Best Equestrian Camping near Horton, MN

Recent Equestrian Reviews in Horton

33 Reviews of 6 Horton Campgrounds

• 

  Greg S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 15, 2024

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Perfect Fall get away

  Simple beautiful park with the fall colors, plenty to due and see. Amazing fishing both trout and bass! Well maintained facilities in the park and friendly staff!

• M

  Mayre J.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 29, 2024

  Grant Creek Horse Camp

  A nice camp depending on timing

  A free county camp very well maintained grass with nice toilet, clean well water, firepit, benches all well cared for. I was alone all day mid week in summer until a big rig pulled up at 10pm and took half the other spots about a dozen horses. It seemed cool for one night as a tenter but a clicky type of horse owners environment where they may not want folks without horses. A nice creek near by with space and a interesting place for my dogs to soak in all the smells even if its just one night.

• M

  Marasha

  Guide

  

  Jul. 4, 2024

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Spacious and buggy

  For established camping, this park is lovely and spots are spacious. The place is bumpin’ with people but trees provide some sense of privacy but large, louder group was definitely in our vicinity—we couldn’t enjoy the birdsongs as we’d have liked (over 150 species can be found here). Staying at Grass Lake, we might have been able to launch our paddleboards from our site, but would have been a little tricky. Energy was better spent on keeping a fire tended with onslaught of unavoidable mosquitoes. Also, park doesn’t permit burning of found woods in the pits…

• S

  Shawn A.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 14, 2024

  Beers Hike-In Site

  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. There is a nice fire pit and good area for fishing right at the site. Also there is a picnic table and a vault toilet. Surprisingly there was toilet paper there!

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 1, 2023

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Amazing fall colors

  Second visit to the park but first time camping. Our spot was not private and a bit of a walk to the toilet but everyone was quiet and respectful. It is a very large park with miles of hiking trails and some pretty great mountain biking routes. It is a gem with the fall colors and was full the night we were there.

• 

  Samantha P.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 18, 2023

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Overall good

  Sites are very spacious, but some are pretty slanted. Beautiful area, just wish the campsites were closer to the beach.

• A

  Amon K.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 16, 2023

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Knoll Loop

  We don’t have much of an experience, booked online an electric site that showed full shade and plenty of grass. Got there and no good place to pop up a roof top tent, all dirt, no electric. We had to leave and go get a hotel room

• 

  Tori K.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 21, 2022

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Nice park

  Close to fargo and moorhead if you're looking for things to do in the area! Like the other state parks you can get firewood at the office and sites come with a fire ring and table.

• 

  Z T.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 26, 2021

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  It is big and nice

  92,000 acres and a chill vibe. Sites at Knoll Campground are nicely spaced out. I can see the lake and hear loons calling. I only wish there were more swimming .

• 

  Scott M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 19, 2021

  Walter E Stark Horse Campground - Pillsbury State Forest

  Plenty of Space

  We were staying in the area so we took a look at the campground. It is very sufficient for what you need if you are staying with your horses. It is a primitive campground with running water out of spigots and vault toilets. Some excess firewood in the middle and plenty of space for your horses. 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. 

  We walked some trails and went up to lost lake...disappointed to see someone took apart a camper and left it there in a pile. The black flies were bad on our walk, but it did have some nice views along the way. Loads of raspberries along the road so we stopped in the shade and had a couple snacks. Lots of trails to hike and ride in the area and plenty of signs to warn you not to spook the horses which I think is good. 

  We did stop in at the local ranch and asked about the programs they offered. We are thinking to come back in the winter when they have sleigh rides.

• 

  René M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 5, 2021

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Lake fun

  We only stayed overnight while traveling through, but this was a really nice spot. Not the most private sites but big enough. Families seemed to be having a lot of lake fun.

• 

  Alison O.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 16, 2021

  Rush Lake Tent & Trailer

  Private, lesser known campsite

  Beautiful quiet riverside campground

• 

  Will H.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 25, 2020

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Great Hiking

  Easily a contender for best hiking trails in the MN state parks state system. This western park offers miles of hiking with the North Country Trail weaving throughout. The fall colors were just starting but popped in the prairie.

