Swan Creek Non-Motorized Area
Swan Creek non-motorized area is a 23.31 mile trail system located near Garrison, Missouri that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Dogs are able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Most of this horseback, hiking, or mountain bike trail system is located east of Swan Creek. Between its sand and gravel banks, the creek winds through a lush forest intermixed with glades.
The trail system spreads like a web in the rolling hills of its upper watershed. Bar-K Wrangler Camp, off of Highway 125, is located on the west bank of the creek, equipped with picnic tables, a vault toilet, and hitching posts. Dispersed camping is allowed. Be sure to sign in a registration box at trailhead.
General Information
Camping
Bar-K Wrangler Camp - $, 3 single sites and 1 group site
Bar-K is a quiet campground located on the west bank of Swan Creek and serves as a Trailhead for the Swan Creek Trail. The campground is used frequently by equestrians. Whether you choose one of the designated sites or decide to spread out in the big field across the road you’ll have plenty of room for yourself and your horse when you visit.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
- Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
- Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
January - December
Quiet Hours are from 10:00 pm - 6:00 am
In Swan Creek
- No motorized vehicles permitted on trail system. No motorized vehicles beyond posted signs.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- Please be aware of flooding after heavy rains, avoid driving through standing water in low areas.
In Bar-K
- Campsite parking allows for two vehicles per site. Park only in designated parking areas.
- No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites (16 for double sites).
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the campground.
- Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires.
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
There is a camping fee at Bar-K Wrangler Camp.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers, bicyclists and horses.
- Be sure to give your pup water breaks to keep them hydrated.
- Store their food in bear-resistant food containers.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
- Bring enough food and water for your canine companion.
Address: 1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608
Phone: 417-683-4428
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
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
Parking
Gravel and grass parking in the camping area of the trailhead. - 30 cars or 20 trucks with trailers
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
There are toilets at Bar-K Wrangler Camp.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
There is no water at any trailheads, please plan accordingly.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Biking - Mountain Info
Swan Creek is an 8,488 acre area that provides for year-round non-motorized dispersed recreation use as it is a designated Semi-Primitive Non Motorized (SPNM) Area. There are approximately 23 miles of moderately used horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking trails available.
The Tin Top Section: This trail is 6.78 miles long and connects Bar-K Wrangler camp with the east side of the Swan Creek area. As you travel east, you ride through old oaks and short leaf pines. After a mile and a half, the trail forks off to the Beer Can Alley Section. Continuing on Tin Top, you will run into open areas where the Ozark forest meets the prairie remnant. The end is located at a pasture.
Beer Can Alley Section: boasts a breathtaking panorama of the glades. After a turn or two, the trail descends a slope to a fork, Sly Top Section is to the left, and right, is the Bald Knob Section. Either will take you back to Bar-K Wrangler Camp.
There are many other trail sections including Math Branch Section which follows a winding branch of Swan Creek and the Patterson Hollow Section which connects Tin Top pull off and an unnamed pull off on highway UU.
Horseback Riding Info
Swan Creek is an 8,488 acre area that provides for year-round non-motorized dispersed recreation use as it is a designated Semi-Primitive Non Motorized (SPNM) Area. There are approximately 23 miles of moderately used horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking trails available.
The Tin Top Section: This trail is 6.78 miles long and connects Bar-K Wrangler camp with the east side of the Swan Creek area. As you travel east, you ride through old oaks and short leaf pines. After a mile and a half, the trail forks off to the Beer Can Alley Section. Continuing on Tin Top, you will run into open areas where the Ozark forest meets the prairie remnant. The end is located at a pasture.
Beer Can Alley Section: boasts a breathtaking panorama of the glades. After a turn or two, the trail descends a slope to a fork, Sly Top Section is to the left, and right, is the Bald Knob Section. Either will take you back to Bar-K Wrangler Camp.
There are many other trail sections including Math Branch Section which follows a winding branch of Swan Creek and the Patterson Hollow Section which connects Tin Top pull off and an unnamed pull off on highway UU.
Horse Camping Info
Bar-K Wrangler Camp - $, 3 single sites and 1 group site
Bar-K is a quiet campground located on the west bank of Swan Creek and serves as a Trailhead for the Swan Creek Trail. The campground is used frequently by equestrians. Whether you choose one of the designated sites or decide to spread out in the big field across the road you’ll have plenty of room for yourself and your horse when you visit.
Day Hikes Info
Swan Creek is an 8,488 acre area that provides for year-round non-motorized dispersed recreation use as it is a designated Semi-Primitive Non Motorized (SPNM) Area. There are approximately 23 miles of moderately used horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking trails available.
The Tin Top Section: This trail is 6.78 miles long and connects Bar-K Wrangler camp with the east side of the Swan Creek area. As you travel east, you ride through old oaks and short leaf pines. After a mile and a half, the trail forks off to the Beer Can Alley Section. Continuing on Tin Top, you will run into open areas where the Ozark forest meets the prairie remnant. The end is located at a pasture.
Beer Can Alley Section: boasts a breathtaking panorama of the glades. After a turn or two, the trail descends a slope to a fork, Sly Top Section is to the left, and right, is the Bald Knob Section. Either will take you back to Bar-K Wrangler Camp.
There are many other trail sections including Math Branch Section which follows a winding branch of Swan Creek and the Patterson Hollow Section which connects Tin Top pull off and an unnamed pull off on highway UU.
Backpacking Info
Swan Creek is an 8,488 acre area that provides for year-round non-motorized dispersed recreation use as it is a designated Semi-Primitive Non Motorized (SPNM) Area. There are approximately 23 miles of moderately used horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking trails available.
The Tin Top Section: This trail is 6.78 miles long and connects Bar-K Wrangler camp with the east side of the Swan Creek area. As you travel east, you ride through old oaks and short leaf pines. After a mile and a half, the trail forks off to the Beer Can Alley Section. Continuing on Tin Top, you will run into open areas where the Ozark forest meets the prairie remnant. The end is located at a pasture.
Beer Can Alley Section: boasts a breathtaking panorama of the glades. After a turn or two, the trail descends a slope to a fork, Sly Top Section is to the left, and right, is the Bald Knob Section. Either will take you back to Bar-K Wrangler Camp.
There are many other trail sections including Math Branch Section which follows a winding branch of Swan Creek and the Patterson Hollow Section which connects Tin Top pull off and an unnamed pull off on highway UU.