Cut Foot Horse Campground

Star4.58
30 reviews
1235 DIVISION ST., DEER RIVER, MN 56636
Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,391 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

233827 campsites

Season

Open May 2, 2025, an...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cut Foot Horse Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges a flat rate of $16 per night for equestrian non-electric sites during peak season from May 2 to October 20, 2025. Additional...
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Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
218-246-2123
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 30 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwatersites

"User reviews praise the scenic beauty and specialized amenities for horse campers. Some mention the need for additional features such as electric hookups and pull-through sites. "Beautiful trails and campsites; overall great camping and riding experience," noted one camper."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1235 DIVISION ST., DEER RIVER, MN 56636

Cut Foot Horse Campground

1235 DIVISION ST., DEER RIVER, MN 56636

Driving directionsFrom Deer River, travel northwest on Highway 46, to Forest Road 2171 (which is just over three miles past the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center). Continue approximately two miles on Forest Road 2171 to the campground. The campground entrance is on the west side of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but the nearby trails may require off-road vehicles for exploration. Seasonal considerations regarding weather or road conditions are not explicitly mentioned.
Nearby places
Deer River, MN (approximately 21 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Firewood is not available onsite but can be purchased from local vendors within 50 miles of the campground or gathered nearby in compliance with forest guidelines. Additional supplies are accessible in Deer River.

Best Time to Camp at Cut Foot Horse Campground

Experience the campground's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Summer bathes the forest in emerald hues, with warm days perfect for long rides, though you'll share the trails with fellow adventurers. Autumn transforms the landscape into a painter's palette of gold and crimson, offering crisp, clear days and peaceful solitude. Winter brings a crystalline wonderland of light snow and hushed forests, though temperatures demand hearty preparation. Spring and early summer showcase nature's renewal with mild temperatures, gentle cloud cover, and the forest coming alive with birdsong and fresh growth.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers warm riding days but reviews note bugs and increased trail/camp use in peak months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 11% in MN

Fall is favored for fewer bugs and less crowding: 'No bugs then—Chippewa National Forest is huge!'

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open starting May 2 (late spring); usable for riding/hiking but early-season conditions may be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed from Oct 20 to May 2; winter-season camping not available here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 2, 2025, to October 20, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 2, 2025, and closes October 20, 2025.

About Cut Foot Horse Campground

Saddle up for an unforgettable wilderness adventure at Cut Foot Sioux Horse Camp, where the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves mingles with the whisper of wind through towering pines. This thoughtfully designed equestrian haven in the heart of Chippewa National Forest welcomes riders and their four-legged companions with specially crafted amenities including sturdy hitching racks, convenient picket lines, and dedicated manure management facilities. Each spacious, single-family campsite has been carefully positioned to protect the pristine forest floor while providing your horses with the comfort they deserve after a day exploring endless woodland trails.
Cut Foot Horse Campground primarily caters to horse campers but is open for other camping types. Campsites are designed for single-family use and provide facilities specific to equestrian needs.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Cut Foot Horse Campground include hiking, horseback riding, biking, and off-road vehicle trails. Boating, swimming, and fishing are popular at nearby lakes. "Excellent trails—awesome campsites," raved one user. Wildlife viewing and hunting are among other available activities.
HikingMany trails cater to hikers and horseback riders, some of which pass through the Cut Foot Experimental Forest. "Great trails to ride or drive, nice campsites," stated one review.
FishingFishing is available at nearby lakes such as Lake Winnibigoshish and Big and Little Cut Foot Sioux Lakes. Specific details on fish types or fishing quality are not provided.
SwimmingSwimming is available at nearby lakes, but designated swimming areas and safety measures are not detailed.
BikingMountain biking is permitted on trails. "The location is great for trail riding with a motorcycle," mentioned one user.
BoatingBoating is popular at nearby lakes. Docking facilities or boat types are not specified.
Wildlife viewingThe Chippewa National Forest offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Northern Minnesota is home to black bears, and campers are advised to secure attractants in vehicles.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNorthern Minnesota is home to black bears, requiring campers to store food securely. Other hazards include rocky trail spots requiring outfitted horses and fallen trees on trails.

Weather at Cut Foot Horse Campground

Reviews

4.6
30 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Cut Foot Horse Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the scenic beauty and specialized amenities for horse campers. Some mention the need for additional features such as electric hookups and pull-through sites. "Beautiful trails and campsites; overall great camping and riding experience," noted one camper.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, accessible water, and scenic trails. Several users highlighted the semi-private campsites and the overall cleanliness of the campground.
Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of electricity and garbage collection, limited pull-through sites, and need for better trail signage.
Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring certified weed-free hay, use nose bags for horse feed, and pack out all garbage. Consider front shoes for horses due to rocky trail sections.
Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is particularly favored due to fewer bugs and less crowding. "No bugs then—Chippewa National Forest is huge!" quipped one reviewer.
Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice trails for the horses. Lots of room for camping," shared one user. "The campground is rustic, but the sites are wooded and far enough apart to enjoy solitude," another observed.
Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 028: Clean toilets and accessible water; rated 5 stars. Site 033: Fun experience with respectful side-by-side users; rated 5 stars.
Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available. "Wheelchair accessible," confirmed one user.
Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must remain leashed at all times. "Pets are welcome but not allowed in beach areas," clarified the rules.
Based on 30 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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