Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Knife River? Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. At The Dyrt, you can find top-rated spots for horse camping, as reviewed by campers.
$17 - $50 / night
If you looking for an equestrian style base camp to explore area trails or a destination campground with plenty of room for your family, try the Horseshoe Lake Recreations Area located north of Ino, Wisconsin on the Washburn Ranger District. The terrain is gently rolling with a sandy loam surface ideal for horse riding. The trail weaves through towering pine and hardwood forests as well as through the area's open barrens. Whether you are interested in plants, scenery or wildlife, touring the trail with binoculars or camera can allow you to take advantage of fantastic viewing and photographic opportunities. The Horseshoe Lake campground features nine family camping units; one group site that allows up to 14 people. All other sites allow up to eight individuals and up to four vehicles. The sites here are not exclusive to campers with horses however, highlines are present at each campsite. Shared amenities include two vault toilets, two manure pit, and garbage service. Both back in and pull-thru sites are present. Please note there is water available onsite that is non-potable (not safe for drinking) so please plan accordingly. A parking area is available for visitors looking to ride the trails for the day. There is a $5 use fee for day use of the recreation area or you can purchase an annual pass. Whether you are looking for a pleasant afternoon ride or an extended visit, the Horseshoe Lake Saddle Trail is a perfect adventure for any horseback rider. The combined trail loop length is 12 miles. Some distances overlap between the loops. Trail Length: A Loop 9.25 miles, B Loop 3.7 miles, Outside Loop 10.25 miles. So, if you like camping and horseback riding with scenic views of the forest, then the Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area is the place for you. Forest Roads are also open to horseback riding. For a map of roads on the Motor Vehicle Use Map please click here. The nearby Moquah Barrens provides a great place to ride, view wildlife, bird watching and berry picking in the late summer. Bring your trailer with your OHVs (ATVs and UTVs) and access the Iron River Trail from open OHV use roads. OHV use in the campground is prohibited.
Ranger
Right now the campground looks a little worse for wear. They did extreme tree clearing do to moth damage. The cons: ATV noise, the tree clearing. Paying for the site can be confusing. I paid at tettegouche, QR code didn’t work and yodel didn’t work either. Pros: close to climbing, some really great state parks, SHT trail, fishing. Quieter than tettegouche.
LegendOn the outskirts of Finland, along the Baptism River, in the Finland National Forest. Just a few miles north of Eckbeck Campground, off of MN 1 & County Rd 6. Really nice wooded sites, some can accommodate big rigs. Level sites. Vault toilets. Trash bins. Some privacy between sites. I would recommend staying here overnight if the nearby state parks are full. I do not recommend staying here for peace & quiet. Noise from ATVs, a few with modified mufflers. Since there are no electric hookups, there is some noise from generators for the big RVs. What was really annoying was the noise from a bunch of drunk middle aged folks down at the group site on the night of Oct 8, 2021. I had my own drunken moments at parties, but their behavior was pathetic. Their loud voices carried throughout the campground, including some loud f-bombs. Vault toilets were just okay; not particularly clean but usable. IMO, $17 fee is too high for this particular campground. 4 bars T-Mobile.
Guide
This is a quiet campground in the middle of nowhere. The campground is intended to be used as campers that ride horses can stay at. People who camp in tents or small trailers will also enjoy this quiet place. There are many miles of trails that can be ridden on horseback. It is a very clean campground especially if you want a quiet place. Also spacious campsites.
ScoutThis campsite is first come, first serve which is great for people who are last minute like me 😊 I go up the North Shore quite often and this was my first time going to this campsite. It was very clean, very wooded and the campsites were nice and big. I’d most definitely visit again!
LegendThis is a state forest campground high on a ridge overlooking Lake Superior, just south of the Wolf Ridge ELC. It has alot of overflow campers from Tettegouche in the summer, but is also a destination for folks who want to fish on the Baptism River or visit Wolf Ridge. It is in a bit quieter and off the beaten path than nearby Eckbeck campground, but it is much larger so it gets busier and noisier in peak season. It also is a campground of choice for folks interested in using the nearby state forest ATV trails, and apparently there have been some security issues related to ATVers here so video cameras are in use here for security as it is an unstaffed campground with occasional visits from state forest rangers. The campsites are large and spacious and have good fire grills and picnic tables, but the facilities are outhouses so more geared toward primitive or self sufficient camping. In summer, the business of the campground is not appealing; in winter there are few campers so I would be concerned about security issues, plus being at higher elevation there is a lot more snow up here so winter campers should be prepared!
GuideImpeccable campground. Primitive, so no electricity. Clean, secluded, and beautiful! It was the perfect place to stay while we tripped the North Scenic Route.
GuideWe have camped as a group or shown on this outing, alone in winter! This campground never disappoints. The reason why we enjoy it so much is because it is can you get a located near some of the best hiking trails, climbing, and scenic vistas north of Duluth. We camp here at least 2-3 times a year if not more. At night you hear the Baltism River as you gently fall asleep.. we have an exped duo mattress and sleep like babies!
TravelerThis is likely my favorite campground in the state. There are minimal amenities (pit toilets and I can't remember if there is a spigot), but the location is wonderful, the sites are mostly private and wooded, and the Baptism River runs right through. You are close to excellent climbing, hiking, fishing, and the Finland Co-op. Less crowded than the north shore state parks too!
TravelerNice little campground just off of highway 61 heading up the north shore. We were able to find a walk in campsite on a Friday night which was nice. Bathrooms were in decent condition. There is a river that runs next to the campsite and has some great views at sunset, it looks like it may have good fishing as well.
LegendThis was a random "find" when we were through hiking the SHT, but what a wonderful, hidden gem! It was very quiet at night (there weren't many campers), but it's "self served". The sites were $14/night on the honor system (you pay at a box at the gate). Sites are in a sort of circle, but many are on a river/stream. Lots of trees!! It's a state forest campground. Fire ring, picnic table and lots of places to hang hammocks. No showers, but pit toilets are available. Would recommend and would frequent again!
Horse camping in Minnesota offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several well-reviewed campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Knife River, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Knife River, MN is Finland State Forest Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Knife River, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Knife River, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
