A
Anders H.
Scout
ScoutBaker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
First time
We stayed at Baker as a family for our first camping trip, and it was great. Fire pit with swivel grate for cooking, bathrooms, and plenty to explore.
Equestrian Camping near Otsego, MN
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Elm Creek Horse Camp provides equestrian-focused camping on the western edge of Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Plain. The campground features individual horse corrals, allowing campers to keep their horses secured on-site during overnight stays. Drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets serve basic camping needs, while the absence of electric hookups maintains the rustic equestrian experience. The horse camp accommodates both tent and RV camping, though no hookups are available for recreational vehicles. Reservations are required through the Three Rivers Park District system, with sites typically booking quickly during peak riding seasons. The horse corrals at the main camping area help separate horses from neighboring campsites, creating a more organized camping environment for multiple equestrian groups.
Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers two distinct horse camping locations with overhead hitch lines for securing horses overnight. The Riverbend group equestrian campground can accommodate approximately ten horse trailers, making it ideal for organized trail riding clubs or family groups with multiple horses. The barn stalls are available for horse use, unlike at some other regional equestrian campgrounds. Riders access over 18 miles of sandy prairie and wooded trails directly from the campground, with the sandy prairie sections offering respite from biting insects during summer months. The main parking area traditionally designated for horse trailer parking has recently seen increased use by non-equestrian visitors, particularly during peak seasons. Horse camping is available for approximately $70-80 per night for group sites, representing significant value for organized riding groups traveling together.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Otsego (14)
1. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
208 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $25 - $120 / night
2. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
"There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites)."
"Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 / night
3. Lake Maria State Park Campground
"This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."
"I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."
8 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $22 - $80 / night
4. Bunker Hills Regional Park
"I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."
"It has a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park(it is called The Beach, which was very confusing for us"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $32 / night
5. Crow Hassan Park Reserve
"So as a result the Riverbend group equestrian campground is now the parking lot for day visitors through at least August. "
"This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $109 - $120 / night
6. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
"This newly developed trail is 13.25 miles long, so a nice option close to the city for those who are inclined to adventurous biking. Different loops are available for varying skill levels. "
"Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home😁"
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $88 / night
7. Elm Creek Horse Camp
"If you’re the kind of camper who measures a site by how many tail wags it inspires, then Campsite 2 at Elm Creek Horse Camp is barking up the right tree.🌲🐶 Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody"
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
8. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River
"Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $75 / night
9. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
"For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."
"Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families."
Check Availabilityfrom $23 - $80 / night
10. Wild River State Park Campground
"This is a big park with a diversity of hiking, equestrian, and canoeing options. Since the park runs along the St. Croix, there are beautiful river-side walks to be had."
"Nice park, scenic trails, horses on the way in."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $23 - $90 / night
Drive Time
- 31 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 33 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 34 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 50 min from Rochester, MN
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Otsego, MN
8 Photos of 14 Otsego Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Otsego, MN
223 Reviews of 14 Otsego Campgrounds
Tori K.
LegendLake Rebecca Park Reserve
Great Trails!
Great trails and close to home! Always a good spot for a last-minute trip for me or a place to test out new gear since it is so close to home!
A S.
TravelerBunker Hills Regional Park
Welcoming
I arrived after the campgrounds closed I was welcomed and was very happy to be accepted
- A S.Traveler
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Bunker hills
A ranger does nightly rounds of the camps
- PPat Z.Scout
Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
Baker Park Reserve
Large sites. NO sewer hookups but there is a dump station.
- SScott S.Traveler
El Rancho Manana
Run down with buildings in disrepair.
Just spent 4 nights here with our popup and disappointed in how poor the place has been kept up. Only one shower worked out of 3 in the mens and womens bathroom and the light was out in the one that did work. Hardly any water came out as well. Same for the hand washing sinks in the mens, only one had water coming out. The laundry building mens bathroom had a faucet the wasn't even attached to the counter top so I had to hold it down to move the lever to turn the water on. The gravel roads have a lot of washed out areas so ruts and potholes everywhere. Definately not worth the price and won't be staying here again. The only two positives that I can say is that the staff is freindly and the lake is very clear for June compared to other lakes in MN. Caught quite a few nice sunfish off the dock and even a few sm bass. The old west show area does look nice but nothing went on there the weekend we were at the campground.
Sarah D.
RangerWild River State Park Campground
Secluded Backpack/Canoe Site with Sunrise Views
I was looking for a secluded backpack in site where I could have a peaceful 48 hours of prayer and solitude, and this site was perfect! I also wanted one that wasn't too far remote, since I hadn't been on a proper backpacking trip since the pandemic hit. And as a solo female camper, I wanted a reserved site so that there would be a record of my location for safety reasons. I'm so glad I chose the Deer Creek site, and will almost definitely stay here again at some point!
