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Equestrian Camping near McGregor, MN

3 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Equestrian Campground at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park offers tent and RV camping specifically for horse owners. Located within the larger state park complex, this drive-in campground maintains primitive facilities with vault toilets but no showers, drinking water, or electric hookups. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each site, and the campground is designed to accommodate both tents and recreational vehicles with adequate space for horse trailers. The equestrian campground is situated separately from the main camping areas, providing a dedicated space for riders and their horses. The campground operates on a reservation system through the Minnesota state park reservation service. The spacious sites allow campers to keep their horses nearby during overnight stays.

    The extensive trail system at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park connects directly to the equestrian campground, providing immediate access to riding routes. Trails wind through the park's diverse landscape of forests and along portions of the Rum River, offering varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. During peak summer months, mosquitoes can be prevalent in wooded sections of the trails, so appropriate protection is recommended for both riders and horses. Fall visits provide excellent riding conditions with fewer insects and beautiful foliage colors. Horse owners must follow park regulations regarding manure management and must bring their own feed, as grazing is not permitted on park grounds. The park's location near Lake Mille Lacs offers additional scenic riding opportunities, with the campground serving as a convenient base for exploring the broader trail network throughout the region.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near McGregor (3)

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      1. Father Hennepin State Park Campground

      4.3(21)33mi from McGregor107 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Right on Lake Mille Lacs, one of Minnesota’s largest. Walking distance from the bakery and bar! Newer, updated facilities. Boat access. Lake side sites (if you book early enough)."

      "Smaller sites and a little privacy in the lake campground. The ones next to the waters edge have a nice view and are more completely in the shade. The inner sites have more sun."

      from $24 - $68 / night

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      2. Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

      4.1(14)40mi from McGregor43 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Stayed in Petaga (drive in) spot #52."

      "This is one campground in Minnesota that offers a handful of electric hookups for winter camping."

      from $25 - $35 / night

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      3. Equestrian Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

      Be the first to review39mi from McGregor10 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $25 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near McGregor, MN

    35 Reviews of 3 McGregor Campgrounds

    • Andrea S.
      May. 19, 2018

      Father Hennepin State Park Campground

      Great getaway from the city

      Right on Lake Mille Lacs, one of Minnesota’s largest. Walking distance from the bakery and bar! Newer, updated facilities. Boat access. Lake side sites (if you book early enough). You can hit Mille Lacs State Park if you want to knock them both out on one trip! This park seems to attract a lot of long term campers, as I’m sure it’s pretty reasonable to stay at the lake all summer. We went mid-July I think and the trees were literally raining caterpillars… it was tough to want to hang out in our tree canopy-covered site. Sooo.. we ventured outside of the park more at this one.

      There was a festival going on in a town west of here that had a couple rides and a really fun patio bar. If you do decide to venture out at night, ask the bartender for the limo driver’s number; he’s the city’s “uber”!

    • Scott M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 19, 2021

      Father Hennepin State Park Campground

      Great Area

      Smaller sites and a little privacy in the lake campground. The ones next to the waters edge have a nice view and are more completely in the shade. The inner sites have more sun. The beach is long and rocky but ample enough to swim in. It is a busy place because of its location close to the cities and other areas up there. The electric hook ups were well maintained. Bathrooms were nice and clean and vault toilets are scattered throughout the park. Trails are there to hike and walk. Water to swim and plenty of bike paths. 

      Maple grove is the more primitive site and lots more coverages between camp sites.

    • K
      Aug. 30, 2020

      Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

      Great spot not too far from the Cities

      Stayed in Petaga (drive in) spot #52. The spots were pretty private - the surrounding campsites were definitely visible through the trees, but there was plenty of distance so you weren't overhearing everyone's conversations or anything. The site was very roomy! It was a short walk to the bathrooms, water was nearby. The paths to the overlooks on the Rum River were close as well. The inner campsites are RV hookup sites, and the sound definitely carried when someone came later at night to set up their RV. We lucked out with great weather, and bugs were not bad (some mosquitoes but not overwhelming). Campsites have easy access to the trails that connect to the west interpretive center. Some things were closed due to COVID (including the fire tower), but bathrooms were open. No boat rentals right now either, but the river looked like a great, calm spot to kayak.

