Big Piney Equestrian Camp
4.298 reviewsBig Piney Trail Camp, Slabtown Road, Missouri
Big Piney Equestrian Camp
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required for camping at Big Piney Trail Camp.
About this campground
Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Big Piney, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern trail riding. This equestrian paradise serves as your gateway to the spectacular 17-mile Big Piney Trail, winding through the untamed beauty of Paddy Creek Wilderness. Your trusty steed will appreciate the thoughtfully designed amenities: sturdy highline posts and hitching rails for secure rest, while riders enjoy well-placed picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under starlit skies. A convenient mounting block area makes it easy to start each day's journey. While you'll need to pack your own water, clean vault toilets ensure comfort during your wilderness escape.
The Big Piney Equestrian Camp is designed primarily for equestrian and primitive camping. The campground is tailored to horse camping, with highline posts and hitching rails, and it also supports primitive dispersed camping in the surrounding National Forest.
Historical SignificanceSet within the legendary Mark Twain National Forest, Big Piney carries the legacy of Missouri's most celebrated storyteller. Just as Samuel Clemens found inspiration in these rolling hills and deep forests, modern adventurers discover their own tales along these historic trails. The forest stands as a living monument to the author who captured America's imagination, offering the same sense of adventure and discovery that infused his timeless works.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons in this Missouri wonderland. Winter brings crisp, dry days with temperatures dipping to a brisk 43°F—perfect for invigorating rides through frost-kissed pines. As spring awakens the forest, temperatures climb comfortably, bringing occasional refreshing rains that paint the wilderness in vibrant greens. Summer peaks at a warm 88°F under brilliant blue skies, ideal for early morning and evening rides. But many consider autumn the crown jewel, when cool, pleasant weather combines with a tapestry of fall colors to create truly magical trail conditions.
ElevationPrepare for a thrilling ride through dramatically changing terrain, where the landscape drops an exhilarating 500 feet from the heights of Roby Tower to the valley floor of Paddy Creek. This significant elevation gradient creates diverse ecosystems and breathtaking vantage points, rewarding riders with panoramic views and the satisfying challenge of varied terrain.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Missouri pines stand like ancient sentinels throughout this pristine wilderness, their majestic canopy creating a natural cathedral above the trail. The open forest design allows golden sunlight to filter through, illuminating your path while providing glimpses of distant ridges and valleys. As you navigate the dramatic 500-foot elevation changes between Roby Tower and Paddy Creek, each turn reveals new vistas—from intimate forest glens to sweeping overlooks that showcase the raw beauty of the Ozark landscape.
Geological RegionJourney through the heart of the Ozarks in the remarkable Paddy Creek Wilderness, where open pine forests tell the ancient geological story of the Mark Twain National Forest. This rugged terrain, carved by millennia of natural forces, creates a riding experience like no other. The dramatic 500-foot elevation change between Roby Tower and Paddy Creek showcases the region's distinctive topography—rolling hills, deep hollows, and ridge-top plateaus that have challenged and inspired travelers for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilet is accessible.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of five single campsites on the outer loop, which can accommodate horse trailers. The center of the loop can accommodate six trucks with trailers for horse camping.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as a secluded drive-up facility with little interference from outside noise, except for occasional disturbances from road traffic or distant sounds of fire missions from Ft. Leonard Wood.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites further away from picnic tables if wasps are a concern. Proximity to hitching rails and mounting blocks is ideal for equestrian users.
Best CampsitesSites are designed to accommodate horse trailers; no specific site is identified as superior.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- No specific check-in time
- walk-in availability.
Check-out
- No specific check-out time
- follow dispersed camping rules.
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit, but limited to dispersed camping regulations within National Forest rules.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per single site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutOuter loop contains 5 campsites; inner loop accommodates 6 trucks with trailers for horse camping.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round (January to December)
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; walk-in only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up and first-come-first-served. Primitive camping outside designated sites follows National Forest dispersed camping guidelines.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable due to no reservations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Piney Equestrian Camp offers a range of activities tailored to outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in horseback riding and hiking. The area connects to the 18-mile Big Piney Trail, which traverses the Paddy Creek Wilderness, offering opportunities for day hikes, backpacking, and horseback riding. Mountain biking is limited to specific areas outside the wilderness.