This site is accessible by either hiking or canoe. It took me about 30 minutes to hike in from the visitor center parking lot. There is easy access to river water to boil or filter from the canoe landing.
This site was incredibly spacious. It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads (look out for widow makers, one of the tent pads is under a dead tree!). It also has a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock! (This would be a great site for hammock camping.) So if you're camping with a small group of people this would be a great site. It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.) I also found plenty of dead down and dry wood and birch bark on the ground for building fires.
This site is great for a one nigjt stay on a longer backpacking or canoeing trip, but also great for camping out at for a couple of nights. I stayed for two, and it connects to all the major trails in the park, so I was able to use it as a great base for hiking and seeing the beautiful changing leaves. In the morning I hiked North to do the Riverside trail and looped back through the woods. Then in the afternoon I did the Deer Creek loop, which is a shared horse and hiking trail. It was so nice to he able to hike out to some of the best trails in the park directly from my site.
This site felt remarkably remote for being only an hour from the twin cities and a mile from the parking lot! I stayed there Thursday -Saturday, and after leaving the parking lot on Thursday did not see another human being for the rest of the day, and Friday not until I hit the main trails! There was no one else staying within at least a mile of me. I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip, too- it was absolutely magical!
This site has a great view of both sunrise and sunset. Thursday night there was a gorgeous sunset over the woods reflected in deer Creek. Both mornings I woke up to watch the sunrise while drinking my coffee next to the fire (it was freezing!!!). Watching the sun rise over the river and fog roll over th water and evaporate while eagles soared was truly magical. Having an easy backpack in site surrounded by water on two sides and with views of the sunrise and sunset like this was so incredible!!!
- HHeather V.Scout
Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
First time camping!
For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!
- CCaleb T.Scout
Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
Quite camping just out of town
Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy
Guide to Otsego
The Otsego region offers equestrian camping options within 30 miles of the city center. Sandy trails provide relief from insects during summer months, with most facilities open from May through October. Camping permits range from $16-85 per night depending on amenities and group size.
What to do
Trail riding: Crow Hassan Park Reserve features over 18 miles of trails through sandy prairie and wooded areas. "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed," notes Krista T., highlighting the popularity among equestrians.
Biking: The paved and unpaved trails at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve offer multiple surface options for cyclists. The single track mountain biking trail stretches 13.25 miles with "different loops available for varying skill levels," according to ranger Krista T., making it suitable for riders of all abilities.
Swimming: Many campgrounds offer swimming options. At Lake Elmo Park Reserve, the constructed swimming area has "a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S., providing a unique hybrid of natural setting with pool-like maintenance.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Backpack-in sites at Lake Maria State Park Campground offer isolation from crowds. "Site comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear locker. Site 1 is my favorite despite the road noise due to the location of the tent pad and being on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views," reports Tori K., highlighting the waterfront options.
Wildlife viewing: Forests and prairie lands provide habitat for diverse animals. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here—in the best way," notes Alison O., describing the natural encounters at Lake Maria State Park.
Large group camping areas: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve accommodates families and larger groups. "The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," explains Bryan S., pointing out the family-friendly amenities.
What you should know
Bug preparation: Summer insects can be intense at many campgrounds. Steph H. warns about Lake Maria: "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon... First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos," emphasizing the need for effective repellent from May through September.
Reservation requirements: Most horse campgrounds near Otsego require advance booking through their respective reservation systems. Campgrounds like Bunker Hills Regional Park offer "both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," according to Doug B., providing options for different camping styles.
Poison ivy presence: Several campgrounds report poison ivy. Johnny H. notes about Ann Lake: "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy," recommending caution for susceptible visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Many parks feature swimming beaches for children. At Country Camping on the Rum River, Spencer C. reports it "has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites! You can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe, tube, or kayak."
Kid-friendly activities: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River offers structured recreation. "I stayed here 3 weeks ago with my wife and 2 young children and it was fantastic great playground and heated pool the spaces were well kept and spaced apart 10-10 would most defiantly go again! A ton for the kids to do!" reports Beasty B.
Playgrounds and trails: Several parks include dedicated play areas. Daniel R. calls Lake Rebecca "the best kids park at any campground I've been to," noting its combination of beach, trails, and playground equipment appropriate for various ages.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through sites: Several campgrounds offer RV-accessible spaces. At Baker Park, Jennifer H. notes: "The sites are fairly large, but very open (which was ok with a group of us, not our style when it's just us though)," suggesting these work well for social camping but less for privacy seekers.
Electric hookups: Most equestrian campgrounds near Otsego offer limited electric hookups. Andy L. describes Ann Lake: "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," recommending higher elevation sites for better reception.
Dump stations: Baker Park provides sanitary dump facilities. Melissa H. states: "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," noting the convenience for longer stays with self-contained units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Otsego, MN?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Otsego, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Otsego, MN is Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Otsego, MN?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Otsego, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Otsego, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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