The best camping in Minnesota with horseback riding

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The land of 10,000 lakes―11,842 to be exact—is a water-logged paradise for anglers, paddlers, and campers. From the shores of Lake Superior to the banks of the Mississippi, you'll never be more than a short drive from a lake campground or a forest hiking trail. Minnesota's distinct seasons afford plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, whether you're hiking or horseback riding through autumnal woodlands, wild swimming in the lakes in summer, or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through the long winter months. The best weather for a camping trip is from May through October, but you'll find many Minnesota campgrounds open year-round.

95% (2.7K) 4,123 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Minnesota

Balsam Ridge Retreat

1. Balsam Ridge Retreat

100%
(993)
Duluth, MN · 7 sites
Hello friends! Thanks for your interest in Balsam Ridge Retreat! Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. Our home was once an abandoned house that sat for years until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired its horses and closed its doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.
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Camping on private lake

2. Camping on private lake

99%
(375)
Westbrook, MN · 4 sites
This property has 4 camp spots. Sites 1 and 4 have a boat landing. All sites have shades trees that can hold hammocks. All sites are right next to the lake. Site 3 has a dock that all can use. There is excellent swimming with a sandy bottom at the south end of the lake. The lake is stocked with perch in 2024 but has others as well. It is also close to many lakes that are good for fishing. I have a 14' fishing boat with trolling motor, a paddle boat, 2 kayaks, and canoe for campers to use for free. Firewood is available for $5/day. There is some hiking on the property and much near by. Biking is also good with small lakes nearby to visit. The camping here is very peaceful with wonderful views and the wildlife is awesome! 120 volt power is at all sites and 220 can reach sites 2 and 3. There is warm showers and flushing toilets. Also all sites are drive through on hard ground grass. Grates are provided for cooking over the fire. There is Wi-Fi internet that reaches sites 1-3
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Champion Valley

3. Champion Valley

91%
(75)
Lakeville, MN · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Champion Valley is a 150-acre outdoor adventure park in Lakeville, MN featuring ax-throwing, airsoft, paintball, escape rooms & archery tag. We are located 5 minutes off of Interstate 35W. It is situated on 150 acres of beautiful hills and waterways covered with thousands of trees.
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Camden State Park

4. Camden State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Minnesota · 93 sites
Discover Camden State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Itasca State Park

5. Itasca State Park

100%
(15)
State park in Minnesota · 239 sites
Explore the wild headwaters of the Mississippi River at Minnesota’s oldest state park.
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The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

6. The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

98%
(228)
Oak Grove, MN · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy 10 acres shared between 2 sites! The two campsites are large and can accommodate approximately 6 tents comfortably at each. If more is needed let us know we have room and can accommodate. There is a shared bathroom/changing room and trash/recycling between the sites. There is a hand pump well left of the last gate if you need to fill up on drinking water just make sure you have a container for it. Site includes a picnic table and firepit and many acres with downed trees to salvage. Bundles of firewood can be purchased if needed at the farm stand. This area includes a back pasture and woods with trails throughout for walking/mountain biking. There are many horse trails in the area, if you want to bring your horses that is fine as long as you bring containment for them and clear it with us first. We are approximately 1 mile from a rum river access. There are multiple river trip options from our property. We are also 3 mins from Lake George and the Rum River Regional Park for swimming, biking, fishing, boating, and more paddling. There is a Bills gas n grocery as well as a G-will liquors less than a minute from the property. The Ponds golf course is about 4 mins away as well. If you are looking to hit downtown Anoka that is a straight shot and approx 12 mins away. This site is on an active hobby farm that has dogs, cats, horses, chickens, goats, and multiple gardens. We have a farm stand by the road where we sell items such as fresh roasted coffee, eggs, BBQ sauce, pickles, maple syrup, hot sauce, and more! We are very pet friendly and like to meet new furry faces, so feel free to bring them along!
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The Camps at the Vineyards

7. The Camps at the Vineyards

97%
(346)
Ogilvie, MN · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This is a 10-acre part of a larger 110-acre property. This section is reserved for tents, camping vans, and small trailers 20' or less. The river is great for small children to wade and swim in during the summer. During spring, the water is up higher for kayaks and canoes. We have built new out houses for our guests. Your hosts live at 1010 205th Ave. It is just a vineyard for now. the winery we hope will be built in 2027.
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Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

8. Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

100%
(504)
Houston, MN · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome ; Located in southeast Minnesota's Driftless region of hills, valleys, fields and forests, we are a grass based working dairy farm with over 100 acres of woodland, including an extensive trail system and campsites in our wooded acres. What makes this woodland special is it's quiet, secluded setting and over 6 miles of hiking / skiing trails. Our farmstead sits three quarter of a mile off the paved county highway on our well maintained gravel driveway. Each of our campsites are secluded from the others with their own sawdust compost toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces, and firewood. Two of our sites require 4WD with a minimum of 6 inches ground clearance to access, and two are accessible with 2WD. If you do not have 4WD we can help transport your gear while you enjoy the walk in. There are plenty of woodland birds, deer, turkeys, raccoons and squirrels sharing the woods with you. At night it is common for owls to visit the campsite area to say hello, and coyotes talking in the distance. The winding trails through 100 acres of woodland offer a variety of woodland habitats, from Old growth Maple to mixed hardwood, to dense brush, to the edges of open pastureland. Bring your fat bike or mountain bike for an enjoyable ride. For winter users there is a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging winter cross country skiing or snowshoeing / hiking on the property. However the Rock Bottom Cabin is our only heated and insulated site and is available for winter booking. Winter access is walk in only with snow on the ground or in the forecast. We can help transport gear. This property is part of a working pasture-based dairy farm and guided tours of the dairy and cattle are available when scheduling allows. Children 12 and younger are free at our campsites. No need to be counted as guests , but please let us know when requesting to book. We do not allow non-booked visitors to our campsites due to the secluded, remote location, and accessibility.
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Fire Tower Pond

9. Fire Tower Pond

100%
(26)
Pine Point, MN · 1 site
Campsite is set next to a large pond, deep in the woods on 40 private acres. The pond is accessible for swimming/kayaking/canoeing. Beautiful Itasca State Park is directly across the road from the property with biking, hiking, nature drives, boating, fishing, equipment rentals, dining and more. Within a few miles are several local eateries. The area has many miles of ATV trails and the Heartland Bike Trail.
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Afton State Park

10. Afton State Park

100%
(18)
State park in Minnesota · 31 sites
Give Afton State Park's four-stage geocache a run with free GPS units you can checkout at the park.
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Jay Cooke State Park

11. Jay Cooke State Park

100%
(15)
State park in Minnesota · 79 sites
Hiking, rafting, and a swinging bridge provide the fun.
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Superior National Forest

12. Superior National Forest

87%
(41)
National forest in Minnesota · 569 sites
With all this prime natural beauty, there is one thing the Superior National Forest should not have: an inferiority complex. The area boasts Minnesota’s finest, including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, and being a respite of many an angler. Visitors can choose from camping at classic RV and car camping sites or venturing in the far secluded wilderness. Set up your tent, start a fire, and come witness what these Northern skies are all about.
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Maplewood State Park

13. Maplewood State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Minnesota · 67 sites
Discover Maplewood State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
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Electrical hookup
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Camp Crimson Turtle

14. Camp Crimson Turtle

70%
(35)
Hastings, MN · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Established by naturalists in the 1920's this parcel features a waterfront cabin (currently being restored), a two acre spring fed pond that is stocked with fish, a small stream and great privacy. We have had this as our family paradise and now we are sharing it with you! We now offer a bohemian wagon if you would prefer to get up off the ground! Available at site 1. Learn more about this land: 8 acres of wooded privacy. Spring fed 2 acre pond, fishing, swimming, boating. Clothing optional if total site is rented. Extremely private. Electric available upon request for site number 2, other sites are quite far from electric hook up. New toilet facilities available!! We now have a flush toilet and exterior shower available for use onsite.
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Mn River Valley Sanctuary

