11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Haycreek Valley Campground provides designated sites specifically for equestrian camping in its horse camp area near Red Wing, approximately 50 miles from Byron. The campground features electric and water hookups for horse campers with high ties available at each site. Overflow space for horse campers ensures availability even during peak periods. The trails surrounding the campground are notably shaded and relatively free of insects, making for comfortable riding conditions. Sites include gravel pads with picnic tables and fire rings, creating a functional base for riders. Endurance riders particularly appreciate the quiet atmosphere that supports early nights and dawn departures. The campground's location offers easy access to extensive trail systems through a short road ride connection.
Direct trail access from the campground connects riders to miles of scenic routes suitable for various skill levels. Maple Springs Campground, while not explicitly listing horse corrals in its amenities, accommodates equestrians with specialized camping options. Horse owners can secure sites through advance reservations, which is especially recommended during summer weekends and holidays when equestrian areas fill quickly. A trout stream runs along the property edge, providing natural water access and pleasant scenery for riders. Campers staying at the equestrian sites enjoy the same amenities as other guests, including shower facilities, dump stations, and camp store access. The proximity to Forestville Mystery Cave State Park creates additional riding opportunities beyond the immediate campground trails. Most horse-friendly sites maintain a quiet atmosphere conducive to early morning departures for trail riding.
"It has a campground and man-made lake (created when Bear Creek was dammed for a flood control project) with hiking trails, a horse trail, picnic shelters, a beach, and a playground."
"Has many walking trails that you can take your dog on and just a couple that you can’t."
"There are so many activities to do both within the park and surrounding areas, but my most favorite thing to do was walk the endless miles of hiking trails."
"Has horse tie ups and great trails"
from $25 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Some girlfriends and I wanted to stay at the camp for the weekend and have a place to social distance ourselves. We rented the horse camp sites and we couldn't have been happier."
"Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground outside of Red Wing, MN with a bar/restaurant and other features. Access to trials for bikes and horses. I stayed in the horse camp without a horse but it was a nice area."
"We have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years for horse camping. The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff."
"Great park if you’re not looking to drive too far to enjoy a bit of nature. Wonderful hiking paths and biking paths. Our site was nice a secluded and right next to the trail heads."
"Sites are wooded and shady but some are close to neighboring sites. Not too many mosquitos or flies for August in Minnesota! Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail runs through the park. "
from $24 - $85 / night
Check Availability"The river is behind the property."
"The group sites are close by and they were quite loud, but the rest of the park was nice and quiet. There is horse camping here, and the lake is nice for swimming."
"You can go fishing at the pond without having to purchase a Minnesota Fishing License!"
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $17 / night
Check Availability"We reserved a spot right next to the pool area. It was a tight fit to back the camper it, but I was able to do it. They have cement pads for a patio area and a fire ring."
"The one drawback, in my opinion, is that the lake it is right next to doesn’t have a beach for swimming. That was a little disappointing for me."
from $22 / night
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LegendNice camping for going on the horse/hiking trails in the Zumbro River valley. Many large sites equipped for the equestrians whom need space for horses and equipment.
RangerMystery Cave State Park is surrounded in in a lush green forest with huge oak and maple trees that hang over the road like a huge living canopy. My new word while we stayed there was “Forresty” due to feeling like we had entered a different world. There are so many activities to do both within the park and surrounding areas, but my most favorite thing to do was walk the endless miles of hiking trails. (Word to the wise, some of the trails are hiking/equestrian so watch your step😂) We didn’t do our homework, but if we would have known, we would have brought our fishing rods as the rivers were full of trout!!
