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Equestrian Camping near South Saint Paul, MN

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    Elm Creek Horse Camp provides equestrians with dedicated corrals directly adjacent to campsites. The horse camping area accommodates both tent and RV setups, with sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and access to portable toilets. Riders have access to drinking water for themselves and their horses. The camp requires reservations and permits alcohol, though hookups are not available at the equestrian sites. Sites are typically available April through October, weather permitting. Riders comment on the well-maintained sites with good tree coverage that provide privacy between camping areas. The campground connects directly to extensive horse trail networks within the larger park system. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near South Saint Paul, Minnesota.

    The trail system accessible from Elm Creek Horse Camp offers varied terrain through wooded areas and open prairie. Horse owners can access several miles of designated bridle trails directly from their campsites without needing to trailer to trailheads. The park maintains separate trail systems for different user groups, reducing conflicts between equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers. Riders appreciate that horses are allowed throughout most of the park, with clear signage marking equestrian-only sections. Water crossings along trails provide natural watering opportunities for horses during rides. Manure disposal areas are available at the campground, and park regulations require riders to clean up after their horses on trails. The surrounding landscape offers scenic views with varying difficulty levels suitable for both novice and experienced riders.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near South Saint Paul (17)

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      1. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

      4.5(37)8mi from South Saint PaulRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $23 - $80 / night

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      2. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

      4.5(38)31mi from South Saint PaulRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $21 - $29 / night

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      3. Bunker Hills Regional Park

      4.6(16)25mi from South Saint PaulRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      from $20 - $32 / night

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      4. Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center

      2.0(1)10mi from South Saint PaulTents

      from $50 / night

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      5. Wild River State Park Campground

      4.4(45)47mi from South Saint Paul136 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $23 - $90 / night

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      6. Highland Ridge

      4.3(15)39mi from South Saint Paul59 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Services: There are full services at this campground - flush toilets, sinks, showers, trash receptacles, and drinking water/dump station near the entrance."

      "T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location. The showers and bathrooms were spotless. Firewood is available at several roadside stands just outside the entrance."

      from $24 - $280 / night

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      7. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest

      4.2(23)49mi from South Saint Paul4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $50 / night

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      8. Haycreek Valley Campground

      4.3(7)37mi from South Saint PaulRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Nice campground outside of Red Wing, MN with a bar/restaurant and other features. Access to trials for bikes and horses. I stayed in the horse camp without a horse but it was a nice area."

      "We have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years for horse camping. The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff."

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      9. Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground

      5.0(3)33mi from South Saint PaulRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Tons of trails and camping. 🏕"

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      10. Elm Creek Horse Camp

      4.0(1)29mi from South Saint PaulTents

      "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"

      from $16 / night

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near South Saint Paul, MN

    7 Photos of 17 South Saint Paul Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near South Saint Paul, MN

    208 Reviews of 17 South Saint Paul 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.

    • David E.
      Sep. 10, 2022

      Haycreek Valley Campground

      Outside of City but Not Far for Access

      Nice campground outside of Red Wing, MN with a bar/restaurant and other features. Access to trials for bikes and horses. I stayed in the horse camp without a horse but it was a nice area.

    • 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.The Dyrt PRO User
      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

    • O
      Jun. 30, 2020

      Haycreek Valley Campground

      Our favorite campground

      We have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years for horse camping. The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff. They have electric and water hookups for horse campers, and they have overflow for horse campers. The trails here are amazing.

    • 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.

    Guide to South Saint Paul

    Equestrian campgrounds near South Saint Paul, Minnesota offer dedicated facilities for riders and their horses. The terrain ranges from rolling bluffs along riverways to oak savannas and prairie lands within a 60-mile radius of the city. Camping options span from rustic tent sites to RV-ready areas with corrals, typically available from April through October when trails are maintained and ground conditions support horse traffic.

    What to do

    Trail rides with multiple difficulty levels: Bunker Hills Regional Park provides trails for different riding abilities. "The trails are a blast and we were able to find discount passes online," notes Bryan S., who camped there with friends using a camper cabin.

    Water activities for non-riding days: Take advantage of lakes and waterways for cooling off after trail rides. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," writes Timothy S. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.

    Horseback services for non-horse owners: Some parks offer guided trail rides for visitors without their own horses. "There is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on," explains Krista T. about Bunker Hills, adding it "somehow works for the park and it feels like a hidden paradise."

    What campers like

    Private sites with good spacing: Campers appreciate well-spaced sites that provide seclusion. "The sites are decently private and there are nice bathrooms/showers," writes Bryan S. about Bunker Hills Regional Park. This creates a better experience for both horses and humans.

    Accessibility to metro areas: Horse campers value parks within reasonable driving distance of the Twin Cities. "Just east of St. Paul - 2000 acres with 2 lakes and a swimming pond," notes Robert G. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, making it convenient for weekend trips.

    Amenities beyond horse trails: Baker Campground offers additional activities for when you're not riding. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," states ERolf P.

    What you should know

    Mosquito prevalence varies by location: Some areas have significant insect pressure while others are relatively bug-free. At Haycreek Valley Campground, Bill H. noted "NO mosquitos!!!!" which can be a major consideration for outdoor comfort.

    Reservation requirements: Many equestrian campgrounds require advance booking. "You need a state parks pass to stay here plus the overnight fee. 15.00 a night is worth it for the size of your site," explains Chris B. about Ann Lake.

    Trail conditions change seasonally: Trails may close due to weather or maintenance. "The trails here are amazing," writes Olivia R. about Haycreek Valley Campground, where they've been horse camping for over 15 years, noting the trails are "shaded, no bugs."

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for playgrounds near campgrounds: Children need activities when not riding. "There's a playground for the kids just a small hike away," Matt H. says about Baker Campground, adding there are "nice clean bathrooms" which is important for families.

    Consider water safety measures: Swimming areas provide welcome relief during hot weather. According to Jennifer H., "There are 2 swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors" at Baker Campground, allowing separation between different user groups.

    Select campgrounds with diverse activities: Wild River State Park offers multiple recreation options. Kate H. reports, "This campground is massive! Our campsite was on the farthest loop and was very private! We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites!"

    Tips from RVers

    Campsite selection for larger rigs: Electric hookups and space considerations matter for RV campers. John H. notes that at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, "sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites," making it suitable for various RV sizes.

    Water and dump station locations: Access to services affects comfort levels. "Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west," reports Lynsey M. about Elm Creek Horse Camp, adding information about the required daily parks fee.

    Be aware of site layout quirks: RV utilities placement can create challenges. Karin W. explains her experience at Haycreek Valley Campground: "Our site was rather odd as the electric and water post was on the opposite side of our camper. Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn't reach."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near South Saint Paul, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near South Saint Paul, 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 South Saint Paul, MN?

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

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