Shell City Equestrian Campground provides primitive camping facilities in Huntersville State Forest for horse owners and riders. The campground features a three-stall covered stable, hitching posts, and horse pens set in wooded areas. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings arranged around an open area suitable for horse trailers. The camping fee is $16 per night, collected through an honor system drop box at the entrance. Camping is first-come, first-served with no reservation system in place.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: At Shell City Landing, riders can explore trails that wind through the forest and along the Crow Wing River. The campground sits right on the river with "a gorgeous view and wind in the trees" according to camper Amy G., who noted that "if you want to camp in the woods, you want to be in the woods."
Paddling and water recreation: Crow Wing State Park Campground offers excellent access for water activities. Amy G. shares that the park has "great access for canoeing and kayaking the Mississippi water trail. If you start at Kiwanis Park in Brainerd- you can make it to crow wing in four hours leisurely, or three fairly easily."
Forest hiking: Many equestrian campgrounds offer dual-purpose trails for both riding and hiking. The Webster Lake area features "trails into the bogs around the lake" and as visitor Janet R. notes, it's good for "quiet camping experience and wildlife watching" especially during "mid to late summer."
What campers like
River views: Campers appreciate the waterfront locations available near Longville. At Shell City Landing, Amy G. reports that "the view of the river was my absolute favorite because it's at a bend in the river, so you can see both ways."
Historical sites: Crow Wing State Park combines camping with historical exploration. Camper HollyRose M. recommends the "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." She adds that "historic signs describing the old town are along the beginning part of the trail near the picnic area. Kinda fun to read about and feel what old settlements were like!"
Peace and quiet: The equestrian campgrounds remain relatively uncrowded. At Webster Lake Campground, SmallRVLifestyle V. found that "Labor day weekend, and half of the sites were empty. I got a really nice, large spot on the lake."
What you should know
Facilities are primitive: Most equestrian campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities. At Walter E Stark Horse Campground, Scott M. notes 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."
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity varies throughout the camping season. At Webster Lake, Janet R. advises that "early summer is also probably not the best time as the surrounding bogs are probably great mosquito breeding grounds!" Similarly, Scott M. found that "the black flies were bad on our walk" in the Pillsbury State Forest.
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian campgrounds may be unpaved. SmallRVLifestyle V. points out that at Webster Lake, "depending on what way you are coming from, you have to drive a few miles on gravel forest roads. It's not bad though."
Tips for camping with families
Hiking with children: Forest trails offer family-friendly hiking options. HollyRose M. recommends Crow Wing State Park's trail as "easy and pretty, took just half an hour, went with the kids. Just an awesome sunset walk and a bit of moonlight!"
Nature exploration: The area offers opportunities for wildlife watching and plant identification. Scott M. mentions "loads of raspberries along the road so we stopped in the shade and had a couple snacks" at Walter E Stark Horse Campground.
Facility planning: Crow Wing State Park has more developed facilities than most equestrian sites. Julie P. notes there is "only 1 shower/toilet building and 7 water spigots for 48 camp sites" and adds that "fortunately, the facility was very clean."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When camping with an RV near Longville, choose sites strategically. At Crow Wing State Park, HollyRose M. advises that "the electric site area isn't super awesome, as it gets crowded and is more like a huge group camp. But the rest are way more private."
Road navigation: Forest service roads require careful navigation. Amy G. found that Shell City Landing 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."
Campsite layout: RV campers should note the site arrangements. At Crow Wing State Park, camper Nicole P. shared that when they arrived during unexpected snow, "they plowed out a site for us" showing the park staff's accommodation for RV campers.
