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.
