Best Equestrian Camping near Shoreview, MN

Elm Creek Horse Camp features individual horse corrals with direct access to 20 miles of bridle trails in Elm Creek Park Reserve. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, providing basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The sites are reservable and allow pets. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground. Sites can accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking space near the corrals. The trails wind through diverse terrain including woodlands, prairies, and along creek edges, making it popular with equestrians seeking varied riding experiences without traveling far from the Twin Cities.

Located approximately 12 miles northwest of Shoreview, the horse trails connect to the larger Elm Creek Park Reserve trail system, allowing for extended riding opportunities. Trailhead access is convenient from the camping area with room for day-use horse trailer parking. The campground operates seasonally, typically closing during winter months when trails may be groomed for other activities. Water for horses is available at designated areas within the campground. The surrounding park offers additional recreation options including swimming, hiking, and mountain biking on separate trail systems. Horse owners particularly appreciate the well-maintained trails and the campground's peaceful setting despite its proximity to urban areas. Trail maps are available at the park office and most trails are clearly marked for rider safety.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Shoreview, Minnesota (17)

    1. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8370

    $23 - $80 / night

    "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."

    2. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 862-4970

    $20 - $32 / night

    "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"

    3. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7662

    $21 - $29 / night

    "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."

    4. Wild River State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Taylors Falls, MN
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 583-2125

    $35 / night

    "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."

    5. Elm Creek Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Dayton, MN
    17 miles
    Website

    $16 / night

    "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"

    6. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River

    7 Reviews
    Cambridge, MN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 444-9626

    $40 - $75 / night

    "Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."

    7. Ann Lake

    22 Reviews
    Zimmerman, MN
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 878-2325

    $15 - $17 / night

    "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."

    8. Lake Maria State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Silver Creek, MN
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 878-2325

    "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."

    9. Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    St. Michael, MN
    24 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "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."

    10. Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground

    3 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7662

    "Tons of trails and camping. 🏕"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Shoreview, MN

7 Photos of 17 Shoreview Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Shoreview, MN

231 Reviews of 17 Shoreview Campgrounds


  • Mary S.
    Sep. 2, 2018

    Highland Ridge

    Nice campground but be prepared for shade...all the time

    First thing you need to know: It's completely in the woods, and sites are FULLY shaded. Sites 28-38 are on a loop with a picnic pavilion in the middle with some openings for sun on the road and in the picnic area. Other than that, the rest of the campground is rather dark all the time; there aren't as many sunlight openings on the road to the other sites. This is not a good place for solar panels, but almost all sites are electric.

    Nice price: Cost is $20/$16 for electric/non-electric. This is an Army Corps of Engineers park which means you pay $10/$8 if you have an NPS Lifetime Senior Pass.

    Services: There are full services at this campground - flush toilets, sinks, showers, trash receptacles, and drinking water/dump station near the entrance. There is an interpretive center for Saturday evening ranger programs and a playground next to it.

    Roomy sites: This campground is small, but almost all sites are large. There are 38 sites plus walk in tent sites A through G and a group site. It looks like sites 28-38 can be rented for a group; the entrance was blocked off when we were there.

    Equestrian section may be open to campers without a horse: There is an equestrian campground about a half mile before the main campground entrance. You may camp in the equestrian area (E1-E10) without a horse if the main area is full. We were able to reserve a site in there a couple days ahead of time because the main campground was full. It was just us and one other family on a Saturday night, and neither of us had a horse. We moved to the main area on Sunday morning because lots of sites were open on Sunday.

  • Krista T.
    Jul. 1, 2020

    Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    Close to the cities

    During these COVID times everyone wants to get out and about more, which means that the main parking lot for the park that used to be mostly designated for horse trailer parking is now overrun with family vehicles. So as a result the Riverbend group equestrian campground is now the parking lot for day visitors through at least August. 

    In normal times you can rent this group campsite for$70-$80 a night, which is ridiculously cheap considering that you can fit quite a bit of horse trailers on here. The information for this site states you can put 10 horse trailers on this lot, but I have definitely seen groups camp here with more. The barn stalls are available for use (unlike the Blue Stem horse site), otherwise there are overhead horse hitch lines. 

    This campground is nicely maintained and has nice mature trees that a lot of people set up hammocks in. The vault toilet near the barn is nice, there are no showers. Be aware that the road into this group site only is wide enough for one vehicle at a time, so far I’ve been lucky to not encounter another vehicle as I’m entering or leaving.

  • Erik R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2025

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Camping in Spring snow

    Well, it snowed … in late March. I stayed in the campground in late March, 2025. 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. There are also Oak Savanna trails. Several trails are for horses, but that isn’t my scene. I stayed in the campground for two nights. It was cold, rainy, and that turned into 5” of snow. Like many MN State Park campgrounds, you are close to your neighbors with no real private offerings. I stayed in site 66e. It was a typical site with nothing bad nor special about it. The hike to the former Dam site is the neatest thing about the park. I recommend reading the historical information at the site of the dam. Having been here once, I see no reason to come back.

