Equestrian camping options near Brooklyn Park, Minnesota provide access to over 20 miles of mixed-terrain riding trails. Located in Hennepin County with an average elevation of 869 feet, this area experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 83°F in July and August. Most horse campgrounds operate from April through October with limited winter availability.
What to Do
Trail riding through oak savannas: Baker Park Reserve offers 6+ miles of biking trails that connect to larger networks. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground. There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking," notes ERolf P.
Explore forest trails: The pine-filled trails at Lake Maria State Park provide varied terrain for day hikes. "Site B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples... It's close enough to Lake Maria's best hiking trails and just a short walk to the lake itself," shares one visitor.
Swimming and water activities: Several parks maintain dedicated swimming areas for cooling off after trail rides. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," says Tiffany W. about Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, which also features fishing docks near the main beach area.
What Campers Like
Secluded backcountry sites: Lake Maria State Park offers hike-in sites that provide genuine seclusion. "The hike itself is rather hilly, and the site is about a quarter mile off of the main path. You could see the occasional car from the site, which is surrounded by a small pond. You could hear voices, but not see anyone," notes Brian C.
Proximity to Twin Cities: Most equestrian campgrounds sit within 30-45 minutes of metropolitan areas. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great," shares Bryan S. about Baker Campground.
Access to varied terrain: Sandy prairie trails provide better insect conditions than wooded sections. "The best place to be bug-free happens to be the sandy prairie trails, the wooded areas are nice but you may want to hustle out of there if you don't have enough bug protection," notes a camper at Ann Lake.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, especially for group sites. "Weeknights are $70 and weekends/holidays are $85. This seems like a huge steal considering how many people these sites can accommodate," explains a reviewer about Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
Bug preparation essential: Minnesota's horse trails can have significant insect activity, particularly in wooded areas. "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," cautions a summer visitor to Lake Maria State Park.
Trail restrictions: Some park systems maintain separate trails for different activities. "Also important to note- bikes are NOT allowed on the trails," confirms a visitor to Crow Hassan, ensuring safer passage for horses and riders.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers multiple play areas for children. "There is a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved," notes Arielle P.
Group site advantages: Some parks offer specialized group sites for family gatherings. "We went with a group of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax. The sites are fairly large, but very open," shares Jennifer H.
Water activities for kids: Many parks maintain chlorinated swimming ponds. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," reports Timothy S. about Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: Ann Lake Campground offers varied sites for different preferences. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth," advises Kari P. The campground accommodates 30' class C motorhomes despite some overhanging branches on access roads.
Electric hookups: Most horse campgrounds provide 30-amp service at designated sites. "Sites that I loved: 3, 8, 10... My reservation for a rustic site wound up being $30 for one night," recommends a visitor to Ann Lake, noting that electricity availability varies by site location.
Road width considerations: Several equestrian campgrounds have narrow access roads. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," reports Andy L., highlighting the need to approach with caution in larger vehicles.
