10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Minnesota Valley Rec Area Equestrian Camp accommodates horse campers with dedicated equestrian facilities near Jordan, 30 miles from Northfield. The campground provides direct trail access for riders and their horses with multiple sites designed specifically for equestrian use. Trails are shaded and well-maintained, making them suitable for riders of all experience levels. The campground remains open year-round, allowing for seasonal riding opportunities across varied terrain. Horse owners appreciate the spacious trailer parking areas and the ability to keep their horses nearby while camping. Haycreek Valley Campground near Red Wing also offers horse camping with electric and water hookups specifically for equestrian campers, plus overflow areas when the main horse camp fills up. The trails at Haycreek Valley are notably bug-free and shaded, creating comfortable riding conditions even during summer months.
Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, located 45 minutes from Northfield, features extensive horse trails alongside camping options. The park combines equestrian-friendly facilities with diverse recreational opportunities, including archery, swimming, and hiking. The trail system varies from prairie to wooded areas and is so extensive that riders rarely encounter others during their excursions. Horse trailer parking is available, though overnight accommodations for horses require advance planning. High Island Creek Park provides another option for horse enthusiasts, with several horse trailers frequently visiting on weekends. This free campground offers basic amenities including clean portable toilets and hand-pumped water. The park's location at the end of a long gravel road ensures peace and quiet for campers and their horses, while the surrounding landscape features deep ravines and open grassy areas suitable for setting up camp.
"We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
"If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers."
"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."
"For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."
"Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families."
from $23 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
from $21 - $29 / 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."
from $50 / 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 place to snowmobile, hike, bike or rideas horse!"
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.
LegendFor a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond. This man made pond is a sandy bottom and surrounded by a nice sand beach. Large built in umbrellas are available for sun coverage and there is a concession stand and bathrooms with showers. And yes, as I mentioned the water is filtered! No gross goose poop or green algae to deal with! Next to the swim pond is a giant playground with fun for the big and little kids. Other amenities include archery, horse trails, paved and grass trails, camper spots, rustic spots and hike in camping spots. In winter the xc ski trails are lit for evening skiing. Or let's be honest early afternoon. It is Minnesota and the suns down by 4 In the Winter! They also have a newer Nordic center that's open all year round and includes a locker room with showers. The hike in camp spot we chose was on a small lake so it had a nice breeze and made it easy to bring a kayak or paddleboard and hop right in. There is also a boat launch for your larger toys! The trails in the park are quite impressive for its size. We enjoyed a 5 mile loop off the Nordic center and right past the camp spot. A picnic table and fire pit as well as nice flat tent pad were provided. If you're coming in from out of town then you're just a 5 minute drive from Woodbury and all the amenities you'd ever need but the park feels miles away from it all.
TravelerThis park is great for hiking and winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The 2 camp sites are a good little hike in and you have to backpack everything you need in. Of course if you are on the river it's a nice little stop between Faribault and Northfield. Not sure about camping in the parking lot overnight. Love the park, just not for camping.
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.
GuideFor free the area is awesome right by the river. We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river. The hike from parking is not bad at all about a 10 minute walk from parking to the farthest site.
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.
LegendLake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families. There are a bunch of things to do including hiking, horseback riding, swimming in their filtered pond, boating and an insane playground. Our modern site 40 was in a great open location with a shaded edge. We had plenty of room to play, park the camper or set up tents. I can imagine in the heat of summer the lack of shade trees may be a hindrance to avoiding the noon day sun but there's always the amazing filtered swimming pond to go cool off in. Directly behind the site was a hiking trail that led us through woods, fields and prairie. The water source was just a couple campsites down but the bathrooms were a little farther so when coming with just tents you may want to search for a closer campsite. Overall clean and open.
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.
