Best Equestrian Camping near Henderson, MN

Minnesota Valley Rec Area Equestrian Camp serves riders near Henderson with dedicated horse-friendly camping areas. The campground accommodates trail riders year-round, providing toilets and allowing pets on the property. Reservations are required for the equestrian sites, though electricity and hookups are not available at this primitive camping location. Some horse enthusiasts bring their own portable corrals since permanent horse corrals are not provided on-site. The area is particularly well-maintained for horse activities, with ample parking for trailers and access to riding trails directly from the camp. Drinking water is available for both riders and horses, offering a convenient resource during hot summer months.

The extensive trail system connects riders to scenic routes throughout the Minnesota Valley Recreation Area. Great for snowmobiling, hiking, biking, and horseback riding according to frequent visitors. Trail riders can explore varied terrain including wooded areas and open fields, making it suitable for different riding experiences and skill levels. The campground's location provides strategic access to miles of trails without needing to trailer horses between riding destinations. Winter camping is available for cold-weather enthusiasts, though riders should check trail conditions seasonally as spring thaws can create muddy riding conditions. The campground's proximity to Jordan makes it accessible while still offering a natural setting for horse camping experiences. Riders appreciate the quieter atmosphere compared to more developed campgrounds, allowing for a more immersive trail riding experience.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Henderson, Minnesota (12)

    1. High Island Creek Park

    12 Reviews
    Henderson, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 237-4330

    $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."

    2. Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterville, MN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 362-4438

    "Great park if you’re not looking to drive too far to enjoy a bit of nature. Wonderful hiking paths and biking paths. Our site was nice a secluded and right next to the trail heads."

    "Sites are wooded and shady but some are close to neighboring sites. Not too many mosquitos or flies for August in Minnesota! Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail runs through the park. "

    3. Minnesota Valley Rec Area Equestrian Camp

    1 Review
    Belle Plaine, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 492-6400

    "Great place to snowmobile, hike, bike or rideas horse!"

    4. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    38 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7662

    $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."

    5. Kamp Dels

    12 Reviews
    Waterville, MN
    27 miles
    Website

    "We reserved a spot right next to the pool area. It was a tight fit to back the camper it, but I was able to do it. They have cement pads for a patio area and a fire ring."

    "The one drawback, in my opinion, is that the lake it is right next to doesn’t have a beach for swimming. That was a little disappointing for me."

    6. Fort Ridgely State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Morton, MN
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 426-7840

    "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."

    7. Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground

    3 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7662

    "Tons of trails and camping. 🏕"

    8. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    Rockford, MN
    38 miles
    Website

    "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😁"

    9. Cannon River Wilderness Area

    2 Reviews
    Faribault, MN
    35 miles
    Website

    "We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."

    10. Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    St. Michael, MN
    48 miles
    Website

    $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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Henderson, MN

5 Photos of 12 Henderson Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Henderson, MN

112 Reviews of 12 Henderson Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2020

    High Island Creek Park

    Quiet, clean and well maintained.

    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. 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.

  • Trenton V.
    Apr. 9, 2023

    High Island Creek Park

    Nice spot

    Gulley that a large creek runs through surrounded by trees and large forested hills. The entire park is surrounded by farms, nearby are some really nice Minnesota small towns like Henderson and the somewhat larger St. Peter (but still small town). I hiked in about 1/2 a mile and camped in the trees but they also have some clearings closer to the entrance, with grills, where you could easily set up. $10 suggested donation. Trash bins located all over which is good , but the wind seems to blow debris around here and there, and irresponsible people leave their beer cans/water bottles strewn about, so pick them up if you find them like I did. Website and signage on location recommends to call the sheriff's office to let them know you're camping there which I did and they were nice enough, but it's probably not the end of the world if you don't. Overall this was a pleasant spot, especially being the only camper there, so hope you all enjoy! Places like this are what I love about The Dyrt, I don't think I would have found this otherwise.

  • Krista T.
    Jul. 1, 2020

    Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    Close to the cities

    During 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.

  • Krista T.
    Jul. 16, 2018

    Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    This is an equestrian paradise

    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. 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.

  • Cody T.
    Jul. 24, 2017

    Fort Ridgely State Park Campground

    Ft. Ridgley horse camp

    We 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.

  • Nick G.
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Cannon River Wilderness Area

    Perfect place Found a great site

    For free the area is awesome right by the river. We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river. The hike from parking is not bad at all about a 10 minute walk from parking to the farthest site.

