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Equestrian Camping near Maple Plain, MN

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    Elm Creek Horse Camp accommodates equestrians with dedicated corrals for overnight guests camping with horses. Located in the Three Rivers Park District system near Maple Plain, this campground features basic tent and RV sites adjacent to horse areas. The campground maintains clean toilet facilities and offers drinking water for both riders and horses. Campfires are permitted with firewood available for purchase. Sites include picnic tables and trash service, creating a practical base camp for riders. The fire rings are well-maintained and camping areas remain quiet at night, making for a peaceful experience. Trail riders must make reservations in advance as the equestrian sites fill quickly during peak season.

    The campground connects directly to Elm Creek Park Reserve's extensive trail system, offering varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. Located approximately 15 miles from Maple Plain, the trails wind through mature forests and open meadows with good footing for horses. Water access points along the trails provide natural drinking opportunities for horses during longer rides. Trailer parking is available at designated areas with sufficient space for turning and backing larger rigs. Many riders appreciate the well-marked trails that connect to neighboring park systems for extended riding opportunities. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with trail conditions best during summer and early fall when the ground is firm and dry. Winter camping is not available for equestrians at this location.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Maple Plain (14)

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      1. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

      4.5(38)1mi from Maple PlainRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."

      "The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."

      from $21 - $29 / night

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      2. Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground

      5.0(3)1mi from Maple PlainRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Tons of trails and camping. 🏕"

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      3. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

      4.7(3)6mi from Maple PlainTents

      "This newly developed trail is 13.25 miles long, so a nice option close to the city for those who are inclined to adventurous biking. Different loops are available for varying skill levels. "

      "Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home😁"

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      4. Lake Maria State Park Campground

      4.4(34)25mi from Maple Plain22 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."

      "I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."

      from $22 - $80 / night

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      5. Crow Hassan Park Reserve

      4.3(3)12mi from Maple PlainTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "So as a result the Riverbend group equestrian campground is now the parking lot for day visitors through at least August. "

      "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."

      from $15 / night

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      6. Bunker Hills Regional Park

      4.6(16)23mi from Maple PlainRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."

      "It has a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park(it is called The Beach, which was very confusing for us"

      from $20 - $32 / night

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      7. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest

      4.2(23)29mi from Maple Plain4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites)."

      "Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. 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."

      from $50 / night

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      8. Elm Creek Horse Camp

      4.0(1)16mi from Maple PlainTents

      "If you’re the kind of camper who measures a site by how many tail wags it inspires, then Campsite 2 at Elm Creek Horse Camp is barking up the right tree.🌲🐶 Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody"

      from $16 / night

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      9. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

      4.5(37)37mi from Maple PlainRVs, Tents

      "For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."

      "Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families."

      from $23 - $80 / night

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      10. High Island Creek Park

      4.7(13)33mi from Maple PlainRVs, Tents

      "Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit for all. This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack."

      "Gulley that a large creek runs through surrounded by trees and large forested hills."

      from $10 / night

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Maple Plain, MN

    5 Photos of 14 Maple Plain Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Maple Plain, MN

    183 Reviews of 14 Maple Plain Campgrounds

    • Allison K.
      Jul. 16, 2019

      Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

      Open sites and beautiful lake with a swimming beach

      If you’re looking for a county park close to the Twin Cities metro area with a beautiful lake, good fishing, swimming, recreation rentals like paddle boards kayaks and canoes that also has a campground with Camper Cabins attached, look no further than Baker Park Reserve. Baker Park reserve is just outside of Maple Plain Minnesota which is about 45 minutes from the Twin Cities metro area.

      Lake Independence is attached to Baker Park reserve which is a beautiful lake for fishing, swimming, kayaking and, recreational boating. You can catch everything from Crappies, perch, sunfish, walleye and, musky on this lake. A lot of people come out and troll the lake for musky and also bring pontoons for swimming. You can jump right off the pontoon into the lake and have a great time with the family or just be alone on the boat and catch a ton of fish.

      The lake can be busy especially on holiday weeks and weekends and The park and restricts how many boats around the lake and enforces no wake zone’s during the holiday I’m busy times. So check the leak before you go if you’re planning on doing or jet skiing or just cruising around on your boat.

      The campground that’s attached to the park is pretty open and there are very many secluded sites if any at all. I took a few videos while driving through the campground to show you what the campground is like. There’s a campground office that offer snacks and sodas and ice and such. If you’re looking for a good getaway for the weekend that’s close this would be a good park for you.

      Overall, I would give the campground a three out of five because it is so dang open and there isn’t much privacy. There is however, very nice shower buildings and a nice office. I would give the park a four out of five for usefulness and overall fun. There is a lot to do and it is close to the metro.

