Reno Horse Campground in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest accommodates tent camping with horses through primitive hike-in sites. Located in Reno, Minnesota, the campground provides trail access through wooded terrain while allowing pets. The campground connects directly to forest trails suitable for riders seeking longer excursions. Fires are permitted at designated sites, though the area lacks developed amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, or toilets. Sites are situated in a peaceful location with minimal road noise and feature sandstone bluffs in the background, making the camping experience particularly serene.
The Zumbro Bottoms area of R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest offers additional horse camping options with more developed facilities. Both the Central and West units provide drinking water and toilet facilities for campers with horses. Trails within the forest system connect multiple units, allowing for extended riding routes through diverse terrain. The forest's trail system follows the river in sections and climbs bluffs in others, providing varied riding experiences. Riders can access views of the Mississippi River and Wisconsin from certain trail sections that traverse the top of the bluffs. The camping areas feature multiple handmade fire pits and sufficient space for setting up camp after a day on the trails.
$17 / night
"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."
"Walking trails were nice but recommend pants as the grass was long in spots. Plenty of wildlife and could not hear the cars from the highway."
$25 - $90 / night
"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"
"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."
$35 / night
"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."
"There are many hiking trails, including a trail that goes on top of the bluff with views of the forest and of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River."
"The river is behind the property."
$17 / night
$22 / night
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:)
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.
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.
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.
ScoutSome 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. 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. There is also a dump station that we were able to use before we left on Sunday. None of us had been at this campground before and love trying new places. We are endurance riders so we are used to early nights and up at dawn for riding. This camp was so nice and quiet! We had a nice fire after dinner listening to the water and birds. There were families with children, couples of all ages and well behaved dogs everywhere! The owner Andy as so gracious answering our many emails and questions. He went the extra mile at every turn. We can't thank him and his employee(who's name I sadly can't remember) we're just absolute delights! We will absolutely be back. And we will always check here first to see if their horse sites are open before checking the state camp. It's a very short road ride to the park trails and the campground and their amenities are first rate. I can't wait to return!!!
TravelerCampsites are flat and grassy. They back up to each other so good for groups camping together. Has horse tie ups and great trails
LegendThis is a small primitive campground that has 1 vault toilet. (no shower) Horses are allowed. Fairly close together sites, but a beautiful area to get into nature or go camping at a reasonable price.
R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest offers several equestrian camping options around Homer, Minnesota. The forest spans approximately 1,600 acres of hardwood forest with terrain ranging from river bottoms to sandstone bluffs rising 500 feet above the Zumbro River. Horse trails in this area connect multiple camping units through varying elevations, creating diverse riding experiences that range from moderate to challenging depending on the unit.
Trail riding on bluffs: The forest trail system at Zumbro Bottoms Central — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest offers routes that climb bluffs and follow river sections, providing varied terrain for riders of all experience levels.
Fishing nearby: Located about 20 miles from Homer, Pietrek County Park offers access to the Trempealeau River. As Justin S. noted, "Nice big tent sites down by the river. Walking trails were nice but recommend pants as the grass was long in spots. Plenty of wildlife and could not hear the cars from the highway."
Explore Mystery Cave: About 35 minutes from the equestrian trails, Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground offers cave tours for a different kind of adventure. According to jim C., "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."
Quiet location: Many equestrian campers appreciate the peaceful setting at horse campgrounds near Homer. Michael V. mentioned about Oak Ridge / Wet Bark Recreation Area: "Small campground, usually no one here except during hunting season. Not much to this place."
Trail connections: The extensive trail network connecting different forest units is frequently mentioned as a benefit. Joanna B. reported about Reno Horse Campground: "There are many hiking trails, including a trail that goes on top of the bluff with views of the forest and of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River."
Water features: Many campers enjoy the streams and river access near the horse camping areas. At Maple Springs Campground, JOSEPH M. noted: "We stayed here for the month of august, and this place is awesome! Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races."
Limited amenities: Most horse camping areas in the state forest have minimal facilities. Michael V. reviewed Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge: "Stayed here multiple times throughout the years, not much to it. Put toilets, usually slow except during hunting season. Camp sites are decent but primative."
Seasonal considerations: The best time for equestrian camping near Homer is typically May through October. Maple Springs Campground operates "mid April to mid October" according to their season information.
Trail conditions: Be prepared for varying terrain. Scott S. mentioned about Money Creek: "The are 8 sites. There is no water or electricity. One pit toilet for the site. 5 miles from Rushford MN. Access to Root River trail close by."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Homer, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Homer, MN is Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Homer, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Homer, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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