Elm Creek Park Reserve offers dedicated equestrian camping about 10 miles northwest of Robbinsdale in a protected natural area spanning over 4,900 acres. The 20-mile trail system traverses diverse terrain including maple-basswood forest, oak savanna, and restored prairie at elevations ranging from 850 to 1,000 feet. Seasonal restrictions apply from April through October with trail closures common after heavy rain to prevent erosion damage.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Elm Creek Park Reserve contains diverse habitats supporting white-tailed deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking," notes one visitor to Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, located just west of Robbinsdale.
Archery practice: The park reserve includes a designated archery range near the horse camp area. "The campground's location near the park's archery range means occasional activity nearby," according to one camper at Elm Creek Horse Camp, who noted, "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."
Mountain biking: Several parks in the region offer dedicated single-track trails. A visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park explained, "This is a big park with a diversity of hiking, equestrian, and canoeing options. Since the park runs along the St. Croix, there are beautiful river-side walks to be had."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: While Elm Creek Horse Camp offers minimal privacy between sites, other campgrounds in the area provide more seclusion. A camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park reported, "This campground was big with privacy between the camp spots. There were nice trails to help explorer the regional park."
Trail accessibility: Direct access to trail systems ranks high on camper preferences. At Lake Maria State Park Campground, a visitor appreciated that "Site B6 is close enough to Lake Maria's best hiking trails and just a short walk to the lake itself, where you can sit on a log and watch wood ducks paddle past and listen to the frogs in full chorus at night."
Reasonable pricing: Camping fees throughout the region remain moderate compared to other recreational areas. For Baker Campground, visitors noted good value for the facilities: "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great."
What you should know
Seasonal bug issues: The region experiences significant mosquito and black fly activity, particularly in summer. A camper at Lake Maria State Park Campground warned, "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos. Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts. Even though we'd sprayed everyone down the bugs must have felt safety in numbers."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance bookings, especially for weekend dates. "Weeknights are $70 and weekends/holidays are $85. This seems like a huge steal considering how many people these sites can accommodate," noted a visitor to Crow Hassan Park Reserve.
Trail conditions: Natural surface trails throughout the region may close following wet weather. Ann Lake visitors observed, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra lanterns: Site layouts at some campgrounds place amenities at distances from each other. A Baker Campground visitor mentioned, "Now… the only reason this isn't a full 5-star banger is the fire ring placement. That thing is doing its own thing like 30 feet from the tent pad—felt like I needed a shuttle to roast a marshmallow."
Bring poison ivy treatment: Several campgrounds in the area have significant poison ivy growth. At Ann Lake, a camper warned, "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."
Consider camping on weekdays: Family sites fill quickly during weekends and holidays. "We went with a ground of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax," shared a Baker Campground visitor. "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)."
