Equestrian camping facilities near Andover, Minnesota attract trail riders year-round with dedicated facilities and extensive trail networks. The region's terrain varies from sandy prairie to wooded forest with elevations ranging from 850 to 950 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, while summer camping often requires insect protection during the peak mosquito season from June through August.
What to do
Canoe the Rum River: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers tubing and canoeing on the clean, sandy-bottomed Rum River. "The river is very clean and sandy bottom. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," notes David G., who enjoyed paddling from this campground.
Trail rides and disc golf: Bunker Hills Regional Park combines nature with activities for everyone. "There is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on...frisbee golf, and yes a campground," explains Krista T. The park also features "a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing."
Stargazing at backpack sites: Wild River State Park Campground offers secluded river sites perfect for night sky viewing. "It's a great place to star gaze," notes amber N. about the Buck Hill site. Another camper describes watching "the sun rise over the river and fog roll over the water and evaporate while eagles soared."
What campers like
Private forest sites: Lake Maria State Park Campground features hike-in sites that feel remote despite being close to Andover. "This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous!" shares Lydia N. The park is popular with backpackers seeking solitude.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks around Andover provide excellent wildlife encounters. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," reports Kate H. at Wild River State Park, where eagle nests can be spotted along the river.
Off-leash dog areas: Crow Hassan Park Reserve features an extensive dog park that follows the Crow River. "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" writes Alison O., making this a good alternative to horse-focused camping.
What you should know
Bug season precautions: Insect populations vary by season and park. At Lake Maria, one camper advises "Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season." Another warns: "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon."
Poison ivy awareness: Several horse campgrounds near Andover require watchfulness for poison ivy. At Sand Dunes State Forest - Ann Lake, Kari P. notes: "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy."
Site selection strategies: Arrive early for the best spots at first-come, first-served campgrounds. "Show up early on weekends if you want one of the better spots," advises Johnny H., who has been camping at Ann Lake for 30 years.
Tips for camping with families
Check amenities for water fun: Many parks offer swimming options. At Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, you'll find "nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," according to ERolf P.
Look for playgrounds: Family-friendly campgrounds often include play areas. Bryan S. notes that Bunker Hills Regional Park is "a nice, quiet campground with activities nearby. The waterpark is a blast and we were able to find discount passes online."
Consider non-equestrian alternatives: For families without horses, Lake Elmo County Park Reserve provides "a swimming pond, boating and an insane playground. Our modern site 40 was in a great open location with a shaded edge," according to Steph H.
Tips from RVers
Overhanging branches: RVers should check access roads for low-hanging limbs. At Ann Lake Campground, Andy L. warns: "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking."
Cell service variability: Signal strength differs significantly between sites. Andy L. notes: "2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites."
Electric options near horse trails: While Elm Creek Horse Camp offers rustic camping, nearby alternatives provide more amenities. At Lake Elmo Park Reserve, John H. appreciates that "sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids."
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