Forestville State Park Equestrian Campground

For Minnesota residents passionate about horseback riding and seeking an integrated outdoor experience, Forestville State Park Equestrian Campground in Preston, MN, offers a truly unique and highly recommended destination. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a dedicated hub for equestrians and nature lovers, where you can bring your horses and explore miles of scenic trails through a beautiful, rugged landscape. Part of the larger Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, this campground provides a specialized environment for those who enjoy camping alongside their equine companions, all while offering access to a rich array of natural and historical attractions.

Minnesota is renowned for its diverse state parks and commitment to outdoor recreation, and Forestville State Park stands as a prime example of this dedication. The Equestrian Campground is specifically designed to cater to the needs of horse owners, ensuring both comfort for campers and appropriate facilities for horses. This comprehensive article is tailored for locals in Minnesota, providing an in-depth look at what makes this campground an ideal choice for your next equestrian adventure or family getaway. We will delve into its specific location and accessibility, outline the services it provides, highlight its standout features, and explain why it's perfectly suited for those residing in the North Star State who appreciate the unique blend of camping and horseback riding.

The positive feedback from past visitors consistently emphasizes the quality of the horse trails and the helpfulness of the park staff, reinforcing its reputation as a welcoming and well-maintained facility. Whether you're an experienced equestrian or simply looking for a new way to enjoy Minnesota's breathtaking scenery, Forestville State Park Equestrian Campground promises a memorable and engaging experience.

Forestville State Park Equestrian Campground is located within the larger Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, with its primary address being Preston, MN 55965, USA. More specifically, the park's main contact address is 21071 County 118, Preston, MN 55965. This places the campground in the picturesque bluff country of southeastern Minnesota, a region known for its stunning landscapes, trout streams, and unique geological features, including the famed Mystery Cave.

For Minnesota residents, the campground's accessibility is quite convenient. Preston is reachable via state highways, typically involving routes like US-52 or US-63, which connect to the broader network of highways throughout the state. From major metropolitan areas like the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul), the drive offers scenic views as you enter the Driftless Area, known for its unglaciated terrain. While the park is nestled in a natural setting, it's not overly remote, allowing for manageable travel times for weekend trips or longer vacations.

The location offers a perfect balance of seclusion for outdoor enthusiasts and proximity to the park's main attractions, including the historic Forestville village and the Mystery Cave. While cell phone service might be limited within parts of the park, Wi-Fi is available at the park contact station and visitor centers, ensuring connectivity when needed. This strategic placement makes Forestville State Park Equestrian Campground an excellent base for exploring the rich natural and historical offerings of southeastern Minnesota.

Forestville State Park Equestrian Campground offers a specialized set of services designed to accommodate both campers and their horses, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for equestrians. As part of a Minnesota State Park, it adheres to specific standards for public amenities, with the added focus on equestrian needs.

Services Offered:

• Equestrian Campsites: The campground features 55 sites specifically designated for equestrians.
• Electric Hookups: 23 of the equestrian campsites offer 50 amp electric service, providing power for RVs and trailers.
• Hitching Posts: Many sites are equipped with hitching posts for securing horses, a crucial amenity for equestrians.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite, including equestrian sites, typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor cooking and gatherings.
• Flush Toilets & Hot Showers: Well-maintained flush toilets and hot showers are available at comfort stations within the campground, providing essential modern conveniences.
• Vault Toilets: Additional vault toilets are located nearby for convenience, especially closer to some horse campsites.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is available for RVs to dispose of wastewater.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is accessible within the campground.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood can be purchased at the park office (or via the Yodel app when the office is closed), ensuring approved firewood to prevent the spread of tree diseases.
• Horse Pass Requirement: A Minnesota Horse Pass is required for equestrians utilizing the trails, which can be purchased from any ELS license agent.
• Visitor Center & Nature Store: Access to the park's visitor center, which often includes a nature store and gift shop.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Customer reviews frequently praise the staff for being "always helpful," contributing to a positive experience.

While the campground is dedicated to equestrians, visitors should note that pets are generally not permitted on cave tours, and cell phone service can be limited within the park, encouraging a true disconnection with the outside world.

The features and highlights of Forestville State Park Equestrian Campground truly make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly equestrians, within Minnesota. These elements contribute to its high appeal and ensure a memorable experience for all who visit.

