7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Minnesota Valley Recreation Area offers equestrian camping near New Ulm with sites designed specifically for horse enthusiasts. The park maintains a dedicated equestrian campground with drinking water access and toilet facilities. Fort Ridgely State Park also accommodates horse camping, featuring electric hookups and water at every site in the horse camp area. The equestrian campground includes clean bathroom and shower facilities. A small creek runs approximately 50 feet behind some campsites, providing water access for horses and recreational opportunities for campers. Sites are well-maintained with minimal flies, and the park provides a designated compost pile for manure disposal.
The trails at Minnesota Valley Recreation Area and Fort Ridgely State Park provide varied terrain for riders throughout the year. Fort Ridgely's trail system includes prairie sections that showcase stunning wildflower blooms in July, with water fountains strategically placed along routes for horses. The horse trails connect to wider park trail networks, though some riders note wishing for additional mileage options. Both parks require reservations for equestrian camping. The Fort Ridgely horse camp features spacious sites that can accommodate various trailer sizes with convenient access to the trail system. While neither location offers dedicated horse corrals as permanent structures, the sites provide ample space for portable corrals or highlines.
"Ridgley horse camp. Very nice horse camp, with electric hookups, and water at every site."
"It's a great park in an area of Minnesota that is not well traveled. There's also a lot of history here with an interesting museum on the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862."
from $24 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit for all. This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack."
"Gulley that a large creek runs through surrounded by trees and large forested hills."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Great park if you’re not looking to drive too far to enjoy a bit of nature. Wonderful hiking paths and biking paths. Our site was nice a secluded and right next to the trail heads."
"Sites are wooded and shady but some are close to neighboring sites. Not too many mosquitos or flies for August in Minnesota! Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail runs through the park. "
from $24 - $85 / night
Check Availability"We reserved a spot right next to the pool area. It was a tight fit to back the camper it, but I was able to do it. They have cement pads for a patio area and a fire ring."
"The one drawback, in my opinion, is that the lake it is right next to doesn’t have a beach for swimming. That was a little disappointing for me."
"Off the beaten path..so lots of peace & quiet to enjoy..beautiful rustic camping spots throughout the park..picnic table & fIrepit at each spot & bathrooms nearby..can camp right next to the"
"We also did a handful of different hiking trails and each one gave us a different beautiful and experience. The paths are not super well marked in all places, but you can find your way through."
"Great place to snowmobile, hike, bike or rideas horse!"
ScoutOff the beaten path..so lots of peace & quiet to enjoy..beautiful rustic camping spots throughout the park..picnic table & fIrepit at each spot & bathrooms nearby..can camp right next to the creek..fun fishing for kids..trails throughout the park for walking..horse camping avail also..beautiful place to relax and have some fun!
TravelerWe stayed at Ft. Ridgley horse camp. Very nice horse camp, with electric hookups, and water at every site. Bathrooms and showers right in horse camp, and a nice little creek about 50 ft behind our site, that our boys loved playing in!! Nice trails, I wish there were a few more miles, but over all very decent. We had a great time.
TravelerNice clean campground very well maintained and free. Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit for all. This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack. Pick where to park in nice large grassy areas. A few areas are next to wild and deep ravines. Very nice large new play areas with slides for kids. Popular with a few horse trailers and riders on weekends because of COVID get to gather worries elsewhere. Friday morning before week end is best to get there in case of horse trailers to get nicer spot. Sometimes only a few campers are there. Call ahead to stay overnight so sheriff is aware. Not a lot of people know about it and is at end of long gravel road for peace and quiet. No problem for 5th wheels and tents both, pick your spot. Want to relax, chill out and visit your neighbors. This is worth the visit.
GuideWe stayed at site 21 in late August of 2019. It’s obvious that the park had some heavy flooding earlier in the year. A lot of the waterfront sites became sandy. The sites are close together and not very many mature trees between sites. There isn’t any cell phone coverage at the campground but there is service around the historical site. Only restrooms are single stall vault toilets. No showers. However I think the horse campground has upgraded restrooms and showers but I never checked it out because it was so far away. Mosquitoes were bad, everyone came home covered in bites. Kids had a blast playing in the creek. There was also people out on their horses offering rides to kids and educating about horse ownership.
GuideGulley that a large creek runs through surrounded by trees and large forested hills. The entire park is surrounded by farms, nearby are some really nice Minnesota small towns like Henderson and the somewhat larger St. Peter (but still small town). I hiked in about 1/2 a mile and camped in the trees but they also have some clearings closer to the entrance, with grills, where you could easily set up. $10 suggested donation. Trash bins located all over which is good , but the wind seems to blow debris around here and there, and irresponsible people leave their beer cans/water bottles strewn about, so pick them up if you find them like I did. Website and signage on location recommends to call the sheriff's office to let them know you're camping there which I did and they were nice enough, but it's probably not the end of the world if you don't. Overall this was a pleasant spot, especially being the only camper there, so hope you all enjoy! Places like this are what I love about The Dyrt, I don't think I would have found this otherwise.
