Campgrounds & Horseback Riding In Northern Minnesota

Northern Minnesota is home to a dense forest landscape and is dotted with inland lakes and rivers. Horse camps and trails are spread throughout the area. State and national forests in the state host campgrounds that feature horse corrals and primitive camping amenities such as water and outhouses. These campgrounds are located along equestrian trails that are strung across the forests and along river valleys.

Short Trails

The Chippewa National Forest is home to 10 miles of horseback trails. The Cut Foot Sioux Horse Camp is located in the middle of the forest, and offers camping facilities for both you and your horse. The campground has 34 sites, a picket line to tie up your horse, manure pits in campsites, drinking water and outhouses. The facility experiences light use throughout the year. The Cut Foot trail intersects the campground and leads to more of the forest's horse trails.

Campgrounds for Large Riding Parties

The terrain throughout Pillsbury State Forest is dense woodland with lakes and ponds interspersed in the landscape. Camp with your horse at the Walter E. Stark Assembly Area and Horse Campground in the forest. Campsites are primitive, featuring outhouses, garbage cans, picnic tables and drinking water. The campground has 75 horse campsites, and the surrounding 27 miles of trails are accessible from the parking area.

Riverside Camping

Huntersville State Forest in Wadena County is 52 square miles and contains red and jack pine trees as wells as various hardwoods. Horse trails cover 18 miles of terrain through the forest. While exploring the area, set up camp at Shell City Horse Campground. The facility has 27 horse sites and eight rider sites. The accommodations are primitive and feature only outhouses, drinking water, garbage cans and tables. From your campsite you have access to swimming and fishing areas in the Shell River.

Mississippi Trails

The George Washington State Forest surrounds the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The forest also features two horse camps: Stony Brook and Togo Horse Campgrounds. Stony Brook is located along 30 miles of horse trails and has 17 equestrian sites. Togo is 13 miles away from Stony Brook along 19 miles of trails. The campground has 12 equestrian sites. Both campgrounds have outhouses, drinking water, pull-through campsites, dumpsters, picket lines, manure bunkers and a loading ramp area.

Long Trails

Beltrami Island is the second largest state forest in Minnesota and contains 120 miles of multi-use trails to ride horses. Bemis Hill Campground in the forest features four primitive horse campsites with drinking water, outhouses and tables. For your horse, the campground features tie rails, manure disposal, mounting areas and trailer parking. Sites at the campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis.