Elm Creek Horse Camp operates as a specialized equestrian camping facility located approximately 10 miles northeast of Hopkins, Minnesota. The campground sits within the broader 4,900-acre Elm Creek Park Reserve, which features diverse terrain including wetlands, hardwood forests, and open prairie. Winter temperatures in the area often drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs typically reaching the mid-80s.
What to do
Archery practice near camp: Campers at Elm Creek Horse Camp can access an archery range located adjacent to campsite 2. "Tucked away near the archery range, this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire," notes Alison O.
Swimming in filtered water: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains a unique swimming area about 20 miles east of Hopkins. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S. at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Backpacking options: For campers seeking more secluded experiences, backpacking sites at Lake Maria State Park offer varying hiking distances. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites," writes Tori K.
What campers like
Private campsites: Baker Campground offers secluded spots despite being in a busy area. "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," says Bryan S. about Baker Campground.
Creek hiking: High Island Creek Park provides unique ravine exploration opportunities. "Beautiful trails leading you down the revenue to a gentle flowing creek. One of me and my hubbies favorite drop in campsites!!" writes Alison O. about High Island Creek Park.
Bird watching opportunities: Several parks near Hopkins offer excellent bird watching. "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home," notes Alison O. about Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
Night sky viewing: The distance from city lights creates good stargazing conditions. "Once you arrive, B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples. The site is private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire," observes Alison O. about Lake Maria State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito activity: Minnesota horse campgrounds experience heavy insect activity during summer months. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon. We prepared the kiddos for a quick grab and run and jumped out of the car. First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos," warns Steph H. at Lake Maria State Park.
Site privacy varies: Bunker Hills Regional Park campground layout offers different privacy levels. "Lots of site options from open field options to pretty tree covered areas," notes Lynsey M.
Poison ivy presence: Campers should take precautions at certain campgrounds. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy," cautions Kari P. about Ann Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers exceptional play facilities. "This park has awesome sites that fit the needs of just about anyone. They have beautiful hiking trails and a swimming beach for the hotter days. They also have an archery range and on Saturday nights they have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch," explains Tina H.
Water park access: Families camping near Hopkins can access water recreation at Bunker Hills. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," mentions Tiffany W. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Beach swimming options: Multiple campgrounds provide swimming areas. "We love to camp here. Access to lake independence. A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms. Nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals," says matt H. about Baker Campground.
Tips from RVers
Roadway clearance: Some horse campgrounds near Hopkins have limited overhead clearance. "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," warns Andy L. about Ann Lake campground.
Electric hookup availability: RV campers should note which parks offer full connections. "Easy late check in with campsite hosts. Lots of site options from open field options to pretty tree covered areas. Fire grates and restrooms available. Your reservation fee does NOT include the daily parks fee of 7 dollars just FYI," notes Lynsey M. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Site spacing: RV campers appreciate adequate site separation. "Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families. Our modern site 40 was in a great open location with a shaded edge. We had plenty of room to play, park the camper or set up tents," explains Steph H.
