14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Haycreek Valley Campground offers excellent horse camping opportunities outside Red Wing, Minnesota. The campground provides dedicated horse trails that are well-maintained, shaded, and typically free from insects. Electric and water hookups are available specifically for horse campers, with additional overflow areas when the main equestrian section fills up. The campground accommodates both overnight trail riders and those traveling with horses for extended stays. Horse campers appreciate the spacious sites designed with equestrians in mind. The trails connect directly to the campground, allowing riders to access miles of scenic routes without trailering. Trail riders have been visiting this location for over 15 years due to its exceptional equestrian amenities.
The trail system at Haycreek Valley features primarily wooded paths that provide shade during summer months, making for comfortable riding conditions. Riders can enjoy direct access to the Hay Creek Trail, a paved route that connects to Red Wing and offers a pleasant day trip option from the campground. The horse trails maintain consistent quality throughout the seasons, with minimal bug activity reported by regular visitors. Beyond equestrian facilities, the campground offers additional amenities including a restaurant/bar, swimming pool, and various planned activities that accommodate horse owners and non-riders alike. The trails remain suitable for riders of various experience levels, with terrain that challenges without overwhelming less experienced equestrians. The combination of quality trails and purpose-built horse camping facilities makes this area a standout destination for equestrian camping near Welch.
"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."
"For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."
"Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families."
from $23 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Services: There are full services at this campground - flush toilets, sinks, showers, trash receptacles, and drinking water/dump station near the entrance."
"T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location. The showers and bathrooms were spotless. Firewood is available at several roadside stands just outside the entrance."
from $24 - $280 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
Check Availability"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 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."
"Great for hiking and kayaking/canoeing is near by."
"Stayed middle of the week found local firewood from farms nearby. Also a creamery is a short drive from camp."
"Horse camping and trails too. Private Firewood sources are right at the entrance. Bathrooms and water. Clean. Nice reservoir for kayaking."
"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."
"The river is behind the property."
GuideAmazing staff who were super nice and helpful. Great clean bathrooms and camp sites. We liked the trails and ability to access the lake. Super cheap and easy to rent kayaks.
GuideI have gone to this campground a few times and we love it. It’s beautiful and peaceful, secluded lots. Very overlooked this is a gem.
GuideRun by the Army Corp of Engineers, it’s a nice quiet campground. Good host. Horse camping and trails too. Private Firewood sources are right at the entrance. Bathrooms and water. Clean. Nice reservoir for kayaking. Good amount of quiet areas you can hike too with picnic tables.
ScoutI camp site is beautiful but they do not have any USPS delivery so you must get delivered to the post office
TravelerBeen camping here year round for 20+ years. Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring.
If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers.
LegendThis is in a rural area and has many seasonal sites. Transitional sites too. There is a restaurant/bar on site. The river is behind the property.
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.
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.
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.
Camping options near Welch, Minnesota extend beyond equestrian facilities, with sites ranging from developed county parks to secluded wilderness areas. The region sits at the confluence of the Cannon and Mississippi Rivers, creating diverse terrain with limestone bluffs and hardwood forests. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with higher humidity, making spring and fall popular seasons for outdoor recreation.
Trail exploration: Highland Ridge offers extensive hiking opportunities through wooded terrain. "This campground is well maintained and a beautiful park within the woods. Great for hiking and kayaking/canoeing is near by," notes David E. The trails remain usable throughout multiple seasons, with visitors reporting wildlife sightings.
Water activities: Lake George at Eau Galle Reservoir provides non-motorized boating options for campers. Located approximately 10 minutes from Highland Ridge campground, it offers peaceful paddling environments. One visitor described it as "small and beautiful" and mentioned enjoying "a peaceful paddle" during their stay.
Cycling access: Hay Creek Campground connects directly to paved biking routes. "We really enjoyed the bike trail that was so close, paved and had lots of tree cover to keep us cool. Very nice ride to Red Wing right from our site!" reports Karin W. The paved paths provide alternatives to horse riding for those seeking different recreation options near equestrian camping facilities.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the generous spacing at many campgrounds in the Welch area. At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, visitors find "surprisingly well spaced sites, facilities modern and clean. Trees galore," according to MalibuDave42 L. The park maintains both electric sites and rustic options.
Family amenities: The region offers several family-focused campgrounds with recreational facilities. "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," reports John H. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
On-site dining options: Some campgrounds offer unexpected food service amenities. Dale Y. notes that Hay Creek Campground has "a perfectly average pub on site. The food is okay, the price is reasonable," providing convenience for campers not wanting to prepare meals.
Seasonal variations: Weather conditions affect campground experiences throughout the year. At Sakatah Lake State Park, late season campers report water quality issues, with one visitor noting "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."
Water access limitations: Not all area lakes provide swimming opportunities despite appearances. A visitor to Sakatah Lake State Park reports "the lake isn't swimmable" and mentions consumption warnings for drinking water during their visit.
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for electric sites. "As most State parks in MN you better get your reservation in early if you want a site with electric. If your good without. It's a great park," advises Tim B.
Water recreation alternatives: Chester Woods Park offers engineered swimming options. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S. This provides a more controlled aquatic environment compared to natural lake swimming.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer interpretive programming. At Highland Ridge, visitors mention an interpretive center available for Saturday evening ranger programs, though hours may vary seasonally.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme. Lisa D. recalls a visit to Hay Creek where they "went to bed a little early on Saturday night because of rain and woke up to snow!" Pack appropriate layers even during summer months.
Site selection considerations: Kamp Dels requires careful planning for larger rigs. One visitor cautions that "the roads are really narrow so unless you get there early your camping tip is going to start with the 'backing in argument.'" Arrive early for easier setup.
Water management: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups without water at individual sites. At Chester Woods Park, Kevin notes there are "30 & 50 amp service but no water hookup (fill when you come in) and dump tanks when leaving," requiring water tank preparation before arrival.
Tree clearance: Forested campgrounds present challenges for larger RVs. Tim B. advises 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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Welch, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Welch, MN is Haycreek Valley Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Welch, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Welch, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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