13 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Haycreek Valley Campground features an extensive network of equestrian trails with well-maintained spaces for horse camping. The campground provides electric and water hookups specifically in the horse camping area with ample space for trailers. Horse enthusiasts appreciate the shaded trails that minimize insect activity while providing scenic riding opportunities. The trails connect directly to the campground, allowing riders easy access without trailering to different locations. The campground maintains overflow areas specifically designated for horse campers when the main equestrian sites fill up during peak seasons. Horse campers report excellent trail conditions with maintained paths suitable for both novice and experienced riders.
Trails at Haycreek Valley connect to wider regional trail systems, offering varied terrain through wooded areas with minimal bugs compared to other regional horse trails. Most sites accommodate both horses and camping equipment with sufficient space for proper separation between animal areas and human living spaces. Regular trail riders can access miles of riding paths directly from their campsites without needing to transport horses after arrival. Horse owners should bring their own containment systems as the campground does not feature permanent corrals at individual sites. The campground has remained a favorite destination for horse enthusiasts for over 15 years due to its exceptional trail quality and rider-friendly facilities. Drinking water for horses is available throughout the property, though campers should confirm specific amenities when making reservations.
"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."
"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."
"The river is behind the property."
from $17 / 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 Availabilityfrom $22 / night
Check Availability"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"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."
"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."
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.
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.
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.
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 Pine Island, Minnesota offers dedicated facilities for riders and their horses within a 30-mile radius. The regional terrain features rolling hills with mixed woodland and prairie environments. Several campgrounds maintain specific equestrian accommodations with trail access at elevations ranging from 950-1200 feet above sea level, creating varied trail experiences for riders of all skill levels.
Trail riding at Haycreek Valley: Located near Red Wing, this campground connects to extensive trail systems. "Red Wing, Minn might be the prettiest small town in the US. Rolling hills, greenery, the Mississippi River, and genuinely nice people in a small city with lots of attractions," notes Dale Y. from Haycreek Valley Campground.
Explore Mystery Cave: The cave system offers guided tours with unique underground formations. "The cave tours are well done and the sites are scenic and tucked into the woods. There is also a winery (Four Daughter) not far away that's more than worth stopping at," reports Elisabeth M. who visited Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Regional waterways provide excellent fishing access. "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," explains Brian K. about Chester Woods Park.
Biking on paved trails: Access regional bike paths directly from some campgrounds. "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!" shares Karin W. who stayed at Haycreek Valley.
Low-insect environments: Many campgrounds in the region report fewer mosquitoes than typical Minnesota locations. "Nice area! Large open sites and NO mosquitos!!!! Will be back with our group again," reports Bill H. about Chester Woods Park.
Proximity to small towns: Visitors appreciate the accessibility to nearby communities. "The campground is about a 10 minute ride from the city center. The amenities are sparse and aged, but the sites are level, plentiful, and reasonably priced," explains Dale Y. who stayed at Haycreek Valley.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept shower and bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms and showers were pristine clean and close and easy to walk to. The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great. Would definitely come back," notes Erik O. who visited Chester Woods Park.
Trout streams: Anglers can access quality fishing directly from some campgrounds. "The campground had everything we needed including a great little trout stream on the edge of the property," writes Todd W. about his experience at Maple Springs Campground.
Site configurations vary: Some campgrounds have unusual layouts that may require advance planning. "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," reports Karin W. about Haycreek Valley.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty or nonexistent coverage. "The only reason it is not 5 stars is from my site I had to walk out to the field for wifi reception. With no Verizon cell service, not sure if others did, I needed to communicate with family," explains John C. from Maple Springs Campground.
Water hookup limitations: Some parks offer electric-only sites with central water fill stations. "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," notes Kirk J. who stayed at Chester Woods Park.
Seasonal water conditions: Some lakes in the area may develop algae in late summer. "Sakatah Lake is quite shallow so late season is at risk of algae bloom - the lake was pea soup green when we got there at the end of August, so go early in the season if you want to get on the water," advises Emma G. from Sakatah Lake State Park Campground.
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreation choices. "Not too expensive and good things to do. Swimming in the lake, lots of fishing, hiking, nature center, free activities, and other things to do. There are water and septic hook ups and pets are fine, they have bathrooms as well," recommends Ash V. about Chester Woods Park.
Entertainment variety: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "The campground had everything we needed including a hayride, movie for the family in the old red barn, and a church service in that same barn on Sunday," describes Todd W. who visited Maple Springs Campground.
Nature observation: Wildlife viewing opportunities abound. "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. Also the frogs and toads were adding their voices too," shares Shelly S. about Sakatah Lake State Park Campground.
Protected swimming areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swim spaces. "The campground is very clean and nice. The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great," notes Erik O. who stayed at Chester Woods Park.
Site selection matters: Different camping loops offer varying experiences. "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," cautions Tim B. about Kamp Dels.
Access information: Some campgrounds have specific entry requirements. "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," explains David E. who visited Haycreek Valley.
Water management strategies: Plan for limited hookups. "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," advises Kevin about Chester Woods Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pine Island, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pine Island, MN is Chester Woods Park with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pine Island, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Pine Island, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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