15. Mn River Valley Sanctuary

97%
(75)
Franklin, MN · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome, we have a small flock of waterfowl and chickens and a herd of goats to interact with, volunteer some time in our organic garden, peer up into endless night skies or use us a s a base camp to go exploring the several county and state parks, Natural and Scientific areas, hiking trails and local communities. We are located about 5 miles from either Franklin or Fairfax and less than 20 minutes to Redwood Falls, Jackpot Junction and New Ulm.
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Gossman Goat Ranch

16. Gossman Goat Ranch

99%
(147)
Preston, MN · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We have a lovely piece of property to come enjoy a getaway at. We enjoy all of the peace and quiet around here. The night sky is unbeatable in my eyes. We have a small hobby farm with lots of very tame animals. We have 42 acres to roams with lots of trails within the woods that are filled with aged oak trees and many young maple trees. Our property is filled with lots of wild flowers and wildlife. We are locate 3 miles from the root river if you enjoy fishing or going for a float down the river. There are two caves in our area that are a must see while you are visiting. I you like to hike there is a state park 14 minutes from us that have many miles of hiking trails and horse trails. If you are more the small town strolling type of person we have lots of small towns around us that are filled with shops and lots of great food! There is a large system of bike trails in our area that make a very fun way to check out some of the small towns. If you have a family with kids we have a lot of fun activities you can do with your kids, like spending time with the goats and chickens, playing on our playground, or taking a nice walk through the woods looking for fossils! We do offer a 5% discount to military members and first responders! Please bring proof of service and use code 7R78I5SU on booking. Thank you for your service!
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Cuyuna Crossing | Riverside Stays

17. Cuyuna Crossing | Riverside Stays

94%
(213)
Crosby, MN · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
Cuyuna Crossing offers both private riverside domes and walk-in rustic campsites on 21 wooded acres with over a half mile of Mississippi River frontage, just minutes from the Cuyuna Recreation Area. It also features a private professionally designed 18-hole disc golf course, available to guests only. Mirror Hypedomes (Glamping) Our insulated domes are designed for quiet, comfortable stays and are ideal for couples. Each includes a king bed, private bathroom with shower (in the main building), wood stove (firewood provided), electric heat, fire ring, seating, and private river access. Wood-fired, coil thermosiphon hot tubs are being installed this spring; early-season stays may not yet include them. Rustic Campsites Walk-in tent sites offer a simple, peaceful way to experience the land. The property includes one Riverside Group Site (up to four tents) and four individual tent sites along the river. Sites are bring-your-own-gear with no water or electricity. A porta potty serves the campsite area. Parking is in the main lot, with carts provided to transport gear. Optional add-on: shared private bathroom & shower access in the main building (limited availability, advance purchase required). Coming Soon Additional premium tents are planned for a future phase of the property. The Property Over a half mile of Mississippi River frontage 18-hole disc golf course (opening Spring 2026, for overnight guests) Wooded setting with space to relax Nearby: 200 yards to The Bridge Tavern restaurant and bar .3 miles to public Mississippi River water access 1.5 miles to the Milford Mine Memorial Park 4.7 miles to downtown Crosby shops and restaurants 5.1 miles to Yawkey Unit mountain bike trails 5.3 miles to emergency room and hospital 5.5 miles to Super One Foods 5.9 miles to Cykel Bike Shop in Ironton 10.1 miles to Sagamore Unit mountain bike trails Good to Know This is a shared property with both domes and campsites. Campsites are walk-in only. Spring conditions may include mud or high water. Prior reviews referencing vehicle access reflect an earlier layout.
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field view campsite

18. field view campsite

94%
(63)
Northfield, MN · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land: You"ll camp right next to the pasture and on our field drive with wonderful views and sunsets. The field is surrounded on three sides by Rice County Wilderness Park so it is very private and quiet.if you have a tent or small vehicle park down next to fire ring. If you have an RV park on the field drive next to the site We do not use pesticides sprays, the ticks are prolific this year all throughout MN. Bring repellents for yourself Porta potty is a five minute walk to front of barn, there is also water available at the barn bring your own container
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16 Squared Cabin

19. 16 Squared Cabin

98%
(108)
Nett Lake, MN · 1 site
Learn more about this land:"Glamp" on 160 acres of private property surrounded by pine forest, a field, and a pond. There are several miles of trails on the property that are perfect for hiking, biking, four wheeling and horseback riding! The trails also connect to several hundred miles of trail systems in the surrounding area. The cabin can be heated by the wood stove during the winter months, so it is a great place to stay for snowmobiling! Inside the cabin there are a wood stove, 2 sets of bunkbeds, a table and chairs, and a counter top with cupboards. Outside, there is an outhouse and a campfire area with a picnic table.
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A Quiet Stay on Our Family Farm!

