Fort Ridgely State Park offers dedicated equestrian camping facilities with electric hookups, potable water, and modern restrooms. The Redwood Falls region contains several woodland-prairie transition zones where horse riders can access diverse terrain including creek valleys, wooded ravines, and open meadows. Equestrian camping near Redwood Falls, Minnesota typically operates from April through October, with prime trail conditions occurring in late spring and early summer when wildflowers bloom.
What to do
Creek exploration: Beaver Falls County Park provides numerous creek access points where visitors can wade and fish. "Fun fishing for kids..trails throughout the park for walking..horse camping avail also..beautiful place to relax and have some fun!" notes Trudi, a park visitor.
Historical site visits: Camden State Park Campground contains several interpretive trails. "We visit this place for a quick getaway a few times a year. Great hiking and biking trails, swimming pond and right on the redwood river," shares Kyle B., a regular visitor.
Mountain biking: The regional trails offer varying difficulty levels for cyclists. "The actual mountain bike trail was disappointing, it was overgrown, narrow, and hugged a high ridge," reports Makayla B., providing important trail condition information for bikers.
Disc golf: Garvin County Park maintains an 18-hole disc golf course throughout the camping season. "Beautiful park with great trails and amenities... showers, dump stations, shelters, playgrounds, pit toilets, and more," writes Emma V.
What campers like
Creek sounds for sleeping: Many sites position campers near moving water. "Campsite 37 is right on a bend in the river and has an amazing view! Most others along the river don't have the view but you can still sleep to the sound of running water," says Ken F. about his Fort Ridgely experience.
Horse facilities: Eagle Nest Park provides additional equestrian camping options beyond Fort Ridgely. "Back in kinda private. Friendly people group came to celebrate July 4th but respectfully all left early and the nights were quiet," writes Jamison W.
Private wooded sites: Camden State Park features secluded camping areas. "Nice, secluded and wooded sites," notes Pete H., highlighting the privacy available at certain campsites.
Water quality: Several parks in the region maintain clean water sources and facilities. "Drinking water is very good and many fountains and hydrants are located all throughout the park, even way out on the trails there are water fountains," observes Tom about Fort Ridgely.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds in the region experience rail traffic. "There are train tracks really close to the campground. The trains didn't seem long nor did they blow the horns," mentions Shelly E. about her Camden State Park experience.
Site spacing variations: Campground layouts differ significantly between parks and between loops. "The sites were a good size, but not much privacy or tree coverage in the area we stayed," reports Sarah O. about the Upper Campground at Garvin.
Seasonal challenges: Beaver Falls County Park has limited access for larger vehicles in wet conditions. "Good spot to stop for a short stay. Not much room for bigger rigs to get around but doable if dry," cautions Jamison W.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies throughout the region, with some parks having designated areas for connectivity. "No cell reception there (but there's an app to help you not get lost that doesn't require cell reception," advises Ken F. about Fort Ridgely.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Consider site proximity to play areas when booking. "There were a lot of playgrounds, and one really huge one the kids wanted to play on," notes Sarah O. about Garvin County Park.
Swimming options: Fort Ridgely State Park Campground offers creek access popular with children. "The creek is cool temperature even in July but kids have fun swimming and splashing. There are marked areas for crossing the creek which make great wading areas too," shares Tom.
Historical education: Incorporate learning opportunities about the region's past. "Make sure to read up about the fort before arriving so that you can appreciate the importance of the site you're camping on," recommends Tom from his Fort Ridgely visit.
Multi-generational appeal: Some parks accommodate extended family gatherings. "My family does a annual family reunion camping once a year! We stayed here and it was beautiful! Perfect for all the kids off all ages, adults, grandparents...we had a really good time," shares Anne G. about Camden State Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric site selection: Choose carefully between wooded or open sites based on preference. "The non electric sites are very wooded and private. The electric sites are very open and offer little privacy," notes Liz H. about Fort Ridgely's contrasting camping areas.
Site drainage: Consider elevated sites when booking during rainy seasons. "Our site, 30, sloped away from the parking pad. You wouldn't be able to set up chairs under your awning at this site and the picnic table sat in a low spot that got muddy after 2 straight days of rain," warns Makayla B. about her Camden State Park experience.
Campground loop differences: Upper and lower campgrounds often have different characteristics. "Go to the lower park, more to do, more to see. Upper camp, not much to see, plus our site was really steep," advises Lynn A. C. about Camden State Park.
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