  • Steph H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2017

    Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    Great for the kiddos

    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. This man made pond is a sandy bottom and surrounded by a nice sand beach. Large built in umbrellas are available for sun coverage and there is a concession stand and bathrooms with showers. And yes, as I mentioned the water is filtered! No gross goose poop or green algae to deal with! Next to the swim pond is a giant playground with fun for the big and little kids. Other amenities include archery, horse trails, paved and grass trails, camper spots, rustic spots and hike in camping spots. In winter the xc ski trails are lit for evening skiing. Or let's be honest early afternoon. It is Minnesota and the suns down by 4 In the Winter! They also have a newer Nordic center that's open all year round and includes a locker room with showers. The hike in camp spot we chose was on a small lake so it had a nice breeze and made it easy to bring a kayak or paddleboard and hop right in. There is also a boat launch for your larger toys! The trails in the park are quite impressive for its size. We enjoyed a 5 mile loop off the Nordic center and right past the camp spot. A picnic table and fire pit as well as nice flat tent pad were provided. If you're coming in from out of town then you're just a 5 minute drive from Woodbury and all the amenities you'd ever need but the park feels miles away from it all.

  • Krista T.
    Jul. 16, 2018

    Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    This is an equestrian paradise

    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. Do a 180 on the trail and she is happy to trot away from the trailer. Horse camping is available in two locations in the park, even though once when I was there a family was camping in the parking with their horses. Apparently they got the cops called on them by some other park patrons who didn't believe that this was an option. At the time it was marked as a camping location on the map, but that may have changed.

    The best place to be bug-free happens to be the sandy prairie trails, the wooded areas are nice but you may want to hustle out of there if you don't have enough bug protection. For non-horse riders some parts of the trail out in the open prairie might be a bit sandy. Also important to note- bikes are NOT allowed on the trails. Absolutely gorgeous in the fall. Pit toilets are available and there is water available at the entrance off of Park drive, not sure about the other locations.

  • Alison O.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Elm Creek Horse Camp

    Campsite 2 – Elm Creek Horse Camp, Dayton MN

    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’s aiming at your pup), this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire. The ground is mostly level—perfect for a tent and a sturdy dog bed—and the trails? Chef’s kiss. Plenty of new smells, shaded stretches, and squirrels for days. Now, to be clear—this is a horse camp first and foremost. So if your dog isn’t a fan of our four-hooved friends, you might want to steer clear. But if they’re cool with horses and know how to heel when a giant gelding struts by, they’ll be just fine. A few bones to pick: There’s not much privacy between sites, so if your dog’s a talker, your neighbors might get a serenade. And while$16 a night is totally reasonable, the$7.50 reservation fee nips at the budget a bit—especially if you’re staying more than a couple nights. Still, Campsite 2 hits all the right notes: trails close by, fire ring ready, and enough space for a tent, a camp chair, and a dog who thinks every stick is a gift from heaven.🦴 Would we come back? Absolutely. My dog already packed his leash! what

    #ElmCreekHorseCamp#MNStateParks#DogFriendlyCamping#TrailDogApproved#HorseCampAdventures#Campsite2#ElmCreekParkReserve#HikingWithDogs#DogCampingVibes#PawfectCampground#TheDyrtDogPack#MinnesotaCamping#ArcheryRangeNeighbors#TailsOnTrails#WagMoreBarkLess

  • Kenan R.
    Aug. 4, 2018

    Bunker Hills Regional Park

    Camping Near Civilization

    I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay. There are park pavilions and a water park connected to the campsite, a gold course nearby, and shops, too - - but the actual campsite, bike/walking/horse trails make you forget all of that. The temperature was COLD the first night, but perfect the rest of the week. Absolutely loved the experience, and I will go again.

  • Nick G.
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Cannon River Wilderness Area

    Perfect place Found a great site

    For free the area is awesome right by the river. We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river. The hike from parking is not bad at all about a 10 minute walk from parking to the farthest site.

  • Emily H.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Ann Lake

    Nice Rustic Campground

    This campground is on a first come, first serve basis. There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites).

    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. If you like to have your car at your site, you’ll find some sites with nice long driveways that can accommodate multiple cars, or even a truck with a boat/trailer. The beach is nice and private, but it’s a bit of a hike from the campsites. I’d recommend just hopping in the car and driving over if you’ve got young kids with you.

    There is no store or firewood sold at the campground, so you’ll have to haul your own in from an approved vendor.


Guide to Shoreview

Horse camping in Minnesota offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to saddle up and enjoy nature.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • At Crow Hassan Park Reserve, you'll find well-maintained facilities that cater to both horse and rider, including picnic tables and water hookups.
  • Lake Maria State Park Campground features rustic camping options with fire pits and picnic tables, perfect for a cozy evening after a day of riding.
  • Wild River State Park Campground offers spacious sites with electric hookups and sanitary dump stations, making it convenient for horse campers.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused activities

  • At Ann Lake, you can enjoy scenic trails that are perfect for horseback riding, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
  • Lake Elmo County Park Reserve provides access to various trails suitable for equestrian activities, making it a great spot for a day of exploration.
  • Bunker Hills Regional Park features a horse stable and guided trail rides, offering a fun way to experience the park with your horse.

Tips for equestrian camping near Shoreview, Minnesota

  • When visiting Crow Hassan Park Reserve, be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak season when horse camping is popular.
  • At Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, consider bringing bug spray, as the wooded areas can attract mosquitoes during warmer months.
  • For a more rustic experience, Ann Lake offers primitive camping with limited amenities, perfect for those looking to connect with nature and enjoy a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Shoreview, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Shoreview, MN is Lake Elmo County Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Shoreview, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Shoreview, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.