The diverse geography near Preston, Minnesota, features deep valleys and limestone bluffs, creating ideal terrain for horse and hiking trails. The area's hardwood forests provide ample shade for summer camping with temperatures typically reaching 80°F. Fall brings cooler temperatures in the 50-60°F range, making it ideal for trail riding with minimal insects.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest offers direct access to forest trails. Scott S. notes, "The are 8 sites. There is no water or electricity. One pit toilet for the site. 5 miles from Rushford MN. Access to Root River trail close by."
Cave exploring: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground features underground exploration options within a short drive. Kevin T. shares, "I came here to explore the caves and it blew me away. I think the cave was around 12-13 miles long and there was water and different formations. The floor was really wet so bring shoes you wont slip in."
Hiking through quarries: The sandstone formations provide unique hiking experiences. At Reno Horse Campground, Joanna B. reports, "There are many hiking trails, including a trail that goes on top of the bluff with views of the forest and of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River... The bugs weren't too bad, no ticks, no critters and no road noise."
What campers like
Secluded forest sites: Oak Ridge/Wet Bark Recreation Area offers primitive camping opportunities for those seeking solitude. Michael V. states, "Small campground, usually no one here except during hunting season. Not much to this place."
Peaceful river settings: Maple Springs Campground offers sites near water features. Kim H. describes it as a "Quiet and mosquito free campground on the root river in beautiful SE MN. Near Forestville State Park and great gravel riding. Free WiFi. Hiking Trails. Fly fishing. Did I mention to mosquitoes!"
Horse-friendly amenities: The dedicated equestrian facilities make horseback camping convenient. Jen M. from Maple Springs Campground explains: "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... It's a very short road ride to the park trails and the campground and their amenities are first rate."
What you should know
Limited facilities at state forest sites: Most equestrian camping near Preston requires self-sufficiency. Michael V. mentions about Money Creek campground: "Stayed here multiple times throughout the years, not much to it. Put toilets, usually slow except during hunting season. Camp sites are decent but primative."
Seasonal considerations: Lake Louise State Park Campground operates primarily during warmer months. Hannah H. notes, "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."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have unreliable connectivity. Jim C. from Forestville Mystery Cave State Park cautions: "TV was able to pick up about 15 stations - but there is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office."
Tips for camping with families
Free fishing opportunities: Some parks offer license-free fishing. Rodney A. mentions about Lake Louise State Park: "You can go fishing at the pond without having to purchase a Minnesota Fishing License!"
Educational activities: Chester Woods Park offers nature programs. Ash V. describes: "Not to experience and good things to do. Swimming in the lake, lots of fishing, hiking, nature center, free activity's, and other things to do."
Weekend events: Some campgrounds offer special activities. Todd W. from Maple Springs Campground shares: "The campground had everything we needed including a great little trout stream on the edge of the property, a hayride, movie for the family in the old red barn, and a church service in that same barn on Sunday."
Tips from RVers
Electric-only hookups: Most sites near Preston offer electric but require filling water tanks. Mark N. from Chester Woods Park explains: "Electric only at the camp sites but have water and dump station on site. Clean bathrooms and showers. Best value I've seen for fire wood."
RV site spacing: Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground provides spacious sites. Michelle A. reports: "The campsites are well kept and spacious. There are no picnic tables in the sites, but we got along just fine without."
Pad considerations: Horse trailer accommodations require specific site selection. Jen M. describes Maple Springs Campground's equestrian sites: "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."
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