Branson is located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in southwestern Missouri. The city is primarily popular due to the music shows and attractions along the main strip, but it is the surrounding countryside that makes this a paradise for those who enjoy camping with horses. With three lakes, forests, canyons, caves, rivers and more, no matter what time of year you come there is always some form of physical activity and horse riding to enjoy.
History
Wherever you choose to ride your horse around Branson you are surrounded by history. Initially founded in 1882 as just a general store and post office, by 1894 it had transformed into a tourist destination when Marvel Cave was first opened as an attraction for visitors to come see. The construction of the Powersite Dam in 1912 on the White River formed Lake Taneycomo, which stands today as one of the premier destinations for campers looking to explore the surrounding countryside, either on foot or on horseback.
Geography
From the trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo to the hiking and horse trails surrounding Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes, the countryside surrounding Branson provides multiple opportunities for enjoying the beauty of nature. From the many caves to the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains, not to mention the the lakes and surrounding rivers and streams, as well as heavy forests and grasslands, the area is rich in natural beauty. It is also the largest section of mountains between the Rockies to the west, and the Appalachians to the east.
Types of Trails
When looking at camping with horses, knowing the type of trail to choose is just as important as the amenities you require from the campground. The countryside surrounding Branson ranges from gentle, rolling hills with thick forests to craggy hillsides that rise sharply out of the surrounding greenery. There are multiple streams and river crossings, and your proximity to the city in case of emergencies can also factor in. Trails range from short, beginner ones which are used primarily by the guided tours operated by agencies in the area, to the longer, more progressive trails which are for people who own their own horses and know how to handle themselves in the outdoors.
Surrounding Area
While you can go camping with your own horses in various places around Branson, there are also numerous ranches and agencies who operate trail rides for tourists who either do not own their own horses, or would rather simply hire someone else's for the duration of the trip. Whether you choose the Shepherd of the Hills Trail Ride or hire out at Wild Eye Ranch, or take one of the guided tours at the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, there are multiple opportunities in the surrounding area to rent horses and take guided tours if you are not comfortable heading out on your own.
Considerations
While there are dozens of campgrounds and facilities, prices and amenities will dictate which campgrounds you actually use during your stay in Branson. For the most part, the countryside is a mixture of government land interspersed with privately owned property, and certain places, such as Wild Eye Ranch, offer a more private setting than riding through the state park trails. If you bring your own horses, it is important to verify in advance how large of a trailer the camping facilities can accommodations. In addition, sharing the trails with other people and horses is important when riding on public land.
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