Top Horse Camping near Alexandria, MN

Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Alexandria. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Finding a place to camp in Minnesota with your horse is easier than ever. These scenic and easy-to-reach Alexandria campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Alexandria, MN (7)


Recent Equestrian Reviews In Alexandria

63 Reviews of 7 Alexandria Campgrounds


  • Willis M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park
    Jun. 4, 2024

    Lake Carlos State Park

    Bougie "camping". More like a living room with no roof...

    This is a great state park. Group camping comes with its own bathroom building and shelter building with wood stove. The water is quite clean. Also there's even hot water in the bathroom.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

    Nice campsites, great amenities and beautiful park

    Camped in site 81 in the Oak Ridge campground - this site was big enough for three tents, was nicely shaded and had great access to water and a bathroom w/shower. Was perfect for our group of 4. Saw a polite racoon that wandered into our campsite and then promptly left once we got it in our headlamps, we saw no evidence of its return once we turned in for the night.

    Bugs at the camp site were minimal, a little heavier on the trail but nothing bug spray couldn't handle. Heard sites were very close at Lakeview so chose Oak Ride, but felt they were still pretty close and had many vehicles traveling on the one way drive from 10p until midnight. If you're a light sleeper or early to bed might be a challenge at this state park. 

    It was a short walk to the interpretive center and the Mt Tom trail. Beautiful views of the oak savannahs from the Mt Tom overlook and the big blue stem was just starting to fill out in the surrounding prairies. Swimming at Lake Andrew was fantastic and the beach was full of people enjoying the lake. 

    Overall a great park to spend a weekend at!

  • Tori K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park
    Nov. 23, 2022

    Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

    Nice swimming beach

    Nice beach for swimming. Shower and bathrooms available in the campground. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Firewood is available at the office for about $6 per bundle. There are 2 campgrounds in the park.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park
    Nov. 2, 2022

    Lake Carlos State Park

    Beautiful and quiet

    End of October, Stopped for just one night, probably about a 20ish minute drive from 94. Was able to purchase firewood after closing, and the campsite were easy to find after (7$)entry to the park. Campsites are reserved through an online system. We found the top campsite completely empty and plenty of sites had good tree coverage for privacy/ way no protection. Nice level sites with soft ground. Each site had a fire ring and picnic table. The only bathroom in walking distance to the upper campsites was a vault toilet located amongst the cabins. Seems like a great place to stay any season.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park
    Sep. 7, 2022

    Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

    Weekday Retreat

    We tent camped at Sibley State Park from August 31 through September 3, 2022, in drive-in campsite #91 of the Oak Ridge campground. It was a last minute trip for us, right before the Labor Day weekend. We had the non-electric loop all to ourselves from Wednesday through midday Friday, and then the campground was a non-stop hub of activity as more campers arrived for the holiday weekend.

    The park has two campgrounds. Oak Ridge is mostly wooded with some prairie sites and is more private. Lakeview is very open without privacy between campsites, but it has some mature trees for shade and is close to the beach and picnic area.

    The reservation website mostly does not include tent pad dimensions, so we took a chance on a site not knowing whether our 10x14 tent would fit. Luckily, it did. Site #91 was spacious and wooded on three sides. We walked both campgrounds to check for non-electric sites that would accommodate our tent. If you have a large tent, consider these campsites: Oak Ridge 77, 78, 81, 83, 84, 87, 88, 90, 91, 93, and 94; Lakeview 46, 66, and 70.

    The park is beautiful. There are lots of trails, a very nice beach and picnic area, and lots of wildflowers. We saw a lot of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, turkeys, song birds, butterflies, and frogs.

    The high point in the park is Mt. Tom, and there is a trail to its peak. If you don’t want to do the hike, you can drive most of the way then walk a short, paved, moderately inclined path to the top. The view is lovely.

    The biting bugs weren’t too bad during the day, but they were plentiful and aggressive in the evening. Remember your insect repellent!

  • Farfisa J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park
    Jul. 30, 2022

    Lake Carlos State Park

    On The Lake

    Nice larger sites, usual campground stuff. I stayed across from the lake and it was great. Fire pits, wood for sale, showers, water, etc.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Glacial Lakes State Park
    Jul. 8, 2022

    Glacial Lakes State Park

    Baby lake bp site—choose another site?

    1. Literally right on trail. In fact, the only place to out your tent is immediately next to the trail
    2. No place to hang a hammock
    3. No water (even though youre 100 yards from lake, there is no way to access to get water to filter. Hike in all your water
    4. Its quiet
    5. Lots of ticks (its prairie after all)
  • Keith L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park
    Oct. 30, 2021

    Lake Carlos State Park

    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.

  • Joe S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park
    Oct. 29, 2021

    Lake Carlos State Park

    Beautiful Place to Stay

    We have been camping here in the middle of October for about 5 years now. The views in the fall are amazing! There are awesome trails through the woods and the chance to see plenty of wildlife. I only gave it 4 stars because the park rangers were rather rude this year compared to years passed. The bathrooms and shower houses are very well kept and the water gets hot enough too!

  • Lisa Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park
    Sep. 14, 2021

    Lake Carlos State Park

    Very nice state campground

    This campground has a upper and lower loop for camping. The lower is on the lake and the upper is more in the trees. The lower has a pretty view and is right on the lake but the sites are pretty close together. There seems to be a little more space in the upper loop but there is no view of the lake and it is quite a hike to get to it. Overall a very nice campground but I can imagine it is very busy in the summer.

