Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area Equestrian Campground

Open — Reservations required for all campsites through the Minnesota state parks reservation system. Available for same-day reservations.

About

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area Equestrian Campground is located in the Lawrence Unit near Jordan, just minutes from the Twin Cities. This specialized campground features 6 campsites designed to accommodate horses and their riders, making it ideal for extended trail riding adventures. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and hitching post in an open area setting. The campground provides convenient access to over 35 miles of scenic trails that wind through diverse habitats shaped by the massive Glacial River Warren 11,000 years ago. Riders can explore wetlands, floodplain forests, and blufftop oak savanna while enjoying views of the Minnesota River Valley. The nearby trail center offers a covered area for picnicking and serves as a trailhead for the extensive trail system used for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and seasonal snowmobiling. The recreation area preserves a significant portion of the Minnesota River Valley, with landscapes that include Horseshoe Lake, one of the best spots in the area for viewing migrating songbirds and waterfowl. The valley itself stretches 320 miles long, up to five miles wide, and 250 feet deep, carved by glacial meltwater. Horse riders visiting the campground need a Minnesota Horse Pass, which costs $5 per day or $21 for the season, with revenue supporting maintenance and development of equestrian facilities throughout Minnesota state parks.

Directions

Located in the Lawrence Unit near Jordan. Take U.S. Highway 169 to Jordan. The equestrian campground is located near the trail center off Park Boulevard.

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