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Equestrian Camping near Albany, MN

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    Equestrian Campground — Sibley State Park offers horse-friendly campsites with basic amenities including toilets, trash service, and a sanitary dump station. Located in an oak savanna section of Sibley State Park, the equestrian campground accommodates both tent and RV campers with drive-in access and reservable sites. While the campground lacks electric hookups, drinking water, and showers, it provides the essential facilities needed for camping with horses. The equestrian camping area remains quieter than other sections of the park, making it ideal for those seeking a more peaceful horse camping experience.

    The campground connects to approximately 12 miles of bridle trails throughout Sibley State Park. Trail riders access diverse terrain including hardwood forest, prairie, and oak savanna transition zones, providing varied scenery and riding experiences. Horse trails at Sibley are well-maintained but limited in total distance compared to other equestrian destinations in Minnesota. The park features the distinct Mt. Tom overlook accessible via hiking trails, though horses are restricted to designated bridle paths. Located near New London, the campground serves as a convenient base for exploring both the park's natural features and nearby attractions. Proper manure management and adherence to park regulations ensure the sustainability of this horse-friendly camping area.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Albany (9)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. El Rancho Manana

      3.5(4)8mi from AlbanyRVs, Tents

      "You can spend extra money to go horseback riding on trails. The sites are very close together not much privacy."

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      2. Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

      4.1(20)31mi from Albany56 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open."

      "Sibley State Park isn't the most amazing park in Minnesota, however it's still a very nice little campground!"

      from $25 - $35 / night

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      3. Lake Maria State Park Campground

      4.4(34)37mi from Albany22 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."

      "I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."

      from $22 - $80 / night

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      4. Lake Carlos State Park Campground

      4.5(28)45mi from Albany132 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I am from a suburb of Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota and we wanted to go camping with my in-laws who have horses."

      "Lots of screaming kids the weekend we were here, but we found the quiet trails. Lower campground offers no privacy, but a newer shower house and views and access to the lake."

      from $25 - $100 / night

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      5. Crow Wing State Park Campground

      3.9(27)46mi from Albany58 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Excellent map signage on the hiking trails too. Clean and tidy vault toilets. There is access to the extended bike path from this state park as well."

      "Tent camp here once and a while, but finally got around to officially doing the hiking club trail."

      from $24 - $80 / night

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      6. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest

      4.2(23)45mi from Albany4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites)."

      "Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."

      from $50 / night

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      7. Glacial Lakes State Park Campground

      4.0(13)46mi from Albany55 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Despite it being a slightly shorter drive than the trip to Duluth from my house, it felt like eternity in comparison. It also felt very very unlike the Minnesota that I’m familiar with. "

      "The trails in the park have nice rolling hills and offer a unique type of beauty. The campground is small, but offers some electric sites as well as some primitive sites."

      from $22 - $150 / night

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      8. Equestrian Campground — Sibley State Park

      3.5(2)31mi from Albany9 sitesRVs, Tents

      "We thoroughly enjoyed the hiking trails here. Plenty of space to socially distance. Equestrian camping area is nice and plenty of horse trails too."

      from $25 / night

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      9. Twisted Willow Farmstay

      Be the first to review33mi from AlbanyRVs, Tents

      from $30 - $60 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Albany, MN

    151 Reviews of 9 Albany Campgrounds

    • Allison K.
      Jul. 11, 2019

      Lake Carlos State Park Campground

      Beautiful but a bit crowded

      I am from a suburb of Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota and we wanted to go camping with my in-laws who have horses. We needed a park that was close and had equestrian camping so we decided to go to Lake Carlos State Park.

      Lake Carlos State Park is roughly 2.5hours from the Twin Cities and is a beautiful getaway for a weekend trip. You can leave after work on a Friday and still have time to make it to the park, set up and still be able to cook dinner and enjoy a s’more or two.

      We booked site H3 in the equestrian campground which was a VERY open site right off the main loop in the equestrian campground. It was very sunny and barely any shade for the horses. The site were in was electric and there were only three non-electric sites in the equestrian campground. The other sites were awesome for shade but were still super open to everyone.

