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Equestrian Campground at Sibley State Park offers horse-specific camping facilities approximately 15 miles west of Darwin, Minnesota. The campground includes designated sites for horse owners with trailer parking areas and access to riding trails throughout the 3,400-acre park. The main equestrian camping area accommodates both tent and RV camping with sites large enough for horse trailers. Restroom facilities are available, though no electric hookups or drinking water are provided at the horse sites. The park maintains sanitary dump stations for manure disposal and requires campers to clean up after their horses. During summer months, the mosquitos can be challenging in wooded areas while riding, requiring appropriate repellent for both riders and horses.
Located along the northern edge of Sibley State Park, the equestrian camping area connects directly to the park's network of horse-friendly trails winding through diverse terrain of prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats. Riders access nearly 18 miles of bridle paths from the campground, including routes that climb Mount Tom for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The trails range from easy, flat sections to more challenging hilly terrain suitable for various skill levels. Horse owners must bring their own feed and water containers, as natural water sources may be seasonal or restricted. Reservations are required for all equestrian campsites, which typically fill quickly during summer weekends and fall color season. The campground's trails remain open from mid-April through October, weather permitting, with brief closures after heavy rainfall to prevent trail damage.
"This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."
"I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."
from $22 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
from $21 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open."
"Sibley State Park isn't the most amazing park in Minnesota, however it's still a very nice little campground!"
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites)."
"Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"You can spend extra money to go horseback riding on trails. The sites are very close together not much privacy."
"Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit for all. This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack."
"Gulley that a large creek runs through surrounded by trees and large forested hills."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"This newly developed trail is 13.25 miles long, so a nice option close to the city for those who are inclined to adventurous biking. Different loops are available for varying skill levels. "
"Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home😁"
"Ridgley horse camp. Very nice horse camp, with electric hookups, and water at every site."
"It's a great park in an area of Minnesota that is not well traveled. There's also a lot of history here with an interesting museum on the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862."
from $24 - $85 / night
Check Availability"We thoroughly enjoyed the hiking trails here. Plenty of space to socially distance. Equestrian camping area is nice and plenty of horse trails too."
from $25 / night
Check Availability
GuideWe thoroughly enjoyed the hiking trails here. Plenty of space to socially distance. Equestrian camping area is nice and plenty of horse trails too. The biggest hit for me was the newly remodeled beach area on Lake Andrew. Plenty of space and a nice “fishing” pier to hang out at. They rent kayaks there too!!
LegendDuring these COVID times everyone wants to get out and about more, which means that the main parking lot for the park that used to be mostly designated for horse trailer parking is now overrun with family vehicles. So as a result the Riverbend group equestrian campground is now the parking lot for day visitors through at least August.
In normal times you can rent this group campsite for$70-$80 a night, which is ridiculously cheap considering that you can fit quite a bit of horse trailers on here. The information for this site states you can put 10 horse trailers on this lot, but I have definitely seen groups camp here with more. The barn stalls are available for use (unlike the Blue Stem horse site), otherwise there are overhead horse hitch lines.
This campground is nicely maintained and has nice mature trees that a lot of people set up hammocks in. The vault toilet near the barn is nice, there are no showers. Be aware that the road into this group site only is wide enough for one vehicle at a time, so far I’ve been lucky to not encounter another vehicle as I’m entering or leaving.
LegendThis state park uniquely showcases an ecologic transition zone between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie. There are also local history connections. As a bird watcher, I was very excited to see birds here that I dont usually see at home in northern Minnesota, and to learn a bit more about glaciation in this area and about prairie and savannah habitats. The park has self guided hikes, educational nature programs, and learning kits for birding and more that you can check out at the ranger station. The lakeshore is pretty, and the lakeside campground is green and leafy with mature trees but the campsites are very close together, and the beachfront and bath house are currently closed for renovation which puts a damper on waterfront activities. Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open. The park’s camper cabins are located here and are in a very pretty setting tucked into a little hill, though a bit of a walk to the bathrooms and showerhouse. At both campgrounds there are nice ADA sites which are level, spacious and accessible, and also close to the bathrooms. I was at a conference in nearby Willmar, and this park is a good alternative for lodging if you need to be in the area. If you are really into learning more about prairies and local glacial geology, the nearby Prairie Environmental Learning Center is fantastic to visit, and lots of prairie pothole WMAs are also closeby for waterfowl watching
ScoutOff the beaten path..so lots of peace & quiet to enjoy..beautiful rustic camping spots throughout the park..picnic table & fIrepit at each spot & bathrooms nearby..can camp right next to the creek..fun fishing for kids..trails throughout the park for walking..horse camping avail also..beautiful place to relax and have some fun!