    • Jeff G.
      Jun. 29, 2019

      Father Hennepin State Park Campground

      Nice spot on the lake

      A nice surprise We had site #50 in Lakeview Campground, this site is located on the rise and had nice breezes, close to showers, lake and playground.

      Town of Isle is very close by along with other small towns dotted around the lake. Casino within 30 minutes.

    • Crystal R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 12, 2026

      Father Hennepin State Park Campground

      Cozy little state park right on the water!

      I stayed here last summer (2025)and am planning on staying here this summer as well.

      The park is smaller than it's sister park Mille Lacs Kathio, but it definitely has some things that are better about it!

      I stayed in the Maplewood campground, which I recommend if you like quiet and privacy. The sites are further apart and give you a more "in the woods" feel. The other campground (lake view) is more traditional RV style camping where the sites are fairly close. However they have some sites (small and close together) that have views directly of the lake, if that's your thing.

      I stayed at site 96 which was verrrrry deep and felt pretty private. It's backed up to the woods so you don't have anyone behind you. It has a nice tent pad, and plenty of space for canopies or other equipment. It's a short walk down to the water too, where there's a fishing pier really close by, and a large beach a little further down. I went in very early June and the mosquitoes honestly weren't terrible yet, but the caterpillars were everywhere! There were caterpillars all over my tent, in my sandals I left outside my tent, on my car, etc. When I found one I just relocated them to a safer area in the woods. Lots of deer, you can hear owls at night, squirrels etc. It is bear country, but I didn't see any bears. I kept my food locked up in my car.

      One night it was kind if windy and you could hear the waves on the lake from the tent, so that was kinda cool.

      I have t mobile and had decent service here as well.

    • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 17, 2024

      Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

      Winter camping- very quiet with the electric hookups

      This is one campground in Minnesota that offers a handful of electric hookups for winter camping. The beauty of this campground, is that while the campsites available are in a row, there's plenty of space between sites and some of them are even pulled through. Making it easy for RVs to pull in and hook up.

      The vault toilet is not easy to find from where the electric openings are in the winter. While these spaces are right next door to a shower house with toilets, this is closed in the winter. The vault toilet is several rows over and down, making it hard to find if you don't already know where it is. But it was clean, and it was available.

      The campfire rings seemed clean, and each had a picnic table as well. We loved the pull-through site because then we were a little more protected from the road, although it's not busy this time of year at all. So it was very quiet except for our neighbors, and they didn't make much noise at all.

      There are trails nearby that are easily accessible on foot from the campground, and you can make loops that come back to the campground as well.

      There are two campgrounds at this park, but this is the one that has availability in the winter time. Ironically, they also have a couple of walk-in spots that are also open this time of year. If you're willing to brave the temps without an electric hookup. Not hard to find, not hard to access, but no electric hookups at these sites.

    • Brian C.
      May. 28, 2019

      Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

      Large sites, beautiful location

      Located just south of Mille Lacs in central Minnesota, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is large and welcoming.

      In addition to a state park and campground, the park is also on the nation register of historical sites, owing to the large number of archeological digs, revealing human activity in the area that dates back thousands of years.

      The sites are large and spaced decently from each other. We could have used a little more privacy between sites, but this can be written off as an effect of being nearly in the season.

      With the exception of a large family reunion, the park was quiet and you can easily find yourself alone from the crowds.

      Canoes are available for rental, which allow for fishing in the Rum River. There is also an observation platform- the climb can be intimidating, but the views are well worth it!

      I wasn’t able to find a spot to find a spot to fish from shore at, but that could just be my failure.

      The Interpretive Center gave you a really good glimpse into the wildlife and history of the area, as well as provided an assortment of activities.

      The facilities were a little time-worn, but clean, and the water in the showers heater fast.

      My family and I had a wonderful time, and will be back!

