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Minnesota Valley Rec Area Equestrian Camp offers year-round camping for horse enthusiasts near Jordan, approximately 45 miles northwest of Waseca. The campground features toilet facilities and allows pets, with reservable sites designed specifically for equestrians. The camp connects directly to bridle trails throughout the Minnesota Valley Recreation Area, providing extensive riding opportunities through diverse terrain. Riders particularly value the well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels. The campground maintains a simple, rustic atmosphere with minimal amenities, focusing instead on providing convenient trail access for riders and their horses.
Located within an hour's drive from Waseca, the equestrian camp serves as a central access point to the broader Minnesota Valley trail system. Horse owners must bring their own water for animals as hookups are not available at the campsites. The trails wind through woodland areas and open fields, offering scenic riding experiences throughout all seasons. Winter camping remains available for cold-weather trail riding enthusiasts. The campground's proximity to Henderson and Jordan provides convenient access to supplies when needed. Trail riders find the area particularly enjoyable for day-long excursions with good footing for horses on most trails. The recreation area's natural setting creates a peaceful environment for both horses and riders away from urban distractions.
"Great park if you’re not looking to drive too far to enjoy a bit of nature. Wonderful hiking paths and biking paths. Our site was nice a secluded and right next to the trail heads."
"Sites are wooded and shady but some are close to neighboring sites. Not too many mosquitos or flies for August in Minnesota! Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail runs through the park. "
from $24 - $85 / night
Check Availability"We reserved a spot right next to the pool area. It was a tight fit to back the camper it, but I was able to do it. They have cement pads for a patio area and a fire ring."
"The one drawback, in my opinion, is that the lake it is right next to doesn’t have a beach for swimming. That was a little disappointing for me."
"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."
"Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit for all. This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack."
"Gulley that a large creek runs through surrounded by trees and large forested hills."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Great place to snowmobile, hike, bike or rideas horse!"
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.
TravelerNice clean campground very well maintained and free. Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit for all. This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack. Pick where to park in nice large grassy areas. A few areas are next to wild and deep ravines. Very nice large new play areas with slides for kids. Popular with a few horse trailers and riders on weekends because of COVID get to gather worries elsewhere. Friday morning before week end is best to get there in case of horse trailers to get nicer spot. Sometimes only a few campers are there. Call ahead to stay overnight so sheriff is aware. Not a lot of people know about it and is at end of long gravel road for peace and quiet. No problem for 5th wheels and tents both, pick your spot. Want to relax, chill out and visit your neighbors. This is worth the visit.
GuideGulley that a large creek runs through surrounded by trees and large forested hills. The entire park is surrounded by farms, nearby are some really nice Minnesota small towns like Henderson and the somewhat larger St. Peter (but still small town). I hiked in about 1/2 a mile and camped in the trees but they also have some clearings closer to the entrance, with grills, where you could easily set up. $10 suggested donation. Trash bins located all over which is good , but the wind seems to blow debris around here and there, and irresponsible people leave their beer cans/water bottles strewn about, so pick them up if you find them like I did. Website and signage on location recommends to call the sheriff's office to let them know you're camping there which I did and they were nice enough, but it's probably not the end of the world if you don't. Overall this was a pleasant spot, especially being the only camper there, so hope you all enjoy! Places like this are what I love about The Dyrt, I don't think I would have found this otherwise.
TravelerGreat park if you’re not looking to drive too far to enjoy a bit of nature. Wonderful hiking paths and biking paths.
Our site was nice a secluded and right next to the trail heads.
Only downside, if you’re looking for complete quiet, this isn’t the park. It’s next to the highway and there are residents that live on the lake that can be noisy.
Otherwise, wonderful park especially for families.
GuideGreat place to snowmobile, hike, bike or rideas horse!
GuideBeautiful, small state park less than an hour south of Twin Cities. Sites are wooded and shady but some are close to neighboring sites. Not too many mosquitos or flies for August in Minnesota! Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail runs through the park. It was pouring on Saturday so most of the other campers checked out and we had the campground mostly to ourselves. Super friendly and helpful staff, clean restrooms. Faribault is 15 minutes away so we went antique shopping at Keeper's Antiques downtown and had cocktails at 10,000 Drops Distillery for rainy day activities.
ScoutEverything was beautiful. We camped for a week in southern Minnesota state parks, but this one is our favourite.
GuideWe stayed here while visiting Minneopa state park. The campground was nice. It was mid April so no water at the sites but had electric in ours. We were able to get potable water at the entrance. And firewood. Had great trails to walk and bike on. Sites are spaced out. Our 34’ trailer fit easily. Vault toilets on site. Bathrooms were closed (covid). The loops near the entrance had more shade. Spaces are large and accommodating!
GuideOur site was a perfect tent-in site(site 15), as it was far enough away from the highway and other sites, so noise was minimal. The bugs were actually tolerable, which was an added bonus. Downsides were that the drinking water had consumption warnings, the modern restrooms were closed, and the lake isn’t swimmable. Otherwise there was some great hiking, and the park ranger was friendly and very prepared for COVID.
Minnesota Valley Rec Area Equestrian Camp sits approximately 45 miles northwest of Waseca at an elevation of 750 feet. The region features rolling terrain with a mix of prairie and woodland areas typical of south-central Minnesota. The camp connects to over 17 miles of bridle trails through diverse landscapes near the Minnesota River Valley.
Trail riding excursions: The Minnesota Valley Recreation Area offers extensive bridle trails through varied terrain. "Great place to snowmobile, hike, bike or ride a horse!" notes Kelli D. about Minnesota Valley Rec Area Equestrian Camp.
Hiking opportunities: High Island Creek Park features several miles of hiking trails through wooded ravines. "Beautiful trails leading you down the revenue to a gentle flowing creek," shares Alison O., who calls it "one of me and my hubbies favorite drop in campsites!!"
Birdwatching sessions: Sakatah Lake State Park is known for its abundant bird life. A camper observed, "I was so amazed with all the sounds of birds in this park. I heard Everything from Eagles, Canadian Geese and Swans to Woodpeckers and multiple song birds."
Water activities: Paddling on local lakes and creeks provides a different perspective on the landscape. "This campground is a lucious, green campground located near Sakatah Lake... located on a state trail that goes from Mankato to Fairbault," explains Emma G.
Quiet atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful settings at horse campgrounds near Waseca. At High Island Creek Park, visitors enjoy the solitude: "Virtually noises... When I got here it was empty. Nice open spots and a good amount of tree cover," writes Ron R. about his stay at High Island Creek Park.
Well-maintained facilities: The basic but functional amenities receive positive feedback. Mike G. notes that High Island Creek Park is "Nice clean campground very well maintained and free... This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack."
Natural surroundings: The landscapes around these equestrian campgrounds create memorable experiences. One camper at Cannon River Wilderness Area mentioned, "For 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."
Trail access: Direct access to trail systems ranks highly among campers at Sakatah Lake State Park Campground. "Sakatah Lake State Park campground is located on a state trail that goes from Mankato to Fairbault. We had a great time... riding bike on the state trail, and hiking around the lake!"
No hookups available: Most horse-friendly campgrounds near Waseca lack RV amenities. At Cannon River Wilderness Area, "The 2 camp sites are a good little hike in and you have to backpack everything you need in."
Water considerations: Plan ahead for water needs. Travis A. noted about High Island Creek Park: "I stayed four nights. I would have stayed longer but ran out of water. There isn't any potable water on site."
Seasonal conditions: Weather impacts trail and facility conditions. At Sakatah Lake State Park, a visitor warned, "Sakatah Lake is quite shallow so late season is at risk of algae bloom - the lake was pea soup green when we got there at the end of August, so go early in the season if you want to get on the water."
Site selection: Arrive early for best site options. At High Island Creek, Mike G. advises, "Friday morning before week end is best to get there in case of horse trailers to get nicer spot."
Playground access: Some parks offer dedicated play areas for children. High Island Creek Park provides "Very nice large new play areas with slides for kids," according to Mike G.
Water recreation options: Kamp Dels offers extensive water activities for families. "This is such a great campground for families! So many activities including a water recreation area, petting zoo, shuffleboard, mini golf, pool, toddler water park, multiple playgrounds, basketball and more," shares Tami W.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy the animal encounters available at some locations. Nichole G. mentions Kamp Dels has a "Great kiddie zoo. Owners are the nicest people you will meet."
Planning structured activities: Look for campgrounds with organized recreation. Erick R. says Kamp Dels "is a fun campground for young kids. It has a lot of things to do to keep them going all day."
Site dimensions: Large rigs may face challenges at some equestrian campgrounds. Tim B. cautions about Sakatah Lake State Park: "Very nice park if your RV is not to big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees."
Spacing considerations: Some campgrounds place sites close together. At Kamp Dels, Tami W. notes, "The only drawback is they REALLY pack you on like sardines and the roads are really narrow so unless you get there early your camping tip is going to start with the 'backing in argument.'"
Off-season conditions: Be prepared for limited services during shoulder seasons. Tracy O. explains about Sakatah Lake State Park: "It was mid April so no water at the sites but had electric in ours. We were able to get potable water at the entrance."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waseca, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waseca, MN is Sakatah Lake State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Waseca, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Waseca, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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