The best campgrounds near Wadena, Minnesota with horseback riding

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Wadena, Minnesota? Hipcamp has over 123 camping options in this area, perfect for those who want to explore the breathtaking terrain. Whether you're a fan of pitching a tent or prefer the comforts of an RV, there's something for everyone. And with prices starting as low as $10 per night and an average price of $45 per night, you can find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out some of the top campsites in the area, like The Camps at the Vineyard (66 reviews), Rusty Star Ranch Riverview (48 reviews), and Lower Elk Lake - Full RV Hookup (25 reviews). With popular amenities like trash, showers, and cooking equipment available, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable camping experience. And for those who love wildlife watching, off-roading, or climbing, this location offers plenty of exciting activities. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the beauty of nature at its finest!

93% (47)

Top-rated campgrounds near Wadena

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Wadena, Minnesota? Hipcamp has over 123 camping options in this area, perfect for those who want to explore the breathtaking terrain. Whether you're a fan of pitching a tent or prefer the comforts of an RV, there's something for everyone. And with prices starting as low as $10 per night and an average price of $45 per night, you can find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out some of the top campsites in the area, like The Camps at the Vineyard (66 reviews), Rusty Star Ranch Riverview (48 reviews), and Lower Elk Lake - Full RV Hookup (25 reviews). With popular amenities like trash, showers, and cooking equipment available, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable camping experience. And for those who love wildlife watching, off-roading, or climbing, this location offers plenty of exciting activities. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the beauty of nature at its finest!

93% (47)

Top-rated campgrounds near Wadena

1. Fish Trap Oasis

82%

(11)

30mi from Wadena · 1 site · Tent, RV

Come relax and restore at a quiet lakeside camp spot on Fish Trap Lake! The property is perfect for any small group fishermen, campers or RVers who want private lake views. The property is next to a government nature preserve and located near various cabins. Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and swimming can all be enjoyed on Fish Trap Lake. We are less than a mile from the boat launch on Lake Alexander which is great for fishing. A dock is also on the property for lake access.

2. Fire Tower Pond

100%

(26)

48mi from Wadena · 1 site · Tent

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.

3. Goldie The Caboose - Nevis MN

100%

(27)

37mi from Wadena · 1 site · Lodging

Goldie is closed for the season - she will reopen again in the spring! Goldie is an original early 1900's wooden caboose that ran on the DMIR railroad. She was re-designed in 1912 to be safer on the railroad (and her length extended so she wouldn't fall over). She ran the tracks of the Iron Range until retirement in 1968. It's been fully renovated with a few modern conveniences. We've re-used as much of the original wood as possible, and repurposed many things into other things so that we could keep the history alive. My husband is the carpenter that brought her to life and I'm the one that gave her some paint and design. Now, she's ready for people again, and to keep telling her story to others. Please...be our guest...and let Goldie be your host. Goldie has a max occupancy of 2 people due to space constraints. She also offers: ~ 1 very generous bundle of firewood included with stay ~ Hot and cold running water ~ A shower ~A/C and heat ~Hot water kettle for coffee, tea and cocoa (or oatmeal, etc) ~Paper dishes, plastic utensils and ceramic mugs ~Microwave ~Mini fridge ~One queen sized memory foam bed ~ Bath Towels, hand towel and wash towels ~Flush Toilet ~Fire ring, picnic table and lake access (kayaks available to use for free) ~Wifi access ** There is no cable TV, but we have a DVD player and some movies to choose from. Also there are some games to play. We do have pets and they do run around the yard freely. There are two dogs that love to romp and say hi (a female Golden Retriever and a female Griffon mix) and a female cat that does the same. They are super friendly, but they will come to visit you at the lake. Our lake is an "environmental lake" so while we keep a small beach area that you are welcome to use, it is not free of lily pads or weeds. It's simple, but fully swimm-able (the Golden Retriever keeps the first 8 feet of water weed free with her swimming!). You are welcome to use the dock and chairs we keep there for breezy evenings or to take a dip to cool off. We are only 2ish miles from town with gas, food, ice cream and a donut shop. There is a paved rail trail just down our street that runs both directions for many miles. Bikes are welcome! (please leave ATVs at home).

4. Huntersville State Forest

78 sites · Nimrod, Minnesota

Discover the natural allure of Huntersville State Forest.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Pillsbury State Forest

100%

(1)

123 sites · East Gull Lake, Minnesota

Discover the natural splendor of Pillsbury State Forest.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Lake Carlos State Park

100%

(3)

129 sites · Carlos, Minnesota

Discover Lake Carlos State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

7. Maplewood State Park

100%

(5)

67 sites · Erhard, Minnesota

Discover Maplewood State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

8. Paul Bunyan State Forest

100%

(2)

46 sites · Lake George, Minnesota

Discover the rugged beauty of Paul Bunyan State Forest.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Wadena

Huntersville Forest Landing Campground

19mi from Wadena · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huntersville State Forest

Shell City Landing Campground

25mi from Wadena · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huntersville State Forest

Shell City Horse Campground

25mi from Wadena · 35 sites · in Huntersville State Forest

100%

(1)

Rock Lake Campground

31mi from Wadena · 48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pillsbury State Forest

Horse Riders Campground

32mi from Wadena · 7 sites · in Lake Carlos State Park

100%

(1)

Upper Campground

32mi from Wadena · 48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Carlos State Park

Walter E. Stark Assembly Area and Horse Campground

32mi from Wadena · 75 sites · in Pillsbury State Forest

100%

(2)

Lower Campground

33mi from Wadena · 74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Carlos State Park

Horseriders Campground

39mi from Wadena · 24 sites · in Maplewood State Park

100%

(1)

Grass Lake Campground

39mi from Wadena · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Maplewood State Park

100%

(4)

Lake Lida Campground

41mi from Wadena · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Maplewood State Park

100%

(1)

Mantrap Lake Campground

44mi from Wadena · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Paul Bunyan State Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jonathan

October 2025

3 nights at Goldie The Caboose - Nevis MN

Amy’s place was beautiful and peaceful. The caboose sits on a quiet, wooded part of the property and feels totally private — you can’t even see her house from it. There’s a private trail that leads down to the lake, passing a picnic table and a fire pit with a built-in grill. It’s a perfect spot to relax, cook out, or just sit and enjoy the view. The whole setup has a cozy, tucked-away vibe that makes it easy to unwind and enjoy nature.

The wildflowers in full bloom just outside the caboose

Jim

September 2025

2 nights at Goldie The Caboose - Nevis MN

The caboose was a unique experience to actually stay in a renovated railroad caboose with ties to the area. It was very relaxing setting and have campfire coffee and close access to the bike trails. The dogs were always happy to say hello and the yoga platform was a perfect place to watch the clear night sky.

N

Nick

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Goldie The Caboose - Nevis MN

Detail, very good information and easy to communicate. Gorgeous caboose and very relaxing

The hosts provide a picnic table, firewood, and cooking grate for the camp fire.

C

Cheryl

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Fire Tower Pond

The site was beautiful and peaceful. We appreciated the availability of dry firewood. It was a nice spot to camp.

C

Chase

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Goldie The Caboose - Nevis MN

Amy and her husband were amazing! They have such a peaceful property. From the time we arrived to the time we departed, we felt that we were treated as family. Beautiful people and property! Appreciate the time we spent with you.