Looking for areas to ride and camp for two to four days between Columbia to Kansas City either North or South of I70.  Would be traveling from Southeast Iowa so any place in between would be nice to know too.

Wouldn't have to have electricity, water preferred for horses but I could also haul my own water. 

Noticed some different areas of the Katy Trail and wondered if anyone was familiar enough the know about the trails and what area would be best.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks...

Debbie

 There are so many places to ride in Missouri!! We loved it so much we moved here... coming west and south from Iowa/St. Louis area you can find lots more than the Katy trail. If you go a couple of hours south there are many many many trails to ride; Eminence/Big Creek/Whispering Pines (nice and quiet...don't have to stay a week)/Big Piney/places near Plato and Lynchburg...Devils Backbone near Dora Missouri (getting into southwest Missouri there are lots more... Bar-K Wranglers camp (about 110 miles of trail,prinitive camping) Hercules Glades and so many more we ride and love!! Be sure your horses are well shod and like water crossings... Happy Trails.

PS:

If you have time, TAKE TIME to see the Buffalo River just two hours from Springfield, Missouri. We go to Erbie (primitive camping with fire rings,tables, and room for portable pens..) it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever imagined riding in...blue holes to swim in. waterfalls. rock formations that are stunning. Riding there is a religious experience!

It IS wonderful.Some of the best riding anyplace.And living in Arkansas I can attest to the fact that we are the lucky residents of the state of the Buffalo River,the first river to be named a scenic National river.It is great riding there.

I agree with the other poster on the Buffalo River. This is the most spectacular scenary in the mid-west. We stay at Steele Creek. The hill getting down into the campground area is a bit steep, but just go slow and you'll be fine. You can also purchase a water-proof map from borders, amazon, forest service etc. It shows all points of interest with off shoots from the main trail. I've been to Shawnee in IL with it's big stoney bluffs, but prefer the Buffalo since the river scenary adds to its beauty. And there are elk too that bugle in the fall!

Steele Creek has a couple water spigots and tie line posts. And if you have time and someone to keep an eye on your horses, take a day and float the buffalo too. It's amazing.

Can't blame you for moving to Missouri for riding.  I have been to the 4J, Emminence, Shawnee, Arkansas, Indianna and still love Missouri, it's God's country!

I was just trying to find some riding for a small group of friends traveling from different directions to meet for a weekend and west central Missouri would be the most central location for us.

Tell me more about Buffalo River, it's a place I have a goal to see someday.  Are there places to stay that have organized rides that serve meals?  Any places with water and electrical service?  My camper is set up where I wouldn't have to have either but some of my friends aren't.  Depends on what group I go with, one wants meals served the other would rather cook themselves.

There is Cuivre River State Park, about 50 mile west of St.Louis in Lincoln County. Pretty good place. http://www.mostateparks.com/cuivre/camp.htm

There is Greensfelder Park in St. Louis County near 6-flags. http://www.stlouisco.com/parks/greensfelder.html  and http://www.stlouisco.com/parks/trailmaps/trail-Greensfelder.pdf

I prefer Greensfelder, although it's a little more rocky if that's an issue for you.

The parking is tight at Steele Creek, but if you can get an end spot it's not too bad. The hardest part is backing in from the road... on the other side of the road is a ditch and pasture fence. Erbie is a wide open pasture area.

If you do not have a self-contained LQ and  need to shower there is a nice pay shower in the town of Ponca. Which is about 5 miles away. Beautiful scenary so you won't mind the drive.

Since this a protected water-way area, they don't allow grey water to be dumped on the ground so that makes Cowboy Showers a no-no. Although I wonder how dirty can grey water be compared to campers washing dishes outside and horse pee??? Funny park rules.

As far as organized rides I have not heard of any. There use to be a camp called Buffalo River Retreat, but not sure if they are still in business. I like to camp right near the trail heads and this camp was several miles away.

Campsites are on a first come, first serve basis so Holiday weekends are very busy. Steele Creek has 14 sites and Erbie has 5 sites. There is a limit of 6 people and 4 horses per site.

Thanks everyone for your information!

Debbie