Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area Equestrian Campground
The campground is open for the season, operating through November 1. Reservations are available up to 120 days in advance. A Horse Pass is required for all riders 16 and older.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 14 at 12:48PM CDT until July 16 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 100. Overnight temperatures remaining very warm in the mid 70s. * WHERE...Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. Prolonged heat waves lead to cumulative heat stress for those who cannot adequately cool down and recover each night. Cumulative heat stress significantly increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke as time goes on.
Air Quality Alert issued July 14 at 12:12PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Red or Unhealthy category. * WHERE...East central, central, west central, southeast, north central, and northwest Minnesota. * WHEN...Until 11 AM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Very heavy smoke is expected across the Arrowhead today, as large wildfires continue to spread. Hot temperatures, when combined with the air pollution, will exacerbate health impacts. A frontal boundary will then spread heavy smoke further south this evening into Wednesday morning, as it moves across northern and central Minnesota. The onset of smoke will be rapid. This boundary eventually passes through the Twin Cities and into southeastern Minnesota on Wednesday or Wednesday evening, bringing heavy smoke even further south. Additional rounds of heavy smoke are possible from Thursday through Friday morning across the alert area.
About
The Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area Equestrian Campground is located at the Lawrence Unit in Scott County, providing horse campers with convenient access to the Minnesota Valley State Trail. This primitive campground caters specifically to equestrian users, with each site equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and hitching rail or high line for securing horses. Water access and primitive toilets are available, along with manure bins or bunkers for waste management. The campground typically operates from May 1 through November 1. Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance through the Minnesota DNR reservation system online or by phone. Sites cost $22 per night plus applicable taxes. Pets are permitted but must remain leashed and supervised at all times. Only approved firewood is allowed to prevent the spread of invasive species. The Lawrence Unit also features a picnic shelter and warming house, the historic Strait House site, and hiking and cross-country ski trails. Riders should note that portions of the trail west of the Carver Rapids Unit parking area tend to be wet and muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Directions
Take U.S. Highway 169 to Jordan. At Quaker Avenue turn north onto County Road 9, then west onto 190th Street West (Township Road 57).
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $22 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 80ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (651) 296-6157 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| MN DNR Horse Camping | |
| Minnesota Valley State Trail |
Availability
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