Zumbro Bottoms Central in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest offers one of the most extensive equestrian trail systems near Stewartville, Minnesota. The campground features primitive horse camping with areas for trailer parking and space to set up portable corrals or high-lines for horses. Basic amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables at each campsite, though electric hookups are not available. The sites accommodate tent and modest RV camping with horses, providing ample space between campsites for privacy. Maple Springs Campground also accommodates equestrians, with designated horse campsites that include water and electric hookups plus high-ties for horses. The sites have nice gravel pads with picnic tables and fire rings, creating a functional base for riders.
The extensive trail network at Zumbro Bottoms connects directly to over 40 miles of maintained riding paths through hardwood forests and river valleys. Riders access varying terrain including wooded hillsides, creek crossings, and scenic overlooks without leaving the state forest property. Maple Springs offers convenient access to Forestville State Park trails via a short road ride, making it popular with endurance riders seeking extended trail experiences. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring often bringing muddy sections while fall provides optimal riding weather with colorful foliage views. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park nearby offers additional riding opportunities with well-maintained trails through diverse landscapes. The campgrounds remain quiet even during peak season, allowing for peaceful evenings after full days of riding.
"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."
$25 - $90 / night
"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"
$35 / night
"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."
$20 - $75 / night
"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!"
"The river is behind the property."
"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."
$17 / night
$17 / night
"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."
$22 / night
"Dump station and dumpsters near the exit. Clean bathrooms and showers. Lots of space at each campsite. Good hiking and horse trails."
"It runs along the Cedar River and has a put in for paddlers nearby. It is situated right off the blacktopped road."
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!
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.
TravelerYou will love this park. There are about 20 self-serve sites with electric and water. Self serve firewood. Dump station and dumpsters near the exit. Clean bathrooms and showers. Lots of space at each campsite. Good hiking and horse trails. Sitting right on the Cedar River, it’s a great location to kayak and tube. Cheap at $20 a night. We showed up at 8:00 on a Fryevening and spots were available!
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.
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.
Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest encompasses over 40,000 acres of rolling hills and hardwood forests northeast of Stewartville, Minnesota. The forest's terrain features valleys carved by the Zumbro River, with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,250 feet above sea level. Primitive camping options throughout the forest provide alternatives to established campgrounds for those seeking solitude.
Trail riding access: Horse enthusiasts at Hay Creek Valley Campground can take advantage of shaded trails with minimal insects. As camper Olivia R. notes, "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."
Cave exploration: The underground wonders at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground offer unique geology experiences. "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 won't slip in," shares Kevin T.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Louise State Park Campground provides angler-friendly facilities where a fishing license isn't required. Rodney A. confirms: "You can go fishing at the pond without having to purchase a Minnesota Fishing License!"
Peaceful surroundings: Campers at Maple Springs Campground appreciate the natural quiet. According to Jen M.: "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. This camp was so nice and quiet! We had a nice fire after dinner listening to the water and birds."
Clean facilities: Chester Woods Park maintains exceptional bathrooms and showers. Erik O. reports: "The campground is very clean and nice. The bathrooms and showers we pristine clean and close and easy to walk to. The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great."
Bug-free camping: Multiple campgrounds in the area report minimal insect activity. At Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground, mature trees and well-maintained grounds contribute to comfortable stays. Michelle A. shares: "We had a fabulous experience at BJ's this weekend. Mark, Sheri and the staff are good people who work hard to make sure you have a great time... The campsites are well kept and spacious."
Cell service limitations: Reception varies dramatically throughout the region. At Lake Louise State Park Campground, Melissa A. notes: "There was little to no cell phone coverage for AT&T." Similarly, at Forestville, a camper reports: "There is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office."
Equestrian camping considerations: For horseback riders, several campgrounds near Stewartville offer specialized amenities. Hay Creek Valley Campground provides electric and water hookups specifically for equestrian campers, while Maple Springs has high-tie areas for securing horses overnight.
Site selection factors: Some locations have significant variations in shade coverage and site layout. At Lake Louise State Park, one camper mentioned: "We were in spot 15 and there was no shade in the morning to early afternoon."
Swimming options: Chester Woods Park offers a clean swimming beach ideal for children. Ash V. confirms: "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."
Group site advantages: For larger family gatherings, Lake Louise State Park provides dedicated group camping areas. According to Steph H.: "Our group of 12 stayed at one of the two group sites at Lake Louise State Park. Our site holds up to 30 and the neighboring site holds up to 50. Our site was a beautiful spot with large shade trees, three picnic tables and two fire pits."
Family-friendly trails: The area offers diverse trail options suitable for different age groups. At Forestville Mystery Cave, TyAnn J. shares: "Mystery Cave State Park is surrounded 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."
Hookup availability: Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge sites in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest offer basic accommodations for self-contained rigs. Scott S. advises: "There 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."
Water access points: RVers should note where to fill tanks. At Chester Woods Park, one camper points out: "Only electric hookups at each site. They do have a fresh water filling station and a dump station."
Site orientation challenges: Some campgrounds have unusual utility layouts. At Hay Creek Valley Campground, Karin W. cautions: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Stewartville, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Stewartville, MN is Chester Woods Park with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Stewartville, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Stewartville, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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