20. A Quiet Stay on Our Family Farm!

100%
(22)
Shafer, MN · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our small family farm, where life is as simple as it gets, and every season brings something special. Whether you’re here to relax or explore, you'll find that there’s plenty to see, do, and taste—plus, the chance to experience life on a small farm. Our farm is peaceful, scenic, and full of nature. You’ll be just 2 miles from Rod's Country Corner, a local spot with pizza, ice cream, and sandwiches, and a short drive to Lindstrom where you’ll find a meat shop . We have some delicious farm-fresh goodies for purchase. We’re surrounded by plenty of attractions, including parks, wineries, breweries, and more. +What to Expect During Your Stay: Rustic Camp Sites: Choose from a variety of locations on our beautiful, rural farm. You'll camp right next to nature, with the sounds of birds, a slight breeze, and the distant hum of farm life. Be aware, it’s not entirely pristine—this is a working farm after all! +Composting Toilet: We have a simple, rustic composting toilet for your convenience. Please be sure to read the instructions inside. We try to keep it as clean and fresh as possible, but be aware it’s a basic setup. +Fresh Local Food: If you’re here during the season, you can purchase fresh produce directly from us or from our neighbors. Lindstrom has a local meat shop, and you can grab essentials and snacks at Rod’s Country Corner. There’s always something to make your camp meals extra special. 0o Things to Keep in Mind: --Wildlife: Black bears do live in the area, so please make sure all food is stored securely in your car at night. We want to keep everyone safe and the bears wild! --Weather: Rural weather can be unpredictable, pop-up storms are common. Be sure to check forecasts, and keep rain gear handy. Tents are subject to wind, so make sure your setup is sturdy. --Quiet Hours: We value our peace and quiet here, so please respect our designated quiet time after sundown. It's a time to unwind and enjoy the stars. __No Smoking/No Pets: For the comfort all guests and to maintain a clean farm environment, we do not allow smoking (either tobacco or marijuana) or pets on the property, avoid bringing glass bottles to prevent accidents. 12 min to Interstate State Park. 10 min to Wild River State Park. We look forward to hosting you!
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Minnesota camping guide

Where to go

Northwest Minnesota

Bordered by Canada to the north, and South Dakota and the Red River Valley to the west, northwest Minnesota is home to some of the state's biggest lakes. Grand Rapids and Bemidji are the gateways to the Leech Lake Recreation Area and the Chippewa National Forest, while nearby Itasca State Park lies at the headwaters of the Mississippi River. To the north, two Minnesota state parks border the Lake of the Woods, known for its walleye fishing and winter snowmobiling.

Northeast Minnesota

Lush state forests, wetlands, and island-studded lakes blanket the northeastern tip of Minnesota, stretching down from the Canadian border to the north shore of Lake Superior. Minnesota camping is at its wildest out here, whether paddling out to island campsites in Voyageurs National Park, RV camping with full hookups in Superior National Forest, or seeking out a tranquil lake campground in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Central Minnesota

On the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are launchpads for outdoor adventures in central Minnesota. Some of the region's best campgrounds are just a short drive from the city at Mille Lacs Lake, while Frontenac State Park has a mix of drive-in RV sites and cart-in tent sites along the Mississippi. Further north, there's kayak and canoe camping along the St. Croix River at Wild River State Park, or yurt and camper cabin rentals at Afton State Park.

Southern Minnesota

Glacial plains and scenic river valleys give way to the wooded bluffs of the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota. RochesterMankato, and Winona provide easy access to the south, where highlights include aptly named Great River Bluffs State ParkWhitewater State Park, and Minneopa State Park, home of Minnesota's tallest waterfall. In the far southwestern corner, Blue Mounds State Park is known for its soaring cliffs—a hotspot for rock climbing—and free-roaming bison.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field