Lake Louise State Park provides equestrian camping opportunities within 25 miles of Hayward, Minnesota. The campground features both regular camping sites and a separate horse camp area with designated riding trails through forests and prairie landscapes. Riders must bring portable corrals or tethering equipment as permanent corrals aren't provided. The Shooting Star Trail passes through the park, connecting to regional trails and offering additional riding options from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What to do
Fishing without a license: At Pilot Knob State Park, visitors can fish at designated areas without purchasing a Minnesota Fishing License. As Rodney A. notes, "This is a great family park where the kids and grown-ups can have fun! You can go fishing at the pond without having to purchase a Minnesota Fishing License!"
Horseback riding: Kamp Dels offers various recreation options beyond horseback riding. "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," shares Tami W.
Bird watching: The Sakatah Lake State Park area provides excellent opportunities for bird watching. One visitor shares, "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. I wish I could distinguish between them. Also the frogs and toads were adding their voices too."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lake Louise State Park Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its clean facilities. One camper observed, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean best I've encountered." This campground maintains high cleanliness standards throughout its facilities.
Spacious campsites: Clear Lake State Park Campground offers larger sites compared to other parks in the region. According to Tim B., "A big campground but reserve early! Great campground. Family and friends get together a must here. Close to the beach, town and the lake has great fish."
Quiet atmosphere: Several equestrian campgrounds near Hayward emphasize their peaceful environment. At Cannon River Wilderness Area, Nick G. reports, "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."
What you should know
Reservation timing: For equestrian camping facilities, early booking is essential, especially during peak season. At Clear Lake State Park Campground, Jennifer D. advises, "Sad that there were so many back up sites over the holiday weekend, would have liked to have been able to camp here. It being full more than a week before the holiday, shows how great it is."
Site conditions: Many horse camping sites have specific terrain features to be aware of. At Shellrock River Preserve, Ax H. notes, "Big grassy field surrounded by huge (walnut) trees. There a gravel track that goes along a large river. Trees everywhere so bring bug spray."
Access limitations: Some equestrian trails have specific access requirements. At Cannon River Wilderness Area, Tim B. explains, "The 2 camp sites are a good little hike in and you have to backpack everything you need in. Of course if you are on the river it's a nice little stop between Faribault and Northfield."
Tips for camping with families
Petting zoo options: Kamp Dels provides animal encounters that appeal to children. A visitor mentioned, "We've been a seasonal there for 4 years and love it. The grandkids love the water park and there's so many things for the kids to do. The staff has many activities for the entire family."
Group site benefits: When traveling with multiple families to horse campgrounds near Hayward, consider group sites. At Lake Louise State Park, one camper shared, "Our group of 12 stayed at one of the two group sites at Lake Louise State Park. Our site holds up to 30 and the neighboring site holds up to 50. Our site was a beautiful spot with large shade trees, three picnic tables and two fire pits."
Playground access: Sakatah Lake State Park offers recreational facilities for children. According to Corey H., "Was so much fun!! Best Labor Day in awhile." The park provides several family-friendly amenities.
Tips from RVers
Maneuverability considerations: When bringing larger rigs to equestrian campgrounds, assess the site dimensions carefully. At Pilot Knob State Park, a reviewer cautions, "Layout of campground would be challenging if full... Not all sites are level, and most do not have delineated parking pads (there is a small pavement indent to show where to access the site)."
Hookup availability: For RVers visiting horse camping areas, Cedar Bridge Park provides essential services. Tim M. reports, "There are about 20 self-serve sites with electric and water. Self serve firewood. Dump station and dumpsters near the exit. Clean bathrooms and showers. Lots of space at each campsite."
Cost considerations: Horse camping facilities offer various price points. At Pilot Knob State Park, one camper noted, "Great site to camp - non electric sites are $10.00 - and electric are $18.00. Nice place to spend the weekend or a week! Came in late and a resident helped me find a great spot."
