Equestrian camping near White Bear Lake, Minnesota offers multiple options for riders seeking trail access within an hour's drive. The area sits at approximately 950 feet elevation with a mix of oak savanna, wetlands, and prairie landscapes. Horse camps in the region typically operate from April through October, with seasonal closures during freeze-thaw periods when trails become susceptible to damage.
What to do
Trail riding through diverse terrain: At Wild River State Park Campground, riders can access trails along the St. Croix River. "Several trails are for horses, but that isn't my scene," notes Erik R., who recommends the "hike to the former Dam site" as "the neatest thing about the park."
Archery practice: Bunker Hills Regional Park provides archery ranges near camping areas. "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," reports Arielle P., highlighting the variety of activities beyond riding.
Swimming with horses: After trail rides, equestrians can cool off at Ann Lake where "the beach is nice and private, but it's a bit of a hike from the campsites," according to Emily H., who suggests driving over "if you've got young kids with you."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers secluded spots for equestrians. "Site B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples," writes Alison O., noting it's "private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded."
Spacious corrals: Horse-specific amenities at many campgrounds accommodate varying sizes of equine companions. "Sites that I loved: 3, 8, 10," states Krista T. about Bunker Hills, explaining the campground "might be a nice option for you to get camping even if you are a state-park-loving metro dweller like me."
Clean facilities: Riders appreciate well-maintained restrooms after days on the trail. At Ann Lake, "the toilets were kept up well and pump water road side," mentions Johnny H., though he cautions that "TONS of poison ivy" exist in the area, so riders should take precautions when handling gear after trail rides.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. At Baker Campground, "you'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked," advises Joe R.
Seasonal bug considerations: The region experiences significant insect activity during summer months. At Lake Maria, one camper reports, "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon. We prepared the kiddos for a quick grab and run and jumped out of the car."
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Spring often brings muddy trails while late summer can mean harder ground. "Fall provides particularly scenic riding opportunities" at many parks, with Johnny H. noting he "still gets up once a year, early summer" to visit Ann Lake despite the challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Group site options: For multiple horse trailers and families, seek designated group areas. At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, "Modern site 40 was in a great open location with a shaded edge. We had plenty of room to play, park the camper or set up tents," shares Steph H.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds near horse camps. "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," John H. reports about Lake Elmo.
Teaching opportunities: Many equestrian campgrounds offer educational programs about horses and local wildlife. Baker Campground has "a playground for kids just a small hike away," says matt H., making it easier to balance horse activities with children's needs.
Tips from RVers
Trailer parking considerations: When bringing horses in living-quarter trailers, check site dimensions carefully. At Highland Ridge, "some sites on the short loop (28-38) are a bit smaller and slope down from the road, so be careful of the site's size when booking. Our 29' trailer would have been a challenging fit in some of those sites," cautions Deb M.
Electric needs for horse campers: Not all equestrian sites offer electrical hookups. Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers both "30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites," according to Spencer C., who notes "Max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!"
