Side Lake Campground at McCarthy Beach State Park accommodates horses on a first-come, first-served basis with standard policies for equine visitors. Located 60 miles north of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, this campground features drive-in campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs. Pets are allowed throughout the facility, making it suitable for visitors traveling with horses. The campground offers drinking water via hand pumps, picnic tables at each site, and restroom facilities with showers. Electric hookups are available for RV campers who need to maintain equipment for horse care. All campsites are back-in style, generally level, though a few are situated on an angle. The campground's water access allows visitors to easily reach either Sturgeon Lake or Side Lake.
The campground's trails are accessible directly from the camping area, providing riding opportunities through the surrounding pine forest. Reservations are recommended for this popular equestrian destination, especially during summer months when the campground experiences higher visitation. Button Box Lake Campground, located about 35 miles from the nearest amenities in Nashwauk, offers a more remote alternative for equestrians seeking a primitive camping experience. This campground has no cell service, creating an opportunity to fully disconnect while camping with horses. Trail riders can enjoy the lakeside path at McCarthy Beach State Park, which offers scenic views and moderate terrain suitable for horses of varying experience levels. The fall season provides less crowded conditions and beautiful forest colors for trail riding excursions.
"Nothing says Minnesota like the call of the Loon and that’s what greeted me upon arrival at my site! This site is lovely—water and easy to access to water sports on either Sturgeon or Side Lake."
"Located just outside Hibbing and Chisholm, this campground is on Side Lake and Sturgeon Lake. If it is too windy on one lake, just walk across to the other one."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $34 / night
"Located north of Grand Rapids Minnesota about 60 miles or 35 miles from Nashwauk Minnesota which is the closest gas station, grocery store or post office."
from $14 - $50 / night
TravelerMost people know about the sugar sand beaches on both lakes, but the real treasures are the hiking trails! The campsites are generous. Some are tricky for bigger rigs. Plenty of vegetation between sites compared to most campgrounds. Lots t o see and do! Paddle boards, kayaks, boats, swimming, fishing piers…a local shop for necessities…within walking distance. The scenery is lovely.
GuideI personally liked the Campground, close to the lake and clean bathrooms.
ScoutNothing says Minnesota like the call of the Loon and that’s what greeted me upon arrival at my site! This site is lovely—water and easy to access to water sports on either Sturgeon or Side Lake. Some road noise but not too bad. I am imagine it’s much more hectic in the summer with the big beach across the road. Great for kids! Easy trails for walking and dog friendly. Can be buggy but that’s MN. For more rustic, head further up to Beatrice Lake Campground.
ScoutBeautiful spot, close to great mountian biking. great time of year
ScoutFirst off, and most appealing to me is the fact that there is no cell service. All 12 campsites are first come first serve and you can’t jump a line by going on a website to reserve a spot.  there are no water or electric hook ups but there are hand pumps for pumping water and you could bring a generator or not.
Located north of Grand Rapids Minnesota about 60 miles or 35 miles from Nashwauk Minnesota which is the closest gas station, grocery store or post office. All the sites are back in no pull through sites, generally level however there’s a few that are on an angle
GuideThe site was lovely! I stayed at #48 and it was nice and level. The only bummer was that the camp office was closed when I arrived at 5pm so I couldn’t buy firewood.
The lakeside trail was very pretty!
GuideWe camped here in the fall and were the only people in the campground. The office staff was very nice and we really enjoyed the fall colors in the park. We didn't use the shower/bathroom facilities, but the outhouse worked just fine for our needs.
TravelerWe were right on side lake. Nice beach at McCarthy. Good fishing.
Guidethe sand was so nice and the area was very well kept up! so many tables and spots to sit. They had 4 trails we didn’t get to go on but were well marked and the staff was very nice! I can’t wait to go back!
McCarthy Beach State Park offers equestrian accommodations for visitors with horses seeking trail riding opportunities in northern Minnesota. The park contains several options for trail riders looking to explore the forested terrain around Side Lake and Sturgeon Lake. Equestrian camping in this area provides access to both lakeside and forest trail systems suitable for riders of various skill levels.