      There were great trails for hiking and horseback riding. They also allowed mountain biking on the trails.

      The staff at the office were super friendly and they talked to us for about 15 minutes. Their store in the office was pretty great and they had everything from toys for the kids to s’mores stuff and stickers specific to the park. The firewood was pretty fast burning and cost 6$ a bundle so it was pretty spendy since we cook only over the fire.

      The main campground was VERY busy and jammed packed. The sites were too close together and open for my comfort.

      The beach was very dirty and there were army worms everywhere crawling on everything.

      We took a little bike ride to the group camp which was an amazing area with a very nice shelter with electric.

      All in all, this is a good park to go to if you are looking for a park close to the twin cities metro area.

    • Stephanie B.
      Jun. 14, 2020

      Equestrian Campground — Sibley State Park

      Mt Tom and new beach area

      We thoroughly enjoyed the hiking trails here. Plenty of space to socially distance. Equestrian camping area is nice and plenty of horse trails too. The biggest hit for me was the newly remodeled beach area on Lake Andrew. Plenty of space and a nice “fishing” pier to hang out at. They rent kayaks there too!!

    • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 9, 2019

      Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

      Forest meets prairie

      This state park uniquely showcases an ecologic transition zone between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie. There are also local history connections. As a bird watcher, I was very excited to see birds here that I dont usually see at home in northern Minnesota, and to learn a bit more about glaciation in this area and about prairie and savannah habitats. The park has self guided hikes, educational nature programs, and learning kits for birding and more that you can check out at the ranger station. The lakeshore is pretty, and the lakeside campground is green and leafy with mature trees but the campsites are very close together, and the beachfront and bath house are currently closed for renovation which puts a damper on waterfront activities. Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open. The park’s camper cabins are located here and are in a very pretty setting tucked into a little hill, though a bit of a walk to the bathrooms and showerhouse. At both campgrounds there are nice ADA sites which are level, spacious and accessible, and also close to the bathrooms. I was at a conference in nearby Willmar, and this park is a good alternative for lodging if you need to be in the area. If you are really into learning more about prairies and local glacial geology, the nearby Prairie Environmental Learning Center is fantastic to visit, and lots of prairie pothole WMAs are also closeby for waterfowl watching

    • Krista T.
      Jun. 9, 2020

      Glacial Lakes State Park Campground

      A unique MN state park

      Glacial Lakes is approximately two hours from my home, which makes it an ideal campground to make an impulse day trip if the weather is right. If you are coming from the Twin Cities you pass through a lot of countryside with the occasional house or small town. Despite it being a slightly shorter drive than the trip to Duluth from my house, it felt like eternity in comparison. It also felt very very unlike the Minnesota that I’m familiar with. 

      It was a relief to get Lake Minnewaska, which is enormous and the little lake community gives you something to gape at. It also means that you are almost there- thank goodness. Glacial Lakes is relatively unknown considering its proximity to the twin cities, and the scale of its facilities definitely reflect that. 

      The entrance station was closed when we were there, but it looked nice and it is on the newer side. The parking area at the end of the road is not expansive, so come early if you are doing a day trip on amazingly nice days. I didn’t see the the group campsite or the Lower Campground(or the cabins that are in it) because the road was closed off to it, so I can’t speak on the quality of those campsites, but I’m assuming that they are nice because there is actually a restroom/shower building there. 

      I would not camp at the Oak Ridge Campground. The sites were rarely level and generally on top of each other with minimal privacy. There are also a handful of hike-in sites. Kettle Lake hike-in campsite is the iconic image of camping at this park thanks to the two little lakes that butt up right next to each other right at your campsite. I also wouldn’t camp here because there is no shade and I would cart-in, but NOT hike-in to a shadeless campsite. 

