Equestrian campers find several options within a 20-mile radius of Champlin, Minnesota, situated where the Mississippi and Elm Creek waterways converge. The area's gently rolling terrain features both wooded sections and open prairie landscapes with elevations ranging from 850 to 930 feet above sea level. Winter camping remains available at several parks in the region, though water systems typically shut down from late October through mid-April.
What to do
Trail riding at Crow Hassan: The park offers approximately 10 miles of sandy prairie trails that create "bug-free riding conditions compared to wooded sections." A reviewer 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." The wide parking area accommodates horse trailers, though during summer 2020, changes affected normal operations.
Swimming at Bunker Hills Regional Park: Located 20 minutes from Champlin, this park offers a large waterpark with wave pool. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," mentions one camper. Another adds, "This park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious. There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp."
Fishing at Wild River State Park: Approximately 45 minutes northeast of Champlin, this park provides river access for anglers. A camper reports, "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls." The park offers "great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby."
What campers like
Privacy between sites at Lake Maria State Park: Located west of Champlin, this park offers walk-in sites that provide seclusion. "The camp site was pretty awesome. Like others said, nice and secluded," writes one reviewer. Another mentions, "This hike-in site 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."
Clean facilities at Baker Park Reserve: This campground maintains well-kept amenities. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground," writes one reviewer. Another notes, "We spent an entire day hiking and it was decent hiking along the river, some of the trails where a little confusing."
Tent-friendly terrain at Ann Lake: The campsites at Sand Dunes State Forest feature level ground suitable for tent camping. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth," writes one camper, while another mentions, "Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly. Most sites are fairly private and well spaced."
What you should know
Seasonal bug activity: Different parks experience varying insect populations depending on habitat. "The best place to be bug-free happens to be the sandy prairie trails, the wooded areas are nice but you may want to hustle out of there if you don't have enough bug protection," notes one equestrian camper about Crow Hassan.
Limited shower facilities at some parks: Not all campgrounds offer full shower buildings. A reviewer notes about Wild River State Park: "Only one shower house and we had to drive there, the primitive toilet smelled so bad it burned!! It needed to be emptied and wasn't the entire time we were there."
Poison ivy awareness at Ann Lake: This natural hazard appears at several parks in the region. "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you," warns one visitor. Another camper mentions, "TONS of poison ivy" among the drawbacks of camping here.
Tips for camping with families
Explore water features: Several parks offer beaches or swimming areas suitable for children. At Lake Elmo Park Reserve, "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," notes one camper. Another reviewer comments, "Very nice water hook ups and electric- well maintained!"
Choose parks with playgrounds: Several campgrounds near Champlin include play areas. One camper at Bunker Hills notes, "Perfect for kids, they have 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 both paved and unpaved."
Consider camper cabins: For families new to camping, several parks offer cabin accommodations. "We camped here while our friends used a camper cabin and they loved it too. The waterpark is a blast and we were able to find discount passes online," writes a visitor to Bunker Hills.
Tips from RVers
Reserve electric sites early: Most campgrounds offer limited electric sites that book quickly. At Country Camping on the Rum River, one visitor notes, "Anyone can fit in here!" while another explains, "This place does have 30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites."
Watch for low clearance areas: Some parks have tree limbs that may impact taller rigs. A visitor to Ann Lake warns, "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking."
Consider water access locations: Campgrounds vary in their water access points. A Bunker Hills visitor notes, "Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west. Easy late check in with campsite hosts."
