Bar-k Horse Camp
Open year-round with 24-hour access. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM. Trailhead day use is 6 AM to 10 PM. No reservations required; sites are first-come, first-served. No potable water available.
Heat Advisory issued August 30 at 10:44PM CDT until September 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
* WHAT...Heat index values of 100 to 105. Minimal overnight relief with temperatures in the middle to upper 70s. * WHERE...Portions of southeast Kansas and central, east central, south central, southwest, and west central Missouri. * WHEN...From noon Monday to 8 PM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Forest Order 09-05-21-26-03 National Forest System Road 566 Closure
This is a temporary closure for FS Road 566 up to Coy Bald Trailhead to avoid risk of entrapment from flooding waters during the peak rain season. Access to the Coy Bald Trailhead requires crossing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land—and traversing the Cane Creek low‑water crossing, a…
Weather Conditions
Please check weather conditions prior to visiting. Forecasts can be found:National Weather Service - Springfield, MO Severe Weather Potential National Weather Service - Springfield, MO (Facebook) Safety Tips are available: Brave the Elements Ready.gov - Floods Severe Weather Tornadoes
About
Bar-K Wrangler Camp is a primitive equestrian campground tucked along the west bank of Swan Creek in Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest. Popular with horseback riders, the campground offers three designated campsites plus a large open field across the road where groups can spread out with horse trailers. The setting is peaceful, surrounded by maples, oaks, hickories, and dogwood trees. The campground serves as the trailhead for the Swan Creek Non-Motorized Area, providing access to 23.25 miles of trails open to horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. The trails wind through the 8,488-acre semi-primitive area, offering moderate terrain and year-round recreation opportunities. During summer months, visitors can cool off with a wade in Swan Creek, which also provides fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass, and goggle-eye. Facilities are basic: vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. No potable water is available, so campers must bring their own supply or treat water from the creek. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a 6-foot leash. Equestrians should use hitching posts or tree-saver straps rather than tying directly to trees.
Directions
From 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.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (417) 683-4428 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Bar-K Wrangler Camp |
Photos
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