Equestrian camping opportunities near Cass Lake, Minnesota extend beyond the primary horse camps. The Chippewa National Forest and surrounding state forests contain several equestrian-friendly facilities within a 40-mile radius of Cass Lake. These facilities typically operate seasonally from May through September, with some remaining open year-round for winter trail access when conditions permit.
What to do
Explore forest trails: Webster Lake Campground offers access to a 3.5-mile hiking trail circling the lake. "I did try the trail that goes around the lake, it's about 3.5 miles long. It goes through the forest mainly, not a very exciting trail, very easy. There is a place where you can walk on the bog and sit down on a bench for a nice view," notes camper SmallRVLifestyle V.
Wildlife observation: The wetlands and bogs surrounding Webster Lake Campground provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "The lake is pretty and the fishing isn't bad, the lakeside campsites are fairly nice, and there are interesting trails into the bogs around the lake. Supposedly it is most busy during fall hunting season, so for a quiet camping experience and wildlife watching it is probably best to come in mid to late summer," explains Janet R.
Canoe access camping: Shell City Landing accommodates paddlers with convenient river access. "This campground is accessible from the road if you are driving and the river if you are canoeing. If you came off the river, it's a very easy 'in' from the water. Two entrances are available. One is a dirt landing that you ease into and the other comes up to about 6 wooden stairs, but nothing hard about it at all," reports Amy G.
What campers like
Off-grid seclusion: Many equestrian camps provide a quiet retreat away from crowds. "I arrived here on a Friday afternoon end of July, which should have been peak camping season, and the campground was half empty. It's a bit off the beaten path, the lake is not huge, and the campsites are simple so maybe the campground is not on many people's radar," shares Janet R. about Webster Lake.
Riverside locations: The Shell City facilities offer scenic water views. "Shell City Campground sits right on the river with a gorgeous view and wind in the trees. The view of the river was my absolute favorite because it's at a bend in the river, so you can see both ways," notes Amy G.
Horse-specific amenities: Shell City Equestrian Campground provides specialized horse facilities. "Around the perimeter are more picnic tables, fire rings and a scattering of horse pens set in the woods. Very quaint! There was even a three stall covered horse stable (three sided). The campground also had a pit toilet and water pump for horses and people," describes Amy G.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Early summer presents challenges at some sites. "Early summer is also probably not the best time as the surrounding bogs are probably great mosquito breeding grounds," warns Janet R. about Webster Lake Campground.
Cell service varies: Connectivity can be surprisingly good at some remote sites. "I had a strong AT&T signal, enough to run Netflix and do online surfing," reports SmallRVLifestyle V. about Webster Lake.
Payment systems: Most horse camps operate on self-service payment systems. At Shell City Equestrian Campground, "Cost for this spot was $16/night on the honor system at a drop box near the entrance," notes Amy G.
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Some equestrian facilities offer group camping. "Tents are $14 (or you can put a camper on the site for the same price, but no hookups), or you can rent it as a 'group site' for $28 (20 people max)," explains Amy G. about Shell City Landing.
Youth group facilities: The area accommodates organized youth activities. Webster Lake Campground provides "a campground by a lake with a hiking trail, pit toilettes, and boat launch. People come here off-roading, fishing, boating, and hunting," according to SmallRVLifestyle V.
Mosquito preparation: Bug protection is essential for comfortable experiences. "So many mosquitos though, you better spray yourself before going on the hike. I forgot and bugs were chasing me. I couldn't stop at all, I was rushing through the trail," warns SmallRVLifestyle V.
Tips from RVers
Trailer access: While most horse camps accommodate trailers, road conditions vary. Shell City Landing access requires caution: "Making your way there in any season without snow is certainly going to be easier, but even if there is a little snow, you'll be fine as long as you have all wheel drive," advises Amy G.
Site selection: Many campgrounds have limited sites but low occupancy rates. "I got a really nice, large spot on the lake. It's a primitive campground, with no any sort of electricity or even garbage service. First come first serve, there is an envelope stand at the entrance," shares SmallRVLifestyle V. about Webster Lake.
Utility limitations: Horse campgrounds near Cass Lake typically lack hookups. "There are no hookups here," notes Amy G. about Shell City Equestrian Campground, making these locations most suitable for self-contained units or tent camping with horses.
