Equestrian camping near Fort Ripley, Minnesota offers access to more than 200 miles of riding trails through diverse forests and lake-dotted landscapes. Located in central Minnesota with an average elevation of 1,250 feet, the area experiences warm summers with highs in the 80s and cold winters with lows frequently below zero. Black flies can be problematic during summer months, particularly along wooded trail sections.
What to do
Trail riding at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park: The equestrian campground connects to a network of trails with multiple loop options. "We stayed in one of the walk-in sites. It was great, not too too buggy. Mostly quiet. Hiking trails in the park are wonderful and there's a lot of history to discover within the park," notes Ashley H.
Swimming at Crow Wing State Park: The Mississippi River provides water activities during summer months. "Beautifully located on the Mississippi River. Clean restrooms and showers. Friendly people and big fires. Nice hiking trail follows the river," shares Eric N. The park also features the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail which passes through, offering 120 miles of biking options.
Horseback riding at El Rancho Manana: This Richmond-based campground offers on-site riding opportunities. "On site horseback riding was great. Unfortunately, during COVID, the bar was not available. Can't wait to stay during one of the music events," says Jesse H. El Rancho Manana organizes different weekend activities throughout the camping season.
What campers like
Proximity to Cuyuna area for paddling: Crow Wing State Park serves as a convenient base camp. "I was looking to take a solo camping trip for the weekend and paddleboard on the Cuyuna Mine Lakes. The park was a 20-30 minute drive from the Cuyuna Mines area, so I was able to easily drive over Saturday morning and spend the day paddleboarding," reports Sarah D.
Historic attractions: The history of the region adds educational value to camping trips. "Crow Wing town site interesting. Sites pretty close together," notes Big Craig. Multiple parks in the area feature historical markers and preserved sites from early Minnesota settlements.
Winter camping options: Several parks maintain limited winter operations. "This is one campground in Minnesota that offers a handful of electric hookups for winter camping. The vault toilet is not easy to find from where the electric openings are in the winter. While these spaces are right next door to a shower house with toilets, this is closed in the winter," explains Amy G. about Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.
What you should know
Mosquito and black fly conditions: Insect protection is essential during summer months. "We were really excited about our luck finding a practically empty state park in July for a Thursday impromptu camping trip. Before we even stopped the car the deer flies were pelting the windows. Hundreds. I wish I was exaggerating," reports Emily G. about Father Hennepin State Park.
Campsite spacing varies significantly: Site privacy differs between campgrounds and within the same park. "Smaller sites and a little privacy in the lake campground. The ones next to the waters edge have a nice view and are more completely in the shade. The inner sites have more sun," notes Scott M. about Father Hennepin State Park.
Horse-friendly facilities: Not all equestrian sites provide shade coverage. At Walter E Stark Horse Campground, Scott M. observed: "The hitching posts were mostly in the shade but not all were. It is separated in two different parts but for the most part you can find shade unless this gets completely full."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some parks offer dedicated play areas for children. "There is a nice big sandbox for the kids that has sand toys to play with," Nicole P. mentions about Lake Carlos State Park. The park also features a swimming beach and numerous trails for family activities.
Plan for wildlife encounters: Bears have been spotted in some campgrounds. "We loved this camp site. Very clean. The only downside depending on your view are the bears. There was a black bear in our camp 15 minutes after we went to sleep. Then the 2nd a little guy was hanging around our site all day," reports Daniel R. from Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.
Evening activities: Sunset viewings and night hikes provide memorable family experiences. "Love doing a sunset hike, this trail is just over two miles, all along the river, with pretty much continual sunset views if you take the trail East to West. It's a loop, which is always preferred I think," shares HollyRose M. about Crow Wing State Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Electric sites are limited during winter. "This is one campground in Minnesota that offers a handful of electric hookups for winter camping. The beauty of this campground, is that while the campsites available are in a row, there's plenty of space between sites and some of them are even pulled through," notes Amy G. about Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites strategically to minimize noise. "We are camping/glamping in a 30' fifth wheel. The sites here are spacious and cozy at the same time. Feels like we are deep in the forest but civilization is close enough for WiFi!" reports Michele about Lake Carlos State Park.
Booking windows and cancellation policies: Minnesota state parks have specific reservation requirements. "In Minnesota, reservations are required. We've found that if you make them in advance, and then decide to cancel the day of the reservation, there are cancellation fees and first night fees. If, however, you decide to take your chances and book it the 'day of', there are no online reservation fees," advises Amy G.
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