BCH-MN Rendezvous 2026
Sand Dunes State Forest | June 12 – 14, 2026
Join Back Country Horsemen of Minnesota (BCH-MN) for a fun weekend of riding, camping and camaraderie in the beautiful oak savannas and pine plantations of central Minnesota. With 29 miles of horse trails on rolling terrain, there’s plenty of room to explore!
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⛺ Camping & Accommodations
Because this is a State Forest, no online reservations are available. Sites are first-come, first-served.
• BCH-MN Group Sites: We have reserved both group campsites for the weekend! Join us for a discounted rate of $15 per night, per family, to park in the group sites.
• Individual Sites: 13 additional individual sites are available for $22 per night.
• Payment: Use the Yodel app upon arrival or pay in person (BCH-MN members will collect the group site fees onsite).
• Amenities: * No electric hookups.
• High-tie picket lines are available.
• 3 vault toilets and a hand-pump water well.
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🗓️ Schedule of Events
Friday, June 12
• 5:00 PM: Guided Trail Ride (approx. 2 hours). Kick off the weekend with an evening ride departing directly from the campground.
Saturday, June 13
• 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM:
• Scavenger Hunt: Fun for all ages and free to participate!
• Poker Run (for adults): Test your luck on the trails. Top 3 poker hands win cash prizes!
• 10:00 AM: Guided Trail Ride from camp (Morning session).
• 1:00 PM: Guided Trail Ride from camp (Afternoon session).
• 4:00 PM: Deadline to turn in all Poker Run hands and Scavenger Hunt cards.
• 5:00 PM: Silent Auction; proceeds benefit BCH-MN (Donated Items Welcome)
• 5:30 PM: Smash Burger Dinner ($15 per person). Includes sides; proceeds benefit BCH-MN.
• Evening: Short BCH-MN meeting followed by a campfire and music.
Sunday, June 14
• 9:00 AM: Cowboy Church Service.
• 12:00 PM: Guided Trail Ride (South ‘Hilly’ Side).
• Note: Meet at the South Trailhead parking lot for this ~2-hour ride.
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📍 Location & Directions
Address: Horse Camp Rd, Big Lake, MN 55309
Sand Dunes State Forest is located in central Sherburne County, west of Zimmerman and north of Big Lake.
• From Big Lake (U.S. 10): Take Sherburne County 5 North, turn East on 253rd Ave NW.
• From Zimmerman (U.S. 169): Take Sherburne County Highway 4 West to Orrock, turn South on Sherburne Co Rd 5, turn East on 253rd Ave NW.
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About the Forest: Sand Dunes State Forest features 2,700 acres of pine plantation and oak savanna. It offers 29 miles of horseback riding trails through a unique blend of prairie and rolling forest terrain.
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Big Lake, Nonprofit events in Big Lake.
