El Rancho Manana Campground

Hello, fellow Minnesotans and outdoor enthusiasts! Are you dreaming of a family getaway that combines natural beauty, exciting activities, and a truly welcoming atmosphere? Look no further than El Rancho Manana Campground, nestled in the scenic heart of Richmond, Minnesota. This expansive and vibrant campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a destination designed to create unforgettable memories for every member of your family, including those who love horses!

El Rancho Manana offers a unique blend of traditional camping with a distinct equestrian flair, sprawling across 1,208 acres of rolling, scenic hills. It’s a place where the fresh Minnesota air invigorates you, and the diverse landscape invites exploration. Whether you're a seasoned camper, an avid equestrian, or a family simply looking for fun and relaxation, El Rancho Manana promises an experience that caters to a wide range of interests. The consistent positive feedback from visitors highlights the charm and appeal of this Minnesota gem.

One enthusiastic visitor exclaimed, "Absolutely the perfect place to bring the family. Miles of trails, beautiful scenery, awesome lake for fishing and swimming and so many beautiful horses! Staff are friendly and constantly taking care of the enormous properties many many amenities. Highly recommended. We look forward to coming back and trying out the horseback riding!" This review perfectly captures the essence of what makes El Rancho Manana so special – its vastness, natural beauty, and a plethora of activities.

Another satisfied guest shared a testament to the personalized care and exceptional service: "We had a fantastic adventure here! Loved visiting the horses! Hiking the trails! A beautiful space. And Kevin, the owner, went above and beyond to help us with a pretty major dilemma! He’s an angel on earth in my humble opinion. Thank you! We’ll be back!" This kind of feedback underscores the dedication of the team at El Rancho Manana, particularly the owner, to ensuring guests have a positive and supportive experience. It’s clear that beyond the amenities, the human touch makes a significant difference here.

El Rancho Manana Campground is conveniently located at 27302 Ranch Rd, Richmond, MN 56368, USA. Situated in Richmond, a charming community in Central Minnesota, the campground offers a peaceful retreat while remaining accessible from major population centers. While it provides a feeling of being "away from it all," its proximity allows for relatively easy travel from various parts of Minnesota.

For those traveling from the Twin Cities metropolitan area (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Richmond is a manageable drive, making El Rancho Manana an ideal destination for weekend getaways or longer vacations without an overly long commute. The drive itself showcases some of Minnesota's picturesque countryside, setting the tone for a relaxing escape. Detailed directions are available, often involving routes from I-94 to County Road 9, guiding visitors directly to Ranch Road. While some interior roads might be noted as narrow or winding for very large rigs, the overall accessibility to the property is excellent, ensuring a smooth arrival for most vehicles. This location truly blends the tranquility of a rural setting with reasonable access for Minnesotans seeking outdoor recreation.

El Rancho Manana Campground goes above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and amenity-rich stay for its diverse clientele, from traditional campers to equestrian enthusiasts. Their services are designed to meet a wide range of needs, contributing to a truly hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

• Diverse Campsites: The campground offers 120 grassy, shaded sites suitable for tents, RVs, and everything in between. They provide a mix of options including full hookup sites (with water, electricity, and sewer), electric-only sites, and basic sites, accommodating various camping preferences.

• Horse Camping Facilities: A unique offering, El Rancho Manana provides dedicated horse camping options. These include electric and water hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and shaded sites specifically designed for those bringing their own horses. There's also a possibility of pen rental for horses, subject to availability.

• Extensive Bathhouses: Comfort and cleanliness are prioritized with two large main bathhouses and three smaller ones, totaling 14 showers. These facilities are maintained to be very clean, with handicap-accessible options available, ensuring convenience for all guests.

• Coin-Operated Laundry Facilities: For longer stays or simply to refresh your camping wardrobe, convenient on-site coin-operated laundry facilities are available, saving guests trips to external laundromats.

• LP Gas Refills: For RVers and campers who rely on propane, LP gas is available for bottle refills, providing a convenient service without needing to leave the park.

• Friendly and Helpful Staff: A recurring highlight in customer reviews is the exceptional staff. They are consistently described as "friendly" and "constantly taking care of the enormous properties," demonstrating a high level of attentiveness and dedication to guest satisfaction. The owner, Kevin, is specifically lauded for going "above and beyond to help us with a pretty major dilemma."

• Boat and Water Bike Rentals: For enjoyment on Long Lake, the campground offers rentals of row boats, canoes, and water bikes, allowing guests to fully experience the lake without bringing their own equipment.

• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for campers, ensuring proper waste disposal for RVs. Use is free for campers staying at El Rancho Manana, with a fee for non-campers.

These comprehensive services, coupled with the highly praised staff, create a supportive and enjoyable environment for all visitors to El Rancho Manana Campground.

El Rancho Manana Campground truly shines with an impressive array of features and highlights that cater to adventure, relaxation, and family fun, making it a unique destination in Minnesota.

• Extensive Trail System: With "miles of trails" and "26 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails" across "1208 acres of rolling scenic hills," the campground is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. These trails, suitable for "beginner to advanced riders," wind through "great MN forests and plains," offering opportunities for exploration on foot, bike, or horseback.

