11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Chester Woods Park accommodates horses with its designated equestrian trails that encircle the park's perimeter. The campground features electric hookups suitable for horse trailers and RVs, with a convenient dump station and water fill points. While no permanent horse corrals are available on-site, the spacious campsites provide adequate room for portable corrals or highline setups. The soft, grassy terrain throughout the campground makes for comfortable footing for horses. Many campers note the pristine cleanliness of the facilities, including the shower houses and restrooms that are within easy walking distance from all sites.
The 118-acre lake at Chester Woods provides a scenic backdrop for trail riding, with multiple access points from the campground to the equestrian trail system. Riders can enjoy several miles of maintained trails that wind through wooded areas and open meadows. Maple Springs Campground, located near Preston, offers additional horse-friendly camping with sites specifically designed for equestrian use. High ties for horses are available at these sites, which include water and electric hookups on gravel pads. The proximity to Forestville State Park's extensive trail system makes this area particularly attractive for horse camping, requiring only a short road ride to access the park trails. Horse owners appreciate the quiet environment, making it ideal for horses that need a calm setting.
"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"The river is behind the property."
from $17 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $22 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"no shower) Horses are allowed. Fairly close together sites, but a beautiful area to get into nature or go camping at a reasonable price."
"Access to Root River trail close by."
from $17 / 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."
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.
LegendLocated on state forest land there are 2 separate areas right next to each other. The first loop is for smaller vehicles and tents and the larger area should be reserved for larger vehicles with horse trailers. There are hiking and equestrian trails present into the state forest land. There is one vault toilet. No other amenities. Beautiful area!
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.
LegendThis was an interesting little campground sandwiched between the road and the Trempealeau River. The backstory on the park is that the gentleman who originally owned the land had asked that when he died that it be preserved as a wildlife area. His death came much sooner than anyone thought, and the family worked with the county to donate the land to the county as a park. There are about six tent only sites set back near the river, with three of them in close proximity to each other (I think it is used as a group camping area). When I was there the sites were poorly maintained and only had two fire pits and tables for all six sites combined. There are 25ish RV type sites with either just electric or electric and water. Some of these sites are set up back to back in an open field, which is not very appealing. The grass had been let to grow very long before the recent cutting, so it was like walking through freshly mown hay. There is a horse arena (very muddy when I was there), and it looks like you can camp with your horses on the edge of the RV area. The showers were really nice and fairly new.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Eyota, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Eyota, MN is Chester Woods Park with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Eyota, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Eyota, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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