Bar-K Wrangler Camp

4.56

49 reviews

1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Missouri Primitive Camping Missouri Hiking Camping Missouri +1 more

Quick Facts

909 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mark Twain National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

909 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mark Twain National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Bar-K Wrangler Camp

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at Bar-K Wrangler Camp is $10 per night for single campsites. No fees are required for dispersed or group camping.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

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USFS

Provider

417-683-4428sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 49 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiet

Some mention

signal

"User reviews highlight the campground as a peaceful, nature-rich site ideal for primitive camping, horse riding, and hiking. Some users express frustration over non-equestrian campers occupying spaces intended for horse trailers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608

Bar-K Wrangler Camp

1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608

Driving directionsFrom Garrison, MO: Take Hwy 125 north 2 miles to Forest Road 533. Turn right and continue to the bottom of the hill. From Chadwick, MO: Take Hwy 125 south for about 7 miles to Forest Road 533. Turn left and continue to the bottom of the hill.

The campground is accessible using paved highways (Hwy 125) leading to Forest Road 533, which is unpaved. Seasonal flooding may affect access, and visitors are advised to avoid driving through standing water in low areas.

Nearby places

Garrison, MO (2 miles)

Chadwick, MO (7 miles)

Nearby supplies

No specific mention of nearby grocery stores or fuel stations. Campers are required to pack out all trash due to lack of trash containers on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Bar-K Wrangler Camp

Experience the full drama of Ozark seasons at Bar-K Wrangler Camp, where year-round accessibility means each visit offers its own unique charm. Winter transforms the landscape into a hushed wonderland, with frost-kissed mornings and the occasional dusting of snow creating magical camping moments. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with vibrant growth, while summer brings warm, languid days perfect for creek-side relaxation—though be prepared for refreshing afternoon showers and that distinctive Ozark humidity. Fall paints the hardwood canopy in brilliant golds and crimsons, making it arguably the most spectacular time to visit.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm months are most popular; swimming and heavy trail use noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Ozark autumns and scenic fall colors praised; seasonality noted.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring dogwood blossoms and understory wildflowers are highlighted in descriptions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Top 14% in MO

Open year-round; winter is quieter and scenic but has fewer activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, from January to December.
Current Alerts: The campground is temporarily closed due to flash-flood damage.

About Bar-K Wrangler Camp

Nestled in a tranquil corner of the Ozarks, Bar-K Wrangler Camp beckons to those seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. This primitive campground has earned a devoted following among equestrian enthusiasts and hikers alike, serving as a gateway to the scenic Swan Creek Trail. Here, beneath a canopy of ancient oaks and whispering pines, visitors find respite in simplicity—where crackling campfires, sturdy picnic tables, and basic vault toilets are all you need for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Bar-K Wrangler Camp is a quiet, primitive campground primarily catering to equestrians, but it is also suitable for tent and RV camping. It allows group and dispersed camping, with minimal facilities.

Historical SignificanceWhile the official records may be silent on grand historical events, Bar-K Wrangler Camp carries the quiet legacy of countless outdoor enthusiasts who have passed through its peaceful grounds, creating their own stories beneath the stars.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Ozark seasons at Bar-K Wrangler Camp, where year-round accessibility means each visit offers its own unique charm. Winter transforms the landscape into a hushed wonderland, with frost-kissed mornings and the occasional dusting of snow creating magical camping moments. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with vibrant growth, while summer brings warm, languid days perfect for creek-side relaxation—though be prepared for refreshing afternoon showers and that distinctive Ozark humidity. Fall paints the hardwood canopy in brilliant golds and crimsons, making it arguably the most spectacular time to visit.

ElevationSituated at a comfortable elevation within the rolling Ozark landscape, the campground offers that perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere that defines this beloved region.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard of Ozark beauty at Bar-K Wrangler Camp, where towering old-growth oaks stretch their gnarled branches overhead, creating a natural cathedral alongside stately shortleaf pines. In spring, delicate dogwood blossoms dot the understory like scattered stars, while maples and hickories provide a rich tapestry of color come autumn. The crown jewel of this natural sanctuary is Swan Creek itself—a pristine ribbon of crystal-clear water dancing over smooth stones, its gentle murmur providing the perfect soundtrack for peaceful nights under canvas.

