Elm Creek Horse Camp offers equestrian camping near Maplewood, Minnesota, approximately 20 miles northwest of the city. The camp sits on rolling terrain within the Three Rivers Park District, where winter temperatures often drop below 0°F while summer months average 83°F. Campsites accommodate both tents and RVs with gravel surfaces that provide better drainage during spring thaw periods.
What to do
Archery practice: Elm Creek Horse Camp has an archery range adjacent to the camping area. "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," reports one camper about Elm Creek Horse Camp.
Waterpark activities: Visit the large waterpark at Bunker Hills Regional Park for a summer cool-off after trail rides. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," notes Tiffany W. The park includes specialized water features just 30 minutes from Maplewood.
Winter horseback rides: Many trails remain accessible for winter horseback riding with proper preparation. "I went to this park for the first time last weekend, and I spent the entire time just saying 'wow'. I had never been here before, despite it only being 20 minutes away," shares Krista T. about the trail system at Bunker Hills.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Horseback riders appreciate the private campsites available at Baker Park Reserve. "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.
Corral facilities: Horse campers value the on-site corrals that eliminate the need for portable containment. "Your reservation fee does NOT include the daily parks fee of 7 dollars just FYI. Lots of mosquitoes but it's MN so that's to be expected," notes Lynsey M. when discussing amenities at Bunker Hills.
Diverse terrain: Trail riders appreciate the varied landscapes within single parks. "The trail system connected to Wild River State Park includes miles of dedicated bridle paths winding through diverse landscapes of prairie, forest, and wetlands," according to Jeff L. who calls Wild River State Park his "go-to campground."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian camping facilities require advance reservations and may include additional fees. "The cost is $20/$16 for electric/non-electric. This is an Army Corps of Engineers park which means you pay $10/$8 if you have an NPS Lifetime Senior Pass," explains Mary S. about Highland Ridge.
Seasonal considerations: Spring conditions often create challenges for trail riders. "Lots of poison ivy. Sand fleas," warns Johnny H. about Ann Lake Campground in Sand Dunes State Forest, where he has been camping for 30 years.
Potable water locations: Water sources for horses may be limited to specific access points. "Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west," mentions Lynsey M., highlighting the importance of knowing water access points before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Equestrian campgrounds often include family-oriented facilities beyond horse trails. "The water park is a blast and we were able to find discount passes online," shares Bryan S. about Bunker Hills Regional Park, which offers swimming options for non-riding family members.
Nature programs: Several equestrian campgrounds offer educational opportunities. "There is an interpretive center for Saturday evening ranger programs and a playground next to it," notes Mary S., describing features that complement horseback activities.
Multi-activity options: Lake Maria State Park provides alternatives for family members who don't ride. "Great trails and a fun experience," shares Brian K., while Tori K. adds, "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: Most equestrian camps offer limited electrical service options. "Sites that I loved: 3, 8, 10," notes Krista T., indicating preferred sites at Bunker Hills that work well for RVs with electrical needs.
Trailer parking: Space requirements differ significantly between campgrounds. "Some sites on the short loop (28-38) are a bit smaller and slope down from the road, so be careful of the site's size when booking. Our 29' trailer would have been a challenging fit in some of those sites," advises Deb M. about Highland Ridge.
Level site selection: Horse trailers with living quarters require relatively flat parking areas. "The site itself was very nice, and we only had to level front-to-back," explains Laurel, noting the importance of choosing appropriate sites when bringing large rigs to Highland Ridge.