  • Krista T.
    Aug. 20, 2018

    Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

    Great local gem

    The park

    Disclaimer: I did not actually camp here. There are two group campsites that are available, but considering that my friends aren’t big campers I wasn’t willing to pay $85 a night for a campsite (and I’m pretty sure these get booked up quickly on the weekends). I’ll talk more about the two group sites later. 

    I really liked this park, it felt like there was something available for everyone. When I first pulled in I checked out the single track trail area first and the parking lot was full of mountain bikers. 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. 

    There are two water access points- one for Lake Rebecca and one for the nearby Crow River. There are also boat rentals available, I’ll attach a pic of this season’s current rates.  There are also two fishing docks located not too far from the main beach area. I didn’t get in the water so I have no idea how clean it is, but there were many happy swimmers. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty.

    In addition to the single track unpaved trail there is also a horse trail and a paved trail that looks in good condition- I’m hoping to bring my horse to check out the former and my roller blades to check out the latter. This park has always been relatively nearby to where I have lived, but I have never actually been before my visit this weekend since other horse riders have always had cautionary tales about how bad the bugs are here. I am not sure how they are on the horse trails, but I set up my hammock in a wooded area and I didn’t think that the amount of mosquitos that approached me was anything note-worthy. 

    I haven’t been to the group campsites yet to scope them out, someday soon hopefully, but these are the descriptions that I was able to track down online. My one gripe about the Three Rivers park district is that finding information about the campgrounds isn't as straight forward as it should be.

    Sarah Creek group campsite can accommodate 80 people and it has a barn and hitching posts. The amount of horses that it can support is unknown. There is a volleyball net, grill, fire ring, water pump and latrines (so I’m guessing rustic).

    The South group campsite seems to be geared more towards mountain bikers since it has a garage-esque structure that I’m guessing you would store your bikes in. It can accommodate 50 people, has a grill, water pump latrines, fire ring, and horseshoe pit. 

    Weeknights are $70 and weekends/holidays are $85. This seems like a huge steal considering how many people these sites can accommodate!!!

    Product Review

    As a Dyrt ranger, I received a gift card to REI for participating in a recent campground review contest. I recently became obsessed with hammocks, and thanks to a BOGO from Trek Light I now have two. One of the hammocks I received was part of a bundle and came with ropes already, but the other didn’t. Before I bought a second pair of the same ropes I decided I wanted to see how well they worked before I spent another $20 on just basic ropes that aren’t terribly long. 

    I purchased a set of ENO Atlas hammock straps for $29.95 and they are well worth the $10 price difference. The ENO straps are 9 feet long each and together can hold up to 400 pounds. Instead of fiddling with tying knots and retying them to get the perfect adjustment, I can just move the hook on my hammock between the pre-stitched rings as necessary.  The extra length and the quick adjustments are greatly appreciated by someone who is still new to hammocks and isn’t great at eyeballing things. ENO does have a set of longer straps that are each 13.5 feet long, but I figure that if I find myself in a situation where the trees are too far apart for these straps I can just attach my ropes to the Eno straps and take advantage of the double capacity feature of my hammock. So Far I’m really impressed with how easy these are to loop around the trees and adjust the tension of my hammock.

  • Nicole L.
    Aug. 29, 2019

    Fort Ridgely State Park Campground

    Nice getaway

    We 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.

  • Joe R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    City camping gem.

    Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017. After reading a lot of Pinterest reviews I’m glad we stayed at this camp. Managed by ThreeRiversParks.org (make your reservation here) this is one of the cleanest camps I’ve ever stayed at. It was crowded with RV’s and tents alike but it never seemed loud or cramped. The shower house was very clean and roomy and an easy walk from the camp sites. We didn’t take advantage of the nearby lake or other numerous activities because we used it as a base camp for the Mall of America. You’ll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I’d say almost all of them were booked. The camp staff are very friendly and you’ll need to get checked in before 9pm I believe because they close it off to paid guests after that. The camp was pretty quite for as full as it was. I did notice that local law enforcement did patrol the camp a couple of times each night but it felt very safe to me. I’d definitely recommend this camp and the next time we stay we will check out the hiking trails, lake, and playground for sure.


Guide to Henderson

Fort Ridgely State Park offers equestrian enthusiasts an alternative to Minnesota Valley Rec Area Equestrian Camp, with well-maintained trails just 45 minutes from Henderson. The park features both wooded and prairie terrain across its trail system. Winter camping remains available for cold-weather riders with seasonal trail conditions affecting accessibility.

