Elm Creek Horse Camp serves equestrian campers with individual corrals for overnight stays. Located in the northern section of Elm Creek Park Reserve, this facility offers campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs with space for horse trailers. The camp connects directly to over 20 miles of bridle paths featuring varied terrain including woods, meadows, and hills suitable for riders of all experience levels. Each site includes standard amenities and access to a water source for filling horse troughs. Reservations are required, particularly during summer weekends when demand is highest. Riders appreciate the well-maintained trails with minimal water crossings, making them accessible even after moderate rainfall. Trail connections to nearby parks allow for extended riding while maintaining a basecamp at Elm Creek.
What to do
Horseback riding trails and facilities: Lake Maria State Park offers excellent equestrian camping within 30 miles of Maple Lake. The trail system attracts experienced riders with its varied terrain. "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," notes Tori K., who particularly enjoys the lakefront sites that offer water views.
Swimming and water activities: Country Camping Tent & RV Park provides river-based recreation on the Rum River. "The key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," says David G., making it ideal for swimming. The campground also features "a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites! You can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe, tube, or kayak," according to Spencer C.
Wildlife viewing: Sand Dunes State Forest at Ann Lake offers excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Very beautiful and lots of deer on the trails," notes Andy L. The forest setting provides habitat for numerous bird species as well. Johnny H., a regular visitor for over 30 years, recommends the walk-in sites: "The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."
What campers like
Secluded backpacking options: Lake Maria State Park features remote sites perfect for those seeking privacy. "Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one... 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," describes Alison O., who appreciated the natural setting and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Family-friendly amenities: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve receives high marks for its recreational options. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be. The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very, but that is offset by all the other positives this campground has to offer," explains Bryan S.
Affordable group camping: Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers exceptional value for equestrian group camping. "In normal times you can rent this group campsite for $70-$80 a night, which is ridiculously cheap considering that you can fit quite a bit of horse trailers on here," reports Krista T., who notes the facility includes "The barn stalls are available for use... otherwise there are overhead horse hitch lines."
What you should know
Seasonal bug considerations: Be prepared for insects, particularly during summer months. At Lake Maria State Park, Steph H. cautions: "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon... First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos." For less buggy conditions, visit in fall or early spring.
Poison ivy awareness: Ann Lake campground in Sand Dunes State Forest requires vigilance regarding poison ivy. "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," warns Kari P.
Water sources and availability: Bunker Hills Regional Park provides clean facilities with reliable water access. "Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west," reports Lynsey M., highlighting the convenience for travelers passing through the area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground and water recreation: Baker Park Reserve offers excellent facilities for children. "The campground is great, and in a beautiful area... This is a nice, quiet campground with activities nearby. The sites are decently private and there are nice bathrooms/showers," notes Bryan S. who recommends it for weekend family trips.
Educational opportunities: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for families. "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails!" notes Alison O. The park includes "a volleyball net, grill, fire ring, water pump and latrines," making it suitable for group camping with children.
Accessibility considerations: For families with small children, Daniel R. recommends Lake Rebecca Park Reserve: "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to." The park balances outdoor recreation with accessibility for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Elm Creek Horse Camp accommodates RVs with horse trailers, though Alison O. notes "this is a horse camp first and foremost." She adds, "There's not much privacy between sites," but appreciates that "$16 a night is totally reasonable," despite the additional $7.50 reservation fee.
Hookup availability: El Rancho Manana provides electric hookups including 50-amp service. "About 1/2 seasonal sites and intermingled short-term sites. Well-kept with fair amount of trees," reports Jesse H., who found the campground "dynamic and lush" with amenities like "on site horseback riding."
Road conditions and access: At Ann Lake in Sand Dunes State Forest, Andy L. advises caution with larger RVs: "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking." He recommends choosing "sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly" depending on your RV size and preference for privacy.
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