• 

  B M.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 24, 2020

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Amazing park Big Waterview Site one of my favorites

  We stayed 7 nights really wish we had booked a few weeks. Our site was #16. We had electric hook up, fill with water near the dump station. Our site was big and private on Grass lake facing west so we saw great sunsets sitting in our site. Our bump out was facing the water when we backed in so sitting at the dinette in the camper we had a great view of the lake. Our table & fire pit were behind the camper with a great view of the water & sunset. The small birds were amazing, the sound of the Loons and an occasional muskrat will swim by.  Every morning we had a Chipmunk warm itself up on a tree behind the camper when the sun hit that spot. The big Maple trees everywhere is nice very lush campground. When the sun set we kicked up a bonfire and took it all in. 

  There are several docks on grass lake and a big dock on Beers lake you can fish from. We launched the Kayak at the boat ramp on Beers lake it's a nice ramp and not busy. We didn't get on Lake Lida it's much bigger and lots of go fast boats we prefer no wake. The bigger fish are on Lida.

  There are 8 lakes in the park which 3 or 4 have easy water access to launch a canoe or Kayak. Each lake has different fish in it. Our favorite was Beers lake it had some calm coves in it, we caught some Crappies, pan fish & Bass on this lake. They say it also has Walleye and Northern Pike. Lots of beavers & muskrats swimming interesting to watch. There is a hike or boat in site on Beers lake it's nice. 

  Grass lake has Pan fish, crappie, Northern Pike & more it's a smaller lake. Bass lake has trout, imagine that!

  There is a 5 mile drive in the parks around some lakes that was nice we saw Swans with babies, Loons, and beavers. We loved this park. There are so many trails and so much to do.

  There is a fish cleaning station, restrooms, boat ramps, canoe rentals, a swim beach and picnic area tat Lake Lida just a great place. We will go back & spend a few weeks next time were from Florida so it's a ways to go but will do it again. 

  The ranger that would drive through in the evenings was very knowledgeable about the wildlife, the area & 2 other parks he works at.  Someone had 2 campers in one site he told them it wasn't allowed (I think we all know that) he made one book a spot & move. It was the only noise we heard was their dogs in that site when no one was there they barked the entire time. Glad he made the one camper move it got quiet again. We did have some people try to walk through our site we asked them not to. They had to walk between the camper & the truck I would think it was common sense. 

  There is an Equestrian campground there and trails around the lakes to ride your horses on, a few water access spots for them to wet their hoofs. 

  There is a town close by Pelican Rapids, the drive there is nice and it's a small town but a nice grocery store (Larry's), Liquor store, a drug store a few gift shops & good ice cream. 

  I'm so happy we found this campground we will return.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 10, 2019

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Spacious sites

  This was the first MN state park we’ve been to in the “shoulder” season (weekday before Memorial Day) that was staffed and had boat rentals available. Very spacious sites; the best ones in the main campground (with electric) are along Grass Lake (7,8,15,16) but all would be decent sites. Well-marked hiking trails, however, if you take the figure 8 hike around Cataract and Grass Lakes, it IS longer than the two miles advertised! Clean restrooms and showers. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. The only warning (and we were warned upon arrival) is to watch for ticks. I found two on me.

• 

  Kara T.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 2, 2019

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  💜MN

  The hiking club trail is awesome! Beautiful way to spend the day.

• 

  Stacia R.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 14, 2019

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Loved our short time here in a camper cabin

  We stayed at Maplewood State Park mid-July. We actually stayed in one of the 3 camper cabins and loved it! They have electricity, heat, ceiling fans and a private dock on Beers Lake. There is a vault toilet & water spicket nearby. Each cabin has its own fire pit and picnic table area. It felt very private although the cabins are rather near to each other. We checked out the campgrounds and they had spacious sites, some more private than others. It had a family friendly feel and was obviously a favorite spot for fisherman and water recreation enthusiasts. I wish we could have spent more time in the 9200 acre park. There is a swimming beach & picnic area that allows you to have campfires, as well as a nice shower house. The ranger was helpful regarding my questions about the lake and potentially renting a cabin for ice fishing this winter. At sunset, sitting by the lake, it was beautiful- nothing but songbirds and the call of loons to listen to.

• O

  Oliver I.

