Best Equestrian Camping near Carlos, MN

Lake Carlos State Park Campground offers equestrian sites with basic facilities for horse owners. The equestrian camping area features open sites with electric hookups available at most spaces, though riders note limited shade for horses at certain sites like H3. Vault toilets serve the equestrian camping area, with sites positioned along the main loop for easy access with horse trailers. Campers can reserve site H3 and other spaces through the Minnesota State Park reservation system, with electric and non-electric options available. Trail riding opportunities connect directly from the campground.

Extensive trail networks throughout Lake Carlos State Park accommodate both riders and horses with multiple difficulty levels. The park maintains designated bridle paths that connect to the equestrian campground, allowing riders to access trails without trailering horses between riding sessions. Mountain biking is permitted on many of the same trails, requiring riders to maintain awareness of other trail users. Walter E Stark Horse Campground in Pillsbury State Forest provides an alternative equestrian camping option within driving distance, offering primitive campsites with picnic tables and vault toilets. Sites in the equestrian section remain very open with minimal privacy between camping areas, though the campground provides good access to the trail system.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Carlos, Minnesota (10)

    1. Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Carlos, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 852-7200

    "I am from a suburb of Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota and we wanted to go camping with my in-laws who have horses."

    "The lower campground has electric sites and is situated along Lake Carlos but there is little privacy between sites (126 and 127)."

    2. Glacial Lakes State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Starbuck, MN
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 239-2860

    "Despite it being a slightly shorter drive than the trip to Duluth from my house, it felt like eternity in comparison. It also felt very very unlike the Minnesota that I’m familiar with. "

    "The trails in the park have nice rolling hills and offer a unique type of beauty. The campground is small, but offers some electric sites as well as some primitive sites."

    3. Maplewood State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Erhard, MN
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 863-8383

    "Several rangers directed us here so we stopped in before we left Minnesota. The ranger was very helpful and set us up with a quiet campsite."

    "We had electric hook up, fill with water near the dump station. Our site was big and private on Grass lake facing west so we saw great sunsets sitting in our site."

    4. Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

    20 Reviews
    New London, MN
    47 miles
    Website

    "Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open."

    "Sibley State Park isn't the most amazing park in Minnesota, however it's still a very nice little campground!"

    5. Pomme De Terre Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chokio, MN
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 208-6500

    "Bathhouse, walking trails, fishing and beautiful lake views. Some sites are a little difficult to get into but not impossible."

    6. El Rancho Manana

    3 Reviews
    Richmond, MN
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 597-2740

    "You can spend extra money to go horseback riding on trails. The sites are very close together not much privacy."

    7. Equestrian Campground — Sibley State Park

    2 Reviews
    New London, MN
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 347-7810

    $25 / night

    "We thoroughly enjoyed the hiking trails here. Plenty of space to socially distance. Equestrian camping area is nice and plenty of horse trails too."

    8. Beers Hike-In Site

    1 Review
    Erhard, MN
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 863-8383

    $22 / night

    "The walk is an easy walk. There is a nice fire pit and good area for fishing right at the site. Also there is a picnic table and a vault toilet. Surprisingly there was toilet paper there!"

    9. Walter E Stark Horse Campground - Pillsbury State Forest

    1 Review
    Baxter, MN
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 825-3075

    "It is very sufficient for what you need if you are staying with your horses. It is a primitive campground with running water out of spigots and vault toilets."

    10. Twisted Willow Farmstay

    Be the first to review!
    Fort Ripley, MN
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 230-0457

    $30 - $60 / night

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Carlos, MN

98 Reviews of 10 Carlos Campgrounds


  • Allison  K.
    Jul. 11, 2019

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Beautiful but a bit crowded

    I am from a suburb of Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota and we wanted to go camping with my in-laws who have horses. We needed a park that was close and had equestrian camping so we decided to go to Lake Carlos State Park.

    Lake Carlos State Park is roughly 2.5hours from the Twin Cities and is a beautiful getaway for a weekend trip. You can leave after work on a Friday and still have time to make it to the park, set up and still be able to cook dinner and enjoy a s’more or two.

    We booked site H3 in the equestrian campground which was a VERY open site right off the main loop in the equestrian campground. It was very sunny and barely any shade for the horses. The site were in was electric and there were only three non-electric sites in the equestrian campground. The other sites were awesome for shade but were still super open to everyone.

    There were great trails for hiking and horseback riding. They also allowed mountain biking on the trails.

    The staff at the office were super friendly and they talked to us for about 15 minutes. Their store in the office was pretty great and they had everything from toys for the kids to s’mores stuff and stickers specific to the park. The firewood was pretty fast burning and cost 6$ a bundle so it was pretty spendy since we cook only over the fire.

    The main campground was VERY busy and jammed packed. The sites were too close together and open for my comfort.