      Reviews of this park also mention a lot of ticks, so keep that in mind. There is also horse camping! Minimal shade here too, but there were some young trees. The road to the horse camping is NOT wide enough for two vehicles to pass, so if you are coming here with your equine friends cross your fingers that you don’t encounter anyone on that road. 

      We visited for the very first time on a nice day in March. The main parking area is in a wooded area, so you have to hike through quite a bit of hilly woods to get to the prairie section. This meant that there were a few treacherous icy and/or muddy spots despite the surrounding areas being snow-free. It also meant wading over a boardwalk that was covered in water that got higher on our way back from all the melting ice. 

      The prairie part was definitely beautiful and I will definitely visit again when the spring flowers are in bloom or on a nice fall day when the grass changes color. I don’t think it will be a park that I frequent often though, mostly because of the never-ending drive. We did the High Peak Trail, which was a nice point with a strong wind that almost ripped my beanie off the day that we visited.

    • Emily H.
      Aug. 7, 2018

      Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest

      Nice Rustic Campground

      This campground is on a first come, first serve basis. There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites).

      I highly recommend the walk-in-sites for the most private tent camping experience. The walk from the car isn’t far, but the sites are off the road and in the pines. If you like to have your car at your site, you’ll find some sites with nice long driveways that can accommodate multiple cars, or even a truck with a boat/trailer. The beach is nice and private, but it’s a bit of a hike from the campsites. I’d recommend just hopping in the car and driving over if you’ve got young kids with you.

      There is no store or firewood sold at the campground, so you’ll have to haul your own in from an approved vendor.

    • Allison K.
      Aug. 1, 2019

      Crow Wing State Park Campground

      Nice smaller State Park

      Crow Wing State Park is a good choice if you are looking for something close to the Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota. with this park being just under two hours away from the Twin Cities metro area it’s an easy choice for a nice weekend getaway. If you’re looking to stay for a long extended time it’s also a good choice as it offers electric and water. The electric sites are pretty open and close together so if you like to be secluded and not see other campers from your campsite I wouldn’t use this park. The electric sites are really on top of each other and don't feel like you are camping to me. The non-electric sites are pretty nice and secluded from each other which would make this park a park I would bring my tent to instead of my travel trailer. There is also a group camp That is separate from the main camping area.

      The park office offers ice and firewood for sale. Firewood is 6$ a bundle at the park office. The only firewood you can use is the approved firewood in the local area or scrap lumber. See the Minnesota Firewood law.  Canoe rentals are offered at the park office for $15 for a half-day and $25 for a full day. There is also a water fill station and a dump station for your travel trailer or RV. This is a good park for hiking and exploring. 

      If you wanna stay close to the Twin Cities metro area this is a good park for you!

    • Johnny H.
      Jan. 25, 2021

      Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest

      Camping here for 30 years.

      I've been camping here since I was a little kid. My family used to host large family camping trips here. Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love. Show up early on weekends if you want one of the better spots. Pluses: The trails are a lot of fun.. lots to see. The outhouses are kept up well and pump water road side. Minuses: People leave their camps a mess a lot of the time. I usually spend the first hour cleaning up. TONS of poison ivy. Sand fleas.

      I still get up once a year, early summer.

    • Keith L.
      Oct. 30, 2021

      Lake Carlos State Park Campground

      Nice campground with one problem.

      There are plenty of campsite in the lower area that are very close to the water and good for RV people who do not care for privacy (like camping on a golf course).  If you want privacy, go for the upper area which is completely forested with plenty of trees and brush between sites.  I was in site 17 and was totally pleased... With one exception.

      I paid full price for this site.  But, the restrooms. showers, and water were shut off.  If I am paying full high season rates, I want full services!!!!!!  I appreciate there is no padlocked gate keeping people out in the off season.  But, if it easy to turn off the water, showers, and bathrooms, it should also be easy to create a reduced rate for reduced services.  Some other County, State, and Federal campgrounds charge nothing for no services off season camping.  What is Minnesota's problem?  Give people what they pay for!!!

      This is purely a ripoff.  It left me with a very unpleasant memory of this area and Minnesota.

