Brushy Creek Lodge & Resort

Deep in the Eastern Ozarks where the Mark Twain National Forest sweeps across Wayne County's forested ridges, Brushy Creek Lodge and Resort has built its identity around one pursuit above all others: the horse. The property backs directly into the National Forest trail network, connecting riders to more than 130 miles of marked equestrian trails winding through creek drainages, cedar glades, and hardwood hollows typical of this storied Ozark country. Whether guests arrive with horses in tow or simply seeking a quiet woodland retreat, the resort provides a depth of outdoor programming—and a warmth of hospitality—that earns the loyalty of campers who return year after year. Camping accommodations include more than 40 sites with electric and water hookups, with select full-hookup sites available for RVers who need sewer connections. The equestrian campground is designed to welcome horse trailers, hay storage, and stable facilities alongside the camping pads, and two well-maintained bathhouses with showers and electric outlets serve the camping area. Cabin rentals range from intimate one-bedroom units with a small kitchenette and private bath to spacious three-bedroom cabins sleeping up to 16 guests with full kitchens, living rooms, satellite television, and in-unit laundry. Wi-Fi connects the property throughout for guests who need to stay in touch between trail rides. The Ozark Trail, one of Missouri's premier long-distance backcountry routes, links directly to the resort's trail network, giving riders and hikers access to hundreds of additional miles of forested Ozark terrain. Stream crossings, cedar glades studded with native orchids, and ridge-top views across the Wayne County hardwood canopy characterize the riding experience here—terrain that feels genuinely remote despite being reachable within a few hours from St. Louis or Memphis. The resort's "John Wayne Room" serves as the evening social center, offering pool, ping pong, board games, and television alongside a hot tub that soothes trail-weary muscles after a long day in the saddle. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, a remarkable geological feature where the Black River squeezes through ancient rhyolite gorges, lies within a short drive and provides one of Missouri's most dramatic swimming and hiking experiences. Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest point in Missouri at 1,772 feet, sits within the same Arcadia Valley corridor and can be reached via trails traversing the highest country in the state. The Current River corridor and Ozark National Scenic Riverways, protected by the National Park Service about 30 miles south, offer float camping, cave exploration, and spring-fed swimming that extend the regional adventure options for multi-day visitors. Spring and fall are peak seasons at Brushy Creek, when wildflower blooms along the creek and autumn foliage across the Mark Twain National Forest create conditions that photographers and equestrians alike find irresistible. Summer riding continues through the heat with early morning starts, and the property's woodland canopy keeps trail conditions cooler than surrounding open Ozark terrain. Horseback riding groups planning larger gatherings should contact the resort well in advance to coordinate stable space, trail schedules, and group cabin allocations—this is a popular destination among Missouri and surrounding-state equestrian clubs throughout the warm season.