Equestrian - Horse Required Campground

Star4.80
14 reviews
21071 County 118, Preston, MN 55965
Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,257 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ShowersWiFi

Opens Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park site

Official Website
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Equestrian - Horse Required Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Reservations are required for all campsites. A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for each advance reservation ($10 for call center / $8 for...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Minnesota State Parks
Provider
Main Park: 507-352-5111; Mystery Cave: 507-808-8000; Reservations: 866-857-2757
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What Campers Say

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanstaff

"Visitor reviews are generally positive, praising the scenic, quiet setting and well‑maintained trails; Google reviews for the equestrian campground are mostly 5‑star."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

21071 County 118, Preston, MN 55965

Equestrian - Horse Required Campground

21071 County 118, Preston, MN 55965

Driving directionsSee park directions on the official park webpage. Official site cautions: do not rely on phone GPS to direct you to Mystery Cave as they are often incorrect.

Best Time to Camp at Equestrian - Horse Required Campground

While the seasons shift above ground, Mystery Cave keeps its cool year-round at a steady 48°F (guided tours run seasonally, reopening each May). Spring through fall brings the park to life with wildflower walks, cave explorations, and naturalist programs, all framed by comfortable riding weather. When winter blankets the bluff country, the surrounding area transforms into terrain for skiing and snowmobiling, though note that ranger station hours are reduced during the colder months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Summer suits trails, wildlife and the serene campground setting.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 11% in MN

Bluff forests likely yield strong fall color and scenic appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in MN

Spring-fed streams and songbirds make spring appealing for visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5
Below Average

No winter-use info; Minnesota winters can limit camping and horse use.

Planning Tips

    About Equestrian - Horse Required Campground

    Step back in time where 19th-century history meets natural wonder. This unique park pairs the enchanting underground world of Mystery Cave—with its constant 48°F chambers—with miles of scenic horse trails winding through wooded bluffs and valleys, plus the living history experience of Historic Forestville, a meticulously restored 1800s village.
    Equestrian horse campground (horse‑required) providing access to the park's horse and multi‑use trails and suitable for campers with horses.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    WiFi
    Flush toilets
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Primary uses include horseback riding on extensive multi‑use trails, hiking, trout fishing, cave tours, and wildlife/bird watching. The park also features Historic Forestville and guided programs.
    HikingMulti‑use trails traverse ridge tops and stream valleys through bluff country; trails are used by both hikers and equestrians.
    FishingThe park contains three blue‑ribbon trout streams where anglers can fish for brown trout.
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsThere is no cellphone service anywhere in the park; visitors should plan accordingly. Do not rely on phone GPS for directions to Mystery Cave (official warning that GPS is often incorrect). Sinkholes and other karst features are present in the landscape. Gathering firewood is against park rules due to pest spread.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Equestrian - Horse Required Campground

    Reviews

    4.8
    14 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Equestrian - Horse Required Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Visitor reviews are generally positive, praising the scenic, quiet setting and well‑maintained trails; Google reviews for the equestrian campground are mostly 5‑star.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 14 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Beautiful bluff‑country setting, extensive and well‑maintained equestrian trails, access to Mystery Cave tours and Historic Forestville, clean bath buildings in some loops, helpful staff.
    Based on 14 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Buy firewood at the ranger station while it's open; do not rely on cell service (bring maps); bring a headlamp or directional light for cave touring; be prepared for horse traffic on multi‑use trails.
    Based on 14 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Always have good time camping with the horses. The staff at Forestville are always helpful.” — Google review. "Love coming to camp in the equine campground!" — Google review.
    Based on 14 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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