Geological RegionBar-K Wrangler Camp sits proudly within the ancient Ozark highlands, a geological wonderland where time has carved a landscape of remarkable diversity. This semi-primitive paradise showcases the region's signature features: majestic old-growth oaks and native shortleaf pines standing sentinel over remnant prairies and sun-drenched glades. Swan Creek meanders through this timeless terrain, its clear waters having carved their path through bedrock over countless millennia, creating the perfect backdrop for those seeking an authentic Ozark camping experience.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No explicit check-in time mentioned.

Check-out

No explicit check-out time mentioned.

Stay Limit

No explicit stay limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than 8 people per single site (16 for double sites).

Groups

An open field is available for group camping, but it is not designated with specific sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes 3 designated campsites near the creek and additional dispersed camping across the road in a large field.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are explicitly required, and camping is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is available on a first-come-first-serve basis with no reservations required.

Cancellation PolicyNo explicit cancellation policy mentioned.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for campers with disabilities have not been specified.

Site SizeCampsites are described as dispersed, with a large open field available for group camping and horse trailers.

PrivacySome of the other campsites are further away, so that you are isolated from other sites," according to a user review.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers seeking more isolation are recommended to use dispersed sites across the road.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and swimming. "This part of the Mark Twain National Forest is beautiful and the Swan Creek Recreation Area has something to offer for everyone," one user noted.

HikingThere are approximately 23 miles of trails suitable for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Specific trails include the 6.78-mile Tin Top Section and the Beer Can Alley Section, which offers glade panoramas.

FishingFishing is permitted in the shallow Swan Creek, which hosts species such as smallmouth bass, rock bass, and goggleeye. Fishing requires a permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

SwimmingSwimming is informal and occurs in the shallow, rock-bottomed, and clear waters of Swan Creek. No safety measures or lifeguards are provided.

BikingThe campground offers mountain biking opportunities along the same trail system used for hiking and horseback riding.

Wildlife viewingCampers have described listening to wildlife at night, including coyotes, and enjoying views of birds and other animals.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal flooding after heavy rains is a concern. Campers are advised to avoid driving through standing water in low areas.

Active AlertsThe campground is temporarily closed due to flash-flood damage.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed using collected dead and downed wood. Fireworks are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesAva-Cassville-Willow Springs Ranger Station is located at 1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608. Phone: 417-683-4428 (hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday).

Trash & Recycling"There are no trash containers; please pack out all your trash," according to the official guidelines.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located adjacent to Swan Creek, which provides opportunities for wading and swimming during warmer months.

Camp HostNo campground host is mentioned.

Weather at Bar-K Wrangler Camp

Reviews

4.6

49 reviews

Top-Rated

Bar-K Wrangler Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground as a peaceful, nature-rich site ideal for primitive camping, horse riding, and hiking. Some users express frustration over non-equestrian campers occupying spaces intended for horse trailers.

Review Summaries

Based on 49 reviews

What Campers Love

"By far my favorite free camping area in Missouri," one user stated. Campers praised the quiet atmosphere, scenic views, and the availability of horse riding trails. "The stars at night are amazing,"...

Based on 49 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include limited cell signal, the presence of horse droppings on trails, and occasional overcrowding by non-equestrian campers. "Watch your step, horse droppings are everywhere," one user...

Based on 49 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Take nothing but pictures, and leave nothing but footprints," urged one user, stressing the importance of packing out trash. Another recommended avoiding the main campground and camping in more...

Based on 49 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Warm months are noted as the most popular time, with high activity levels and pleasant weather. During rainier periods, the site may be more challenging due to the potential for flooding.

Based on 49 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bar-k Wrangler Campsite is an amazing, special place," said one user. Another remarked, "If I had a horse, we'd be tromping all over this place."

Based on 49 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites near the creek with picnic tables are highlighted positively. Some users recommend camping outside the designated sites for increased seclusion.

Based on 49 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues or accommodations for campers with disabilities have not been mentioned.

Based on 49 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. "Leash is required with dogs," one user stressed. Another advised properly managing pet waste to avoid disturbing other campers.

Based on 49 reviews

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