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Minnesota Valley Rec Area Equestrian Camp serves riders 20 miles southwest of Waterville with designated facilities for horse camping. The equestrian campground features toilets and drinking water while allowing pets throughout the grounds. The camp operates year-round, offering riders consistent access to trails regardless of season. Campers access the sites through drive-in entry, though the campground lacks electric hookups, showers, or water connections. The campground maintains a 4-star rating from visitors who appreciate the trail access and basic amenities. Though primitive compared to full-service campgrounds, the equestrian-focused design provides the essential services needed for comfortable horse camping adventures without excessive development interfering with the natural experience.
Located along park trails, Minnesota Valley Recreation Area offers direct trail access from the equestrian campsites. The surrounding landscape provides varied terrain for riders seeking different difficulty levels and scenery types. Reservations are required for the equestrian sites, helping maintain appropriate spacing between horse trailers and camping setups. The campground enforces standard horse camping etiquette including proper manure management and designated areas for tying horses. Riders appreciate having dedicated space away from standard camping areas where horses can be kept without disturbing other park visitors. The park trails connect to longer routes through the Minnesota Valley corridor, creating opportunities for extended day rides from the base camp location without needing to trailer horses between riding destinations.
"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!"
from $50 / night
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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.
GuideGreat place to snowmobile, hike, bike or rideas horse!
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.
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 Recreation Area Equestrian Camp serves riders looking for specialized horse camping facilities near Waterville. The camp sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation in the rolling prairie landscape of southern Minnesota, where summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with occasional thunderstorms. While the equestrian campground maintains basic amenities for horse riders, several other camping options exist within a 25-mile radius offering different experiences for families, RVers, and tent campers.
Birdwatching and wildlife listening: At Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, campers can experience remarkable bird diversity. "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... Also the frogs and toads were adding their voices too," reports Shelly S.
Water recreation: Families can enjoy swimming and water activities at Kamp Dels, which features extensive water amenities. "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," notes Tami W.
Hiking river ravines: Explore the dramatic terrain at free camping areas like High Island Creek Park. "Beautiful trails leading you down the revenue to a gentle flowing creek. One of me and my hubbies favorite drop in campsites!!" writes Alison O., highlighting the unique topography not found at the horse campgrounds near Waterville.
Private campsites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feel at certain Waterville area campgrounds. At High Island Creek Park, "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," shares Nick G.
Trail connectivity: Beyond equestrian options, the region offers extensive biking trails. "Sakatah Lake State Park campground is a lucious, green campground located near Sakatah Lake... The campground has friendly rangers with great recommendations and is located on a state trail that goes from Mankato to Fairbault," explains Emma G.
Peaceful atmosphere: Cannon River Wilderness Area offers quiet camping options beyond the equestrian facilities. "This park is great for hiking and winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The 2 camp sites are a good little hike in and you have to backpack everything you need in," notes Tim B.
Seasonal lake conditions: When planning water activities, consider timing. "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," advises Emma G.
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds pack sites closely together. At Kamp Dels, "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,'" warns Tami W.
Water availability: Not all campgrounds have reliable drinking water. At Eagle Nest Park, campers should check current water status, while at High Island Creek Park, one camper noted: "I stayed four nights. I would have stayed longer but ran out of water. There isn't any potable water on site."
Choose sites based on swimming options: Unlike the equestrian-focused Minnesota Valley Recreation Area, some nearby campgrounds offer swimming. "This is a fun campground for young kids. It has a lot of things to do to keep them going all day... The one drawback, in my opinion, is that the lake it is right next to doesn't have a beach for swimming," notes Erick R.
Consider noise levels for children: Some campgrounds maintain stricter quiet policies. "We had an awesome time roasting mallows and hotdogs over the fire and singing songs!" shares Sarah F. about Sakatah Lake, indicating a family-friendly atmosphere.
Check playground availability: For families needing play structures beyond trail activities, High Island Creek Park offers "very clean campground very well maintained and free... Very nice large new play areas with slides for kids," according to Mike G.
Site accessibility challenges: RVers should research site specifications before booking. "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," warns Tim B. about Sakatah Lake State Park Campground.
Electric hookup availability: Unlike the basic equestrian camping facilities, some nearby campgrounds offer powered sites. "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," shares Tracy O.
Road condition awareness: For those hauling horse trailers or large RVs to equestrian camps near Waterville, consider Mike G.'s note about High Island Creek Park: "Not a problem for 5th wheels and tents both, pick your spot... 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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waterville, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waterville, 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 Waterville, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Waterville, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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