Wildlife observation trails: At McCarthy Beach State Park, riders can take advantage of the forested trails while keeping an eye out for local wildlife. "We really appreciated the new restroom facilities... Trails can be reached from the campground but the hike to the trails would be a hike in itself for some. Trail heads seemed remote compared to other parks," notes Camp S. from Side Lake Campground.
Lakeside riding: The park features scenic lakeside paths with moderate terrain accessible from the campground areas. "The lakeside trail was very pretty!" reports Lindsay N. about her experience at McCarthy Beach State Park. Riders can enjoy water views while exercising their horses.
Northern lights viewing: For evening activities after trail riding, the area offers exceptional night sky viewing. Christina W. describes it as "the best place that I have seen the northern lights" at McCarthy Beach State Park. Evening rides during fall and spring seasons may coincide with aurora displays.
Dual lake access: Equestrians appreciate the proximity to both Side Lake and Sturgeon Lake for watering horses and enjoying lakeside views. "Located just outside Hibbing and Chisholm, this campground is on Side Lake and Sturgeon Lake. If it is too windy on one lake, just walk across to the other one," explains Christina W. from McCarthy Beach State Park.
Secluded camping options: Some sites offer more privacy than others. "The non electric sites were much more private. All sites had nice shady trees. It's a very forested park," mentions Camp S. This provides equestrians with options based on their horse handling preferences.
Natural soundscape: The natural environment creates a peaceful backdrop for horse camping. "Love listening to the loons at night and enjoying a campfire among the tall trees of the campground," states Christina W. about the McCarthy Beach experience. Christine T. adds, "Nothing says Minnesota like the call of the Loon and that's what greeted me upon arrival at my site!"
Seasonal considerations: Fall offers less crowded conditions with added scenic benefits. "We camped here in the fall and were the only people in the campground. The office staff was very nice and we really enjoyed the fall colors in the park," reports Jen A. from Side Lake Campground.
Water access logistics: Horse owners should note specific water access points. "We had easy water access for our kayak off the campground loop. And it was easy enough to carry the kayak across to the other lake to explore out there," explains Camp S., which indicates trail access between water bodies.
Remote location awareness: Button Box Lake Campground provides an alternative with greater seclusion but requires more logistical planning. Jim F. notes it's "Located north of Grand Rapids Minnesota about 60 miles or 35 miles from Nashwauk Minnesota which is the closest gas station, grocery store or post office."
Beach facilities: The beach area offers family-friendly amenities that complement equestrian activities. "The beach is amazing with crystal clear water, shallow depths for kids and family swimming, great picnic spots all along the expansive shoreline, new beautiful bath house, and overall terrific accessibility for folks of all kinds," details Janet R. from McCarthy Beach State Park.
Group camping option: For large family gatherings with multiple horses, consider the group site. "The group campsite is beautiful. We have been Camping there now for over 10 years and it is still one of our favorite spots," Christina W. recommends.
Insect preparation: Bring appropriate protection against seasonal insects. Christine T. advises, "Can be buggy but that's MN," indicating mosquito protection is necessary when camping with horses in this region.
Site selection considerations: RV campers with horse trailers should research specific sites for level terrain. Jim F. from Button Box Lake Campground notes, "All the sites are back in no pull through sites, generally level however there's a few that are on an angle."
Connectivity limitations: Plan for limited connectivity when bringing horses to more remote campgrounds. "First off, and most appealing to me is the fact that there is no cell service," says Jim F. about Button Box Lake, highlighting the importance of advance trip planning.
Water supply arrangements: RV campers should note the available water sources for both human and equine needs. "There are no water or electric hook ups but there are hand pumps for pumping water," explains Jim F., indicating manual water access is available but requires physical effort to collect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Crane Lake, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Crane Lake, MN is Side Lake Campground — McCarthy Beach State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.
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