Is Equestrian Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Equestrian Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Equestrian Campground before I book?

Yes! Equestrian Campground has 20 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Equestrian Campground?

Equestrian Campground is open Typical on-season operation April 1 through Oct. 31 (exceptions exist at some parks). Water and showers are usually available during the on-season.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Equestrian Campground?

Yes, Equestrian Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Equestrian Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Equestrian Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Equestrian Campground?

Equestrian Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Equestrian Campground?

Popular activities at Equestrian Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Equestrian Campground

4.22

156 reviews

678 State Route 147, Troy, MO 63379-5350, United States

Top 15% in MOSpring

Featured in:Fishing Camping Missouri

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Typical on-season op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Typical on-season op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Equestrian Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Nightly camping rates vary by campground, site type and season; on- and off-season rate schedules are posted on the Missouri State Parks camping...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Missouri State Parks

Provider

636-528-7247

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

678 State Route 147, Troy, MO 63379-5350, United States

Equestrian Campground

678 State Route 147, Troy, MO 63379-5350, United States

Weather at Equestrian Campground

Best Time to Camp at Equestrian Campground

Spring is the standout season. Temperatures run 50–70°F, wildflowers carpet the forest floor, and trail conditions are firm to tacky. Ideal for riding. Dogwood blooms peak in April, and the park's full services (water, showers) come online April 1. Summer can be hot and crowded in the main recreation areas, though the equestrian loop stays quieter; pair morning rides with afternoon swims at Lake Lincoln. Fall delivers spectacular color across the hills and cooler saddle time, but book early. Campsites fill fast. Winter is possible but less supported; trails can be muddy or icy, and some services shut down.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in MO

Spring is described as the standout season: 50–70°F, dogwood blooms and ideal trail conditions for riding.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Typical on-season operation April 1 through Oct. 31 (exceptions exist at some parks). Water and showers are usually available during the on-season.

About Equestrian Campground

The Equestrian Campground at Cuivre River State Park offers horse owners a base for exploring one of northern Missouri's most rugged landscapes. Nestled in the Lincoln Hills uplift, the campground provides full hookups (electric, water, sewer) and sits close to miles of equestrian trails that wind through oak-hickory forest, limestone bluffs, and karst terrain. It's quieter and more wooded than the main lakeside campground.

The park offers both primitive and modern campsites and includes a dedicated equestrian campground for overnight stays. The official sources do not list specific site-by-site hookups or whether the equestrian loop itself contains electrical/water/sewer hookup sites.

Historical Significance

The park preserves a large portion of the Lincoln Hills region, an ecologically significant limestone uplift whose flora and natural communities resemble the Ozarks. Several designated natural areas within the park protect high-quality woodlands, sinkhole ponds, and related karst features.

Weather and SeasonsSpring is the standout season. Temperatures run 50–70°F, wildflowers carpet the forest floor, and trail conditions are firm to tacky. Ideal for riding. Dogwood blooms peak in April, and the park's full services (water, showers) come online April 1. Summer can be hot and crowded in the main recreation areas, though the equestrian loop stays quieter; pair morning rides with afternoon swims at Lake Lincoln. Fall delivers spectacular color across the hills and cooler saddle time, but book early. Campsites fill fast. Winter is possible but less supported; trails can be muddy or icy, and some services shut down.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits within a limestone uplift whose forested hills, glades, and sinkholes resemble the Ozarks more than the flat prairies to the north. Oak and hickory canopy the ridges, and flowering dogwood brightens the understory in spring. Trails lead past dramatic limestone bluffs and sinkhole ponds that hint at the karst system beneath your horse's hooves. Wildlife is plentiful: wood ducks, great horned owls, and northern mockingbirds are regulars, and white-tailed deer cross the trails at dawn and dusk. The equestrian camp is set back from Lake Lincoln, so views skew toward forest and ridge rather than water, though riders can reach the lake's swimming and fishing areas by trailer or a longer ride.

Geological RegionLincoln Hills uplift / Ozarkian limestone upland (oak–hickory woodlands, glades, sinkhole ponds and karst features)

Scenic ViewsScenic views include wooded ridges, limestone bluffs and forested valleys; Lake Lincoln offers water vistas near the main campground, while the equestrian campground is situated near wooded trails and hills rather than on the lakeshore.

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Stay Limit

Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.

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Amenities available

Missouri State Parks notes that park campgrounds may offer amenities such as hot showers, laundry facilities and dump stations; water and showers are usually available in the on-season (Apr. 1–Oct. 31). Picnic sites and picnic shelters are provided in the park; Lake Lincoln has a designated beach area for swimming.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Cuivre River State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities; the park includes an equestrian trail with an on-site campground and Lake Lincoln for water recreation. Trails traverse rugged, Ozark-like hills and woodlands providing opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTrails and terrain can be rugged and hilly with steeper grades; visitors should be prepared for rough trail conditions. Typical woodland pests (ticks, mosquitoes) and variable trail conditions during wet or icy weather are common concerns.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

156 reviews

Satisfactory

Equestrian Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are largely positive, praising scenic views, trails, lake recreation and the equestrian trail/camp access. Reviewers frequently note well‑maintained grounds and clean shower houses, with occasional complaints about lake water quality, some restroom cleanliness issues, crowded/fully booked campsites and variable conditions at specific facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 156 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic, rugged park with extensive trails (including equestrian trails); Lake Lincoln for swimming, boating and fishing; well-maintained grounds and friendly staff/hosts; clean showers reported in...

Based on 156 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Call the park or check current conditions before arrival; plan which area you want (equestrian loop vs. main lakeside campground); bring tick and mosquito protection; equestrian campers should bring...

Based on 156 reviews

Camper Quotes

“By far my favorite!”; “Such a beautiful place to enjoy locally!”; “Shower / bathrooms were very clean with plenty of hot water.”

Based on 156 reviews

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Equestrian Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Nightly camping rates vary by campground, site type and season; on- and off-season rate schedules are posted on the Missouri State Parks camping...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Missouri State Parks

Provider

636-528-7247

Go if

Horse campers who want electric, water, and sewer hookups plus direct saddle access to rugged karst terrain. Spring is the sweet spot: firm trails, dogwood blooms, and 50–70°F temps. Book early; this loop fills fast.

Skip if

Anyone without horses gets little advantage over the main lakeside campground, and the equestrian loop sits away from Lake Lincoln's beach and water views. No cell service and no camp store means come fully stocked.

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