A
Anders H.
Scout
ScoutBaker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
First time
We stayed at Baker as a family for our first camping trip, and it was great. Fire pit with swivel grate for cooking, bathrooms, and plenty to explore.
Equestrian Camping near Andover, MN
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Elm Creek Horse Camp stands as the primary equestrian camping destination near Andover, Minnesota, offering dedicated horse corrals, drinking water facilities, and fire rings with picnic tables at each site. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with sites specifically designed for horse owners traveling with their animals. The terrain around the campground connects directly to over 20 miles of multi-use trails through mixed forests and prairie. The simple, primitive camping environment focuses on basic needs for horses and riders rather than luxury amenities. The ground is mostly level, perfect for setting up camp, and the sites provide ample space for both camping equipment and horse trailers.
Trails at Elm Creek Park Reserve wind through diverse landscapes, offering riders varied terrain and scenic views throughout the 4,900-acre park. Campers can access these trails directly from their campsites without having to trailer horses to separate trailheads. While shower facilities are not available at the horse camp, vault toilets and trash receptacles are maintained for camper convenience. The $16 nightly fee represents good value for equestrians seeking affordable trail access, though the additional $7.50 reservation fee should be factored into trip planning. The camp's location near the archery range provides a peaceful setting where horses and dogs can coexist comfortably, though privacy between sites is limited. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends when local riders frequently utilize the campground.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Andover (13)
1. Bunker Hills Regional Park
"I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."
"It has a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park(it is called The Beach, which was very confusing for us"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $32 / night
2. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
207 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $25 - $120 / night
3. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 / night
4. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River
"Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $75 / night
5. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
"For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."
"Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families."
Check Availabilityfrom $23 - $80 / night
6. Elm Creek Horse Camp
"If you’re the kind of camper who measures a site by how many tail wags it inspires, then Campsite 2 at Elm Creek Horse Camp is barking up the right tree.🌲🐶 Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody"
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
7. Lake Maria State Park Campground
"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."
13 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $22 - $80 / night
8. Crow Hassan Park Reserve
"So as a result the Riverbend group equestrian campground is now the parking lot for day visitors through at least August. "
"This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $109 - $120 / night
9. Wild River State Park Campground
"This is a big park with a diversity of hiking, equestrian, and canoeing options. Since the park runs along the St. Croix, there are beautiful river-side walks to be had."
"Nice park, scenic trails, horses on the way in."
110 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $23 - $90 / night
10. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
"This newly developed trail is 13.25 miles long, so a nice option close to the city for those who are inclined to adventurous biking. Different loops are available for varying skill levels. "
"Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home😁"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $88 / night
Drive Time
- 25 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 51 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 31 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 41 min from Eau Claire, WI
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Andover, MN
7 Photos of 13 Andover Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Andover, MN
219 Reviews of 13 Andover Campgrounds
Tori K.
LegendLake Rebecca Park Reserve
Great Trails!
Great trails and close to home! Always a good spot for a last-minute trip for me or a place to test out new gear since it is so close to home!
A S.
TravelerBunker Hills Regional Park
Welcoming
I arrived after the campgrounds closed I was welcomed and was very happy to be accepted
- A S.Traveler
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Bunker hills
A ranger does nightly rounds of the camps
- PPat Z.Scout
Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
Baker Park Reserve
Large sites. NO sewer hookups but there is a dump station.
Sarah D.
RangerWild River State Park Campground
Secluded Backpack/Canoe Site with Sunrise Views
I was looking for a secluded backpack in site where I could have a peaceful 48 hours of prayer and solitude, and this site was perfect! I also wanted one that wasn't too far remote, since I hadn't been on a proper backpacking trip since the pandemic hit. And as a solo female camper, I wanted a reserved site so that there would be a record of my location for safety reasons. I'm so glad I chose the Deer Creek site, and will almost definitely stay here again at some point!
This site is accessible by either hiking or canoe. It took me about 30 minutes to hike in from the visitor center parking lot. There is easy access to river water to boil or filter from the canoe landing.
This site was incredibly spacious. It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads (look out for widow makers, one of the tent pads is under a dead tree!). It also has a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock! (This would be a great site for hammock camping.) So if you're camping with a small group of people this would be a great site. It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.) I also found plenty of dead down and dry wood and birch bark on the ground for building fires.
This site is great for a one nigjt stay on a longer backpacking or canoeing trip, but also great for camping out at for a couple of nights. I stayed for two, and it connects to all the major trails in the park, so I was able to use it as a great base for hiking and seeing the beautiful changing leaves. In the morning I hiked North to do the Riverside trail and looped back through the woods. Then in the afternoon I did the Deer Creek loop, which is a shared horse and hiking trail. It was so nice to he able to hike out to some of the best trails in the park directly from my site.
This site felt remarkably remote for being only an hour from the twin cities and a mile from the parking lot! I stayed there Thursday -Saturday, and after leaving the parking lot on Thursday did not see another human being for the rest of the day, and Friday not until I hit the main trails! There was no one else staying within at least a mile of me. I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip, too- it was absolutely magical!
This site has a great view of both sunrise and sunset. Thursday night there was a gorgeous sunset over the woods reflected in deer Creek. Both mornings I woke up to watch the sunrise while drinking my coffee next to the fire (it was freezing!!!). Watching the sun rise over the river and fog roll over th water and evaporate while eagles soared was truly magical. Having an easy backpack in site surrounded by water on two sides and with views of the sunrise and sunset like this was so incredible!!!
- HHeather V.Scout
Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
First time camping!
For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!
- CCaleb T.Scout
Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
Quite camping just out of town
Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy
Andy L.ScoutAnn Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
Nice, quiet, rustic
30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly. Most sites are fairly private and well spaced. Higher elevation sites for air tv reception. 2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites. Pay immediately or the camp host will nag you even if you have to walk to higher elevation to get signal. Very beautiful and lots of deer on the trails.
Guide to Andover
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Andover, MN?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Andover, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Andover, MN is Bunker Hills Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Andover, MN?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Andover, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Andover, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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