We arrived at 2:00pm on Saturday, after a long 5 hour drive from northern Minnesota. It was amazing to watch the landscape change from iron ore mining pits to countless acres of corn and potatoes!! Check in time is 4:00pm, but our spot was empty when we arrived, so the park rangers let us set up early (Friendly and most helpful!!) We grabbed a bundle of wood for $6.00 for a campfire while we were at the park office. (that is pretty normal rates as you can’t bring in your own wood at State Parks in Minnesota) There are 3 different loops, an additional equestrian loop, and 5 cabins. We stayed in loop “C” with has bigger sites for RV’s and offers electricity. Loops “A” and “B” have smaller sites (still big!!) and both of those loops are non-electric. None of the sites are “full” hook up, but there is a dump station & fresh water fill right off the park office. The restrooms and showers are just off of the “C” loop, as was the amphitheater, and there are garbage/recycling bins every 4-5th site. The park was very noisy, but that all changed when most of the folks left Sunday. It was very peaceful the rest of the week.
There are so many things outside the park to do too!! We were not aware, but the Mystery Cave is a short drive from the state park. We took the scenic tour, and our guide Kip was fantastic!!! Hey let everyone ask all the questions they wanted to, and didn’t rush us at all!! The rate is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for kids 5-12, and kids under 5 go for free. The pictures just don’t do it justice!! The next day we drove to Masonic Park in Spring Valley and we were amazed by the sheer size of the rock face!! There is no charge to picnic or visit there and there is one spot for camping, but you need to get permission from the city before doing so. We also toured Niagra Cave which is a longer drive, but well worth it!! The underground waterfall was super cool!! They charge $16.00 per adult, kids 4-12 are $10.00, and children under 4 are free.
All in all this was a great get away for our family, and I highly recommend staying at the park:)
GuideNice campground outside of Red Wing, MN with a bar/restaurant and other features. Access to trials for bikes and horses. I stayed in the horse camp without a horse but it was a nice area.
GuideGood time! It rained and was a little muddy, but it was nice. Site 11 is kind of small for a large tent like we have. The group sites are close by and they were quite loud, but the rest of the park was nice and quiet. There is horse camping here, and the lake is nice for swimming.
ScoutChester Woods is a county park just east of Rochester, MN. It has a campground and man-made lake (created when Bear Creek was dammed for a flood control project) with hiking trails, a horse trail, picnic shelters, a beach, and a playground. The campsites have nice, soft ground for tents, and electrical outlets are available. It can get noisy on the weekend, but the sites are nice along the edge of the campground.
The lake offers the opportunity to fish for panfish, catfish, and bass. There are a lot of submerged trees from before the Creek was dammed that provide good habitat in deep water, and there is also good shoreline structure and weed beds. There is a fish cleaning house next to the campground which has electric lighting, but no running water.
ScoutWe have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years for horse camping. The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff. They have electric and water hookups for horse campers, and they have overflow for horse campers. The trails here are amazing.
GuideFor free the area is awesome right by the river. We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river. The hike from parking is not bad at all about a 10 minute walk from parking to the farthest site.
LegendThe campground is down a minimum maintenance road, but the road is pretty good though. Just one circle with 17 sites. There are many miles of horse and hiking trails in the area. 2 Vault toilets. No showers. Some picnic tables/fire rings/tie outs for horses.
ScoutSome girlfriends and I wanted to stay at the camp for the weekend and have a place to social distance ourselves. We rented the horse camp sites and we couldn't have been happier. The sites have water and electric. There are high ties for the horses. The sites have a nice gravel pad with a picnic table and fire ring at each site. There is also a dump station that we were able to use before we left on Sunday. None of us had been at this campground before and love trying new places. We are endurance riders so we are used to early nights and up at dawn for riding. This camp was so nice and quiet! We had a nice fire after dinner listening to the water and birds. There were families with children, couples of all ages and well behaved dogs everywhere! The owner Andy as so gracious answering our many emails and questions. He went the extra mile at every turn. We can't thank him and his employee(who's name I sadly can't remember) we're just absolute delights! We will absolutely be back. And we will always check here first to see if their horse sites are open before checking the state camp. It's a very short road ride to the park trails and the campground and their amenities are first rate. I can't wait to return!!!
