Equestrian camping near Fridley, Minnesota offers multiple trail systems spanning prairie and forested terrain. The area maintains dedicated horse facilities from spring through fall when temperatures average 45-75°F, with summer highs reaching 85°F. Sandy trails in several parks provide better footing during wet conditions while reducing insect issues compared to wooded sections.
What to do
Swimming in filtered water: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features a chlorinated swimming pond with a sandy bottom that eliminates weeds while maintaining a natural feel. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," notes Timothy S.
Wildlife observation: Wild River State Park creates opportunities to encounter diverse wildlife in natural settings. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," shares Kate H. The park's extensive trail system runs along the St. Croix River, creating prime habitat viewing areas.
Tubing adventures: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers tubing excursions on the Rum River with rental equipment available. "Great tubing and canoeing," confirms Rory T., while Spencer C. adds, "You can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe, tube, or kayak."
Stargazing sessions: Wild River State Park maintains a dedicated star-gazing area away from light pollution. "The star gazing area was great!" reports Katherine T., who also notes the park has "sites decently spaced with good tree cover" making it suitable for evening sky viewing.
What campers like
Private campsites: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers secluded camping experiences despite its suburban location. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," writes Doug B., adding there are "both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp."
Paved trails: Baker Campground maintains an extensive trail network ideal for biking with connections to longer routes. "There is a nice 6+mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes," Jennifer H. recommends, while Matt H. confirms, "A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms."
Clean facilities: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains well-kept bathroom and shower facilities appreciated by visitors. Steph H. describes the campground as "clean and open," while John H. notes, "Sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids."
Spacious sites: Baker Campground offers larger-than-standard campsites, providing ample room for equipment and activities. "The sites a Baker Park Reserve are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away," explains Melissa H.
What you should know
Poison ivy prevalence: Ann Lake campground in Sand Dunes State Forest has significant poison ivy growth throughout the grounds. "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you," cautions Kari P.
Seasonal bugs: Lake Maria State Park can have intense insect activity during summer months. "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," reports Steph H., recommending fall visits instead.
Varied cell service: Ann Lake campground has inconsistent cellular reception depending on location. "2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites," shares Andy L., advising campers to "pay immediately or the camp host will nag you."
Distance considerations: Lake Maria's campground requires planning for distances to facilities. Steph H. notes all sites are "hike in" with "no drive up camping" and facilities spaced apart, warning: "Only one shower house and we had to drive there, the primitive toilet smelled so bad it burned!"
Tips for camping with families
Pack bug protection: Bunker Hills Regional Park requires insect preparation during summer months. "Lots of mosquitoes but it's MN so that's to be expected," notes Lynsey M., while multiple reviewers mention bringing repellent for children.
Consider campsite locations: Wild River State Park campers recommend selecting sites strategically based on amenities. Kate H. advises, "Overall it was good camping trip, but if we did come back we would definitely camp closer to the shower house" after experiencing challenges with primitive toilets with a toddler.
Explore special features: Lake Elmo Park Reserve offers unique attractions for children. John H. highlights that "swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," providing diverse activities beyond standard camping.
Check weekend programs: Baker Park hosts scheduled activities for younger campers. Joe R. mentions, "Saturday nights they have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch," making weekend stays particularly appealing for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Electric capacity awareness: Country Camping Tent & RV Park may experience power fluctuations during peak usage periods. David G. reports, "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off. It was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max," suggesting bringing surge protection.
Site selection strategies: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers differentiated camping areas based on RV requirements. Doug B. explains, "There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," allowing selection based on power needs.
Extended stay options: Country Camping accommodates longer visits with full hookups. Spencer C. notes, "This place does have 30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites," adding "Max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!"
Advance planning requirements: Baker Park has specific booking timelines. Joe R. advises, "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked," highlighting the need for early reservations.
