5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Reno Horse Campground in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest provides primitive camping for equestrians near Houston, Minnesota. The campground accommodates tent camping with sites accessible by hiking in. Trails through the forest allow riders to explore the natural surroundings, including sandstone bluffs that create a scenic backdrop for camping. Fire rings are available at each site, and pets are permitted throughout the campground. The forest offers hiking trails that connect to the top of the bluff with views of the forest, Wisconsin, and the Mississippi River. The quarry area features large open spaces suitable for multiple tents, with handmade rock fire pits and natural rock formations used as seating areas.
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park, located approximately 30 minutes from Houston, offers additional horse camping options with well-maintained trails. The park includes an equestrian loop separate from the main campground areas designed specifically for those camping with horses. Riders access miles of scenic wooded trails throughout the park's forest landscape. The camping area backs up to a river with convenient access to trailheads. Horse riders share some trails with hikers, so caution is advised on mixed-use paths. The park maintains clean facilities and level campsites, making for comfortable stays. During warmer months, horses can cool off in shallow streams accessible from the trail system. The park's trail system is extensive enough for multiple days of riding without covering the same ground.
"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."
from $17 / night
"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."
"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"
Available this weekend
from $25 - $90 / 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."
from $35 / night
"NOTE; Google maps makes it look like the campground and landing are near each other. They are not."
"Proximity to potable water, vault or modern toilets and designated parking are all within 400 yards of all sites. "
Available this weekend
from $18 - $110 / night
"Many different trails for hiking, biking or equestrian. Camp sites are mostly grass. Beautiful park"
"There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included."
from $12 / night
"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."
"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."
"The river is behind the property."
RangerThis campground has large private sites, most are shady or partially shaded. Bathrooms are large and well maintained. There’s lots of good hiking trails and the historic town of Forestville was interesting to explore. Absolutely no cell coverage for T-Mobile or AT&T but luckily our site had a good opening in the trees for our Starlink. Would definitely recommend.
TravelerWe tent camped one night, midweek late August. Our site was private, close enough to the shower house but far enough away that we didn't hear any noise from the exhaust fans. Was a lovely quiet night. On a tight schedule so we weren't able to sample any of the hikes. Would stay here again. #33 also looked like a prime tent camp spot.
ScoutI camp site is beautiful but they do not have any USPS delivery so you must get delivered to the post office
RangerTraveling along the road from Ontario to Wildcat gave a little Appalachia feel. The park is situated above the Kickapoo River valley and is a great base for trout fishing.
If you are in the driftless region looking for camping, this is the spot.
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.
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!
LegendThis is in a rural area and has many seasonal sites. Transitional sites too. There is a restaurant/bar on site. The river is behind the property.
LegendThis is a county campground near Rochester. It is in a county park that has a swimming beach, boat docks, fishing piers, hiking trails, playground, biking trail. There are showers available. Pretty park-like setting.
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.
Equestrian camping opportunities abound in the bluff country of southeastern Minnesota, where elevations range from 600 to 1,300 feet. The area features limestone bedrock covered with loess soil, creating a landscape of steep ravines and ridges. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing from December through February, while summers average in the mid-70s to 80s with moderate humidity.
Trout fishing access: Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest provides easy access to local trout streams. "There is no water or electricity. One pit toilet for the site. 5 miles from Rushford MN. Access to Root River trail close by," notes Scott S. in his review of Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge.
Cave exploration: The underground attractions near Houston offer unique geological features to explore. "I came here to explore the caves and it blew me away. I think the cave was around 12-13 miles long and there was water and different formations. The floor was really wet so bring shoes you won't slip in," shares Kevin T. about his experience at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
River floating: The Root River provides excellent recreational opportunities for paddlers. "We floated down the root river for about 3 hours and had a great time," reports Todd W., who stayed at Maple Springs Campground during his visit to the area.
Secluded quarry sites: The quarry area provides ample space with natural stone features. "We backpacked to the quarry and found a large open area, perfect for multiple tents. There are multiple handmade rock fire pits, some rock chairs, tables and lots of space," explains Joanna B. about Reno Horse Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "The shower house is the newer style - individual shower rooms and then a separate mens/women/handicapped bathroom. Showers were clean," shares Jim C. about his stay at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
Quiet atmosphere: The parks offer peaceful camping experiences away from urban noise. "It was very quiet and peaceful. I'd highly recommend this section of RJD forest," notes Joanna B. about her experience at Reno Horse Campground.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no mobile coverage. "There is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office," cautions Jim C. about Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
Site types vary: Horse campgrounds near Houston, Minnesota offer different accommodation options. "Small campground, usually no one here except during hunting season. Not much to this place," explains Michael V. about Oak Ridge/Wet Bark Recreation Area in the R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest.
Hunting season crowds: Certain campgrounds become busier during hunting seasons. "Stayed here multiple times throughout the years, not much to it. Put toilets, usually slow except during hunting season," notes Michael V. about Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge.
Cave tours for kids: Plan ahead for educational experiences in the area's cave systems. "If you get the chance, go do the 1 hour walking tour of Mystery Cave - well worth the entry fee. If you go on weekend probably need to make reservations," advises Jim C. from his stay at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
Duck races: Some campgrounds offer unique activities for children. "A river runs next to it and they have duck races," mentions Joseph M. about his experience at Maple Springs Campground, which provides family-friendly entertainment.
Wagon transportation: For walk-in sites with children, look for campgrounds that provide equipment to transport gear. "We hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies!" shares Kay K. about her experience at Wildcat Mountain State Park, noting the easy access and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Electric-only hookups: Many RV sites in the area offer limited utilities. "Nice place but it is a campground not an rv park, 30 & 50 amp service but no water hookup (fill when you come in) and dump tanks when leaving," explains Kevin about Chester Woods Park.
Level sites: Check for campsites with flat terrain for easier RV setup. "Good level campsite and in walking around all the ones in the electric loop looked pretty level," reports Jim C. about his experience at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
Access limitations: Some horse campgrounds near Houston have restricted access for larger vehicles. "Sites are decent size, drove in and got a site, no reservation," mentions Roni J. about Maple Springs Campground, indicating the availability of drive-up sites without advance booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Houston, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Houston, 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 Houston, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Houston, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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