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 Anoka, MN
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Elm Creek Horse Camp provides designated horse camping facilities in Dayton, Minnesota. The campground features horse corrals, making it suitable for equestrians traveling with their animals. Campsites accommodate both tents and RVs, with amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, trash disposal, and toilets. Campsite 2 sits near the archery range and offers level ground with good access to trails. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings, and firewood is available on-site. The campground maintains a reservation system with a $16 nightly fee plus a $7.50 reservation fee. While the sites offer adequate space for camping equipment and horses, there is limited privacy between individual campsites. The park enforces alcohol rules that permit responsible consumption while camping.
The extensive trail system at Elm Creek connects directly to the horse camp, offering varied terrain for riders including shaded stretches and open areas. Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control, especially around horses. The campground primarily serves equestrians, so non-horse campers should expect to encounter mounted riders throughout the park. Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers another horse-friendly camping option in the region with its Riverbend group equestrian campground. This site provides overhead horse hitch lines and barn stalls for $70-$80 per night, accommodating approximately 10 horse trailers. The road into this group site only allows one vehicle at a time, requiring careful navigation when entering or exiting. The mature trees at Crow Hassan make ideal locations for setting up hammocks between rides, and the park's sandy prairie trails offer relief from insects that are more prevalent in wooded sections.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Anoka (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. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
Drive Time
- 22 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 44 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 24 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 34 min from Rochester, MN
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Anoka, MN
7 Photos of 13 Anoka Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Anoka, MN
219 Reviews of 13 Anoka 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 Anoka
Equestrian camping opportunities near Anoka, Minnesota include several well-maintained facilities within a 30-minute drive. The area sits at approximately 880 feet above sea level in the northern reaches of the Mississippi River watershed, creating a terrain with sandy soils and a mix of prairie and wooded landscapes. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during camping season, with higher humidity in July and August.
What to Do
Tubing adventures: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River offers tubing excursions with sandy river bottoms. "The river is very clean and sandy bottom. Great tubing and canoeing," notes Rory T.
Trail riding: Crow Hassan Park Reserve features extensive sandy prairie trails that reduce insect pressure. "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and her favorite trail too. The best place to be bug-free happens to be the sandy prairie trails," explains Krista T.
Archery practice: Bunker Hills Regional Park maintains designated archery ranges for campers. "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, several playgrounds, archery, an event center, frisbee golf, and yes a campground," writes Krista T.
Stargazing: Wild River State Park Campground provides a dedicated star viewing area away from city lights. "The star gazing area was great!" says Katherine T.
What Campers Like
Private campsites: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers secluded hike-in sites approximately a half-mile from parking areas. "Site B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples," reports Alison O.
Large camping areas: Baker Campground features spacious sites that work well for group camping. "The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," explains Bryan S.
Clean facilities: Ann Lake campground in Sand Dunes State Forest maintains accessible amenities. "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," shares Andy L.
Swimming options: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers a unique swimming facility. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," notes Timothy S.
What You Should Know
Site selection considerations: Ann Lake campsites have varying degrees of privacy and natural features. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy," cautions Kari P.
Reservation requirements: Most horse camping facilities require advance booking, with group sites running approximately $70-80 per night.
Insect conditions: Bug pressure varies significantly by location and season. "I knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," describes Steph H. about summer conditions at Lake Maria.
Trail restrictions: Some trail systems have usage limitations. "Also important to note- bikes are NOT allowed on the trails," mentions Krista T. about Crow Hassan Park Reserve.
Tips for Camping with Families
Plan for wildlife encounters: Wild River State Park provides excellent opportunities for animal sightings. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," shares Kate H.
Pack for varying weather: Summer temperatures can fluctuate significantly, especially near water. "The temperature was COLD the first night, but perfect the rest of the week," notes Kenan R. about conditions at Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Consider walk-in sites: Lake Maria State Park offers family-friendly hike-in options. "The fun thing about this state park is that all the sites are hike in. No drive up camping. It has a couple camper cabins as well. But everyone is spread out along a few trails so it's a little quieter than your typical campground," explains Steph H.
Locate water sources: Many campgrounds have limited water access points. "There is water available at the entrance off of Park drive, not sure about the other locations," advises Krista T.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Some horse camping areas have narrow access roads. "The road into this group site only is wide enough for one vehicle at a time, so far I've been lucky to not encounter another vehicle as I'm entering or leaving," warns Krista T. about Crow Hassan.
Power considerations: Watch for electrical limitations during peak usage periods. "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off. It was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max," explains David G.
Bring leveling equipment: Terrain varies significantly across sites. "Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly. Higher elevation sites for air tv reception," notes Andy L. about Ann Lake campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Anoka, MN?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Anoka, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Anoka, 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
Anoka, MN?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Anoka, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Anoka, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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