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Best Equestrian Camping near Houston, MN

76 Reviews

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.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Houston, Minnesota (14)

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Houston, MN

1 Photos of 14 Houston Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Houston, MN

76 Reviews of 14 Houston Campgrounds

  • TyAnn J.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground

    Family friendly adventures await among the tall oakes and maples

    Mystery 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:)

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 13, 2023

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    the best river for canoeing / kayaking in Wisconsin

    This was our second visit to this park. On both occasions we wanted to canoe the scenic Kickapoo river. Our first trip was five years ago and we got portage service for our canoe from Titanic Rentals in Ontario. We went from there (bridge 1) to bridge 12 Which took nearly all day, but we were able to have lunch at the park's Wildcat landing, the only real and equipped picnic site along the river. NOTE; Google maps makes it look like the campground and landing are near each other. They are not. It's three miles of very steep roads, so don't think you're going to fetch anything you left behind.
     The campground is on top of the ridge, which means in the morning you will look out over a fog shrouded valley through the trees. The views from the overlooks, which are a short hike, are worth checking out. Campsite 15 is the only one with a clear view.
    There are walk in sites and the paths are wide and clear. The park provides large carts for your stuff so you can really pack stuff in and get away from it all. But the family tent and RV sites generally well spaced, check the map as some are more private than others.
     Our second trip was in August, 2023 and we canoed from bridge 12 to LaFarge (bridge 21). It was later in the season than our previous trip, and in the slightly less scenic stretch of the river. As a result, we didn't see any other boaters.
    Campsites have basic fire ring, and there are pit toilets as well as one Full facility with running water and hot showers. Firewood is available at the Ranger station.
    There's also Equestrian camping elsewhere in the park and lots of trails for both hikers and horses.
     The town of Ontario has a good general store and a couple bars, but this is pretty much wilderness and small farms. Two unique places however are Wild Things Furrier near bridge twelve. Want a coonskin cap or some smoked trout? This is the place.
     More unique than that if you want to treat yourselves, go 34 miles south to the St. Frances Hermitage restaurant. It's run by a small order of French Monks and Nuns who raise their own animals and grow the vegetables they serve. Their bakery is also delicious. This is not fast food, this is a gastronomic experience.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2019

    Pietrek County Park

    Nice little county park

    This 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.

  • Brian K.
    May. 7, 2017

    Chester Woods Park

    Great weekend spot!

    Chester 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.

  • Kim The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Wonderful cart in sites

    The cart in sites are fantastic at Wildcat Mountain! Each site is spacious with most heavily treed for shade. Each site has a nice large flat pad for a tent or two, fire ring, bench and picnic table. Proximity to potable water, vault or modern toilets and designated parking are all within 400 yards of all sites. 

    The park is located in the Kickapoo valley area where the driftless area is amazing to hike. You can kayak or tube down the river that is flanked by high limestone bluffs. The hiking trails are well maintained. There is also extensive horse trails, a beautiful outdoor ampitheater for viewing sunsets and access to the river right in the park. 

    The campers were respectful and quiet. Our campsite was fairly clean when we arrived. Contactless registration due to covid 19. That made getting set up quick and easy!  The cart provided was fairly big for less trips. I would happily camp here again!

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Small campground has nearby hiking and fishing

    This review is for Yellow River State Forest's Big Paint Campground which consists of sites 35 through 61. Big Paint is a couple miles from Little Paint, a larger campground with 70+ sites. 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.

    Why did we choose Big Paint instead of Little Paint?

    It's smaller and that's just our personal preference. There were only 4 sites occupied early Friday afternoon and a few more were reserved. We liked site 35, the first site on the left as you enter. This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass.

    Activities

    Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen; see photo of stocking calendar. We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground. You can also hike from Little Paint, and there are equestrian trails. This would also be a good area for X-country skiing and snowmobiling. A photo of the trail map is included. Caution: hunting is allowed in the non-campground area of the state forest.

    Amenities

    Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Other than that, you can dispose of your trash and use a vault toilet. There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left.

    Cost

    You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee). There are 7 non-reservable sites at Big Paint. I doubt that Big Paint fills up; just check the reservation site to see if they get crowded.

    https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/yellow-river-state-forest/r/campsiteSearch.do?search=site&page=siteresult&contractCode=IA&parkId=610130

  • J
    Jun. 2, 2020

    Maple Springs Campground

    Wonderful gem near Forestville state park

    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. 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!!!

  • B
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Great area for canoeing and kayaking

    Pretty cool state park. Campground is located on the top of the hill. Wish there were more hiking trails. You can also hike on the horse trails if you want. Would highly recommend canoeing or kayaking the Kickapoo River if you are spending a weekend there.

Guide to Houston

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 3.5-star rating from 2 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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