Equestrian Camping near Eyota, MN

Chester Woods Park campground offers electric-only sites with water fill stations and a dump station located at the entrance. Regular sites cost $30 per night, with tent camping options available in softer grassy areas. The campground sits near a 118-acre lake created by damming Bear Creek as part of a flood control project, providing habitat for panfish, catfish, and bass.

What to do

Fishing at the lake: Chester Woods Park provides opportunities for fishing panfish, catfish, and bass in the 118-acre lake. The lake features "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," according to Brian K. A fish cleaning house is located next to the campground.

Hiking trail systems: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park offers "many miles of trails, great fishing and scenery," says Asia B. The park trails wind through dense maple and oak forests. TyAnn J. notes, "My most favorite thing to do was walk the endless miles of hiking trails."

Cave tours: Mystery Cave offers guided tours ranging from one hour to more extensive explorations. Kevin T. shares, "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." Tours cost $15 for adults and $10 for kids 5-12, with children under 5 free.

Horseback riding: The equestrian-friendly Maple Springs Campground near Preston connects to trail systems. Jen M. describes, "It's a very short road ride to the park trails and the campground and their amenities are first rate." The sites include high ties for horses on gravel pads.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Chester Woods Park receives praise for its well-maintained bathrooms and showers. Erik O. states, "The campground is very clean and nice. The bathrooms and showers we pristine clean and close and easy to walk to." Mark N. adds it's "the best value I've seen for fire wood."

Historic sites: The historic town of Forestville inside Forestville Mystery Cave State Park offers a glimpse into 1800s village life. Jason S. mentions, "It has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society." The historic sites charge a separate fee from camping.

Quiet atmosphere: Horse campers particularly appreciate Hay Creek Valley Campground for its peaceful environment. Olivia R. notes, "The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff." Bill H. emphasizes "NO mosquitos!!!!" – a significant benefit for summer camping.

Level campsites: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park offers well-designed camping areas. Jim C. observes, "Good level campsite and in walking around all the ones in the electric loop looked pretty level." Sites in the C loop are larger and offer electricity, while A and B loops have smaller non-electric sites.

What you should know

Limited hookups: Most campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups only. Kevin from Chester Woods Park explains, "Nice place but it is a campground not an rv park, 30 & 50 amp service but no water hookup (fill when you come in) and dump tanks when leaving."

Cell service limitations: Lake Louise State Park and other campgrounds in the area have spotty or no cell coverage. Jim C. warns about Forestville, "There is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office." Melissa A. confirms, "There was little to no cell phone coverage for AT&T."

Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Chester Woods Park is open from the third weekend in May to the second weekend in October. Lake Louise State Park runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, with limited shoulder season availability.

State Forest camping options: For primitive camping, Money Creek in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest offers basic accommodations. Scott S. describes, "The are 8 sites. There is no water or electricity. One pit toilet for the site. 5 miles from Rushford MN."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming beaches: Chester Woods Park features a swimming beach that receives positive reviews from families. Erik O. notes, "The beach was great and clean." The lake provides a popular cooling spot during summer months.

Playground access: Several campgrounds near Eyota include playgrounds for children. Ash V. from Chester Woods mentions the park has "Swimming in the lake, lots of fishing, hiking, nature center, free activity's... and lots of area to run around."

Family activities: Maple Springs Campground organizes regular family events. Todd W. shares, "The campground had everything we needed including a great little trout stream on the edge of the property, a hayride, movie for the family in the old red barn, and a church service in that same barn on Sunday."

Kid-friendly cave tours: The Mystery Cave tours at Forestville are accessible for families. One visitor recommends, "If you get the chance, go do the the 1 hour walking tour of Mystery Cave - well worth the entry fee. If you go on weekend probably need to make reservations."

Tips for RVers

Site selection: Chester Woods Park accommodates various RV sizes but lacks full hookups. Mark N. advises, "Nice park for everyone's type from tents, cabins and all size RV's. Electric only at the camp sites but have water and dump station on site."

Equestrian-focused RV sites: Horse campgrounds near Eyota, Minnesota include specialized RV sites for equestrian campers. At Maple Springs Campground, Jen M. describes, "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."

Dump station locations: Most campgrounds provide dump stations rather than full sewer hookups. Andy C. from Maple Springs Campground notes, "Dump station was in odd spot, if it were busy it wouldn't be good," suggesting RVers plan accordingly for busy weekends.

Electric options: Dale Y. warns about Hay Creek Valley Campground, "Be aware however…The Dyrt is wrong. There are no sewer hookups at this campground. They have a dump station and will pump for a fee." Check with campgrounds directly about current hookup availability.