10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Reno Horse Campground offers primitive camping in the R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest near Winona, Minnesota. This equestrian campground provides access to multiple hiking and riding trails through the forest, with connections to bluff-top paths overlooking the Mississippi River and Wisconsin. The campground is primarily designed for tent camping with horses, offering basic amenities. Hikers reported finding multiple handmade rock fire pits and ample space for several tents in the quarry area. The campground remains quiet throughout most of the year, with increased activity during hunting season. The campsite's natural setting includes sandstone bluffs as a scenic backdrop.
Located within the same forest system, Zumbro Bottoms offers additional horse-friendly camping opportunities near Winona. These sites include primitive camping areas with drinking water and toilets available. The network of trails connects riders to various sections of the state forest, providing miles of riding opportunities through hardwood forests and along river valleys. Trail difficulty varies throughout the system, making it suitable for different experience levels. The forest's trail system remains relatively uncrowded except during peak hunting periods. Visitors should note that while fires are permitted at these equestrian campsites, firewood is not provided, and campers should pack out all trash as no collection services are available.
"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"Walking trails were nice but recommend pants as the grass was long in spots. Plenty of wildlife and could not hear the cars from the highway."
"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"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."
"The river is behind the property."
"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 Availabilityfrom $17 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $22 / night
Check Availability"There are many hiking trails, including a trail that goes on top of the bluff with views of the forest and of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River."
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:)
LegendThis was an interesting little campground sandwiched between the road and the Trempealeau River. The backstory on the park is that the gentleman who originally owned the land had asked that when he died that it be preserved as a wildlife area. His death came much sooner than anyone thought, and the family worked with the county to donate the land to the county as a park. There are about six tent only sites set back near the river, with three of them in close proximity to each other (I think it is used as a group camping area). When I was there the sites were poorly maintained and only had two fire pits and tables for all six sites combined. There are 25ish RV type sites with either just electric or electric and water. Some of these sites are set up back to back in an open field, which is not very appealing. The grass had been let to grow very long before the recent cutting, so it was like walking through freshly mown hay. There is a horse arena (very muddy when I was there), and it looks like you can camp with your horses on the edge of the RV area. The showers were really nice and fairly new.
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.
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.
ScoutSome 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. 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. There is also a dump station that we were able to use before we left on Sunday. None of us had been at this campground before and love trying new places. We are endurance riders so we are used to early nights and up at dawn for riding. This camp was so nice and quiet! We had a nice fire after dinner listening to the water and birds. There were families with children, couples of all ages and well behaved dogs everywhere! The owner Andy as so gracious answering our many emails and questions. He went the extra mile at every turn. We can't thank him and his employee(who's name I sadly can't remember) we're just absolute delights! We will absolutely be back. And we will always check here first to see if their horse sites are open before checking the state camp. It's a very short road ride to the park trails and the campground and their amenities are first rate. I can't wait to return!!!
TravelerCampsites are flat and grassy. They back up to each other so good for groups camping together. Has horse tie ups and great trails
LegendThis is a small primitive campground that has 1 vault toilet. (no shower) Horses are allowed. Fairly close together sites, but a beautiful area to get into nature or go camping at a reasonable price.
Equestrian camping near Winona, Minnesota offers access to over 40 miles of horse-friendly trails through hardwood forests and river valleys within the R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest system. The region features sandstone bluffs rising up to 500 feet above the Mississippi River, creating diverse terrain for riders at elevations ranging from 650 to 1,300 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F while summer days typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity.
Explore cave systems: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground offers tours of Minnesota's longest cave system. "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. Another visitor recommends "the 1 hour walking tour of Mystery Cave - well worth the entry fee. If you go on weekend probably need to make reservations."
Trout fishing: Multiple streams near Maple Springs Campground provide excellent fishing opportunities. "A great place to start our camping experience! Plenty to do in the area... we floated down the root river for about 3 hours and had a great time. The campground had everything we needed including a great little trout stream on the edge of the property," notes Todd W.
Historical site visits: The region contains preserved 19th century settlements. "On top of that it has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society," explains Jason S. about Forestville. Another visitor adds, "We walked around the historic town of Forestville at night and it was really really creepy."
Quiet weekday camping: Most horse camping areas remain uncrowded outside hunting season. Michael V. notes about Oak Ridge / Wet Bark Recreation Area: "Small campground, usually no one here except during hunting season. Not much to this place." Similarly, Scott S. describes Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge: "The are 8 sites. There is no water or electricity. One pit toilet for the site. 5 miles from Rushford MN."
Spacious group camping options: Several campgrounds accommodate multiple tents in one area. At Pietrek County Park, Justin S. appreciated the "Nice big tent sites down by the river. Walking trails were nice but recommend pants as the grass was long in spots. Plenty of wildlife and could not hear the cars from the highway."
Well-maintained facilities: Chester Woods Park receives high marks for cleanliness. "The bathrooms and showers we pristine clean and close and easy to walk to. The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great," reports Erik O. Mark N. adds, "Clean bathrooms and showers. Best value I've seen for fire wood."
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds offer electric hookups only with central water fill stations. Kevin notes about Chester Woods Park: "Nice place but it is a campground not an rv park, 30 & 50 amp service but no water hookup (fill when you come in) and dump tanks when leaving."
Cell service limitations: Coverage is spotty throughout the region. At Maple Springs Campground, JOSEPH M. reports: "There is WiFi there, but little to no phone service unless you have a cell booster." Another camper confirms: "WiFi intermittent at far end of campgrounds."
Seasonal moisture: Campgrounds may have wet ground depending on recent rainfall. ANDY C. observed at Maple Springs: "Overall a nice place. It was very wet, standing water in the grass from lots of rain." Similarly, Dominic U. noted about Forestville: "Its very dewy and wet, not because it rained or anything but because the vegetation is very thick."
Activity planning: Schedule cave tours in advance during peak season. Ashley K. says, "I highly recommend going to the caves. They are very intriguing but bring a jacket because it is quite cold down there. Lanesboro MN is close by too which is a cool town to visit with small town shops and cool bars."
Terrain considerations: Some trails require appropriate footwear due to grass height or moisture. According to Justin S., walking trails at Pietrek County Park were nice but he recommends "pants as the grass was long in spots."
Organized activities: Some campgrounds host special events for campers. Todd W. experienced at Maple Springs: "The campground had everything we needed including... a hayride, movie for the family in the old red barn, and a church service in that same barn on Sunday."
Full hookup availability: Limited options exist for complete services. At Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground, Michelle A. notes: "The campsites are well kept and spacious. There are no picnic tables in the sites, but we got along just fine without."
Dump station access: Some locations have uniquely positioned facilities. ANDY C. observed at Maple Springs: "Dump station was in odd spot, if it were busy it wouldn't be good."
Site sizing: Capacity varies for different sized vehicles. Kevin notes about Chester Woods: "Nice place for everyone's type from tents, cabins and all size RV's." However, some areas like Reno Horse Campground are not big-rig friendly and require more compact setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Winona, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Winona, MN is Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Winona, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Winona, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