GuideGreat place to snowmobile, hike, bike or rideas horse!
TravelerGreat park if you’re not looking to drive too far to enjoy a bit of nature. Wonderful hiking paths and biking paths.
Our site was nice a secluded and right next to the trail heads.
Only downside, if you’re looking for complete quiet, this isn’t the park. It’s next to the highway and there are residents that live on the lake that can be noisy.
Otherwise, wonderful park especially for families.
GuideBeautiful, small state park less than an hour south of Twin Cities. Sites are wooded and shady but some are close to neighboring sites. Not too many mosquitos or flies for August in Minnesota! Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail runs through the park. It was pouring on Saturday so most of the other campers checked out and we had the campground mostly to ourselves. Super friendly and helpful staff, clean restrooms. Faribault is 15 minutes away so we went antique shopping at Keeper's Antiques downtown and had cocktails at 10,000 Drops Distillery for rainy day activities.
ScoutEverything was beautiful. We camped for a week in southern Minnesota state parks, but this one is our favourite.
Fort Ridgely State Park and Minnesota Valley Recreation Area provide equestrian camping near New Ulm, Minnesota, with accommodations specifically designed for those traveling with horses. Located in south-central Minnesota where the Minnesota River valley cuts through the prairie landscape, these areas offer varied terrain from wooded river bottoms to open grasslands. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler temperatures that many horse owners prefer for trail riding.
Trail riding on mixed terrain: At Sakatah Lake State Park, riders can explore both wooded areas and prairie sections. "In JULY The Prairie Trails are stunning with all the wild flowers in full bloom. Many trails and nice overlooks too. I walked and hiked the trail over and over because of the beautiful flowers and trails," notes Tom in his review.
Explore historic sites: While camping at Fort Ridgely State Park, take time to learn about the area's significant history. "It's a great park in an area of Minnesota that is not well traveled. There's also a lot of history here with an interesting museum on the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862," shares Jason S.
Creek access for horses and cooling off: The creek systems provide water access for both horses and people. "Our boys loved playing in the creek," writes Cody T. about Fort Ridgely, while another camper notes, "The creek through the campground is beautiful and the sound of water over the rock is great for sleeping."
Clean, modern facilities: The equestrian campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. "Campground is VERY WELL MAINTAINED. BRAND NEW Bathroom/shower building with large ADA showers," reports a Fort Ridgely visitor.
Quiet camping atmosphere: High Island Creek Park offers a more secluded experience near New Ulm. One camper describes it as "a magical place when u go hiking down the hill to the hidden creeks trails and absolute peace being one with nature." Another notes it's "very well maintained and free."
Water features: Campers appreciate the small creeks that run through some campgrounds. "Kids have fun swimming and splashing. There are marked areas for crossing the creek which make great wading areas too," mentions one reviewer about the creek at Fort Ridgely.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian camping areas require advance booking. At Kamp Dels, a camper notes there's "a required length of stay, so if u don't have time or are not certain the weather will cooperate to get the most of your $ spent, I don't recommend."
Seasonal considerations: Weather and trail conditions vary greatly. "We stayed at site 21 in late August of 2019. It's obvious that the park had some heavy flooding earlier in the year. A lot of the waterfront sites became sandy," explains one Fort Ridgely visitor.
Water availability: While some parks have ample drinking water, others require you bring your own. A visitor to High Island Creek Park mentioned, "I would have stayed longer but ran out of water. There isn't any potable water on site."
Creek activities for kids: The shallow creeks provide entertainment for children. At Beaver Falls County Park, you'll find "beautiful rustic camping spots throughout the park..picnic table & fIrepit at each spot & bathrooms nearby..can camp right next to the creek..fun fishing for kids."
Wildlife education: Some parks offer impromptu educational opportunities. "One day a ranger came around an offered a wildlife edible 'class' which I decided to go to - that was interesting! I learned a lot and it was fun to meet some of the other campers," shares Sarah C. about her Fort Ridgely experience.
Mixed accommodations for different comfort levels: Some families prefer more amenities. A Kamp Dels visitor notes, "This is such a great campground for families! So many activities including a water recreation area, petting zoo, shuffleboard, mini golf, pool, toddler water park, multiple playgrounds, basketball and more."
Site size considerations: For horse trailers and RVs, some sites have better access than others. "Very nice park if your RV is not too big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees," advises an RV camper about Eagle Nest Park.
Electric hookup availability: Electric sites book quickly. "As most State parks in MN you better get your reservation in early if you want a site with electric. If your good without, it's a great park," recommends a visitor to Sakatah Lake State Park.
Site selection tips: When choosing a site, consider location within the campground. "The non electric sites are very wooded and private. The electric sites are very open and offer little privacy," notes Liz H. about campsite options at Fort Ridgely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near New Ulm, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near New Ulm, MN is Fort Ridgely State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near New Ulm, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near New Ulm, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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