• Horseback Riding Stables: A standout feature is the on-site horseback riding. Guests can enjoy "guided walking trail rides" on "well-trained, beautiful horses." This is available to both campers and the public, with lead-arounds for younger riders. The option for "horse camping" allows visitors to bring their own horses, utilizing the extensive trail system directly from their campsite.

• Long Lake Access with Sandy Beach: The campground borders "Long Lake," offering a "beautiful lake for fishing and swimming." A "large sandy beach" provides a designated swimming area, complete with a "volleyball court," "boat launch," and picnic tables, perfect for lakeside enjoyment.

• Family-Friendly Activities: Beyond the natural attractions, El Rancho Manana ensures there's "lots to do for the family." This includes "two playgrounds" for children, and a variety of "planned themes and activities" every weekend from Memorial through Labor Day, ensuring consistent entertainment.

• Ranch House Bar: For adult relaxation, the "Ranch House bar" offers a spot to unwind. This also serves as a hub for certain events and community gatherings, sometimes featuring "live bands," adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

• Event Hosting Capabilities: The Ranch House, beach pavilion, amphitheater stage, and a large event tent are available for rental, indicating the capacity to host special occasions like weddings or large gatherings. The campground is also known for hosting the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival twice a year.

• Natural Beauty and Scenery: Repeatedly praised for its "beautiful scenery," "rolling hills," and "beautiful space," the campground offers a picturesque backdrop for outdoor recreation and relaxation, embodying the serene beauty of rural Minnesota.

These features collectively define El Rancho Manana as a premier destination, offering a rich and diverse experience that goes beyond typical camping.

El Rancho Manana Campground, like many popular destinations, structures its pricing and occasionally offers special considerations, especially for events or longer stays. While there isn't a general "promotions" section explicitly detailed in the provided reviews, the public information available indicates specific rates and potential savings opportunities that visitors should be aware of:

• Event-Specific Camping Rates: For special events, such as the Annual Wild West Show or the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival, there are dedicated event camping rates. For instance, the Wild West Show offers camping at "$60.00 Thursday through Sunday" or "$30.00 per Night" in the event area. Horse camping for these events is also offered at specific rates.

• Weekend and Holiday Minimum Stays: The campground has a "3 Night minimum required on holiday weekends" and a "2 Night minimum required on weekends." This means planning ahead for popular times is crucial, and shorter stays might not be possible during these periods.

• Weekday vs. Weekend Rates: There are distinct differences between weekday and weekend rates for basic, electric, full, and lake sites, with weekend rates typically being higher. This provides an opportunity for savings if you can plan your visit during weekdays.

• Weekly and Monthly Rates: For those planning extended stays, El Rancho Manana offers competitive weekly and monthly rates, which provide significant savings compared to booking night by night. This is ideal for longer vacations or work-related stays in the area.

• Additional Person/Vehicle/Pet Fees: Be aware that the base site rate typically includes "2 adults & immediate family under 18" and "1 vehicle plus camping rig." "Extra people," "additional adult/child," "additional vehicle," and "additional pet(s)" will incur extra charges, so factor these into your budgeting.

It is always highly recommended to visit the official El Rancho Manana Campground website or call them directly to review their most current rates and any specific event-related offers, as prices and policies are subject to change. Pre-payment is typically required for reservations, and cancellation policies are in place, so understanding these details is key.

Ready to embark on your unforgettable adventure at El Rancho Manana Campground? Whether you're looking to book a campsite, plan a horseback riding excursion, or simply have a few questions, the friendly team is ready to assist you.

Address: 27302 Ranch Rd, Richmond, MN 56368, USA

Phone: (320) 597-2740

Mobile Phone: +1 320-597-2740

Give them a call to check availability, inquire about specific activities, or discuss any needs you might have for your stay. Their helpful staff, including owner Kevin, are well-regarded for their responsiveness and willingness to assist guests.

For Minnesotans seeking an exceptional outdoor experience right here in our home state, El Rancho Manana Campground stands out as a truly suitable and appealing destination. Its location in Richmond offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and accessibility, meaning you don't have to travel far to immerse yourself in a genuine outdoor adventure. This makes it ideal for weekend escapes or even longer summer vacations without the hassle of cross-state travel.

What truly makes El Rancho Manana perfect for locals is its incredible diversity of activities, catering to a wide range of interests within the family. For those who love to stay active, the "miles of trails" for hiking, biking, and especially horseback riding provide endless opportunities for exploration. The presence of a beautiful lake for swimming and fishing ensures classic Minnesota summer fun right on-site. The unique offering of horseback riding, whether on their well-trained horses or with your own, provides an experience not commonly found at many campgrounds.

Families will particularly appreciate the "planned themes and activities" every weekend, transforming a simple camping trip into an engaging and entertaining event for all ages. The playgrounds ensure that younger campers are always entertained. Beyond the activities, the sheer natural beauty of the "1208 acres of rolling scenic hills" and "beautiful scenery" offers a serene backdrop for relaxation and reconnecting with nature, a hallmark of the Minnesota landscape.

Finally, the consistently praised "friendly" and helpful staff, including owner Kevin, creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Knowing that there's a dedicated team ready to assist, even with "pretty major dilemma," provides immense peace of mind. El Rancho Manana Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a vibrant community and an activity hub that truly encapsulates the spirit of Minnesota outdoor living, making it an excellent choice for any local looking for their next memorable adventure.