LegendBaker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017. After reading a lot of Pinterest reviews I’m glad we stayed at this camp. Managed by ThreeRiversParks.org (make your reservation here) this is one of the cleanest camps I’ve ever stayed at. It was crowded with RV’s and tents alike but it never seemed loud or cramped. The shower house was very clean and roomy and an easy walk from the camp sites. We didn’t take advantage of the nearby lake or other numerous activities because we used it as a base camp for the Mall of America. You’ll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I’d say almost all of them were booked. The camp staff are very friendly and you’ll need to get checked in before 9pm I believe because they close it off to paid guests after that. The camp was pretty quite for as full as it was. I did notice that local law enforcement did patrol the camp a couple of times each night but it felt very safe to me. I’d definitely recommend this camp and the next time we stay we will check out the hiking trails, lake, and playground for sure.
Equestrian camping opportunities near Northfield, Minnesota offer trail riding options through varied terrain including prairies, ravines, and wooded areas. Most horseback riding facilities are within a 30-45 minute drive of Northfield, with camping seasons typically running from April through October. Winter trail access remains available at some locations, though camping accommodations may be limited during colder months.
Trail riding at High Island Creek Park: This free campground features deep ravines and trails alongside flowing water. "Beautiful trails leading you down the revenue to a gentle flowing creek. One of me and my hubbies favorite drop in campsites!!" reports Alison O. from High Island Creek Park.
Bird watching at Sakatah Lake: Located near Waterville, this state park provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "I was so amazed with all the sounds of birds in this park. I heard Everything from Eagles, Canadian Geese and Swans to Woodpeckers and multiple song birds. I wish I could distinguish between them. Also the frogs and toads were adding their voices too," notes Shelly S. from Sakatah Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking through diverse landscapes: Many trails connect between camping areas and natural features. "The gulley 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," explains Trenton V. about exploring the area.
Private camping spaces: Many horseback riders appreciate secluded sites for their equipment. "It was perfect. There wasn't a lot of people there. The lots are pretty nice and secluded," reports Thomas D. about his experience at Sakatah Lake State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and grounds are consistently mentioned in reviews. "Nice 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," shares Mike G. from High Island Creek Park.
Variety of recreation options: Beyond horseback riding, many locations offer additional activities. "The camp office was so east and friendly! Well placed sites nestled near lovely walking trails - Very nice water hook ups and electric- well maintained!" says Kimberly L. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Water access varies significantly: Not all equestrian camping areas provide drinking water for horses or humans. "I stayed four nights. I would have stayed longer but ran out of water. There isn't any potable water on site," warns Travis A. about High Island Creek Park.
Reservations recommended for electric sites: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with hookups. "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," advises Tim B. about planning ahead.
Some lake conditions may disappoint: Water quality can be an issue at certain locations. "On the lake but you need to be in middle of this lake if you want to get wet. Unless you enjoy swimmers itch. Not even very nice fishing on the dock Unless you like green fish," cautions a reviewer from Sakatah Lake.
Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas: Some locations offer specialized recreation for kids. "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," recommends John H. from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Consider resort-style camping for more amenities: Some locations offer extensive facilities beyond basic camping. "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," shares Tami W. from Kamp Dels.
Evaluate site privacy for family comfort: Site layout varies between campgrounds. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," writes Bryan S. from Baker Campground.
Check site specifications for larger rigs: Some equestrian campgrounds have limitations for larger trailers. "Very nice park if your RV is not to 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," cautions Tim B. about navigating Sakatah Lake State Park.
Utility placement can be challenging: Review site layouts before selecting. "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 so we ended up backing up the hill to get next to the water and filled our tank for the weekend," explains Karin W. from Haycreek Valley Campground.
Accessibility for horse trailers varies: Not all equestrian sites accommodate large trailers equally. "Pick where to park in nice large grassy areas. A few areas are next to wild and deep ravines. Popular with a few horse trailers and riders on weekends," notes Mike G. about High Island Creek Park's flexible parking options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Northfield, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Northfield, MN is Cannon River Wilderness Area with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Northfield, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Northfield, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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