    • Krista T.
      Jul. 1, 2020

      Crow Hassan Park Reserve

      Close to the cities

      During these COVID times everyone wants to get out and about more, which means that the main parking lot for the park that used to be mostly designated for horse trailer parking is now overrun with family vehicles. So as a result the Riverbend group equestrian campground is now the parking lot for day visitors through at least August. 

      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. The information for this site states you can put 10 horse trailers on this lot, but I have definitely seen groups camp here with more. The barn stalls are available for use (unlike the Blue Stem horse site), otherwise there are overhead horse hitch lines. 

      This campground is nicely maintained and has nice mature trees that a lot of people set up hammocks in. The vault toilet near the barn is nice, there are no showers. Be aware that the road into this group site only is wide enough for one vehicle at a time, so far I’ve been lucky to not encounter another vehicle as I’m entering or leaving.

    • Krista T.
      Jul. 16, 2018

      Crow Hassan Park Reserve

      This is an equestrian paradise

      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. Do a 180 on the trail and she is happy to trot away from the trailer. Horse camping is available in two locations in the park, even though once when I was there a family was camping in the parking with their horses. Apparently they got the cops called on them by some other park patrons who didn't believe that this was an option. At the time it was marked as a camping location on the map, but that may have changed.

      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. For non-horse riders some parts of the trail out in the open prairie might be a bit sandy. Also important to note- bikes are NOT allowed on the trails. Absolutely gorgeous in the fall. Pit toilets are available and there is water available at the entrance off of Park drive, not sure about the other locations.

    • Steph H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 26, 2017

      Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

      Great for the kiddos

      For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond. This man made pond is a sandy bottom and surrounded by a nice sand beach. Large built in umbrellas are available for sun coverage and there is a concession stand and bathrooms with showers. And yes, as I mentioned the water is filtered! No gross goose poop or green algae to deal with! Next to the swim pond is a giant playground with fun for the big and little kids. Other amenities include archery, horse trails, paved and grass trails, camper spots, rustic spots and hike in camping spots. In winter the xc ski trails are lit for evening skiing. Or let's be honest early afternoon. It is Minnesota and the suns down by 4 In the Winter! They also have a newer Nordic center that's open all year round and includes a locker room with showers. The hike in camp spot we chose was on a small lake so it had a nice breeze and made it easy to bring a kayak or paddleboard and hop right in. There is also a boat launch for your larger toys! The trails in the park are quite impressive for its size. We enjoyed a 5 mile loop off the Nordic center and right past the camp spot. A picnic table and fire pit as well as nice flat tent pad were provided. If you're coming in from out of town then you're just a 5 minute drive from Woodbury and all the amenities you'd ever need but the park feels miles away from it all.

    • Alison O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 1, 2025

      Elm Creek Horse Camp

      Campsite 2 – Elm Creek Horse Camp, Dayton MN

      If you’re the kind of camper who measures a site by how many tail wags it inspires, then Campsite 2 at Elm Creek Horse Camp is barking up the right tree.🌲🐶 Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody’s aiming at your pup), this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire. The ground is mostly level—perfect for a tent and a sturdy dog bed—and the trails? Chef’s kiss. Plenty of new smells, shaded stretches, and squirrels for days. Now, to be clear—this is a horse camp first and foremost. So if your dog isn’t a fan of our four-hooved friends, you might want to steer clear. But if they’re cool with horses and know how to heel when a giant gelding struts by, they’ll be just fine. A few bones to pick: There’s not much privacy between sites, so if your dog’s a talker, your neighbors might get a serenade. And while$16 a night is totally reasonable, the$7.50 reservation fee nips at the budget a bit—especially if you’re staying more than a couple nights. Still, Campsite 2 hits all the right notes: trails close by, fire ring ready, and enough space for a tent, a camp chair, and a dog who thinks every stick is a gift from heaven.🦴 Would we come back? Absolutely. My dog already packed his leash! what

      #ElmCreekHorseCamp#MNStateParks#DogFriendlyCamping#TrailDogApproved#HorseCampAdventures#Campsite2#ElmCreekParkReserve#HikingWithDogs#DogCampingVibes#PawfectCampground#TheDyrtDogPack#MinnesotaCamping#ArcheryRangeNeighbors#TailsOnTrails#WagMoreBarkLess

    • Kenan R.
      Aug. 4, 2018

      Bunker Hills Regional Park

      Camping Near Civilization

      I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay. There are park pavilions and a water park connected to the campsite, a gold course nearby, and shops, too - - but the actual campsite, bike/walking/horse trails make you forget all of that. The temperature was COLD the first night, but perfect the rest of the week. Absolutely loved the experience, and I will go again.