Hiking
The Big Piney Trail spans 17-18 miles, with an elevation change of 500 feet between Roby Tower and Paddy Creek. The trail is suitable for day hikes and backpacking, but signs and trail markings are minimal, making the use of maps and a compass essential. One user mentioned the area's 'clean and clear' Big Piney River, which can be accessed nearby for additional exploration.Fishing
The nearby Big Piney River is noted for being clean and clear, with indications that it is a decent fishing stream. However, specific details about fishing regulations or species were not provided.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted only on a 2-mile section east of Paddy Creek Road, outside the wilderness area. This section is part of the Big Piney Trail.Wildlife viewing
The area is set in an open pine forest, which may provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, although specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not highlighted as activities in the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed using dead and downed wood only. Fireworks prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water available. Potential wildlife encounters. Wasps may inhabit areas around picnic tables. Practice fire missions from Fort Leonard Wood may be heard occasionally.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Houston/Cedar Creek Ranger District (108 S. Sam Houston Blvd, Houston, MO 65483, Phone: 417-967-4194)
Good to know
Peak season datesNo differentiated peak season; open year-round.
Trash and recyclingTrash containers are not available. Campers are required to pack out all trash, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresSlabtown access nearby connects to Big Piney River, known for fishing and clear water sources (must be treated before use).
Common complaintsSome users have reported ants invading campsites, wasps under picnic tables, and noise disturbances from vehicles passing late at night.
HostManaged by Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District. Contact info: Phone: 417-967-4194; Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov.
Campground Map
Big Piney Trail Camp, Slabtown Road, Missouri
Driving directionsFrom Licking, take Hwy 32 west 4 miles to Hwy N; turn right on Hwy N and go 2 miles to Hwy AF, turn left onto Hwy AF, and travel 5 miles to Slabtown Road; continue straight past the asphalt for Slabtown road, and continue for 1.5 miles. Big Piney Trail Camp will be on the left.
Accessible via paved roads up to Slabtown Road; the final stretch is unpaved but passable for horse trailers and larger vehicles.Nearby places
Licking (approx. 12 miles)
Houston (approx. 18 miles)
Rolla (approx. 40 miles)
Nearby supplies
Licking offers basic supplies. Slabtown access nearby connects to Big Piney River for water sources (must be treated before consumption). Grocery and fuel availability is limited in nearby towns.
Camper Reviews
4.3
8 reviews
Big Piney Equestrian Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of the Big Piney Equestrian Camp highlight its suitability for primitive and equestrian camping, clean facilities, and access to trails. Positive sentiments include the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the peaceful environment, and the natural beauty of the area. Negative feedback includes occasional disturbances from road traffic, ants, and wasps.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Several users praised the campground's clean restroom facilities, well-maintained campsites, and the availability of hitching posts for horses. One user remarked, 'Beautiful area with tall Missouri...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include ants invading a motorhome, occasional loud road traffic late at night, and wasps near picnic tables. A user also noted the lack of trash facilities, which necessitates packing out...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing essential supplies, including water and trash bags, due to the lack of potable water and trash facilities. Campers should be prepared for insects like ants and wasps and...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but specific seasonal patterns were not detailed in reviews. Some users noted the area's secluded and peaceful nature, which may vary with visitor numbers during...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Awesome campground with extremely clean restroom facilities. My son and I loved it.' 2. 'Primitive camping with lots of trails for riding horses, ATVs, and hiking.' 3. 'Secluded drive-up...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground has five single campsites and a center loop for group horse camping. No specific site numbers were reviewed as better or worse.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
The vault toilet is accessible, but no additional details about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities were provided.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Pet owners are reminded to pick up after their dogs and ensure they have sufficient water.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025