Elm Creek Horse Camp operates within the larger Elm Creek Park Reserve, providing equestrians with immediate access to trail riding opportunities. Individual sites feature level terrain with corrals for secure containment and proper spacing between horses. Water stations positioned strategically throughout the grounds allow for convenient watering access. The campground connects to an extensive network of bridle paths that accommodate various riding experience levels. Campers without horses may use the facilities but should expect regular equestrian activity throughout the grounds. Seasonal usage peaks during summer weekends, though spring and fall offer less crowded conditions.
What to do
Trail riding access: The extensive trail system at Crow Hassan Park Reserve features sandy prairie trails that offer respite from woodland insects. One rider notes, "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed."
Swimming options: Families staying at Bunker Hills Regional Park can enjoy the attached waterpark during summer months. As one visitor mentions, "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails" while another adds, "There's a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails."
River activities: For water-based adventures, Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers direct access to the Rum River. A camper reports, "Great tubing and canoeing" while another highlights that "the river is very clean and sandy bottom," making it ideal for swimming and wading.
What campers like
Privacy levels: The sites at Wild River State Park Campground provide varied seclusion options. As one camper notes, "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees." This contrasts with the more open layout at Elm Creek Horse Camp.
Spacious campsites: Many horse campgrounds near Blaine offer generous site dimensions. At Baker Campground, "The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Natural features: Equestrian camping areas typically maintain natural settings. At Ann Lake Campground, "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth," though one camper warns, "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Unlike some area campgrounds, Elm Creek Horse Camp requires advance bookings with a $7.50 reservation fee added to the $16 nightly rate. By contrast, at Lake Maria State Park, certain sites require hiking in: "Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees."
Bug considerations: Mosquitoes and biting flies can be significant in Minnesota horse camps, especially in wooded areas. One camper warns about Lake Maria, "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos. Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts."
Water availability: Horse camps typically provide water access points, though water quality and access may vary between campgrounds. At Ann Lake, "Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: When selecting equestrian camping near Blaine with children, consider campgrounds with diverse recreation options. At Country Camping, "I stayed here with my wife and 2 young children and it was fantastic great playground and heated pool the spaces were well kept and spaced apart."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on proximity to facilities when camping with young children. In Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, "We had plenty of flat space for our tent. They provide a fire ring and picnic bench," though one visitor suggests watching arrival timing: "We arrived after 8pm and the check in processes was a little unclear and they were out of maps."
Safety considerations: Ensure children understand proper behavior around horses if staying at equestrian-focused campgrounds like Elm Creek Horse Camp. At mixed-use campgrounds like Bunker Hills, "The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: For RVers visiting horse-oriented campgrounds, prepare for variable terrain. At Ann Lake, one RVer with a "30' class C motor home" notes, "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking."
Hookup availability: Elm Creek Horse Camp offers limited amenities for RVers compared to other area campgrounds. However, if you need hookups, Lake Elmo campers mention, "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites."
Maneuverability: Navigating horse campgrounds requires planning. Some trails and camping areas have limited space for turning around large vehicles, particularly when horse trailers are present. Consider rig size when selecting specific horse campgrounds around Blaine.