LegendThis is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed. Do a 180 on the trail and she is happy to trot away from the trailer. Horse camping is available in two locations in the park, even though once when I was there a family was camping in the parking with their horses. Apparently they got the cops called on them by some other park patrons who didn't believe that this was an option. At the time it was marked as a camping location on the map, but that may have changed.
The best place to be bug-free happens to be the sandy prairie trails, the wooded areas are nice but you may want to hustle out of there if you don't have enough bug protection. For non-horse riders some parts of the trail out in the open prairie might be a bit sandy. Also important to note- bikes are NOT allowed on the trails. Absolutely gorgeous in the fall. Pit toilets are available and there is water available at the entrance off of Park drive, not sure about the other locations.
GuideIf you’re the kind of camper who measures a site by how many tail wags it inspires, then Campsite 2 at Elm Creek Horse Camp is barking up the right tree.🌲🐶 Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody’s aiming at your pup), this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire. The ground is mostly level—perfect for a tent and a sturdy dog bed—and the trails? Chef’s kiss. Plenty of new smells, shaded stretches, and squirrels for days. Now, to be clear—this is a horse camp first and foremost. So if your dog isn’t a fan of our four-hooved friends, you might want to steer clear. But if they’re cool with horses and know how to heel when a giant gelding struts by, they’ll be just fine. A few bones to pick: There’s not much privacy between sites, so if your dog’s a talker, your neighbors might get a serenade. And while$16 a night is totally reasonable, the$7.50 reservation fee nips at the budget a bit—especially if you’re staying more than a couple nights. Still, Campsite 2 hits all the right notes: trails close by, fire ring ready, and enough space for a tent, a camp chair, and a dog who thinks every stick is a gift from heaven.🦴 Would we come back? Absolutely. My dog already packed his leash! what
#ElmCreekHorseCamp#MNStateParks#DogFriendlyCamping#TrailDogApproved#HorseCampAdventures#Campsite2#ElmCreekParkReserve#HikingWithDogs#DogCampingVibes#PawfectCampground#TheDyrtDogPack#MinnesotaCamping#ArcheryRangeNeighbors#TailsOnTrails#WagMoreBarkLess
TravelerWe stayed at Ft. Ridgley horse camp. Very nice horse camp, with electric hookups, and water at every site. Bathrooms and showers right in horse camp, and a nice little creek about 50 ft behind our site, that our boys loved playing in!! Nice trails, I wish there were a few more miles, but over all very decent. We had a great time.
TravelerVery nice quiet horse camp. Could use more horse trails, only about 12 miles worth of trails for horses.
TravelerThis campground is on a first come, first serve basis. There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites).
I highly recommend the walk-in-sites for the most private tent camping experience. The walk from the car isn’t far, but the sites are off the road and in the pines. If you like to have your car at your site, you’ll find some sites with nice long driveways that can accommodate multiple cars, or even a truck with a boat/trailer. The beach is nice and private, but it’s a bit of a hike from the campsites. I’d recommend just hopping in the car and driving over if you’ve got young kids with you.
There is no store or firewood sold at the campground, so you’ll have to haul your own in from an approved vendor.
Sibley State Park's equestrian trails traverse diverse terrain throughout the 18-mile trail system, with sections ranging from flat prairie to more challenging elevations. Located approximately 65 miles west of the Twin Cities, horse campgrounds near Darwin, Minnesota offer access to both wooded and open riding areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels through July and August.
