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 Coon Rapids, MN
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Elm Creek Horse Camp provides the only dedicated equestrian camping facilities near Coon Rapids. Located in the Elm Creek Park Reserve, the campground features corrals for horses adjacent to tent and RV sites. The camp accommodates both day riders and overnight guests with proper facilities for equine care. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. Basic amenities include vault toilets and trash collection, though no electric hookups are available. Campsite 2 offers a level ground area perfect for tent setup, situated near the park's archery range. Reservations cost $16 per night with an additional $7.50 reservation fee, making it an economical option for horse owners wanting to camp with their animals.
The extensive trail system at Elm Creek Park Reserve makes it particularly appealing for equestrians. Miles of designated bridle paths wind through varied terrain, offering excellent opportunities for trail riding. Crow Hassan Park Reserve, while not currently offering dedicated overnight horse camping, provides another excellent option for day riders with its extensive trail network along the Crow River. This park is highly regarded by local equestrians for its beautiful trails and varied terrain. The sandy prairie trails offer a bug-free riding experience compared to the wooded sections. In normal times, Crow Hassan's Riverbend group equestrian campground accommodates up to 10 horse trailers for approximately $70-80 per night and includes access to barn stalls and overhead horse hitch lines, though this facility may occasionally be repurposed for day-visitor parking.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Coon Rapids (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."
208 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $25 - $120 / night
3. 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
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. 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
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."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $109 - $120 / night
7. 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
8. 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."
8 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $22 - $80 / 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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $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😁"
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $88 / night
Drive Time
- 18 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 48 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 26 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 29 min from Rochester, MN
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Coon Rapids, MN
7 Photos of 13 Coon Rapids Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Coon Rapids, MN
219 Reviews of 13 Coon Rapids 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 Coon Rapids
Equestrian camping options near Coon Rapids extend beyond Elm Creek Horse Camp to several other facilities within 45 minutes of the city. Minnesota's northern suburbs feature a mix of sandy trails, wooded paths, and river access points ideal for riders. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more comfortable riding conditions with average temperatures between 55-70°F.
What to do
Trail riding at Crow Hassan Park Reserve: The extensive trail network features sandy prairie sections that provide a natural bug deterrent compared to wooded areas. "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," notes regular visitor Krista T. about Crow Hassan Park Reserve.
Swimming with horses: Lake Maria State Park offers trail access to several lakes where horses can cool off during summer rides. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way," writes Alison O. about her experience at Lake Maria State Park.
Archery practice: Located adjacent to campsite 2 at Elm Creek Horse Camp, the archery range provides a convenient activity when not riding. "Campsite 2 hits all the right notes: trails close by, fire ring ready, and enough space for a tent, a camp chair, and a dog who thinks every stick is a gift from heaven," according to Alison O. at Elm Creek Horse Camp.
What campers like
Private paddock access: Horse corrals at Elm Creek are situated directly adjacent to campsites, eliminating long walks between your horse and 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," shares Alison O.
Sandy trail composition: The soil composition at Baker Campground creates firm footing that drains well after rain. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground," reports ERolf P., highlighting the balanced atmosphere.
Overnight horse camping alternatives: When Elm Creek is full, Wild River State Park offers equestrian-friendly sites with river views. "This campground is massive! Our campsite was on the farthest loop and was very private! We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites!" explains Kate H. at Wild River State Park.
What you should know
Limited amenities at horse camps: Facilities at equestrian sites focus on horse care rather than camper comfort. Campsite 2 at Elm Creek features "a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire. The ground is mostly level—perfect for a tent and a sturdy dog bed."
Seasonal bug considerations: May through July brings peak mosquito and black fly activity. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon... First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos," warns Steph H. about Lake Maria State Park's summer conditions.
Reservation requirements: Elm Creek Horse Camp sites cost $16 per night plus a $7.50 reservation fee. "Still, Campsite 2 hits all the right notes: trails close by, fire ring ready, and enough space for a tent, a camp chair, and a dog who thinks every stick is a gift from heaven. Would we come back? Absolutely."
Tips for camping with families
Introduce children to horses: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers guided trail rides for families not bringing their own horses. "Something for everyone here! The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp," explains Arielle P.
Plan mixed-activity days: Combine riding with swimming and hiking to keep non-riders engaged. "Within the park is large water park and wave pool. There are many paved trails, and an activity center," notes Doug B. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Choose sites with playground proximity: Baker Campground offers play areas near campsites for easy entertainment. "Nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals," recommends Matt H. from Baker Campground.
Tips for RVers
Length restrictions for horse trailers: Most equestrian sites accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, but turning radius can be tight. At Sand Dunes State Forest, Andy L. warns: "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking."
Electric hookup availability: Not all equestrian sites offer power connections. "Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. Basic amenities include vault toilets and trash collection, though no electric hookups are available."
Trailer positioning strategy: At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, position trailers strategically for access to horse areas. "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," shares John H.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Coon Rapids, MN?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Coon Rapids, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Coon Rapids, 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
Coon Rapids, MN?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Coon Rapids, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Coon Rapids, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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