Equestrian camping near Shakopee, Minnesota offers diverse terrain within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities metro area. The landscape features a mix of hardwood forests, prairie remnants, and glacial features with elevations ranging from 750 to 950 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the region are open from April through October, with some sites maintaining winter availability for hardy campers.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Minnesota Valley Recreation Area connects to over 35 miles of bridle trails suitable for novice to intermediate riders. "Great place to snowmobile, hike, bike or ride a horse!" notes Kelli D. about the Minnesota Valley Rec Area Equestrian Camp.
Swimming options: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains a unique swimming area with clean water. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S. from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Hiking explorations: High Island Creek Park features ravine trails leading to water access points. "Beautiful trails leading you down the revenue to a gentle flowing creek. One of me and my hubbies favorite drop in campsites!!" shares Alison O. who visited High Island Creek Park.
Creek exploration: Follow unmarked paths at smaller sites to discover hidden water features. "Good vibes it's a magical place when u go hiking down the hill to the hidden creeks trails and absolute peace being one with nature," writes Sherry H. about her experience at High Island Creek Park.
Bird watching: The diverse habitats support exceptional bird watching opportunities throughout the region. "I grew up going to baker park! Tons of trails and camping," mentions Alison O. from Baker Campground, which offers prime habitat for woodland birds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds near Shakopee offer well-spaced camping options. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth," reports Kari P. about Ann Lake campground.
Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms and amenities receive regular maintenance. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" Jennifer H. says about Baker Campground.
Easy weekend access: The proximity to the Twin Cities makes these areas popular for quick getaways. "We love to camp here. Access to lake independence. A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms. Nice park for kids just a small hike away," notes Matt H. regarding Baker Campground.
Quiet environment: Secluded sites provide peaceful camping experiences. "I'm spending three nights here. I'm writing my review after my second day. The campground is kept up very well. It has garbage cans and porta pottys. When I got here it was empty," shares Ron R. about High Island Creek Park.
Multiple activity options: Campgrounds frequently offer diverse recreational choices. "They have a nice 6+mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes," advises Jennifer H. about camping at Baker Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. For Lake Maria State Park, walk-in sites must be reserved ahead of time, with availability filling quickly for summer weekends.
Primitive facilities: Some equestrian camping areas have limited amenities. "This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack. Pick where to park in nice large grassy areas," explains Mike G. about High Island Creek Park.
Poison ivy awareness: Several campgrounds have significant poison ivy presence. At Ann Lake, Johnny H. warns, "TONS of poison ivy. Sand fleas. I still get up once a year, early summer."
Water conditions: Some lakes have limitations for swimming. At Sakatah Lake State Park, "The lake was pea soup green when we got there at the end of August, so go early in the season if you want to get on the water," advises Emma G.
Firewood restrictions: Campers must purchase certified firewood to prevent the spread of emerald ash borer. "There is no store or firewood sold at the campground, so you'll have to haul your own in from an approved vendor," notes Emily H. about Lake Maria State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Several parks feature recreation areas for children. "Local favorite! Something for everyone here! The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved," recommends Arielle P. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Consider walk-in sites for older children: Many parks offer walk-in sites that provide added adventure. "I highly recommend the walk-in-sites for the most private tent camping experience. The walk from the car isn't far, but the sites are off the road and in the pines," suggests Emily H. about Ann Lake camping.
Scout sites before setting up: Some sites need inspection before committing. "We arrived after sundown and in the morning, we realized we wouldn't have picked the site if we would have seen all the problems with it," warns Ashley V. about Ann Lake.
Check for swimming options: Water recreation varies by location. "The swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," explains John H. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Look for educational opportunities: Many parks offer nature programs. "On Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch," shares Tina H. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some campgrounds have specific loops better suited for RVs. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," reports Andy L. about Ann Lake.
Check site measurements: RV parking can be challenging at certain campgrounds. "Very nice park if your RV is not too big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees," warns Tim B. about Sakatah Lake State Park.
Signal availability: Cell reception varies throughout camping areas. "2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites," notes Andy L. about Ann Lake.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "Stayed here due to its proximity to Minneapolis airport... We stayed the last night of their camping season and were able to utilize water and electric hookups," explains Robert B. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Access road considerations: Approach routes may present challenges. "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," mentions Melissa H. about Baker Campground.