Features / Highlights:

• Extensive Horseback Riding Trails: A primary draw, the park boasts 17 miles of dedicated horse trails (part of a larger 20-mile system within the park), which climb forested ridges, drop into steep creek and river valleys, and connect to additional trails in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. These trails are surfaced with crushed rock, and shod horses are highly recommended.
• Dedicated Equestrian Camp: The campground is specifically designed for horse campers, offering features like hitching posts at sites and 50 amp electric service, indicating a deep understanding of equestrian needs.
• Access to Mystery Cave: The park is home to Mystery Cave, Minnesota's longest known cave (over 13 miles of passages), offering various guided tours. This unique underground experience adds a fascinating dimension to a camping trip.
• Historic Forestville Village: Explore the restored 1800s village of Historic Forestville, operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. Visitors can step back in time with costumed interpreters, offering a rich educational and cultural experience.
• Trout Streams: Three of Minnesota's top trout streams converge within the park, making it an excellent destination for fishing enthusiasts.
• Scenic Beauty and Diverse Ecosystems: The park features rugged wooded landscapes with a mix of prairie, oak savanna, maple/basswood forest, and patches of white pine and fir. This diverse environment supports abundant plant and animal life, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, and a wide variety of bird species.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of the campground, including restrooms and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
• Variety of Recreational Activities: Beyond horseback riding, the park offers 20 miles of hiking trails, opportunities for fossil hunting, birdwatching, and in winter, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
• Amphitheater: The campground includes an amphitheater, which hosts interpretive programs during summer weekends, adding an educational and engaging element to the stay.

This combination of specialized equestrian amenities, rich natural beauty, and unique historical and geological attractions makes Forestville State Park Equestrian Campground a truly exceptional destination in Minnesota.

For those interested in experiencing the unique offerings of Forestville State Park Equestrian Campground, reaching out for information or making reservations is straightforward. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages state parks, and they provide comprehensive contact information.

Contact Information:

• Address: Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, 21071 County 118, Preston, MN 55965, USA
• Main Park Phone: (507) 352-5111
• Mystery Cave Tours Phone: (507) 808-8000
• Email: forestville.statepark@state.mn.us
• Online Reservations: Reservations for campsites, including equestrian sites and camper cabins, can typically be made through the Minnesota DNR's online reservation system (reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb).

It's always recommended to check the Minnesota DNR's official website for Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park for the most up-to-date information on park hours, camping availability, tour schedules (especially for Mystery Cave and Historic Forestville), seasonal updates, and any specific requirements such as vehicle permits or horse passes. Given that cell service can be limited within the park, it's wise to have reservations confirmed and necessary information downloaded or printed before arrival. The park staff are known to be helpful, so don't hesitate to call if you have specific questions about your visit or the equestrian facilities.

Forestville State Park Equestrian Campground is exceptionally well-suited for locals in Minnesota, particularly those with a love for horses and a desire to explore the state's natural and historical treasures. For residents, this campground offers a unique blend of specialized amenities, accessibility, and diverse recreational opportunities right in their home state.

Firstly, for Minnesota equestrians, the campground is a premier destination. The dedicated horse trails, spacious sites with hitching posts, and electric hookups (including 50 amp service) demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of horse owners. This specialized environment means locals don't have to travel far to find top-notch facilities for camping with their horses, allowing for more frequent and convenient riding adventures in a beautiful setting.

Secondly, the park's integration within the larger Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park provides a wealth of attractions beyond just horseback riding. Locals can easily spend days exploring the longest cave in Minnesota, stepping back in time at Historic Forestville, or enjoying some of the state's best trout fishing. This diverse offering ensures that families with varied interests can all find something to enjoy, making it an ideal destination for a multi-faceted family vacation without leaving the state.

Furthermore, the reputation for clean facilities and helpful staff, as highlighted by customer reviews, adds to its appeal. For Minnesotans seeking a well-maintained and welcoming outdoor environment, Forestville State Park delivers. The opportunity to unplug, enjoy nature, engage in unique historical and geological tours, and share these experiences with family and horses, all within a reasonable drive, makes this campground a truly invaluable asset for local residents. It embodies the spirit of Minnesota's outdoor heritage, providing an engaging and memorable escape for all who visit.

Forestville State Park Equestrian Campground

Preston, MN 55965, USA