Cut Foot Horse Campground
4.6117 reviews1235 DIVISION ST., DEER RIVER, MN 56636
Cut Foot Horse Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground charges a flat rate of $16 per night for equestrian non-electric sites during peak season from May 2 to October 20, 2025. Additional fees may apply for reservations and late cancellations.
About this campground
Saddle up for an unforgettable wilderness adventure at Cut Foot Sioux Horse Camp, where the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves mingles with the whisper of wind through towering pines. This thoughtfully designed equestrian haven in the heart of Chippewa National Forest welcomes riders and their four-legged companions with specially crafted amenities including sturdy hitching racks, convenient picket lines, and dedicated manure management facilities. Each spacious, single-family campsite has been carefully positioned to protect the pristine forest floor while providing your horses with the comfort they deserve after a day exploring endless woodland trails.
Cut Foot Horse Campground primarily caters to horse campers but is open for other camping types. Campsites are designed for single-family use and provide facilities specific to equestrian needs.
Historical SignificanceThis sacred landscape tells a story centuries in the making, where the Chippewa National Forest and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe work hand in hand as co-stewards of the land. Here, ancient treaty rights are honored and cultural traditions preserved, creating a camping experience that connects visitors not just to nature, but to the deep indigenous heritage that has shaped these forests for generations. Every trail you ride follows paths once traveled by the Ojibwe people, making your journey part of a continuing story of respect for the land.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campground's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Summer bathes the forest in emerald hues, with warm days perfect for long rides, though you'll share the trails with fellow adventurers. Autumn transforms the landscape into a painter's palette of gold and crimson, offering crisp, clear days and peaceful solitude. Winter brings a crystalline wonderland of light snow and hushed forests, though temperatures demand hearty preparation. Spring and early summer showcase nature's renewal with mild temperatures, gentle cloud cover, and the forest coming alive with birdsong and fresh growth.
Natural Features and SceneryLose yourself in a cathedral of towering red pines that have stood sentinel for decades, their rust-colored bark glowing warm in filtered sunlight. This living tapestry is embroidered with graceful birch trees and sturdy oaks, creating a diverse forest ecosystem that offers both sun-dappled clearings and cool, shaded retreats. The campground's location within the Cut Foot Experimental Forest means you're camping in a living laboratory where forest science meets natural splendor, with each site carefully positioned to maximize privacy while preserving the forest's delicate balance.
Geological RegionSet within the remarkable Cut Foot Experimental Forest, this campground occupies a unique position in both natural history and modern conservation. As part of the greater Chippewa National Forest, the area serves as a vital outdoor classroom where pioneering pine forest management techniques have been developed and refined over generations. The landscape showcases nature's own architecture with mature red pine groves creating natural chambers, while oak and birch companions add textural variety and seasonal color. This living laboratory setting means campers enjoy not just pristine wilderness, but a forest actively managed for health, diversity, and long-term sustainability.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible campsites and vault toilets. "Wheelchair accessible," one user confirmed.
Sites SizeMost campsites are suitable for single-family use and equipped with horse-specific facilities.
Sites PrivacySemi-private sites. "Each campsite is cut into the forest so there is semi-privacy," explained one user.
Total Campsites233827 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, choose sites surrounded by dense forest cover. Riders may prefer sites near trailheads for convenience.
Best CampsitesSite 006 - Highly rated for its spacious layout. Site 022 - Scenic and accessible. Site 028 - Offers convenience near water sources.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Double occupancy is not permitted on single-unit sites
- on large sites double occupancy is permitted with additional fee payment.
Groups
Group camping sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground comprises accessible single-family campsites with hitching racks, fire rings, and picnic tables. Sites are carved into the forest, providing partial privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 2, 2025, and closes October 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground will operate on a first-come, first-served basis for the entire 2025 season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the scheduled arrival date, but fees apply. A $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee apply for late cancellations. Changes to reservations may incur a $10 fee if new dates differ entirely from the original.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Cut Foot Horse Campground include hiking, horseback riding, biking, and off-road vehicle trails. Boating, swimming, and fishing are popular at nearby lakes. "Excellent trails—awesome campsites," raved one user. Wildlife viewing and hunting are among other available activities.
Hiking
Many trails cater to hikers and horseback riders, some of which pass through the Cut Foot Experimental Forest. "Great trails to ride or drive, nice campsites," stated one review.Fishing
Fishing is available at nearby lakes such as Lake Winnibigoshish and Big and Little Cut Foot Sioux Lakes. Specific details on fish types or fishing quality are not provided.Swimming
Swimming is available at nearby lakes, but designated swimming areas and safety measures are not detailed.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on trails. "The location is great for trail riding with a motorcycle," mentioned one user.Boating
Boating is popular at nearby lakes. Docking facilities or boat types are not specified.Wildlife viewing
The Chippewa National Forest offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Northern Minnesota is home to black bears, and campers are advised to secure attractants in vehicles.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not explicitly addressed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be attended at all times and extinguished before leaving the campsite. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsNorthern Minnesota is home to black bears, requiring campers to store food securely. Other hazards include rocky trail spots requiring outfitted horses and fallen trees on trails.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly detailed beyond regular patrols by Forest Service personnel and Itasca County law enforcement officers.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2, 2025, to October 20, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo garbage collection is available on-site. Trash must be packed out by campers, as noted by some reviewers.
Proximity to water featuresNearby Big and Little Cut Foot Sioux Lakes and Lake Winnibigoshish offer boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints include limited pull-through campsites, lack of electrical hookups, and no garbage collection within the campground. Some users also wished for more signage on trails.
HostNo campground host is onsite, but Forest Service personnel and local law enforcement patrol regularly.
Campground Map
1235 DIVISION ST., DEER RIVER, MN 56636
Driving directionsFrom Deer River, travel northwest on Highway 46, to Forest Road 2171 (which is just over three miles past the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center). Continue approximately two miles on Forest Road 2171 to the campground. The campground entrance is on the west side of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but the nearby trails may require off-road vehicles for exploration. Seasonal considerations regarding weather or road conditions are not explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
Deer River, MN (approximately 21 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Firewood is not available onsite but can be purchased from local vendors within 50 miles of the campground or gathered nearby in compliance with forest guidelines. Additional supplies are accessible in Deer River.
Camper Reviews
4.6
17 reviews
Cut Foot Horse Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the scenic beauty and specialized amenities for horse campers. Some mention the need for additional features such as electric hookups and pull-through sites. "Beautiful trails and campsites; overall great camping and riding experience," noted one camper.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, accessible water, and scenic trails. Several users highlighted the semi-private campsites and the overall cleanliness of the campground.
Based on 17 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of electricity and garbage collection, limited pull-through sites, and need for better trail signage.
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring certified weed-free hay, use nose bags for horse feed, and pack out all garbage. Consider front shoes for horses due to rocky trail sections.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall is particularly favored due to fewer bugs and less crowding. "No bugs then—Chippewa National Forest is huge!" quipped one reviewer.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice trails for the horses. Lots of room for camping," shared one user. "The campground is rustic, but the sites are wooded and far enough apart to enjoy solitude," another observed.
Based on 17 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 028: Clean toilets and accessible water; rated 5 stars. Site 033: Fun experience with respectful side-by-side users; rated 5 stars.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available. "Wheelchair accessible," confirmed one user.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome but must remain leashed at all times. "Pets are welcome but not allowed in beach areas," clarified the rules.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025