Shell City Equestrian Campground offers first-come, first-served tent and RV sites without hookups within Huntersville State Forest. The primitive campground features hitching posts, three-sided horse stables, and access to multiple trail systems through dense woodland terrain. Located approximately 30 miles north of Dent, Minnesota, the area sits at an elevation of around 1,400 feet with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55°F to 85°F, making it comfortable for trail riding during peak season.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Equestrian trails through Huntersville State Forest connect to the Shell City Landing area and provide varied terrain for riders. A visitor noted, "There were even horse trails to explore" at Shell City Equestrian Campground.
River access: The Shell City area provides multiple access points to the river for fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the scenery. As one camper described at Shell City Landing, "This campground is accessible from the road if you are driving and the river if you are canoeing... Two entrances are available. One is a dirt landing that you ease into and the other comes up to about 6 wooden stairs."
Fall colors viewing: The maple forests in northern Minnesota provide spectacular autumn displays. A visitor to Maplewood State Park Campground noted, "Lots of maple tree's red, orange colors in fall."
What campers like
Privacy at camping spots: Many equestrian camping areas offer secluded sites set back from main areas. At Shell City Equestrian Campground, one camper observed, "Around the perimeter are more picnic tables, fire rings and a scattering of horse pens set in the woods."
Scenic waterfront views: The campsites near river bends provide expansive views. A reviewer at Shell City Landing wrote, "The view of the river was my absolute favorite because it's at a bend in the river, so you can see both ways."
Winter access for seasonal activities: Some equestrian campgrounds remain open year-round. At Lake Carlos State Park Campground, a winter camper shared, "I stayed here with a few friends in the winter when the park was doing their lantern-lit snowshoe trail. They have 1 site (electric) available in the winter."
What you should know
Reservation system variations: While Shell City Equestrian Campground operates on first-come, first-served basis, other horse campgrounds in the region allow advance planning. One visitor at Beers Hike-In Site noted this site is reservable, though it's not specifically for horses.
Water availability: Most horse campgrounds provide drinking water for both people and animals. The Shell City site has "a water pump for drinking water that was very easy to pump," according to one visitor.
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camping areas can be challenging in adverse weather. A camper at Shell City Equestrian Camp explained, "The road is gravel/dirt and not a bad drive, but being unpaved, it's a bit bumpy. Be gentle when you drive. I visited in the winter, so I had snow on top of bumps and ruts and my all wheel drive was appreciated."
Tips for camping with families
Backpacking-friendly options: Some sites near horse campgrounds offer hike-in options suitable for family adventures. A visitor to Beers Hike-In Site shared, "Great backpacking site to take your family. Take the Maplewood church road into the site. There is enough room to park 1 (maybe 2) vehicles. The walk is an easy walk."
Beach access for swimming: For families combining horse camping with water activities, nearby parks offer swimming options. As noted about Lake Carlos State Park Campground, "Good lake, had a great swimming beach" and another visitor mentioned, "Large beach area for swimming and pylons to tie up boats."
Nature sounds for peaceful sleep: The forest setting provides natural white noise. A Shell City Landing visitor remarked, "Sits right on the river with a gorgeous view and wind in the trees" and "the wind in the trees is divine!"
Tips from RVers
Parking for horse trailers: The equestrian campground layout accommodates various sizes of trailers. A reviewer at Shell City Equestrian Campground described, "Just past these sites are hitching posts and more campsites around a large, open area that I assume would be for horse trailers and campers."
Camping options without horses: The horse campgrounds near Dent welcome non-equestrian campers as well. A visitor to Shell City Equestrian Campground noted, "Even if I didn't have a horse (and I don't), this would be a lovely place to drop a tent for the night."
Cost considerations: Horse campgrounds typically charge standard camping rates. Shell City Equestrian Campground costs "$16/night on the honor system at a drop box near the entrance," according to one visitor's experience.
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