    The beach was very dirty and there were army worms everywhere crawling on everything.

    We took a little bike ride to the group camp which was an amazing area with a very nice shelter with electric.

    All in all, this is a good park to go to if you are looking for a park close to the twin cities metro area.

  • Stephanie B.
    Jun. 14, 2020

    Equestrian Campground — Sibley State Park

    Mt Tom and new beach area

    We thoroughly enjoyed the hiking trails here. Plenty of space to socially distance. Equestrian camping area is nice and plenty of horse trails too. The biggest hit for me was the newly remodeled beach area on Lake Andrew. Plenty of space and a nice “fishing” pier to hang out at. They rent kayaks there too!!

  • Will H.
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    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.

  • Makayla B.
    Oct. 1, 2020

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    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.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

    Forest meets prairie

    This state park uniquely showcases an ecologic transition zone between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie. There are also local history connections. As a bird watcher, I was very excited to see birds here that I dont usually see at home in northern Minnesota, and to learn a bit more about glaciation in this area and about prairie and savannah habitats. The park has self guided hikes, educational nature programs, and learning kits for birding and more that you can check out at the ranger station. The lakeshore is pretty, and the lakeside campground is green and leafy with mature trees but the campsites are very close together, and the beachfront and bath house are currently closed for renovation which puts a damper on waterfront activities. Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open. The park’s camper cabins are located here and are in a very pretty setting tucked into a little hill, though a bit of a walk to the bathrooms and showerhouse. At both campgrounds there are nice ADA sites which are level, spacious and accessible, and also close to the bathrooms. I was at a conference in nearby Willmar, and this park is a good alternative for lodging if you need to be in the area. If you are really into learning more about prairies and local glacial geology, the nearby Prairie Environmental Learning Center is fantastic to visit, and lots of prairie pothole WMAs are also closeby for waterfowl watching

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2018

    Maplewood State Park Campground

    Spread out over a large area, a horse and fishing spot.

    Several rangers directed us here so we stopped in before we left Minnesota. The ranger was very helpful and set us up with a quiet campsite. The drive in was a few miles but it gave a view of the variety of ecosystems in the park. 

    Site 33 is by itself on the access road to a small non-electric loop. This meant no distraction for my dog and let the bird song entertain us. There is a very long walk to a restroom but water is close by. The site is large and has enough room for two cars. This is a great site as long as you don’t mind the walk. 

    We tried out hiking along one of the trails. The grass was long and we quickly found ticks crawling up our leg. More trimming of the trails would make hiking more pleasant. There are trails for horses and mountain bikes. Another draw is the lake. Bring your boat or rent one. There is even a place to clean your catch. 

    The sites in the main loop have little privacy. That, coupled with the hiking trails, made this a not so high recommendation. It would go over higher with fishermen.

  • B M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2020

    Maplewood State Park Campground

    Amazing park Big Waterview Site one of my favorites

    We stayed 7 nights really wish we had booked a few weeks. Our site was #16. We had electric hook up, fill with water near the dump station. Our site was big and private on Grass lake facing west so we saw great sunsets sitting in our site. Our bump out was facing the water when we backed in so sitting at the dinette in the camper we had a great view of the lake. Our table & fire pit were behind the camper with a great view of the water & sunset. The small birds were amazing, the sound of the Loons and an occasional muskrat will swim by.  Every morning we had a Chipmunk warm itself up on a tree behind the camper when the sun hit that spot. The big Maple trees everywhere is nice very lush campground. When the sun set we kicked up a bonfire and took it all in. 

    There are several docks on grass lake and a big dock on Beers lake you can fish from. We launched the Kayak at the boat ramp on Beers lake it's a nice ramp and not busy. We didn't get on Lake Lida it's much bigger and lots of go fast boats we prefer no wake. The bigger fish are on Lida.

    There are 8 lakes in the park which 3 or 4 have easy water access to launch a canoe or Kayak. Each lake has different fish in it. Our favorite was Beers lake it had some calm coves in it, we caught some Crappies, pan fish & Bass on this lake. They say it also has Walleye and Northern Pike. Lots of beavers & muskrats swimming interesting to watch. There is a hike or boat in site on Beers lake it's nice. 

    Grass lake has Pan fish, crappie, Northern Pike & more it's a smaller lake. Bass lake has trout, imagine that!

    There is a 5 mile drive in the parks around some lakes that was nice we saw Swans with babies, Loons, and beavers. We loved this park. There are so many trails and so much to do.

    There is a fish cleaning station, restrooms, boat ramps, canoe rentals, a swim beach and picnic area tat Lake Lida just a great place. We will go back & spend a few weeks next time were from Florida so it's a ways to go but will do it again. 