What to do

Creek exploration: At High Island Creek Park, families can enjoy hiking trails that lead down ravines to water features. "Beautiful trails leading you down the revenue to a gentle flowing creek. One of me and my hubbies favorite drop in campsites!!" notes Alison O.

Birding expeditions: Sakatah Lake State Park Campground offers exceptional bird watching opportunities from spring through fall. "Best Bird Listening and Frogs. I was so amazed with all the sounds of birds in this park. I heard Everything from Eagles, Canadian Geese and Swans to Woodpeckers and multiple song birds," shares Shelly S.

Historical tours: Visit Fort Ridgely State Park Campground to explore Minnesota history through preserved fort ruins and interpretive displays. "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," says Jason S.

Trail riding: The extensive trail systems around Henderson provide varied terrain for horse enthusiasts beyond just Minnesota Valley Rec Area. "Great place to snowmobile, hike, bike or rideas horse!" mentions Kelli D. about the Minnesota Valley Rec Area.

What campers like

Natural water sounds: Many campers at Fort Ridgely appreciate the creek running through the campground. "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," explains Tom.

Clean facilities: Baker Campground maintains excellent restroom facilities that receive consistent praise. "The bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," notes Bryan S.

Privacy options: High Island Creek Park offers secluded camping spots away from crowds. "Very close to other campers, but no one bothered anyone. Dog didn't go nuts, got a good spot. Would recommend. Tent camping on the way to Alaska and filled all needs. Has a Porta-shitter and trash. Decent spot, windy," shares Andrew K.

Year-round access: Horse campgrounds near Henderson, Minnesota remain open throughout winter for cold-weather trail riding. "I was there Tuesday through Saturday and I was THE ONLY CAMPER in the whole park Wednesday through Saturday!" reports Tom about Fort Ridgely.

What you should know

Water availability varies: Some campgrounds lack potable water access. "I stayed four nights. I would have stayed longer but ran out of water. There isn't any potable water on site. During a hot day, I took my two dogs and we hiked to a nearby river," notes Travis A. about High Island Creek Park.

Booking requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak season. Baker Park requires minimum two-night stays during summer. "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked," explains Joe R.

Cell service limitations: High Island Creek Park has minimal connectivity. "Website and signage on location recommends to call the sheriff's office to let them know you're camping there which I did and they were nice enough, but it's probably not the end of the world if you don't," advises Trenton V.

Lake conditions: Some lakes in the region develop algae blooms late in summer. "Sakatah Lake is quite shallow so late season is at risk of algae bloom - the lake was pea soup green when we got there at the end of August, so go early in the season if you want to get on the water," warns Emma G.

Tips for camping with families

Water activities: Kamp Dels offers extensive water recreation options for children beyond basic swimming. "This is such a great campground for families! So many activities including a water recreation area, petting zoo, shuffleboard, mini golf, pool, toddler water park, multiple playgrounds, basketball and more," recommends Tami W.

Animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature wildlife or farm animal interactions. "Nice water park area and pool. Has a nice walk they animal area for the kids to look at goats donkey pigs and such. Friendly staff as well," shares Mark B. about Kamp Dels.

Site selection strategy: For families with children, choose sites near amenities. "The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very, but that is offset by all the other positives this campground has to offer. I highly recommend this campground for a quick weekend stay or a good place to spend an extended holiday weekend," advises Bryan S.

Budget planning: Consider activity fees beyond camping costs when planning family trips. "The only drawback is they REALLY pack you on like sardines and the roads are really narrow so unless you get there early your camping tip is going to start with the 'backing in argument,'" cautions Tami W. about Kamp Dels.

Tips from RVers

Site spacing awareness: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve offers more spacious camping than some neighboring options. "I did not actually camp here. There are two group campsites that are available... The South group campsite seems to be geared more towards mountain bikers since it has a garage-esque structure that I'm guessing you would store your bikes in," explains Krista T.

Tree clearance issues: Some equestrian campgrounds have limited clearance for larger rigs. "Very nice park if your RV is not to big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees," warns Tim B. about Sakatah Lake State Park.

Seasonal equipment considerations: RVers should prepare for both summer heat and potential spring mud at horse campgrounds near Henderson. "I wish there were a few more miles, but over all very decent. We had a great time," shares Cody T. about Fort Ridgely horse camp.

Hookup availability: Most equestrian-focused sites offer limited hookups. "We 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," notes Cody T.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Henderson, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Henderson, MN is High Island Creek Park with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Henderson, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Henderson, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.