Minnesota Valley Rec Area Equestrian Camp offers seasonal horse-friendly camping near Jordan. The campground accommodates horse trailers with direct access to riding trails. The public facility provides toilets and drinking water while maintaining a pet-friendly environment. Trail riders must bring all necessary horse equipment as no corrals are provided on-site. The park requires reservations for overnight stays and does not permit fires at campsites. While primarily serving the equestrian community, the campground lacks electric hookups and other RV amenities.
The equestrian camp connects to several trail systems traversing the Minnesota Valley Recreation Area. Riders access varied terrain through woodland and prairie landscapes throughout the year. The trail network remains open year-round, though spring conditions can create muddy riding in some sections. Parking areas accommodate horse trailers with sufficient room for loading and unloading. Horse owners must manage their own waste and follow all posted rules regarding trail use and camping etiquette. The natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife observation while riding, with trails that feature moderate difficulty levels suitable for most experienced riders. Water crossings may require caution depending on seasonal conditions.
$24 - $85 / night
"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. "
"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."
"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."
$10 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GuideGreat place to snowmobile, hike, bike or rideas horse!
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.
The Minnesota Valley Recreation Area near Owatonna offers 46 miles of multi-use trails through woodland and prairie habitats at elevations between 750-850 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring camping can encounter wet conditions with seasonal flooding in lower areas. The region serves as an important wildlife corridor connecting riparian ecosystems along the Minnesota River.
Horseback riding and hiking trails: Sakatah Lake State Park Campground offers several miles of trails for both hikers and nature enthusiasts. As one visitor noted, "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" (Shelly S.). The trail network accommodates various skill levels with moderate terrain.
Water recreation opportunities: The region's lakes provide options for kayaking and fishing throughout summer months. "This was my third time camping at this campground and I love it more and more every time. It's next to a lake so we can easily bring our kayaks with" (Kayla O.). Most lakes require Minnesota fishing licenses, available online or at local sporting goods stores.
Winter activities: For cold weather visitors, High Island Creek Park trails remain accessible for snowshoeing during winter months. The area receives approximately 45 inches of annual snowfall, creating opportunities for winter recreation. "I stayed four nights. I would have stayed longer but ran out of water... During a hot day, I took my two dogs and we hiked to a nearby river" (Travis A.).
Secluded campsites: Many equestrian campgrounds near Owatonna, Minnesota feature private sites away from crowds. "It was perfect. There wasn't a lot of people there. The lots are pretty nice and secluded" (Thomas D.). Sites typically include basic amenities with natural buffers between camping areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cannon River Wilderness Area provides excellent conditions for spotting native wildlife. "For 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" (Nick G.). Morning and evening hours offer optimal viewing conditions.
Affordable camping options: Several parks provide no-cost or low-cost camping opportunities within 30 miles of Owatonna. "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" (Mike G.). Most free sites operate on first-come, first-served basis with limited amenities.
Reservation requirements: Some horse campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during peak summer season. Weekends often fill 2-3 weeks in advance at popular locations like Kamp Dels. "We've been a seasonal there for 4 years and love it. The grandkids love the water park and there's so many things for the kids to do" (Tina C.).
Limited facilities: Most equestrian camping areas provide basic amenities only. "This park is beautiful. It's as green as green gets. Lots of room. Only electric hooks ups at each site. They do have a fresh water filling station and a dump station" (Kirk J.). Visitors should prepare to bring necessary supplies including water containers, waste disposal bags, and food storage.
Trail conditions: Spring months often bring wet conditions on trails, especially in low-lying areas. "Good vibes it's a magical place when u go hiking down the hill to the hidden creeks trails and absolute peace being one with nature" (Sherry H.). Checking trail status before arrival helps prevent access issues.
Child-friendly amenities: Chester Woods Park provides specific facilities for younger visitors. "The campground is very clean and nice. The bathrooms and showers we pristine clean and close and easy to walk to. The beach was great and clean" (Erik O.). Families should check for age-appropriate recreation options when booking.
Safety considerations: Horse campgrounds have specific safety requirements for families with children. "We had an awesome time roasting mallows and hotdogs over the fire and singing songs!" (Sarah F.). Parents should establish clear boundaries around equestrian areas and water features.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer nature programs during summer months. "Clean bathrooms are a plus too. The one drawback, in my opinion, is that the lake it is right next to doesn't have a beach for swimming" (Erick R.). Check with park offices for scheduled activities when planning visits with children.
Site accessibility: Haycreek Valley Campground accommodates various RV sizes but requires planning for specific site limitations. "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" (Karin W.). Larger rigs should confirm access routes and site dimensions before arrival.
Hookup variations: Electrical connections vary between campgrounds, with most offering 30-amp service only. "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" (Kevin). RVers should prepare for potentially limited utility access at horse-focused camping areas.
Seasonal considerations: Spring camping may encounter wet conditions affecting accessibility. "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" (Mike G.). Fall camping offers cooler temperatures with reduced insect activity, typically from mid-September through October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Owatonna, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Owatonna, MN is Sakatah Lake State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Owatonna, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Owatonna, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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