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Maple Springs Campground accommodates horse campers with specialized facilities for equestrians in the scenic area near Marion, Minnesota. The campground features dedicated horse campsites that include high ties for securing horses and well-maintained gravel pads that provide stable footing for both horses and camping equipment. Campers with horses can access water and electricity at each equestrian site, making longer stays comfortable while keeping horses properly hydrated. The horse camping area is thoughtfully designed to accommodate trailers with ample parking space at each site. Fire rings and picnic tables complete the basic amenities for all campsites. The grounds are immaculately maintained with special attention paid to the equestrian areas. Horse campers particularly appreciate the quiet environment that allows for early morning and evening routines typical of equestrian activities.
The Root River runs along the edge of the property, providing a scenic backdrop for riders preparing for trail excursions. Located just a short road ride from Forestville State Park trails, Maple Springs serves as an excellent base camp for accessing the extensive trail network in the region. Riders can easily connect to miles of scenic bridle paths that wind through the hardwood forests and limestone bluffs characteristic of southeastern Minnesota. The state park trails offer varied terrain suitable for riders of all experience levels. Several endurance riders have noted the convenience of the location for accessing multiple trail systems without having to trailer horses between rides. After returning from trail rides, the spacious horse sites allow for proper cool-down and care routines. During peak seasons, especially holiday weekends like Memorial Day, the campground hosts community events including potlucks that create a welcoming atmosphere for all campers, including those with horses.
"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."
"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"
from $25 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"The river is behind the property."
"The group sites are close by and they were quite loud, but the rest of the park was nice and quiet. There is horse camping here, and the lake is nice for swimming."
"You can go fishing at the pond without having to purchase a Minnesota Fishing License!"
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $17 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $22 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground outside of Red Wing, MN with a bar/restaurant and other features. Access to trials for bikes and horses. I stayed in the horse camp without a horse but it was a nice area."
"We have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years for horse camping. The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff."
"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
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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:)
GuideNice campground outside of Red Wing, MN with a bar/restaurant and other features. Access to trials for bikes and horses. I stayed in the horse camp without a horse but it was a nice area.
GuideGood time! It rained and was a little muddy, but it was nice. Site 11 is kind of small for a large tent like we have. The group sites are close by and they were quite loud, but the rest of the park was nice and quiet. There is horse camping here, and the lake is nice for swimming.
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.
ScoutWe have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years for horse camping. The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff. They have electric and water hookups for horse campers, and they have overflow for horse campers. The trails here are amazing.
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!!!
Equestrian camping near Marion, Minnesota offers specialized facilities for horse owners along with access to extensive trail networks. The southeast region features limestone bluffs and hardwood forests with elevation changes that create varied terrain for trail riding. Most equestrian campgrounds in the area maintain separate facilities specifically designed for horses and their owners, with camping season typically running from mid-April through mid-October.
Trail riding at Forestville State Park: Connect directly to miles of bridle paths from Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground. "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)," notes TyAnn J.
Cave exploration: Visit the underground attractions near horse camping areas. "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 wont slip in," recommends kevin T.
Fly fishing: Access trout streams adjacent to equestrian camping areas. "The campground had everything we needed including a great little trout stream on the edge of the property," says Todd W. from Maple Springs Campground. Anglers should note that some areas require Minnesota fishing licenses while others don't.
Biking on paved trails: Many horse camping areas connect to regional bike paths. "We really enjoyed the bike trail that was so close, paved and had lots of tree cover to keep us cool. Very nice ride to Red Wing right from our site," reports Karin W.
Quiet environment for early riders: Horse-friendly campgrounds maintain environments conducive to equestrian schedules. "This camp was so nice and quiet! We had a nice fire after dinner listening to the water and birds," shares Jen M. from Maple Springs Campground.
Spacious sites for horse trailers: Haycreek Valley Campground offers dedicated equestrian areas with appropriate spacing. "We have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years for horse camping. The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff. They have electric and water hookups for horse campers," explains Olivia R.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain high standards in their equestrian areas. "Clean bathrooms and showers. Best value I've seen for fire wood," notes Mark N. about Chester Woods Park. Many equestrian sites include both pit toilets near trail access points and full shower facilities.
Limited mosquitoes: Several equestrian areas report fewer insect issues than typical Minnesota campgrounds. "Nice area! Large open sites and NO mosquitos!!!! Will be back with our group again," confirms Bill H. about Haycreek Valley.
Cell service limitations: Many equestrian camping areas have limited connectivity. "There is no cell service (TMobile) here," reports Lacey F. about Lake Louise State Park Campground. At Forestville, "there is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office."
Hookup configurations: Electric-only sites are common at horse-friendly campgrounds. "Only electric hooks ups at each site. They do have a fresh water filling station and a dump station," explains Kirk J. about Chester Woods Park. Some sites have unusual utility placements that affect trailer positioning.
Site variations: Equestrian sites often differ from standard camping areas. "Our site was rather odd as the electric and water post was on the opposite side of our camper. Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn't reach," warns Karin W. about Haycreek Valley.
Seasonal considerations: Spring conditions can affect ground stability in equestrian areas. "It was very wet, standing water in the grass from lots of rain," notes ANDY C. Gravel pads help mitigate these issues at some facilities.
Children's activities: Chester Woods Park offers family-friendly amenities near equestrian camping. "Swimming in the lake, lots of fishing, hiking, nature center, free activity's, and other things to do. There are water and septic hook ups and pets are fine," says Ash V.
Cave tours for kids: Schedule guided explorations of nearby cave systems. "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," suggests jim C.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with beach access near equestrian sites. "The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great. Would definitely come back," reports Erik O. about Chester Woods Park.
Community events: Some equestrian campgrounds host special activities. "During the week, the office isn't open so it might be helpful to bring your own firewood purchased from nearby," advises Lacey F.
Trailer accommodations: Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge provides basic facilities for equestrian trailers. "Camp sites are decent but primative," notes Michael V., making it suitable for self-contained horse trailers.
Hookup limitations: Plan for electric-only sites at most equestrian areas. "Nice place to stop for electric only sites at most horse camps," reports various reviewers. "The Dyrt is wrong. There are no sewer hookups at this campground. They have a dump station and will pump for a fee," clarifies Dale Y. about Haycreek Valley.
Site selection strategy: Request sites away from high-traffic areas when traveling with horses. "Spot 105. Not much room between sites there and had to back turn around and back down the road to park," warns ANDY C., highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sites for horse trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Marion, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Marion, MN is Chester Woods Park with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Marion, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Marion, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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