Big Piney Equestrian Camp

Star4.30
33 reviews
Big Piney Trail Camp, Slabtown Road, Missouri

Quick Facts

500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District site

Official Website
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Big Piney Equestrian Camp
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for camping at Big Piney Trail Camp.
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

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USFS
Provider
417-967-4194sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 33 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwell-maintainedsites

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

Big Piney Trail Camp, Slabtown Road, Missouri

Big Piney Equestrian Camp

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.

Best Time to Camp at Big Piney Equestrian Camp

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Shade from pines and trail access make summer pleasant; some wasps/ants reported by campers.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Four-season area; fall likely scenic with canopy and ridges, though specific reviews are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings trails and wildlife activity; limited season-specific review detail available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Top 14% in MO

Open year-round; winter offers crisp days (~43°F) good for rides but fewer comforts and colder temps.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No differentiated peak season; open year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round (January to December)

About Big Piney Equestrian Camp

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.
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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.

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingThe 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.
BikingMountain 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 viewingThe area is set in an open pine forest, which may provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, although specific species are not mentioned.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water available. Potential wildlife encounters. Wasps may inhabit areas around picnic tables. Practice fire missions from Fort Leonard Wood may be heard occasionally.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Piney Equestrian Camp

Reviews

4.3
33 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
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 33 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...
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Based on 33 reviews

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...
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Based on 33 reviews

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...
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Based on 33 reviews

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...
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Based on 33 reviews

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...
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Based on 33 reviews

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 33 reviews

Accessibility Features

The vault toilet is accessible, but no additional details about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities were provided.
Based on 33 reviews

Pet-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 33 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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