safely.
Secluded campsites: Many equestrian sites remain uncrowded even during peak seasons. At Sam A. Baker State Park Campground, Charlotte B. appreciates that "this park usually isn't very crowded which is really nice. It is very tranquil and perfect for a weekend get away," offering equestrian campers more privacy.
Riverside access points: Most equestrian sites offer direct river access. Glen T. notes that at Greer Crossing, "the campsites are right beside the river which is really nice," providing convenient watering access for horses after trail rides.
Trail conditions: Rocky terrain requires properly shod horses in most areas. At Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Erin J. warns "the shut-ins trail DOES NOT allow dogs," and similar restrictions may apply to horses on certain trails, so check regulations before riding.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences quick weather changes. John K. notes at Echo Bluff, "we have experienced are that you need to reserve your side months in advance," as equestrian sites book quickly during fair weather seasons.
Bug protection: Both riders and horses need insect protection. Charlotte B. advises for the Eleven Point area, "I do suggest lots of bug spray. For some reason, I always get eaten up by mosquitos in this area," a concern for horses as well during summer months.
Beginner-friendly trails: Look for shorter loop trails for young riders. At Greer Crossing Recreation Area, Ashley W. praises "the eleven point river is a Hidden Gem. I love the campsite and the cleanliness of the bathrooms. I love the shaded tent campsites," making it suitable for family horseback outings.
Swimming holes: Many areas offer safe places for children and horses to cool off. According to Kevin B. at Sam A. Baker State Park, "You can sit in the cool clear water and relax. Great place for kids," providing natural wading areas after rides.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites along trails offer learning experiences. Jake E. mentions Greer Crossing provides "a great sense of privacy but also community. The camp hosts are very helpful and friendly," often sharing information about local history and wildlife with young visitors.
Trailer parking considerations: Not all sites accommodate both horse trailers and RVs. At Harvey's Circle B Campground, Laura notes they "stayed in our RV on a spot with river view" but cautions "Site 148 has standing water when it rains," which could create challenges for horse trailers during wet conditions.
Hookup availability: Most equestrian-friendly sites offer limited RV amenities. Joshua Y. at Circle B Campground shares that it's a "very accommodating campground. Has a nicely stocked store when you come in for anything you might have forgotten," though bathrooms were "a little cramped but clean."
Reservation timing: Book well ahead for combined RV/horse sites. At Echo Bluff, J K. explains, "this place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities" but warns "you need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Van Buren, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Van Buren, MO is Sam A. Baker State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 49 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Van Buren, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 equestrian camping locations near Van Buren, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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