    • Nick G.
      Sep. 4, 2021

      Cannon River Wilderness Area

      Perfect place Found a great site

      For free the area is awesome right by the river. We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river. The hike from parking is not bad at all about a 10 minute walk from parking to the farthest site.

    • Emily H.
      Aug. 7, 2018

      Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest

      Nice Rustic Campground

      This campground is on a first come, first serve basis. There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites).

      I highly recommend the walk-in-sites for the most private tent camping experience. The walk from the car isn’t far, but the sites are off the road and in the pines. If you like to have your car at your site, you’ll find some sites with nice long driveways that can accommodate multiple cars, or even a truck with a boat/trailer. The beach is nice and private, but it’s a bit of a hike from the campsites. I’d recommend just hopping in the car and driving over if you’ve got young kids with you.

      There is no store or firewood sold at the campground, so you’ll have to haul your own in from an approved vendor.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 18, 2020

      High Island Creek Park

      Quiet, clean and well maintained.

      Nice clean campground very well maintained and free. Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit for all. This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack. Pick where to park in nice large grassy areas. A few areas are next to wild and deep ravines. Very nice large new play areas with slides for kids. Popular with a few horse trailers and riders on weekends because of COVID get to gather worries elsewhere. Friday morning before week end is best to get there in case of horse trailers to get nicer spot. Sometimes only a few campers are there. Call ahead to stay overnight so sheriff is aware. Not a lot of people know about it and is at end of long gravel road for peace and quiet. No problem for 5th wheels and tents both, pick your spot. Want to relax, chill out and visit your neighbors. This is worth the visit.

    Guide to Maple Plain

    Equestrian camping near Maple Plain, Minnesota offers direct access to extensive trail networks throughout the Three Rivers Park District. Located approximately 20 miles west of Minneapolis, the area features a mix of prairie, wetland, and wooded terrain with elevation changes ranging from 900 to 1,100 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall provide cooler camping conditions with less insect activity.

    What to do

    Trail riding beyond Elm Creek: Lake Maria State Park offers different equestrian experiences with trails winding through hardwood forests. "I've been camping here since I was a little kid. My family used to host large family camping trips here... The trails are a lot of fun.. lots to see," notes Johnny H. about Ann Lake.

    Mountain biking on single track: For non-equestrian adventures, the area has technical trails. "Sweet single track for mountain biking," writes Daniel R. about Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, which features 13.25 miles of varying difficulty levels for riders.

    Swimming in natural settings: Several parks offer water recreation beyond the horse trails. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails," continues Daniel R. about Lake Rebecca, making it ideal for cooling off after riding.

    What campers like

    Secluded sites for privacy: Many equestrian campers appreciate separation between sites. "The sites are fairly large, but very open (which was ok with a group of us, not our style when it's just us though)," explains Jennifer H. about Baker Campground, noting the trade-off between space and privacy.

    Varied terrain for different riders: The region's diverse landscape appeals to different skill levels. "Crow Hassan Park Reserve 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," shares Krista T. about Crow Hassan Park Reserve.

    Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained facilities. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" writes Jennifer H. about Baker Campground.

    What you should know

    Seasonal considerations: Bug activity significantly impacts the riding experience. "To be fair I'd like to preface this review with a word of caution. We went in the middle of Summer. High bug season... The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," warns Steph H. about summer conditions at Lake Maria State Park.

    Reservation requirements: Popular equestrian sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Friday morning before week end is best to get there in case of horse trailers to get nicer spot," advises Mike G. about timing at High Island Creek Park.

    Terrain challenges: Sandy sections can affect horse footing in certain areas. "For non-horse riders some parts of the trail out in the open prairie might be a bit sandy," notes Krista T. about Crow Hassan Park Reserve, which applies to several trails in the region.

    Tips for camping with families

    Kid-friendly parks: Several campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," shares Bryan S. about Baker Park Reserve.

    Activity options beyond horses: Families appreciate multiple recreation choices. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities... I highly recommend this campground for a quick weekend stay or a good place to spend an extended holiday weekend," continues Bryan S.

    Water features for hot days: Swimming areas provide relief during summer heat. "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. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection considerations: RVers should check campground maps carefully before booking. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth," notes Kari P. about Ann Lake.

    Road access awareness: Some horse camp access roads present challenges. "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," reports Andy L., providing important information for larger rigs.

    Hookup availability: Electric and water options vary significantly between parks. "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked," advises Joe R. about Baker Park campground facilities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Maple Plain, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Maple Plain, MN is Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Maple Plain, MN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Maple Plain, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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