Bar-K Wrangler Camp
Bar-K Wrangler Camp is a quiet campground located on the west bank of Swan Creek and serves as a Trailhead for the Swan Creek Trails. 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.
During the summer months you can cool off with a quick wade in Swan Creek.
At night you can enjoy the quiet in a primitive horse camp, surrounded by maples, oaks, hickories, and dogwood. During the day you'll have access to the 23-miles of riding, hiking, and mountain bike trails in Swan Creek.
Photos from Bar K Wrangler Camp
General Information
Campground Camping
Minimal facilities include tables and fire rings, and toilet facilities.
The sites are located on the right-hand side of the road near a creek. Across the road is an open field where you can park or dispersed camp with horse trailers.
Camping With Horses
- Campers should scatter manure piles outside the mowed area to aid decomposition, discourage flies, and as a courtesy to others.
- Use hitching posts whenever provided. Hitching stock to trees causes long-term damage. A hitch line between trees using wide nylon “tree saver” straps with rope run between the straps is always a good idea.
- Please keep stock out of scenic overlooks or popular stops.
No. of Sites - 3
Group Camping - This area is an open field where groups may camp together.
January - December
Campground
- Open 24 Hours a day to campers.
- Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Trailhead Day Use Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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.
Fishing
For information on the rules and regulations to be followed visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
Fishing Permits
- Fishing permits are available from Missouri Department of Conservation
Camping Discount
- There is a 50% discount for camping for anyone with an Interagency Access or Senior Pass.
- The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $10 per night
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails. Please leash your dog, 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 and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
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
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 36.860051
Longitude: -93.009031
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
30 vehicles with trailers
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Drinking water is not available at trailheads. Water can be limited within Swan Creek depending on rainfall and time of year, please plan accordingly.
Open water sources within the area are not recommended for drinking. Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or treat water chemically.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
At campsites
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
When Visiting with Horses
- Don't tie saddle and pack stock to small trees as the rope rubbing and concentrated animal trampling will injure and eventually kill the vegetation. It's better to hobble or tie a rope between two large trees and use it as a hitch rail. When breaking camp, scatter manure and smooth up the area.
- Avoid prolonged stock grazing in one area; it can have a serious impact on vegetation. Bring concentrated supplement stock feed to help reduce this impact.
- Picket your stock at least 200 feet away from waterways trails, or camps. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Picnicking - Single Info
Picnicking is allowed in the campground if the campsite is not otherwise occupied. Tables and fire rings are available.
Backpacking Info
Trail Details
- Rating Moderate
- Length 23.25-miles
- Best Seasons Spring and Fall
- Surface Type unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade 12 - 20%
- Trail Markers there is limited trail marking
- Elevation 680 feet to 1,020 feet
Day Hikes Info
Trail Details
- Rating Moderate
- Length 23.25-miles
- Best Seasons Spring and Fall
- Surface Type unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade 12 - 20%
- Trail Markers there is limited trail marking
- Elevation 680 feet to 1,020 feet
Swimming Info
There’s a little trail that leads down to the creek. The creek is small, and not very deep in most places. The creek is rock bottomed and crystal clear.
The area is not managed for swimming: there are no lifeguards, depth or hazard markers, and the water is not tested.
Horseback Riding Info
Trail Details
- Rating Moderate
- Length 23.25-miles
- Best Seasons Spring and Fall
- Surface Type unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade 12 - 20%
- Trail Markers there is limited trail marking
- Elevation 680 feet to 1,020 feet
Horse Camping Info
Minimal facilities include tables and fire rings, and toilet facilities.
The sites are located on the right-hand side of the road near a creek. Across the road is an open field where you can park or dispersed camp with horse trailers.
Camping With Horses
- Campers should scatter manure piles outside the mowed area to aid decomposition, discourage flies, and as a courtesy to others.
- Use hitching posts whenever provided. Hitching stock to trees causes long-term damage. A hitch line between trees using wide nylon “tree saver” straps with rope run between the straps is always a good idea.
- Please keep stock out of scenic overlooks or popular stops.
Biking - Mountain Info
Trail Details
- Rating Moderate
- Length 23.25-miles
- Best Seasons Spring and Fall
- Surface Type unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade 12 - 20%
- Trail Markers there is limited trail marking
- Elevation 680 feet to 1,020 feet
Fishing - River/StreamFishing - River/Stream Info
Swan Creek is a small creek, and very shallow during the summer months.
For more information on the rules and regulations to be followed visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
Fish Species
smallmouth bass, rock bass, and goggle-eye
Fishing Mode
Shore, Wade
Fishing Platform
None
Water Temperature
Warm
Fishing Method
Fly, Pole