    Guide to Albany

    Sibley State Park offers dedicated facilities for riders seeking horse campgrounds near Albany, Minnesota. The equestrian camping area accommodates both tents and RVs within a quiet section of the park. Trail riders access approximately 12 miles of bridle paths traversing hardwood forest, prairie, and oak savanna transition zones. The campground provides basic necessities including toilets, trash service, and a dump station, though it lacks electric hookups, potable water, and shower facilities.

    What to do

    Prairie riding experiences: The bridle trails at El Rancho Manana Campground provide opportunities for horseback riding through diverse terrain. "Every weekend have something different going on to do," notes Andy R., highlighting the variety of organized activities available for riders throughout the season.

    Hiking to viewpoints: Mount Tom at Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park provides a panoramic overlook accessible via hiking trails. "The park has everything from bike trails, hiking trails, look out tower at the top of Mount Tom, to swimming and fishing," says Colleen D., making it suitable for both riders and non-riders in your group.

    Water activities: Many equestrian campgrounds include access to lakes for post-ride relaxation. "Nice beach, but small. On site horseback riding was great," reports Jesse H. about El Rancho Manana, describing how riders can enjoy swimming after trail rides during summer months.

    What campers like

    Quiet atmosphere: Horse camping areas typically maintain distance from other campgrounds. "The equestrian camping area is nice and plenty of horse trails too," notes Stephanie B., who appreciated the designated space for riders and horses at Equestrian Campground — Sibley State Park.

    Historical sites: Many equestrian areas connect to historically significant locations. At Crow Wing State Park Campground, "Historic signs describing the old town are along the beginning part of the trail near the picnic area. Kinda fun to read about and feel what old settlements were like!" writes HollyRose M.

    Evening recreation: After a day of riding, campfire gatherings offer social opportunities. "We spent a bit of time outside and then played in the tent the rest of the night," shares Steph H. from her experience at Lake Maria State Park Campground, where sites provide fire rings and picnic tables for evening relaxation.

    What you should know

    Bug protection required: Insects can impact both horses and humans, particularly during summer months. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," reports Steph H. about Lake Maria State Park, emphasizing the need for appropriate insect protection during peak seasons.

    Limited trail distances: While trail systems accommodate horses, mileage varies between locations. "Very nice quiet horse camp. Could use more horse trails, only about 12 miles worth of trails for horses," notes Cody T. about the Equestrian Campground at Sibley State Park.

    Poison ivy awareness: Ground vegetation includes potential irritants. At Ann Lake, "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you," warns Kari P., highlighting the importance of recognizing and avoiding poisonous plants.

    Tips for camping with families

    Beach alternatives: Lake swimming provides cooling options after riding. "The biggest hit for me was the newly remodeled beach area on Lake Andrew. Plenty of space and a nice 'fishing' pier to hang out at. They rent kayaks there too!!" shares Stephanie B. about facilities near the Equestrian Campground.

    Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening offer prime wildlife observation times. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way," describes Alison O., detailing the natural encounters at Lake Maria State Park.

    Site selection: Choose locations based on specific family needs. "Sites 1, 2, and 3 are a little more secluded from other sites, however 1 is fairly close to the county road so you will hear some vehicle noise overnight," advises Tori K., providing specific site recommendations for families seeking privacy while camping.

    Tips from RVers

    Access considerations: RV access varies significantly between horse campgrounds. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides," reports Andy L. about Ann Lake, warning larger rigs about potential clearance issues on access roads.

    Hookup limitations: Most equestrian campgrounds offer minimal services. "Our site was on a bit of a slope, and, in a pretty open area compared to the sites before it," notes The Rolling Panda about Sibley State Park, highlighting the importance of leveling equipment for RVs in horse camping areas.

    Generator restrictions: Noise limitations protect the camping experience. "So many generators..." comments Chris D. about Ann Lake, indicating that even at sites where generators are permitted, their use may impact the camping experience of nearby tent campers and horses.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Albany, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Albany, MN is El Rancho Manana with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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