    • M
      Jun. 20, 2021

      Father Hennepin State Park Campground

      Nice campground on lake

      This was a nice campground on the lake. Spots are not very private in the lakeside campground. Nice hiking trails and large beach. Cell phone coverage was good.

    • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 18, 2019

      Father Hennepin State Park Campground

      Ranger Review of OOFOS shoes at Father Hennepin State Park in MN

      While I have seen parks and campsites with more privacy, there are so many trees (and many sites with a lake view) that it's worth a stay at Father Hennepin State Park in MN. Especially if you are rocking out with a pair of OOFOS flipflops!

      CAMPGROUND REVIEW:

      We've stayed at this campground a few times before, and it should seem obvious that since we keep coming back, it's not too shabby. Yes, I've seen campgrounds that have more privacy between spaces, but I don't think this place is every terribly crowded (at least not when we visit, in May). The leaves are just beginning to bud on the trees, so there is less coverage from your neighbors than in the heat of the summer, but since there are less campers, you can spread out a little bit. My only complaint, and this is the same of previous years here, is that the electric sites are so close to the tent sites that you can generally hear the generators and/or those that think that the wilderness is for loud music dance parties. Fortunately, this time, we were in our new teardrop camper and could shut out the tunes!

      We were at site 7, which was the last one in this campground that sits and faces the lake. And while we've been to this site before, it's the first time we've been in our Teardrop Trailer at this park. Lucky for us, the ice was gone and the wind was pretty calm, so the icy chill wasn't too bad. Each site has a fire ring with a grate that swings back and forth, depending on if you want to chill by the flames, or grill off some burgers. The site we had was fairly level. and provided ample space to park our teardrop and our car without hanging out into the road. A picnic table rounded out the scene to provide a full on camping experience. And lovely night sounds of frogs that sang us to sleep!

      There are well over a hundred sites, about 100 of them tent pads (no electric), and about 50 with electric. A few group campsites as well as 4 handicapped sites.There are 2 shower houses, 2 flush toilet buildings, vault toilets scattered around and water (in season, when it's turned on).

      In Minnesota, reservations are required. We've found that if you make them in advance, and then decide to cancel the day of the reservation, there are cancellation fees and first night fees and blah blah blah. If, however, you decide to take your chances and book it the "day of", there are no online reservation fees and you can cancel without penalty if you decide to go elsewhere.

      Drive in sites are approximately $23/night. Electric are about $34/night.

      PRODUCT REVIEW:

      Now, I have to admit, I'm an OOFOS junkie. Ever since I won a pair in my very firsts campground contest. That said, I'll never pass up the chance to review another pair! This time, I had the OOFOS Women's OOriginal Sandal. The last pair I had was a light color, and I loved the shoes, but they got dirty so quickly. Since these shoes are a type of foam, they scuff and dirty a little easier than other shoes, but the comfiness of them is off the chart, so they are totally worth having in other colors! This time, I chose black, to combat and dirt issues I might have while camping. If you can't see the dirt, it's not there, right?

      OOFOS are recovery shoes, and I didn't know what that meant at first, but just wait until you put them on at the end of a hard day on your feet (long work day, long hike, etc). They literally massage the sole of your foot. I'm not joking. I can't believe how my feet feel when I change shoes. If I listen veeeeeery carefully, I can hear my feet smiling! They are sort of spongy and squishy, but not in a strange way. Like walking on marshmallows! (but not sticky). Seriously, they cushioning, higher arch and wide fashion of the shoe (yes, it's a little chunkier, not a huge fashion statement) make it stable and comfy. They hug your feet and don't slip off the way some other "slippy" flipflops can. And so lightweight! The price is a little more than I normally pay for shoes, but I'd absolutely invest in another pair if this one wears out. The bottom has some fun grippy texture that looks as if it might channel away water if you stepped in a puddle.

      Quite frankly, as long as I have my OOFOS, I don't care what campground I'm staying at, but this one is good enough that I enjoy staying a little while, to look at the lake and enjoy the singing frogs!

