Wild River State Park Equestrian Campground

For Minnesota residents who share a passion for both camping and equestrian adventures, Wild River State Park Equestrian Campground in Almelund, MN, stands out as a premier destination. This specialized campground offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Minnesota's landscapes alongside your beloved horses. It’s more than just a place to stay; it's a gateway to miles of scenic riding trails, a community for fellow equestrians, and a tranquil escape from the everyday.

Visitors consistently praise the equestrian campground for its thoughtful design and comfortable amenities, making it a highly sought-after spot for horse campers. Reviewers highlight the "pretty decent" and "beautiful" nature of the campground, noting that while it may not be the largest, the sites are "shaded and fairly spread out," offering a sense of privacy and comfort. This spacious layout ensures that both you and your equine companions have ample room to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

The dedication to providing a quality experience for horse owners is evident. The presence of electric hookups on many sites is a significant convenience, allowing for more comfortable stays and easier management of your equipment. But beyond the practicalities, it's the access to the park's well-maintained and "very scenic" trails that truly sets this campground apart. While some seasoned riders might wish for "more miles," the existing network is widely considered "enough for a weekend for sure," providing ample opportunity for enjoyable rides through varied landscapes. For Minnesotans looking to combine their love for horses with the joys of camping, Wild River State Park Equestrian Campground offers an unparalleled experience.

Location and Accessibility

Wild River State Park Equestrian Campground is situated within the expansive Wild River State Park, with a general address of G7G3+WC, Almelund, MN 55056, USA. While this is a general location code, the park itself is well-marked and accessible for Minnesota residents. Wild River State Park curves along 18 miles of the St. Croix River, offering a picturesque setting that's relatively easy to reach from various parts of the state. The park's main entrance is typically accessed via State Highway 95 to County Road 12, making it a straightforward drive for those coming from the Twin Cities metropolitan area and other central Minnesota locations.

The equestrian campground specifically is often located via a service road on the north side of the main park road after entering the park. While larger rigs might find some internal park roads challenging, the overall access to the state park is designed to accommodate vehicles and trailers, including horse trailers. This accessibility means less time spent navigating complex routes and more time enjoying the beautiful journey to your equestrian retreat. Almelund, the nearby town, provides a charming local touch, and while amenities are primarily found within the state park, visitors can find basic services in the surrounding communities, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable trip for local Minnesotans.

Services Offered

• 20 Rustic Horse Campsites: Specifically designed for campers with horses, offering a unique experience.
• 15 Electrical Hookups: Many sites within the equestrian campground provide electrical hookups (30 & 50 amp) for added convenience.
• Hitching Posts: Individual campsites are furnished with hitching posts for livestock, ensuring secure tethering for horses.
• Fresh Drinking Water Station: Accessible potable water sources are available within the campground.
• Primitive Toilets: Vault toilets are provided, suitable for a more rustic camping experience.
• Manure Bins: Designated bins for manure disposal help maintain cleanliness and hygiene within the campground.
• Fire Rings and BBQ Grills: Each campsite includes a fire ring and a BBQ grill for cooking and campfires.
• Picnic Tables: Provided at each site for comfortable outdoor dining and gathering.
• Miles of Horseback Riding Trails: Access to 18-20 miles of designated horse trails within Wild River State Park.
• No Showers: It's important to note that unlike the main campground, the equestrian campground does not have showers.

Features / Highlights

• Dedicated Equestrian Facilities: One of the few state park campgrounds specifically designed for horse camping, complete with hitching posts and manure bins.
• Shaded and Spread-Out Sites: Campsites are generally well-shaded by trees and offer a good amount of space between them, providing privacy and a natural feel.
• Electrical Hookups Available: A significant portion (15 out of 20) of the equestrian sites offer electrical hookups (30 & 50 amp), enhancing comfort for RVs and trailers.
• Scenic and Easy Horse Trails: Access to approximately 18-20 miles of well-maintained horse trails that are described as "easy" and "very scenic," perfect for enjoyable rides.
• Proximity to St. Croix River: The broader Wild River State Park is situated along 18 miles of the St. Croix River, offering beautiful views and additional recreational opportunities.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The park's diverse habitats provide opportunities to observe various wildlife and enjoy the rich flora throughout the seasons.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Reviewers often highlight the quiet and tranquil environment, ideal for a relaxing escape from daily life.
• Firewood Availability: Firewood is often available for sale at the park office, with self-pay options when the ranger station is closed (bring exact change).

Contact Information

Address: G7G3+WC, Almelund, MN 55056, USA (This is a general Google Maps Plus Code; for direct GPS, use the main park address: 39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012, and follow signs for the equestrian campground.)

While the provided phone number is not for the campground directly, the main Wild River State Park contact information is as follows:

Phone: (651) 583-2125 (Wild River State Park Headquarters)

It is always recommended to contact the park directly or visit the Minnesota DNR website for the most current information regarding reservations, fees, and specific equestrian campground details.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesota residents who own horses or simply love the unique experience of equestrian camping, Wild River State Park Equestrian Campground offers a truly tailored and accessible adventure. Its location within Wild River State Park, easily reachable from various parts of the state, makes it a convenient choice for weekend trips or longer equestrian holidays. The specialized amenities, including electrical hookups and dedicated facilities for horses like hitching posts and manure bins, demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of horse campers, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free stay for both rider and animal.

The beauty of the "shaded and fairly spread out" campsites, combined with the "easy and very scenic" trails, provides an immersive natural experience that is perfect for relaxation and exploration. While the equestrian campground offers a more rustic experience by not including showers on-site, the overall quality and the opportunity to ride directly from your campsite into the picturesque Minnesota landscape make it an exceptional choice. For locals, this campground represents a chance to connect deeply with Minnesota's natural environment, foster a sense of community with fellow equestrians, and create cherished memories in a setting specifically designed for their passion. It's a testament to Minnesota's diverse outdoor offerings, providing a welcoming haven for horse enthusiasts right in their home state.

Wild River State Park Equestrian Campground

G7G3+WC, Almelund, MN 55056, USA