  Scout

  

  May. 31, 2019

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Large and remote

  The campsites are reasonable and private. But if you're not in the main loop you'll be walking for half a mile round trip.

• 

  Denise D.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 9, 2019

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Very nice and peaceful with the loons singing in the morning

  Very nice camp site

• 

  Amy G.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 27, 2018

  Shell City Equestrian Campground

  Ranger Review of Mountain House Beef Stew at Shell City Equestrian Camp

  I've never been to an equestrian camp before, and this was a surprise! I didn't know it was one until I arrived. But surprise or not...it was a happy accident to find the Shell City Equestrian Camp. What a beautiful little place to drop a tent, even if you didn't have a horse! And even though there was snow on the ground and a serious chill in the air, I still had the gitty up and go to make some Mountain House Beef Stew, but this time, with a twist!

  Campground Review:

  Shell City Equestrian Camp (and sister Shell City Camp) are run by Itasca State Park, so any info about this campground can be found under the State Park website. When I set out for the day, I anticipated finding a campground on the river, and I did find one there, but I didn't know they had a sister camp for horses. They are both located off the same road, but the equestrian campground had two ways to get in. Both are equally good, but come from different directions. 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. I don't think I'd want to drive the 1/2 mile on this road in deeper snow.

  Near the entrance, there are a few campsites with picnic tables and because the road into the campground is off the beaten path, I doubt there would be much traffic to bother anyone. 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 (note there are no hookups here). Around the perimeter are more picnic tables, fire rings and a scattering of horse pens set in the woods. Very quaint! There was even a three stall covered horse stable (three sided). The campground also had a pit toilet and water pump for horses and people. 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. There were even horse trails to explore. Even though I didn't stay the night here, it was a great little find in the middle of the woods!

  Cost for this spot was $16/night on the honor system at a drop box near the entrance.

  Product Review:

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I occasionally have the opportunity to test amazing products from incredible companies and this time, I had the pleasure of trying out Mountain House Beef Stew, but on top of the product testing, I had a culinary challenge! I was asked to create a new dish from this freeze dried meal, and my tastebuds were rewarded!

  This beef stew is a medley of tummy pleasing comfort foods wrapped into a meal that's perfect for a blustery day. Beef, potatoes, carrots and peas with a gentle sprinkle of spices. Seriously yummy by itself as long as you have enough patience to give it the time it needs to absorb the hot water. These meals are fully cooked, but since they are freeze dried, they take time to re-hydrate, so add the water, zip up the special bag that allows you to "cook in the bag" and walk away. Set up your tent. Hang your hammock. Go to the bathroom. Just wait...and stir...and wait. And then YUM! Absolutely worth having a little patience.

  But then there's more...

  I turned mine into East Indian Couscous Stew.

  I was asked to take this meal and turn it into something else to tempt the tastebuds, and I wanted to keep it simple so that it could be done on the trail. What better way to keep the body nourished than to keep the flavors interesting so you actually want to eat it? I found a simple recipe at home to make an East Indian Spice Blend and then added in some plain couscous. Here's how I modified the prepared meal.

  Indian Spice Blend: (mix all together and put in a little shaker)

  2T Curry powder

  2T Cumin powder

  2 t Turmeric powder

  2 t Coriander

  1 t Ginger powder

  1/2 t Cardamom powder

  1/2 t Cinnamon powder

  Recipe: I opened the Beef Stew package and added 1/2 cup of plain couscous and 1 T of spice blend. Then I added about 4 oz of extra water (beyond what the package called for) to compensate for the re-hydration of the couscous. Then, follow the package directions and that's it. Voila! Tummy yummy goodness! I served it with tortillas to bulk up the meal a bit.

  note I had a little trouble with the zipper on this bag. I don't know if it ripped, or if the cold outside made the zipper brittle, but I couldn't get it zipped back up for the required "sitting" time. So I kept spilling the water while trying to agitate the bag. No harm, just a little frustrating.

  The package says it contains 2.5 servings, but I don't know any "half" people, so I'll say two servings, and I'll say that's probably two hungry women. Especially since the couscous adds more bulk to the meal. A very hungry man could probably eat this alone, but you'll need to make sure you can divide this up in one sitting, because extra leftovers won't keep well on the trail. But I've never been hiking or camping when I couldn't find a willing guinea pig needing free food!

  Great little campground, hot, filling meal on a chilly, snowy day. Perfection!

• 

  Amy G.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 16, 2018

  Shell City Landing

  Sits right on the river with a gorgeous view and wind in the trees

  Shell City Campground is in the Huntersville State Forest. If you want to camp in the woods, you want to be in the woods. Even if you are in a city. This camp is off the beaten path, without being "out of the way". Making your way there in any season without snow is certainly going to be easier, but even if there is a little snow, you'll be fine as long as you have all wheel drive. And it was really quiet! Such a pretty view!n I didn't get a chance to stay here (it's winter right now), but with only a small amount of snow on the ground, it made it easy to get a really good feel for how it might be.

  Only a short distance off the main road, this isn't hard to find as long as you follow the signs. And don't get distracted by the "horse camp" sign like I did. Yes, there is a horse camp there, but if you drive just past the horse camp, you'll find a very clearly marked path to the regular tent camping sites. They are only a hop, skip and a jump apart, though, so they are easy to get to one from another.

  This campground is accessible from the road if you are driving and the river if you are canoeing (and I suppose if you happen to be hiking in the area, it's easy to get to as well). If you came off the river, it's a very easy "in" from the water. Two entrances are available. One is a dirt landing that you ease into (boat landing style with a little, tiny lot for a car to pull into) and...you're there! The other comes up to about 6 wooden stairs, but nothing hard about it at all. If by car, the road winds down a tiny path and into the campsites. Easy breezy.

  There is room for RVs, the sign says, and they are the same price as tents.

  Tents are $14 (or you can put a camper on the site for the same price, but no hookups), or you can rent it as a "group site" for $28 (20 people max). Now I'm not sure what that means, but $28 seems awfully cheap to rent the entire place. It's not a giant campground, but there's plenty of room. All pads are within view of the river and there are plenty of trees (mainly pine) for hammocks. And the wind in the trees is divine! Ever so often you can hear a bit of road noise, but it's incredibly minimal. Especially if the wind is blowing.

  There were several pit toilets. Very unusual to have more than one in a camp of this size, but nice, nonetheless! There was also a water pump for drinking water that was very easy to pump. The sites have picnic tables and fire pits too. The view of the river was my absolute favorite because it's at a bend in the river, so you can see both ways. This time of year, the ice was forming, but the water was still moving. It made for very pretty photos!

  I can't wait to pitch a tent here in the spring!

• 

  Leslie R.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 25, 2018

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Great Location

  This was such a great campground. The state park is absolutely gorgeous and the camp sites are no different. The sites with electrical hook up are less private, but it’s a family camping site so it’s very friendly. The sites without any hookups are more private and secluded, great for tent camping. There are lots of walking trails as some fishing spots as well. We absolutely loved it here and will definitely be back!

• 

  Melissa G.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 16, 2018

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Favorite Local Campground

  This is absolutely my favorite campground in the area. The park is stunning on horseback in the fall time. Whether hiking or riding this park hasn't been a disappointment yet! The campground is well dispersed and each spot has a little privacy of its own (for the tents.) The equine is considered a little closer but there is plenty of space for each person and their trailer.

• 

  Charles H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 28, 2018

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  We visited the primitive camping. Electric available for RV.

  Very clean. We were alone in mid September.

• 

  Charles H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 28, 2018

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Imaculate

  Visit in the fall.

• 

  Denise D.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 15, 2018

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Beautiful scenery

  Lots of maple tree's red,orange colors in fall.

• B

  Brett J.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 23, 2018

  Maplewood State Park Campground

  Secluded campsite surrounded by wonderful hiking trails!

  For our first time camping with a two year old and two dogs, the Knoll Loop campground at Maplewood State Park offered pleanty of privacy as well as access to some great hiking. Although our campground didn't have shower facilities, they were conveniently close at the next campground. We enjoyed the views while hiking along Beers Lake and eventually ventured over to South Lida for some swimming. I'm not sure if it was the whole lake or just that particular part but the water quality was surprisingly poor and it smelled a bit foul. Nonetheless, we had a great time and would recommend!