Haycreek Valley Campground provides equestrian campers with dedicated horse trails shaded from insects and summer heat. The campground offers electric and water hookups specifically in the horse camping area, with additional overflow sites available for equestrian visitors. Riders have reported using the trails for over 15 years, citing the excellent trail quality and friendly atmosphere. The main horse camping area includes amenities for both riders and their animals, with standard campground features like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to showers and bathrooms. Though primarily designed for horse camping, non-equestrians occasionally stay in the horse camp area. The campground has remained consistently popular with the horse community due to its well-maintained trails and specialized facilities.
Trails at Haycreek connect directly to a paved bike path leading into Red Wing, offering riders varied terrain options. The equestrian trails feature ample shade coverage, which contributes to the notably low mosquito population even during peak summer months. Horse campers typically experience friendly interactions with both staff and fellow campers. The campground's location provides convenient access to Red Wing's amenities while maintaining a secluded, natural setting for trail riding. Some campers may find the layout of utility hookups challenging in certain sites, requiring longer hoses or extension cords to reach properly positioned rigs. Trail riding opportunities extend throughout the surrounding area, with the campground serving as an excellent base for exploring the region on horseback. Most horse camping sites are designed to accommodate trailers while providing necessary space for equine comfort.
"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."
"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."
$23 - $80 / night
"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."
$24 - $280 / night
"Services: There are full services at this campground - flush toilets, sinks, showers, trash receptacles, and drinking water/dump station near the entrance."
"T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location. The showers and bathrooms were spotless. Firewood is available at several roadside stands just outside the entrance."
"Great for hiking and kayaking/canoeing is near by."
"Stayed middle of the week found local firewood from farms nearby. Also a creamery is a short drive from camp."
"The river is behind the property."
$22 / night
$17 / night
"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."
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.
ScoutOur 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. Thankfully a neighbor had a 30’ extension that we borrowed. The fire pits were located in very odd spots too - basically unusable unless you wanted to light your rig on fire. 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! Would probably stay here again but would definitely ask for a different site. Great for biking!
GuideRed 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.
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.
Be aware however…..The Dyrt is wrong. There are no sewer hookups at this campground. They have a dump station and will pump for a fee.
There is a perfectly average pub on site. The food is okay, the price is reasonable.
LegendFirst thing you need to know: It's completely in the woods, and sites are FULLY shaded. Sites 28-38 are on a loop with a picnic pavilion in the middle with some openings for sun on the road and in the picnic area. Other than that, the rest of the campground is rather dark all the time; there aren't as many sunlight openings on the road to the other sites. This is not a good place for solar panels, but almost all sites are electric.
Nice price: Cost is $20/$16 for electric/non-electric. This is an Army Corps of Engineers park which means you pay $10/$8 if you have an NPS Lifetime Senior Pass.
Services: There are full services at this campground - flush toilets, sinks, showers, trash receptacles, and drinking water/dump station near the entrance. There is an interpretive center for Saturday evening ranger programs and a playground next to it.
Roomy sites: This campground is small, but almost all sites are large. There are 38 sites plus walk in tent sites A through G and a group site. It looks like sites 28-38 can be rented for a group; the entrance was blocked off when we were there.
Equestrian section may be open to campers without a horse: There is an equestrian campground about a half mile before the main campground entrance. You may camp in the equestrian area (E1-E10) without a horse if the main area is full. We were able to reserve a site in there a couple days ahead of time because the main campground was full. It was just us and one other family on a Saturday night, and neither of us had a horse. We moved to the main area on Sunday morning because lots of sites were open on Sunday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Equestrian camping near Red Wing, Minnesota offers direct access to forested trails connecting to regional bike paths. The area sits within the Driftless Region, characterized by steep bluffs and rolling terrain that wasn't flattened by glaciers during the last ice age. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with higher humidity levels in July and August when thunderstorms are common.
Trail riding opportunities: At Haycreek Valley Campground, the trails connect directly to a paved bike path leading into Red Wing. "Really nice campground with activities and a BAR/Restaurant. Pool is also there and is nice," notes Lisa D., highlighting additional on-site options beyond riding.
Swimming options: Chester Woods Park offers a maintained swimming area for cooling off after trail activities. "The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great. Would definitely come back," reports Erik O., who appreciated the water quality.
Biking adventures: The regional trail system extends through multiple camping areas. "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. from Haycreek Valley.
Archery practice: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains dedicated archery facilities alongside other recreation options. "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," explains John H.
Minimal insects: The natural environment around Red Wing creates favorable conditions for reduced bug activity. "Nice area! Large open sites and NO mosquitos!!!! Will be back with our group again," reports Bill H. about his experience at Haycreek Valley Campground.
Proximity to town services: The strategic location provides convenience while maintaining natural surroundings. "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," writes David E.
Clean facilities: The regional campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. "This was one of The cleanest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. The sites are large and very well shaded for privacy. Great playground and hiking area," notes Courtney C. about Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir.
Affordability: The value proposition for camping in the region remains competitive. "Nice campground and been here many times. Plenty of wildlife and can hear the owls talking to each other," shares David G. about his repeated visits to Highland Ridge.
Site positioning challenges: Some locations require special attention when setting up camp. "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. about Haycreek Valley.
Rustic camping options: For those seeking a more primitive experience, Chester Woods Park provides alternatives to full-hookup sites. "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," clarifies Kevin.
Seasonal considerations: The region experiences typical Midwestern weather patterns. "We had a great weekend went to bed a little early on Saturday night because of rain and woke up to snow!!!" recalls Lisa D. about her spring trip to Haycreek Valley.
Campground vs. retreat center confusion: Some facilities listed online serve different purposes than expected. "Really nice area with a pretty drive but this is a retreat center not a campground. They did have some nice looking archery trails though!" warns Stephanie K. about Camp Spring Lake.
Filtered swimming areas: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers a unique swimming experience. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S. about this family-friendly feature.
Evening programs: Some campgrounds provide structured activities for children. "This park has awesome sites that fit the needs of just about anyone. The have beautiful hiking trails and a swimming beach for the hotter days. They also have an archery range and on Saturday nights they have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch," notes Tina H.
Diverse accommodation options: Multiple lodging styles accommodate different family preferences. "Nice park for everyone's type from tents, cabins and all size RV's. 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," shares Mark N. about Chester Woods Park.
Playground access: Recreation facilities for children are available at several campgrounds. "Lake 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," recommends Steph H.
Site selection for shading: Tree cover varies significantly between campgrounds and can impact comfort. "It's completely in the woods, and sites are FULLY shaded. Sites 28-38 are on a loop with a picnic pavilion in the middle with some openings for sun on the road and in the picnic area," explains Mary S. about Highland Ridge.
Extension cord requirements: Hookup placement sometimes requires additional equipment. "Thankfully a neighbor had a 30' extension that we borrowed. The fire pits were located in very odd spots too - basically unusable unless you wanted to light your rig on fire," warns Karin W. about her Haycreek Valley experience.
Airport proximity options: For travelers coordinating with flights, certain campgrounds offer strategic positioning. "Stayed here due to its proximity to Minneapolis airport...had an early flight the next morning. Really convenient location. No problems. Facilities were really well maintained," shares Robert B. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Local agricultural connections: The region offers opportunities to engage with local producers. "Stayed middle of the week found local firewood from farms nearby. Also a creamery is a short drive from camp," notes Benjamin about Highland Ridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Red Wing, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Red Wing, MN is Haycreek Valley Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Red Wing, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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