Equestrian camping options are plentiful within an hour's drive of Byron, Minnesota. This southeastern Minnesota region features rolling hills, hardwood forests, and multiple river valleys with elevations ranging from 900-1300 feet. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions, with summer temperatures averaging 80°F and moderate humidity levels throughout the camping season.
Trail riding adventures: At Haycreek Valley Campground in Red Wing, riders appreciate the well-maintained trails. One visitor noted, "The trails here are amazing" and another mentioned they are "notably shaded and relatively free of insects, making for comfortable riding conditions." Some trails connect directly to Forestville Mystery Cave State Park for extended riding opportunities.
Cave exploration: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground offers fascinating underground tours. "I came here to explore the caves and it blew me away. I think the cave was around 12-13 miles long and there was water and different formations," shares one reviewer. The guided walking tours cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-12.
Fishing spots: Multiple campgrounds provide fishing access. One camper at Chester Woods Park reports, "The lake offers the opportunity to fish for panfish, catfish, and bass. There are a lot of submerged trees from before the Creek was dammed that provide good habitat in deep water, and there is also good shoreline structure and weed beds."
Peaceful settings: Maple Springs Campground receives praise for its quiet atmosphere. One visitor described it as "a wonderful gem near Forestville state park" and mentioned "We had a nice fire after dinner listening to the water and birds." The campground features a trout stream along its edge.
Clean facilities: Maintaining sanitary conditions matters to campers. At Chester Woods Park, one reviewer appreciated that "The bathrooms and showers were pristine clean and close and easy to walk to." Another noted, "Clean bathrooms are a plus too."
Historical attractions: Some equestrian campgrounds provide access to unique cultural experiences. One visitor to Forestville mentioned, "There's also a very interesting cave with a museum and all the talactites, stalagmites, and underground pools you can imagine" and "It has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society."
Reservation timing: Secure your spot early, especially for equestrian sites. Horse camping spots at Haycreek Valley Campground fill quickly during summer weekends. A visitor noted, "We have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years for horse camping."
Hookup limitations: Understand the available amenities before arriving. At Chester Woods Park, "Only electric hooks ups at each site. They do have a fresh water filling station and a dump station," according to one camper. Another reported, "30 & 50 amp service but no water hookup (fill when you come in) and dump tanks when leaving."
Cell service issues: Several equestrian campgrounds have limited connectivity. A visitor to Maple Springs Campground noted there is "little to no phone service unless you have a cell booster." Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Animal encounters: Kamp Dels offers a petting zoo that children enjoy. A reviewer mentioned, "The kids enjoyed themselves using the amenities and activities" and "It was nice to see they gave their zoo animals long breaks from feeding and petting."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds near Byron provide water recreation. A Chester Woods visitor stated, "The beach was great and clean" and another mentioned "Swimming in the lake, lots of fishing, hiking, nature center, free activities, and other things to do."
Budget planning: Campground costs vary significantly. State parks tend to be more affordable while private campgrounds with more amenities charge premium rates. One camper noted about Chester Woods, "Well worth the $30 per night charge" while private campgrounds can cost significantly more.
Site selection: Choose your spot carefully at equestrian campgrounds near Byron. At Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, an RVer warned, "Very nice park if your RV is not too big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees."
Seasonal considerations: Plan your equestrian camping trip around optimal weather conditions. Spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures and fewer insects in most locations. One reviewer noted about Maple Springs, "We rented the horse camp sites and we couldn't have been happier. The sites have water and electric."
Leveling challenges: Equestrian sites may require additional setup work. At Haycreek Valley, the "sites include gravel pads with picnic tables and fire rings, creating a functional base for riders." Another campground reviewer mentioned their site was "a nice level campsite and in walking around all the ones in the electric loop looked pretty level."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Byron, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Byron, MN is Chester Woods Park with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Byron, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Byron, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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