Mary S.
Traveler
TravelerWallace State Park Campground
Very nice clean campground. Paved roads, level gravel sites.
Equestrian Camping near Waldron, MO
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Crow's Creek Campground features stalls for horses with viewing distance from campsites, addressing a key concern for many equestrians camping with their animals. The campground offers both tent and RV camping options with direct trail access from the sites. Horse owners can secure their animals in the barn while maintaining visual contact with their camping area. The campground layout provides designated areas for horses while keeping campsite areas accessible. Miles of paved walking and biking trails surround the lake, with equestrian-specific paths connecting directly from the campsites. Some campers note that firewood bundles are available for purchase, though supplies may be limited.
Trail riders starting from Crow's Creek access multiple trail types suitable for different riding experiences and skill levels. Trails begin immediately from the camping area, eliminating the need to trailer horses to trailheads. Smithville Lake provides scenic views along many trail sections, with water access points for horses along several routes. When selecting a site, asking park staff which loop is furthest from the horse camping area can help those seeking quieter accommodations, as some noise from the barn occurs at night. The camping area features grassy spaces for setting up equipment and playing yard games, with lake access down a gentle hill from many sites. The combination of horse facilities, water proximity, and varied terrain makes this location particularly suitable for extended equestrian camping trips.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Waldron (13)
1. Weston Bend State Park Campground
"The site is long but has a 1/4 moon turn so we had to pull back around to get better positioned on the pad so we could disconnect our 39’ 5th wheel and F450 for our 3-night stay."
"We enjoy camping there to get away from routine and responsibilities and simply hang out at our camper. The campground is wooded, generally cool, and peaceful."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability2. Crow's Creek Campground
"We live near Crow’s Creek, and enjoy making spur of the moment camping trips here throughout the year. There are many spacious tent sites with great views of the lake."
"We love taking our horses to Crows creek, there is an amazing barn with stalls and it’s withing viewing distance of your camper/tent so you don’t have to worry."
3. Camp Branch Campground
"Pleasant campground, very nice lake. I camp with kids from infant through 18 and hot showers and decent bathrooms are a must for us. Close to Smithville Missouri."
"The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site. only downside is it is only electric hookups. ( only a downside if you are a travel trailer/rv)"
4. Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping
"Close to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip."
"These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake! Amazing sunsets! You can rent a boat for a half day or full day with advanced notice!"
5. Watkins Mill State Park Campground
"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"
from $15 - $46 / night
Check Availability6. Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park
"Nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great."
"We just started the check in process and the staff is so great and helpful that I've already added this place to favorites and hope to return next time I'm in Missouri"
7. Wallace State Park Campground
"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."
from $15 - $29 / night
Check Availability8. Perry State Park Campground
"Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends. Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station"
"Only complaint, cold shower in facility near marina. I would recommend a spot closer to marina if you're not In an RV. We were a rooftop tent and could heat distant trains all night."
9. Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park
"This campground is close to home for us, but we love it as a quick get away. It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. "
"We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views. Not bad for what it is, I do wish they had more options."
from $10 / night
Check Availability10. Happy Joy Acres
"The woman that runs the place told us about a big lake that was close to us. We went there for a couple of days and have more fun it’s a beautiful big lake."
from $49 - $600 / night
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Drive Time
- 19 min from Kansas City, MO
- 28 min from Lawrence, KS
- 31 min from St. Joseph, MO
- 50 min from Topeka, KS
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Waldron, MO
2 Photos of 13 Waldron Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Waldron, MO
217 Reviews of 13 Waldron Campgrounds
Terra L.
ScoutCrow's Creek Campground
Best in KC area price wise camping
Free laundry, (only 1 washer & dryer per bath area) showers, and right on the lake. Has tent camping up to 14 days, and its pretty laid back and clean. Huge facilities, no electric for tent spots but they have it in bathrooms. Fire pits and picnic table. Buy 3- get 4 nights for seniors 62+.
Beth S.ScoutWatkins Mill State Park Campground
Great place to camp
I went with my daughter. We had a wonderful time! It was a nice clean campsite well cared for. Just what you want for camping.
- AAlaina R.Traveler
Crow's Creek Campground
Loop C Electric/Water
Our camp site was great! We stayed in Loop C and there’s bathrooms scattered all around the loop, pets welcome, no visitors past 10pm and no fires past midnight. Nice and peaceful and everyone around was courteous and friendly. 10/10 recommend staying here. Lots of acorns, if you stay under any trees so be aware! Also, there was sites that are one camper can fit in and other sites that have two right next to each other for family camping together!
