OUR STORY
Nestled in the beautiful Ozark National Forrest- Piney Creek WMA is a small
privately owned equine friendly campground known as Cowboy Up Trails. Originally
this property was a part of an eighty-acre tract of land once owned and farmed by
members of the McElfish family. Over time, this tract was split up and sold to members
of mainly two families, McElfish and Stallings.
Barry McElfish, having lived here as a young man, knew this area well. He and
his close friend, John Stallings, would roam the surrounding mountains together on
horseback hunting, fishing and just enjoying the outdoors. They became aware of
others riding in the Piney Creek WMA, and as a result common trails began to emerge
along the back roads, mountain ridges, and streams.
However, there were not many places in the WMA where a horse trailer could fit and
riders could camp. Many riders often stopped and asked if they could park their
campers on the McElfish or Stallings property. John and Barry recognized this need,
put their heads together, combined their resources and in 2005 the idea of Cowboy Up
Trails, LLC was born.
By the Spring of 2011, Cowboy Up Trails campground was first opened. Since
that time many improvements have been made to the facilities. Today, Cowboy Up
Trails, LLC campground provides a limited number of RV hookups, horse stalls, a bath
house, and covered area for gathering.
Once leaving the campground riders may enjoy the Piney Creek WMA and
surrounding area. Over time, wild game and horses moving through the woods have
created a series of obvious trails that can guide riders around the area and back toward
the camp. Cowboy Up Trails campground visitors may enjoy the numerous waterfalls,
mountain views, caves, and creek crossings while riding in the adjacent Ozark National
Forest- Piney Creek WMA.
THE CAMP
Our equine-friendly campground offers everything horse and rider need for an unforgettable backcountry experience. Our campsites feature sturdy trees for high-line ties, a manure disposal area, a spring-fed horse wash station, and plenty of room to unload and move your horses safely after a long haul. We offer direct access to miles of well-marked trails that wind through towering pines, open fields, and along cool, clear streams deep into the national forest. Whether you're planning a leisurely day ride or a multi-day wilderness pack trip, the trails here range from gentle forest paths to more challenging ridge routes, offering something for every level of rider. At day's end, settle into camp as the horses rest on clean, footing-friendly ground — it's the kind of place where both ends of the lead rope can truly unwind.
Covered Rec Room/Kitchen
Onsite Showers/in-door plumbing
Fire Pit and BBQ area
"Pleasant camping trip in the mountains. Rugged trails...thus the name Cowboy Up! Our horses were not in top shape, but we took it easy & they did it. Awesome scenery with great camp hosts Barry & John. Wish we had more time...5 days wasn't enough. I want more!" -Margarette Heredia
"Beautiful camp ground and facilities!. The owner is a really nice person and checks on the camp twice a day. With the majority of the trails being wide open vehicle hunting roads, novice riders will be at ease. There are a few true horse trails that will offer a brief ride through beautiful terrain." - Brad Frost
"We ride and camp here a lot. Great place! Trails are beautiful and well marked. Water, electric, dump station, outside pens, overhead tie-lines, shower house and a little bit of cell service." -Karen Mellon