11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Maple Springs Campground provides dedicated equestrian campsites near Preston, Minnesota, approximately 30 miles southeast of Rochester. The campground features high-ties for horses at each of the horse camp sites, allowing riders to secure their animals safely during overnight stays. Electric hookups and water access points serve these specialized sites, which include gravel pads with fire rings and picnic tables. The sites accommodate both horse trailers and camping equipment with sufficient space for maneuvering and parking. Horse owners report the campground remains remarkably mosquito-free compared to other regional options, making for more comfortable camping experiences. The equestrian sites are located in a separate, quieter section from the main camping area, providing a more peaceful environment for horses and their owners.
The Root River State Trail and Forestville Mystery Cave State Park equestrian trails connect directly to Maple Springs Campground via a short road ride. Riders enjoy access to miles of scenic wooded paths and open countryside, with trail systems accommodating various riding abilities and preferences. A small trout stream runs along the edge of the property, providing water access for horses. The campground's proximity to Forestville Mystery Cave State Park makes it an excellent base camp for exploring the park's extensive bridle path network. Riders particularly appreciate the well-maintained trails that connect directly from the campground to wider trail systems without requiring horse trailer transport. The horse camping area offers spacious sites that can accommodate multiple horses per party, making it suitable for group equestrian camping trips. Seasonal availability runs from mid-April to mid-October, with peak riding conditions typically occurring in late spring and early fall.
"Chester Woods is a county park just east of Rochester, MN."
"This is a county campground near Rochester. It is in a county park that has a swimming beach, boat docks, fishing piers, hiking trails, playground, biking trail. There are showers available."
"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"The river is behind the property."
"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."
"You can go fishing at the pond without having to purchase a Minnesota Fishing License!"
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $17 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $22 / night
Check Availability"no shower) Horses are allowed. Fairly close together sites, but a beautiful area to get into nature or go camping at a reasonable price."
"Access to Root River trail close by."
from $17 / 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."
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.
LegendLocated on state forest land there are 2 separate areas right next to each other. The first loop is for smaller vehicles and tents and the larger area should be reserved for larger vehicles with horse trailers. There are hiking and equestrian trails present into the state forest land. There is one vault toilet. No other amenities. Beautiful 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.
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:)
LegendThis is a county campground near Rochester. It is in a county park that has a swimming beach, boat docks, fishing piers, hiking trails, playground, biking trail. There are showers available. Pretty park-like setting.
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.
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.
Maple Springs Campground provides dedicated equestrian sites located approximately 30 miles southeast of Rochester in the rolling hills of southeastern Minnesota. The region features limestone bluffs and deeply carved river valleys with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 feet. The area's unique karst topography creates a diverse landscape for riders with well-drained soil that results in remarkably low mosquito populations compared to other Minnesota camping locations.
Trail riding near Mystery Cave: The trail system connecting to Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground offers extensive bridle paths through varied terrain. "Forestville is a quaint state park with a lot of interesting history. It can be a little confusing because the camping and mystery caves are a distance apart. I highly recommend going to the caves," notes Ashley K.
Explore historic Forestville village: Visit the preserved 1800s town within easy riding distance. "There's also a very interesting cave with a museum and all the talactites, stalagmites, and underground pools you can imagine," says Jason S. Tours operate regularly during summer months with special interpretive programs.
Fishing access options: Trout streams run through several equestrian camping areas. At Maple Springs Campground, "a small trout stream runs along the edge of the property," and campers appreciate "lovely hosts & amenities. Not like any other campground," according to Joleen.
Spacious equestrian sites: The horse camping areas feature ample room for trailers and tents. "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," reports Jen M.
Low bug population: The well-drained karst geology creates unusually comfortable camping conditions. At Hay Creek Campground and Saloon, campers consistently mention "Large open sites and NO mosquitos!!!! Will be back with our group again," says Bill H., making evening trail rides more enjoyable.
Connected trail networks: The integrated trail systems allow direct riding without trailer transport. "We 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," reports Olivia R.
Limited cell service: Many equestrian camping areas have spotty coverage. At Chester Woods County Park, visitors should prepare for connectivity challenges. "Only electric hooks ups at each site. They do have a fresh water filling station and a dump station," notes Kirk J.
Seasonal considerations: Prime riding conditions occur in late spring and early fall. "This park is beautiful. It's as green as green gets. Lots of room," according to Kirk J., but conditions vary significantly throughout the season.
Water access planning: While most equestrian sites offer water for horses, specific arrangements vary. "The bathrooms and showers we pristine clean and close and easy to walk to," reports Erik O., but horse watering protocols differ between facilities.
Kid-friendly trail options: Shorter loops suitable for beginning riders exist at several facilities. At Lake Louise State Park Campground, "This is a great family park where the kids and grown-ups can have fun! You can go fishing at the pond without having to purchase a Minnesota Fishing License!" advises Rodney A.
Educational opportunities: Combine riding with learning experiences at historical sites. "I loved the campground area which nestled in a small valley. On top of that it has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society," shares Jason S.
Swimming options after rides: Several locations offer swimming access for cooling off. "The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great," notes Erik O., making these campgrounds suitable for multi-activity family trips.
Hookup considerations: Most equestrian camping areas have limited utilities. At Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge, "There is no water or electricity. One pit toilet for the site. 5 miles from Rushford MN. Access to Root River trail close by," advises Scott S.
Trailer positioning challenges: Some sites require careful maneuvering of horse trailers with living quarters. "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," warns Karin W.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully as facilities vary. "Dump station was in odd spot, if it were busy it wouldn't be good," notes Andy C., making departure planning important for RVers with horse trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rochester, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rochester, MN is Chester Woods Park with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rochester, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Rochester, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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