8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Equestrian Campground at Sibley State Park provides twelve miles of designated horse trails near Granite Falls. The campground features basic facilities with toilets and trash service but lacks drinking water, electrical hookups, and shower facilities. While no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the amenities, the sites accommodate horses with trailer parking and space for portable pens or highlines. The campground maintains a quiet, peaceful setting according to visitors, with sites designed specifically for riders traveling with horses.
Located approximately 33 miles northeast of Granite Falls, Beaver Falls County Park offers another option for horse camping in the region. The park permits horses, with rustic camping spots throughout the grounds and areas designated for equestrian use. Direct access to creek-side trails provides riding opportunities within the park boundaries. The trails throughout the park accommodate walking and horseback riding, with varied terrain suitable for riders of different experience levels. The park's off-the-beaten-path location ensures peace and quiet for campers and their horses, though facilities remain basic with only toilets and fire pits available at each site.
"Trails to nearby river. Some gravel roads to get to site, but well-maintained. Suggested fee of $20/night. Ideal for one-night stay while en route."
"Off 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"
"We also did a handful of different hiking trails and each one gave us a different beautiful and experience. The paths are not super well marked in all places, but you can find your way through."
"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"Camp site was easy to access and close to the restrooms/showers. The camp sites along the river have little trails that go down to the water, beautiful river bottom scenery a few yards away."
"Great trout stream, swimming, tubing, camping, horse trails, hiking... my kids loved it"
from $24 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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 stayed in the Upper Campground in the site closest to the equestrian campground. The kids loved being able to meet & visit with the horses. "
"Beautiful park with great trails and amenities... showers, dump stations, shelters, playgrounds, pit toilets, and more Plenty of activities for the family... fishing, hiking n camping, swimming, tubing"
"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 Availabilityfrom $20 - $25 / night
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!!
GuideWe stayed in the Upper Campground in the site closest to the equestrian campground. The kids loved being able to meet & visit with the horses.
The sites were a good size, but not much privacy or tree coverage in the area we stayed. There were a lot of trails to hike and a river/stream that they said you could wade/swim in, but we didn't go into it.
There were a lot of playgrounds, and one really huge one the kids wanted to play on, but with COVID-19 still going strong, we didn't use it.
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!
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.
GuideStayed in a tent in early may. Camp site was easy to access and close to the restrooms/showers. The camp sites along the river have little trails that go down to the water, beautiful river bottom scenery a few yards away. There is a swimming pond near by and miles of beautiful southwest Minnesota scenery. Trails include river bottom, prairie, and woodland.
GuideThere are two campgrounds in this park - the upper one is on the prairie while the lower one is situated among trees along the river. We stayed in the lower campground in site 30. The lower campground is close to the playground and swimming pond but it rained the whole time we camped so we didn't use either.
Sites in the lower campground are fairly close together and we didn't have cell service (Verizon), which wasn't a big deal.
I brought my fat bike and bike the Bluebird and Dakota Valley trails. Both are mowed paths that go through prairie and wooded areas. The actual mountain bike trail was disappointing, it was overgrown, narrow, and hugged a high ridge.
Our site, 30, sloped away from the parking pad. You wouldn't be able to set up.chairs under your awning at this site and the picnic table sat in a low spot that got muddy after 2 straight days of rain. There is a river that runs behind the sites in this loop. Our boys played on the rocks and had a great time.
There are nearby train tracks and trains ran by several times a day, though luckily they don't blow the horn so we didn't notice them much.
GuideWe stayed at site 21 in late August of 2019. It’s obvious that the park had some heavy flooding earlier in the year. A lot of the waterfront sites became sandy. The sites are close together and not very many mature trees between sites. There isn’t any cell phone coverage at the campground but there is service around the historical site. Only restrooms are single stall vault toilets. No showers. However I think the horse campground has upgraded restrooms and showers but I never checked it out because it was so far away. Mosquitoes were bad, everyone came home covered in bites. Kids had a blast playing in the creek. There was also people out on their horses offering rides to kids and educating about horse ownership.
The Granite Falls area of Minnesota sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level in the upper Minnesota River Valley, characterized by rolling prairies and wooded river valleys. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels, while winters can drop below 0°F with significant snowfall. Camping options include both state parks and county facilities with horse camping opportunities within a 35-mile radius.
Hiking Mount Tom: At Sibley State Park, the hiking trail to Mount Tom offers one of the best viewpoints in the region. "This park has everything from bike trails, hiking trails, look out tower at the top of Mount Tom, to swimming and fishing," notes Colleen D., who visits frequently.
Creek exploration: Families enjoy wading in the creek at Fort Ridgely State Park. "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," shares Tom, who stayed in July.
Historical education: The Fort Ridgely site contains important Dakota War history. "There is a lot of history here with an interesting museum on the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862," explains Jason S., who describes the park as a "hidden gem" in an area not frequently traveled.
Horse riding opportunities: Equestrian trails provide excellent options for those camping with horses near Granite Falls. "The horse campground is also very well maintained and has nice shower/bathroom building. No flys and people have been great at cleaning up manure and putting it in the compost pile," says Tom from Fort Ridgely State Park.
Prairie wildflowers: Fort Ridgely State Park features stunning prairie wildflower displays in summer months. "In JULY The Prairie Trails are stunning with all the wild flowers in full bloom. Many trails and nice overlooks too. I walked and hiked the trail over and over because of the beautiful flowers and trails," reports Tom.
Lake activities: Sibley State Park offers water recreation on Lake Andrew. "Lake Andrew is a big and clean lake with a swimming beach, canoe rentals, and a fishing pier. It's located close to the small town of new London which is fun to wander through," says Stephanie H., who has stayed in both campgrounds at the park.
Quiet atmosphere: Beaver Falls County Park provides a peaceful setting away from crowds. "Off 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," shares Trudi.
Creek-side sites: Fort Ridgely offers waterfront sites that campers particularly enjoy. "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," reports Ken F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Granite Falls, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Granite Falls, MN is Lac qui Parle County Park with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Granite Falls, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Granite Falls, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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