Few horse camping options exist near Dassel, Minnesota, with most nearby campgrounds lacking dedicated horse corrals or equine amenities. Based on available data, equestrians seeking accommodation for their horses must consider nearby state parks with equestrian facilities or private campgrounds that permit horses. Most sites within a reasonable drive from Dassel offer primitive camping conditions rather than developed equine facilities. Backcountry campsites at Lake Maria State Park accommodate small parties with horses, though campers report varying trail conditions depending on recent weather. The park's extensive trail system connects to wetland viewing areas and wooded terrain suitable for day rides.
Trail access remains the primary consideration for horse owners camping in the Dassel area. The natural wetlands and forest terrain provide scenic riding opportunities throughout the central Minnesota region. Riders should pack in water and feed supplies as most primitive sites do not offer water troughs or dedicated horse facilities. Summer camping presents challenges with insects, particularly in wooded areas near water features. Overnight horse camping requires advance reservations at most locations, with many sites available from April through October weather permitting. Some sites limit the number of horses per campsite, with restrictions on grazing and requirements for certified weed-free feed.
$22 - $80 / night
"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."
$21 - $29 / night
"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."
$50 / night
"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."
$25 - $35 / night
"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!"
"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😁"
$10 / night
"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."
"Tons of trails and camping. 🏕"
"You can spend extra money to go horseback riding on trails. The sites are very close together not much privacy."
$15 / night
"So as a result the Riverbend group equestrian campground is now the parking lot for day visitors through at least August. "
"This 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."
$24 - $85 / night
"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."
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
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
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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.
TravelerNice 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. Pick where to park in nice large grassy areas. A few areas are next to wild and deep ravines. Very nice large new play areas with slides for kids. Popular with a few horse trailers and riders on weekends because of COVID get to gather worries elsewhere. Friday morning before week end is best to get there in case of horse trailers to get nicer spot. Sometimes only a few campers are there. Call ahead to stay overnight so sheriff is aware. Not a lot of people know about it and is at end of long gravel road for peace and quiet. No problem for 5th wheels and tents both, pick your spot. Want to relax, chill out and visit your neighbors. This is worth the visit.
Horse campgrounds near Dassel, Minnesota offer varied terrain over central Minnesota's rolling landscape, with elevations between 1,000-1,100 feet. Several park reserves within a 40-mile radius provide designated horse camping areas with hitching posts and larger campsites suitable for trailers. Winter temperatures can drop below -20°F while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity.
Horseback riding on groomed trails: At Crow Hassan Park Reserve, riders find sandy prairie trails ideal for bug-free riding. "This 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 refuse to proceed," notes Krista T., who advises riders to "hustle out of" wooded areas if lacking sufficient bug protection.
Creek exploration with children: Fort Ridgely State Park offers shallow creek access perfect for supervised children's play. "The creek through the campground is beautiful and the sound of water over the rock is great for sleeping. The creek is cool temperature even in July but kids have fun swimming and splashing," says Tom, who visited during summer.
Wildlife viewing and bird watching: The diverse habitats surrounding Dassel attract varied wildlife. "I visit here often, great walking trails and wildlife," writes Kelli D. about Lake Maria State Park. Preservation efforts have established prairie restoration areas that support native bird species throughout the region.
Secluded backcountry sites: Lake Maria's backcountry sites provide seclusion not found at standard campgrounds. "Site B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples," explains Alison O., noting that "the darkness here is wild and beautiful" for campers seeking isolation.
Quick access from Twin Cities: Campers appreciate that quality camping exists just an hour from urban areas. "This park is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities," says Bryan S. about Baker Park Reserve. Another camper adds it's "a great place to spend a weekend close to home, but feel like you are getting away!"
Well-maintained equine facilities: Parks offering horse camping typically provide specific amenities. "Very nice horse camp, with electric hookups, and water at every site," notes Cody T. about Fort Ridgely State Park, where horse owners find facilities designed specifically for equestrian needs.
Seasonal bug conditions: Summer brings significant insect activity to the region. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon...First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos," reports Steph H. about July conditions at Lake Maria State Park. Permethrin-treated clothing and proper repellent are essential during peak season.
Camping reservations and planning: Many campgrounds fill quickly, particularly weekend spots. "Show up early on weekends if you want one of the better spots," advises Johnny H. regarding Ann Lake Campground, while noting horse camping locations typically require advance planning.
Water access variability: Water sources differ significantly between campgrounds. "The pump for the water was very slow," notes Brian C. about Lake Maria, while High Island Creek Park has "no potable water on site" according to Travis A., who "would have stayed longer but ran out of water."
Playground access: Families with children benefit from nearby play structures. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," reports ERolf P. about Baker Campground, which includes organized recreational areas.
Distance planning for hike-in sites: When backpacking with children to remote sites, carefully assess trail difficulty. At Lake Maria, one camper reports their site was "only about a mile from the parking lot" yet still provided privacy where "it felt like you were in the wilderness."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer swimming beaches with variable facilities. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provides "an amazing beach" according to Daniel R., who also notes it has the "best kids park at any campground I've been to," making it suitable for families seeking water recreation.
Site privacy considerations: RV sites vary widely in privacy levels. At Ann Lake Campground, "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth," writes Kari P., noting that sites are predominantly "large so they are clear."
Access road limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides," warns Andy L. about Ann Lake Campground, advising that RVs should approach with caution on narrow access routes.
Electric hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds and specific sites. Baker Park Reserve offers full electric hookups, while Fort Ridgely limits electric sites to specific campground sections, creating what Nicole L. describes as "very open" electric sites that "offer little privacy" compared to non-electric wooded alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dassel, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dassel, 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 Dassel, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Dassel, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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