    Guide to McGregor

    Equestrian Campground at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park serves as a specialized campground for riders and their horses in central Minnesota, about 40 miles northeast of McGregor. The campground features primitive facilities with vault toilets but lacks drinking water and electrical hookups. Located in a separate section from the main campground areas, the equestrian campground connects directly to the park's trail system, providing riders immediate access to forest paths and routes along the Rum River.

    What to Do

    Trail riding access: Trail riding paths connect directly to the Father Hennepin State Park Campground, where "There are well over a hundred sites, about 100 of them tent pads (no electric), and about 50 with electric. A few group campsites as well as 4 handicapped sites," according to Amy G.

    Fall foliage viewing: Fall offers excellent riding conditions in the horse campgrounds near McGregor, Minnesota with reduced insect activity. "Fall visits provide excellent riding conditions with fewer insects and beautiful foliage colors," notes one visitor who enjoyed the scenic autumn trails.

    Wildlife observation: Park trails offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. Brian C. from Mille Lacs Kathio noted, "The Interpretive Center gave you a really good glimpse into the wildlife and history of the area, as well as provided an assortment of activities."

    What Campers Like

    Spacious sites: The Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground offers "large and spaced decently from each other" sites according to Brian C. He added, "The sites are large and spaced decently from each other. We could have used a little more privacy between sites, but this can be written off as an effect of being nearly in the season."

    Peaceful atmosphere: McGregor area equestrian campsites provide quiet settings. Kate T. notes about Mille Lacs Kathio, "The spots were pretty private - the surrounding campsites were definitely visible through the trees, but there was plenty of distance so you weren't overhearing everyone's conversations or anything."

    Historic significance: The equestrian campgrounds connect to historically significant areas. Brian C. explains, "In addition to a state park and campground, the park is also on the nation register of historical sites, owing to the large number of archeological digs, revealing human activity in the area that dates back thousands of years."

    What You Should Know

    Seasonal insect activity: Insect activity varies significantly by season in horse camping areas near McGregor. Emily G. warns, "Before we even stopped the car the deer flies were pelting the windows. Hundreds. I wish I was exaggerating... We lasted 20 minutes which gave us both dozens of fly and mosquito bites. Visit in the spring or fall and it would be a beautiful place to explore."

    Limited facilities: Equestrian Campground at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park provides basic amenities focused on horse camping needs. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available but no showers or drinking water on site.

    Manure management: Horse owners must follow specific regulations regarding manure management at equestrian campgrounds. Feed must be brought in as grazing is not permitted on park grounds, and proper waste disposal is required.

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Educational programming: Father Hennepin State Park offers activities for children. Liz H. shared that "The park hosts various seminars throughout the week. There are several places to swim and a big playground for the little ones."

    Observation tower: The observation tower provides family-friendly views. Brian C. notes, "There is also an observation platform- the climb can be intimidating, but the views are well worth it!"

    Walk-in site options: For families seeking more privacy near equestrian areas, Ashley H. recommends, "We stayed in one of the walk-in sites. It was great, not too too buggy. Mostly quiet. Hiking trails in the park are wonderful and there's a lot of history to discover within the park."

    Tips from RVers

    Winter hookups: For RV campers interested in off-season visits to horse campgrounds near McGregor, Amy G. notes that Mille Lacs Kathio State Park "is one campground in Minnesota that offers a handful of electric hookups for winter camping. The beauty of this campground, is that while the campsites available are in a row, there's plenty of space between sites and some of them are even pulled through."

    Vault toilet locations: Amy G. adds, "The vault toilet is not easy to find from where the electric openings are in the winter. While these spaces are right next door to a shower house with toilets, this is closed in the winter. The vault toilet is several rows over and down, making it hard to find if you don't already know where it is."

    Trailer accessibility: RV sites at Mille Lacs Kathio accommodate horse trailers with pull-through options available. According to Amy G., "Making it easy for RVs to pull in and hook up."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near McGregor, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near McGregor, MN is Father Hennepin State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near McGregor, MN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near McGregor, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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