Equestrian Campground - Horse Camping

4.57

100 reviews

39721 Park Entrance Rd, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Seasonal; opening an...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Minnesota DNR (Minnesota State Parks) site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Seasonal; opening an...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Minnesota DNR (Minnesota State Parks) site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Equestrian Campground - Horse Camping

No fees available

Campsite Fees

General state parks information: vehicle permit required for park access; camping and campsite fees vary by park and should be paid via the...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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Minnesota State Parks

Provider

888-646-6367; 651-296-6157

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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 100 reviews

1049 Google reviews

Most mentioned

stafffriendlywell-maintainedsites

"Visitors praise the park’s scenic, varied terrain, outstanding fall color, and extensive equestrian trail network that makes the horse campground a strong base for riding. Common complaints note limited utilities at the horse camp (no electrical hookups), occasional poor-quality/iron-rich horse water, ticks and raccoons, and sometimes limited or distant bathhouse facilities."

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Campground Map

39721 Park Entrance Rd, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572

No map location available

Best Time to Camp at Equestrian Campground - Horse Camping

Fall is pure magic here, when crisp air and blazing foliage make every trail ride feel like something out of a painting. Summer brings its own rewards with warm lake breezes and lush green scenery perfect for longer rides. Spring and early summer mean you'll share the trails with more insects and ticks, so come prepared. Late fall offers bug-free riding for those who don't mind bundling up for chilly evenings. Since the equestrian camp operates seasonally, check current park information for opening and closing dates before you load up the trailer.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Lakes and trails make summer enjoyable though specifics are limited.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in MN

Explicitly praised for 'spectacular fall colors' and 'outstanding fall color'.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Trails and restored prairie suggest decent spring experiences; details sparse.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

No winter activities mentioned; Minnesota winters may limit typical camping use.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasonal; opening and closing dates vary by campground and are dependent on weather. Check the campground webpage or managing unit for exact dates.

About Equestrian Campground - Horse Camping

Saddle up for an unforgettable Minnesota escape at Maplewood's equestrian campground, where you and your horse can explore 20 miles of scenic trails winding through maple-covered hills. These rustic sites are specifically designed for horse rigs with convenient hitching rails, though you'll want to pack in what you need—utilities are limited. Time your visit for autumn, when the park's namesake maples put on a spectacular show of gold and crimson.

Equestrian (horse) campground — dedicated horse campsites with hitching rails and direct trail access. Secondary sources report about 24 equestrian sites and roughly 20 miles of horse trails accessible from the horse camp.

Historical Significance

Maplewood preserves remnants of the region’s pre-settlement landscape—maple–basswood forest, oak woods and prairie—which the park manages with prairie and forest restoration efforts. Public-facing sources do not identify specific historic or cultural sites tied directly to the equestrian campground.

Weather and SeasonsFall is pure magic here, when crisp air and blazing foliage make every trail ride feel like something out of a painting. Summer brings its own rewards with warm lake breezes and lush green scenery perfect for longer rides. Spring and early summer mean you'll share the trails with more insects and ticks, so come prepared. Late fall offers bug-free riding for those who don't mind bundling up for chilly evenings. Since the equestrian camp operates seasonally, check current park information for opening and closing dates before you load up the trailer.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's rolling glacial hills tell an ancient story, blanketed today in sugar maple forests that glow golden each fall. Between the forested ridges, you'll discover pockets of restored prairie grasslands and a necklace of sparkling lakes and ponds. This diverse landscape creates perfect habitat for waterfowl and wildlife—keep your eyes open as you ride through open meadows, along wetland edges, and under the hardwood canopy.

Geological RegionRolling glacial hills in the transition zone between Minnesota prairie and hardwood (maple–basswood) forest; patchwork of lakes, ponds, and restored prairie

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Equestrian-focused camping with direct access to an extensive trail network; the park also supports hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, biking, and wildlife viewing across its lakes, woods, and restored prairie.

HikingLarge network of trails across rolling glacial hills and hardwood forest, including scenic overlooks such as Hallaway Hill; trails vary in length and difficulty and connect to the equestrian trail system.

FishingAccess to multiple park lakes (reported as eight major lakes) with boat access and fish-cleaning facilities elsewhere in the park; fishing for a variety of species is available.

SwimmingPark contains designated swimming beaches and day-use areas on some lakes (beaches are park amenities rather than specific to the horse camp).

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReported issues include heavy tick activity in some seasons and frequent raccoons that may raid campsites. Riders have reported iron-rich water for horses at some park water sources and there are generally limited utilities at horse sites (no electric hookups reported by users). Cell coverage in the horse camp is variable.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Equestrian Campground - Horse Camping

Reviews

4.6

100 reviews

Top-Rated

Equestrian Campground - Horse Camping is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors praise the park’s scenic, varied terrain, outstanding fall color, and extensive equestrian trail network that makes the horse campground a strong base for riding. Common complaints note limited utilities at the horse camp (no electrical hookups), occasional poor-quality/iron-rich horse water, ticks and raccoons, and sometimes limited or distant bathhouse facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 100 reviews

What Campers Love

Excellent horseback riding and direct access to many miles of horse trails; scenic hilltop vistas and fall foliage; well-maintained trails and camp areas; roomy, wooded campsites and generally...

Based on 100 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring or plan to haul/filter water for horses; expect dry camping conditions at horse sites (no hookups); secure food from raccoons; check for ticks; make reservations or arrive early during peak...

Based on 100 reviews