Grant Creek Horse Camp and Shell City Equestrian Campground provide dedicated facilities for equestrian camping near Bemidji, Minnesota. The northern Minnesota landscape features extensive trail networks through pine forests where riders can access miles of maintained paths. Seasonal considerations include mosquito activity during early summer months and increased campground usage during fall hunting season. Winter access requires all-wheel drive vehicles on unpaved forest roads.
What to do
Explore forest trails: Webster Lake Campground offers access to a 3.5-mile trail circling the lake with a section that crosses a bog. "I did try the trail that goes around the lake, it's about 3.5 miles long. It goes through the forest mainly, not a very exciting trail, very easy. There is a place where you can walk on the bog and sit down on a bench for a nice view," notes visitor SmallRVLifestyle V.
River activities: Shell City Landing provides river access for canoeists with two entry points. "If you came off the river, it's a very easy 'in' from the water. Two entrances are available. One is a dirt landing that you ease into (boat landing style with a little, tiny lot for a car to pull into) and...you're there! The other comes up to about 6 wooden stairs," according to Amy G.
Wildlife observation: Webster Lake Campground offers opportunities for wildlife watching during quieter periods. "For a quiet camping experience and wildlife watching it is probably best to come in mid to late summer. Early summer is also probably not the best time as the surrounding bogs are probably great mosquito breeding grounds," advises Janet R.
What campers like
Peaceful setting: Equestrian campers appreciate the minimal disturbances that create a calm environment for horses. The tranquility extends to non-horse campers as well, with Webster Lake visitors noting, "This is a small rustic campground on Webster Lake. I arrived here on a Friday afternoon end of July, which should have been peak camping season, and the campground was half empty."
Natural sounds: Shell City Equestrian Campground provides a serene acoustic environment. Amy G. describes, "Near the entrance, there are a few campsites with picnic tables and because the road into the campground is off the beaten path, I doubt there would be much traffic to bother anyone. The wind in the trees is divine!"
Affordability: Many equestrian sites maintain reasonable rates for specialized facilities. Shell City Landing costs "$14 (or you can put a camper on the site for the same price, but no hookups), or you can rent it as a 'group site' for $28 (20 people max)," according to one reviewer. Shell City Equestrian Campground has a fee of "$16/night on the honor system at a drop box near the entrance."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Mosquito activity impacts trail enjoyment particularly in early summer. "So many mosquitos though, you better spray yourself before going on the hike. I forgot and bugs were chasing me. I couldn't stop at all, I was rushing through the trail," warns a Webster Lake visitor.
Road conditions: Rustic Wilderness Ranch and other equestrian sites often require travel on unpaved roads. Forest road access to Shell City was described as: "The road is gravel/dirt and not a bad drive, but being unpaved, it's a bit bumpy. Be gentle when you drive. I visited in the winter, so I had snow on top of bumps and ruts and my all wheel drive was appreciated."
Limited amenities: Horse campgrounds prioritize equestrian facilities over typical camping comforts. Most offer vault toilets and basic water access without electricity or showers. Some have specialized features like Shell City's "three stall covered horse stable (three sided)" and multiple horse pens "set in the woods around a large, open area."
Tips for camping with families
Off-season advantages: For families seeking quiet experiences, consider timing your visit carefully. "Supposedly it is most busy during fall hunting season, so for a quiet camping experience and wildlife watching it is probably best to come in mid to late summer," advises a Webster Lake reviewer.
Connectivity concerns: Cut Foot Horse Campground and other remote sites have variable cell service. Some campers report surprises with connectivity: "I had a strong AT&T signal, enough to run Netflix and do online surfing" at Webster Lake, though this varies by location and carrier.
Waste management: Many horse campgrounds operate on pack-in, pack-out principles for garbage. Sites like Webster Lake require self-sufficiency: "It's a primitive campground, with no any sort of electricity or even garbage service. First come first serve, there is an envelope stand at the entrance."
Tips from RVers
Trailer access: Horse campgrounds accommodate trailers but require navigation skills on forest roads. Shell City Equestrian Camp offers "room for RVs, the sign says, and they are the same price as tents," with a large central area for parking horse trailers and campers without hookups.
Site selection: RVers should consider proximity to water sources and facilities. At Webster Lake, "the lakeside campsites are fairly nice" according to visitors, providing better views and often easier access to lake water for non-drinking uses.
Preparation: Without electrical hookups or sewer connections, RVers need to arrive fully self-contained. Campgrounds maintain varying levels of service, with some offering pump water and vault toilets while others have minimal infrastructure requiring complete self-sufficiency.