    The ranger that would drive through in the evenings was very knowledgeable about the wildlife, the area & 2 other parks he works at.  Someone had 2 campers in one site he told them it wasn't allowed (I think we all know that) he made one book a spot & move. It was the only noise we heard was their dogs in that site when no one was there they barked the entire time. Glad he made the one camper move it got quiet again. We did have some people try to walk through our site we asked them not to. They had to walk between the camper & the truck I would think it was common sense. 

    There is an Equestrian campground there and trails around the lakes to ride your horses on, a few water access spots for them to wet their hoofs. 

    There is a town close by Pelican Rapids, the drive there is nice and it's a small town but a nice grocery store (Larry's), Liquor store, a drug store a few gift shops & good ice cream. 

    I'm so happy we found this campground we will return.

  • Joanna B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2020

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Beautiful camper cabin

    Leap Day 2/29/20-3/1/20 Frog Pond

    We headed to Lake Carlos for their candlelight ski, this was our first visit to this state park. Tent camping wasn’t available and we were able to reserve a camper cabin - Frog Pond. It was a nice change and a warmer option, the cabin is gorgeous! Frog Pond sleeps 6 with heat and electricity. There are 4 cabins that share 2 vault toilets.

    It was a beautiful 38 degree Leap Day and we took advantage of it. They offer a large number of ski trails so we xcountry skied before dark. The trails were icy, but still enjoyable. At dark we headed to the candlelight event. It was very busy and a huge turnout. We hiked 1.2 miles and then snowshoed 2.4 miles. There are ponds and bogs that they create snowshoe trails on, so there are even more trails to explore in the winter. It was a beautiful night and we enjoyed the wooded trails and starry skies. We had a fire and enjoyed a normal outdoor cookout before bed.

    We did more skiing on Sunday and checked out the 2 campgrounds as they were on the ski route. One campground is on Lake Carlos and very open. Sites have beautiful lake views. You can apparently drive your boat right into a sandy shore and dock it. They also have a swimming beach. The other campground is a bit more wooded and more suited for tents. This campground is near the camper cabins. The trails are very wooded and pretty. We enjoyed skiing the hiking club trail and ended up hitting almost every trail in our stay. I assume this park would be equally beautiful in the summer. What a beautiful state park!

  • Krista T.
    Jun. 9, 2020

    Glacial Lakes State Park Campground

    A unique MN state park

    Glacial Lakes is approximately two hours from my home, which makes it an ideal campground to make an impulse day trip if the weather is right. If you are coming from the Twin Cities you pass through a lot of countryside with the occasional house or small town. Despite it being a slightly shorter drive than the trip to Duluth from my house, it felt like eternity in comparison. It also felt very very unlike the Minnesota that I’m familiar with. 

    It was a relief to get Lake Minnewaska, which is enormous and the little lake community gives you something to gape at. It also means that you are almost there- thank goodness. Glacial Lakes is relatively unknown considering its proximity to the twin cities, and the scale of its facilities definitely reflect that. 

    The entrance station was closed when we were there, but it looked nice and it is on the newer side. The parking area at the end of the road is not expansive, so come early if you are doing a day trip on amazingly nice days. I didn’t see the the group campsite or the Lower Campground(or the cabins that are in it) because the road was closed off to it, so I can’t speak on the quality of those campsites, but I’m assuming that they are nice because there is actually a restroom/shower building there. 

    I would not camp at the Oak Ridge Campground. The sites were rarely level and generally on top of each other with minimal privacy. There are also a handful of hike-in sites. Kettle Lake hike-in campsite is the iconic image of camping at this park thanks to the two little lakes that butt up right next to each other right at your campsite. I also wouldn’t camp here because there is no shade and I would cart-in, but NOT hike-in to a shadeless campsite. 

    Reviews of this park also mention a lot of ticks, so keep that in mind. There is also horse camping! Minimal shade here too, but there were some young trees. The road to the horse camping is NOT wide enough for two vehicles to pass, so if you are coming here with your equine friends cross your fingers that you don’t encounter anyone on that road. 

    We visited for the very first time on a nice day in March. The main parking area is in a wooded area, so you have to hike through quite a bit of hilly woods to get to the prairie section. This meant that there were a few treacherous icy and/or muddy spots despite the surrounding areas being snow-free. It also meant wading over a boardwalk that was covered in water that got higher on our way back from all the melting ice. 

    The prairie part was definitely beautiful and I will definitely visit again when the spring flowers are in bloom or on a nice fall day when the grass changes color. I don’t think it will be a park that I frequent often though, mostly because of the never-ending drive. We did the High Peak Trail, which was a nice point with a strong wind that almost ripped my beanie off the day that we visited.


Guide to Carlos

Horse camping in Minnesota offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample facilities for your horses

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Carlos, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Carlos, MN is Lake Carlos State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Carlos, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.