Horse trailers and RVs share grassy areas alongside Swan Creek at this primitive Forest Service campground, where the spring-fed water runs clear over a gravel bottom. The mile-long gravel access road keeps casual traffic away, creating space for groups to spread out along the creek corridor.
Composting toilets and picnic tables with fire rings provide basic amenities, though campers pack in their own water. The open terrain accommodates larger rigs, while tent sites line the access road for those preferring higher ground. Patricia S. found "plenty of places to get in the water" despite evidence of the camp's equestrian purpose scattered throughout the area.
Cell service drops to zero for most carriers once inside the campground boundaries, making this a genuine disconnect from digital routines. The maintained grounds provide clear sightlines for stargazing after dark. Nearby Swan Creek offers another free camping option just over a mile north for those exploring the area.
Flash flood potential exists for sites directly beside the creek during heavy rains. Pack out all trash, as fire rings sometimes contain litter from previous visitors.
Description
Bar-K Wrangler Camp is a primitive horse camp, with limited picnic tables and fire rings and one vault toilet. Parking to accommodate stock trailers and towing vehicles. Bar-K is located on the west bank of Swan Creek, serves as a Trailhead for the Swan Creek Trail and is open year round. Pack in/Pack out garbage. Click Here for a Recreational Opportunity Guide about this site. For information on the Swan Creek Trail.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBar K Wrangler Camp is located in Missouri
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 to Forest Road 533 where you will find the entrance sign to Bar-K Wrangler Camp on the left.
Coordinates
36.86039511 N
93.00987155 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bar K Wrangler Camp needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 44 min from Springfield, MO
- 1 hr 42 min from Joplin, MO
- 2 hrs 22 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 2 hrs 36 min from Jefferson City, MO