  • Amber G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Lake Carlos State Park

    Oustanding!

    Outstanding! Not hesitate, this place is fabulous. The bathrooms/showers are clean. The sites are huge. The price cannot be beat for camping.

  • Amber G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Lake Carlos State Park

    Carlos State Park

    I came the end of June 2021. It was extremely low cost to camp, however you need to pay the $7 entry fee per day as well (yearly pass is $35). There are showers and bathrooms available. Camp site 16 was amongst trees and added privacy and shade, however this is a busy campground so expect people walking through. People did quiet down and respect quiet times 10 PM- 8 am. I went into surrounding towns during the day and my campsite was left alone, so it was very secure.

  • Tracy O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Glacial Lakes State Park
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Glacial Lakes State Park

    Perfect for families

    Great family campground. Lots of shade cover. Oak ridge is perfect for larger rigs (<35 feet - anything bigger there are only 2 spots that will fit) (no electric or water). Clean vault toilets. Lots for kids to do. Canoeing, fishing, paddle boards. Great hiking trails. Loop for kids to bike on easily. Easy to get to.

    For those using the dump station it’s on a hill and tougher for bigger rigs to use. No flushing station. But water throughout park. Firewood at the station. Small number of electric sites in the first campground but sites are closed together and less privacy/shade. Bathhouse is in first campground.

  • Jesse H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from El Rancho Manana
    Apr. 4, 2021

    El Rancho Manana

    Dynamic and lush

    About 1/2 seasonal sites and intermingled short-term sites. Well-kept with fair amount of trees. Nice beach, but small. On site horseback riding was great. Unfortunately, during COVID, the bar was not available. Can't wait to stay during one of the music events.

  • Tessa Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Glacial Lakes State Park
    Jan. 27, 2021

    Glacial Lakes State Park

    Fun weekend trip

    Our favorite part of this trip was renting stand up paddle boards. The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm.

    The weekend we camped it was scorching hot. Most of the hiking trails in the park were through the prairie grass. The High Peak Trail did have some lovely views though!

  • Makayla B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park
    Oct. 1, 2020

    Lake Carlos State Park

    Busy park with great lake access

    The lower campground has electric sites and is situated along Lake Carlos but there is little privacy between sites (126 and 127). We camped with another family so it was nice to have the open space between our sites where the kids could play and run. The boat launch was quite busy and there seemed to be a lot of people not staying in the campground who use the park for the day. The hiking trail along the lake was busy but once we got a little farther out the trails were quiet and peaceful. The highway outside the park was loud at night, it sounded like people were drag racing the Friday and Saturday nights we stayed.

  • Jill W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Lake Carlos State Park

    Busy park, quiet trails

    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. Upper campground has a handful of sites that are tucked into the woods and are really quite lovely.

  • Will H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Lake Carlos State Park

    Busy

    Excellent hiking trails away from the lake. Lake Carlos itself is fairly developed and busy with motor boats. The campground was nearly full and clean.

  • Marcy F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pomme De Terre Campground
    Sep. 18, 2020

    Pomme De Terre Campground

    This is well worth the money!!!

    Pretty nice campground with water and electric. Bathhouse, walking trails, fishing and beautiful lake views. Some sites are a little difficult to get into but not impossible.



Guide to Alexandria

Camping near Alexandria, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for you.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Lake Carlos State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Large wooded campground on the lakefront. Easy access to the beach. Hiking trail. Very clean restroom/shower house."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Enjoy fishing at Crow Wing State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The river was really high and there was a fair amount of mosquitoes outside but a lot of trails and a lot of signs and a lot of history in the park."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Maplewood State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "We saw many deer, caught many pan fish and observed an eagle in its nest."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Carlos State Park Campground stated, "The water is quite clean. Also, there's even hot water in the bathroom."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Crow Wing State Park Campground. One camper said, "Sites 40 to 45 are very nice and secluded."
  • Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. A visitor at Glendalough State Park Campground remarked, "The lakes are ranked among the most pristine in the state."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground warned, "Mosquitos so thick we had to wear nets over our faces."
  • Reservation System: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A review for Maplewood State Park Campground mentioned, "Campsites are reserved through an online system."
  • Limited Services Off-Season: Some facilities may be closed during the off-season. A camper at Sinclair Lewis City Campground noted, "The office was closed for the season with the water & electric turned off."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A review for Crow Wing Lake Campground highlighted, "Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray to keep the mosquitoes at bay. A visitor at Maplewood State Park Campground advised, "Bring bug spray in the summer!"
  • Choose Secluded Sites: Opt for campsites that offer privacy. A camper at Lake Carlos State Park Campground mentioned, "Nice level sites with soft ground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Crow Wing State Park Campground noted, "I stayed here with my kids. Now in a Class A RV it was a bit tight getting in."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups for convenience. A camper at Gull Lake Recreation Area said, "The sites are spacious and most are quite private!"
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station if needed. A visitor at Glacial Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, "Not sure if there is a dump station for RVs as I typically use a tent when camping."

Camping around Alexandria, Minnesota, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Alexandria, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Alexandria, MN is Lake Carlos State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 25 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Alexandria, MN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Alexandria, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.