- ttt1Scout
Camp Branch Campground
Great campground
We loved our stay here, will definitely stay again. There were many shady sites and camp hosts were great. Hiking nearby too
- SSherri B.
GuideWatkins Mill State Park Campground
Wooded campground with nearby lake
Paved roads with some paved campsites and some gravel campsites. Clean bathrooms with separate, private showers. Coin operated laundry. 3.8 mile paved lake trail with easy rating.
Alison P.GuideWatkins Mill State Park Campground
Great spot!
We stopped here for one night on our trip from Texas to Iowa - very nice campground! It’s well kept, clean, and nice facilities. The site wasn’t very level, but other than that, it was great.
Kelly M.TravelerWeston Bend State Park Campground
Excellent campground
The renovations they just did to this campground are fantastic and really surprising to find in a state park. Most of the campsites were paved to an extent, but where we stayed they all had large concrete slabs that covered the picnic area as well as the landing site for the RV. It was very nice. They have planted new trees, so eventually it will have plenty of shade. The bathrooms were also clean. The sites were spread out and we had plenty of room to ourselves. The park as a whole was very nice and well maintained, as was the town. I would definitely stay here again!
Jason T.ScoutRabbit Ridge Primitive Campground — Hillsdale State Park
Pretty nice campground
Pretty nice campground, decently large, has showers, a small store open from time to time, and a swimmers beach
Guide to Waldron
Waldron sits in the northwestern part of Missouri with elevations around 800-900 feet, offering visitors a mix of wooded hills and open countryside. The camping season typically runs April through October, with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s. Most campgrounds in the area feature a combination of primitive sites and those with electrical hookups.
What to do
Biking trails: 3-mile paved system at Weston Bend State Park Campground provides accessible riding for all skill levels. "There is a trail for biking. I would come here really early because this place fill fill really fast," notes Kevin T., who also appreciates the paved roads throughout the campground.
Fishing: multiple access points around Smithville Lake offer bank fishing opportunities with bass, crappie, and catfish. "We enjoy camping, fishing from the lakeshore or dock, and simply relaxing at the campsite," shares Tori G. about Camp Branch Campground, adding that most sites feature good shade with "plenty of grass at and among them."
Historical attractions: 19th century woolen mill showcases pioneer industry history. "If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool," says Josh P. about Watkins Mill State Park. The historical site includes chickens and sheep, making it educational for children too.
What campers like
Secluded, primitive sites: Wallace State Park Campground offers basic camping spots with natural privacy. "I love how many of the basic sites are secluded or at least mostly separate from other sites. Many have treeline surrounding so your site is closed off from others, ensuring some privacy," writes Erin P., who also enjoys the lake and nature trails.
Wooded campsite atmosphere: Many sites throughout the region feature mature trees. "All camp spots are well-shaded and nestled within the woods," reports Tori G. about Weston Bend State Park. This natural canopy helps keep temperatures manageable during hot summer months.
Clean facilities: The bathroom buildings at Watkins Mill State Park Campground receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms and showers are the best we've had at a campground," notes Suzie L., who also recommends the family-friendly hiking options. This park maintains modern restrooms and shower facilities.
What you should know
Campsite availability: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "This park fills up quickly on the weekends so plan accordingly," warns Chad K. about Wallace State Park. Making reservations 3-6 months in advance ensures access to preferred sites.
Weather considerations: Summer thunderstorms can create water flow issues at some campgrounds. At Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, Amanda M. cautions that "if it rains the ones down hill get lots of water flowing to them which is not good for tents." Consider selecting elevated sites during rainy seasons.
Horse campgrounds near Waldron, Missouri: While dedicated equestrian facilities are limited, several campgrounds within 40 minutes of Waldron offer horseback riding trails nearby. "Great hiking trails. Great shade," comments Jolie C. about Crow's Creek Campground, which connects to multiple trail systems suitable for day rides.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature updated play equipment for children. "They have a updated playground for the kids," mentions Chad K. about Wallace State Park, which combines play areas with nature trails suitable for different age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Waldron, MO?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waldron, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waldron, MO is Weston Bend State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Waldron, MO?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Waldron, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Waldron, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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