Mountain biking opportunities: Within 30 miles of Darwin, Baker Park Reserve offers extensive paved and unpaved trails. "We spent a good hour to an hour and a half walking around the fort shooting pics and reading the storyboards," notes Charyle C., describing the historical sites accessible from nearby trails.
Horseback riding trails: Riders at El Rancho Manana enjoy on-site trail access. "On site horseback riding was great. Unfortunately, during COVID, the bar was not available," shares Jesse H. The ranch offers guided trail rides for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Freshwater swimming: Lake Andrew at Sibley State Park features a completely renovated beach area with amenities for swimmers. "The biggest hit for me was the newly remodeled beach area on Lake Andrew. Plenty of space and a nice 'fishing' pier to hang out at. They rent kayaks there too!!" writes Stephanie B.
Hiking to viewpoints: Climb Mount Tom for panoramic views of the countryside. The trail system connects through oak woods and prairie landscapes with modest elevation changes. "Backpacker's Haven. Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes," reports Tori K.
Secluded tent sites: Lake Maria State Park offers walk-in sites for campers seeking quiet surroundings. "Only about a mile from the parking lot. This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness," shares Lydia N.
Creek access for cooling off: Fort Ridgely State Park features sites along a creek that provides natural water access. "Campsite 37 is right on a bend in the river and has an amazing view! Most others along the river don't have the view but you can still sleep to the sound of running water," notes Ken F.
Clean facilities: Baker Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. "Met a friend for a relaxing weekend in loop C. Quiet, lots of trees, nice fire rings. Bathrooms were close and well kept," says Wade H. about the cleanliness standards.
Free camping options: High Island Creek Park provides no-cost camping with basic amenities. "Nice clean campground very well maintained and free. Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit for all. This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack," explains Mike G.
Bug protection essential: The mosquito population can be significant, particularly in wooded areas and during summer months. "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos. Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts. Even though we'd sprayed everyone down the bugs must have felt safety in numbers because we were covered in welts in no time flat," reports Steph H.
Water availability varies: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer on-site water for horses. "Drinking water is very good and many fountains and hydrants are located all throughout the park, even way out on the trails there are water fountains," shares Tom about Fort Ridgely.
Parking limitations: Some equestrian campgrounds restrict trailer parking to designated areas only. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," notes Andy L. about site conditions.
Seasonal trail closures: Horse trails may close after heavy rainfall to prevent damage and erosion. "The park had some heavy flooding earlier in the year. A lot of the waterfront sites became sandy," Nicole L. observed at Fort Ridgely.
Creek exploration spots: Fort Ridgely State Park Campground offers creek access for supervised play. "The creek is cool temperature even in July but kids have fun swimming and splashing. There are marked areas for crossing the creek which make great wading areas too," Tom explains.
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds include play equipment within walking distance of campsites. "Nice clean campground very well maintained and free. A few areas are next to wild and deep ravines. Very nice large new play areas with slides for kids," notes Mike G.
Nature programs: Seasonal ranger-led activities introduce children to local ecology. "One day a ranger came around an offered a wildlife edible 'class' which I decided to go to - that was interesting! I learned a lot and it was fun to meet some of the other campers," Sarah C. recalls.
Trail difficulty levels: Consider age-appropriate trails when planning hikes with children. "The hiking was easy - which was good for me on this trip. Nothing too high of a climb or rocky. Just a beautiful stroll in the woods," Sarah C. shares about Fort Ridgely trails.
Site selection for horse trailers: When booking equestrian campsites, verify space for both living quarters and trailer parking. "Very nice horse camp, with electric hookups, and water at every site," mentions Cody T. about Sibley State Park's equestrian campground.
Dump station access: Check whether the campground offers manure disposal facilities. "The park maintains sanitary dump stations for manure disposal and requires campers to clean up after their horses," notes a visitor.
Hookup availability: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer electric or water hookups directly at campsites. "We stayed at Ft. Ridgley horse camp. Very nice horse camp, with electric hookups, and water at every site," Cody T. reports.
RV length restrictions: Some access roads to equestrian areas have limited clearance or tight turns. "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," Andy L. observed at Ann Lake campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Darwin, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Darwin, MN is Lake Maria State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Darwin, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Darwin, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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