Elm Creek Horse Camp offers dedicated camping for equestrians within the Three Rivers Park District system, located approximately 15 miles north of Wayzata. The horse-focused campground provides designated camping sites with corral facilities at a cost of $16 per night plus a $7.50 reservation fee. The campground connects directly to an extensive trail network ideal for mounted exploration through varied terrain within the 4,900-acre park.
What to do
Trail riding access: Elm Creek Horse Camp provides direct access to scenic riding paths. One visitor notes the site is "Tucked away near the archery range" with trails that offer "plenty of new smells, shaded stretches, and squirrels for days."
Fishing opportunities: Baker Campground features excellent fishing access on Lake Independence. As one camper mentions, "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."
Creek exploration: High Island Creek Park offers unique ravine hiking experiences. A camper describes it as having "Beautiful trails leading you down the revenue to a gentle flowing creek" making it perfect for day hikes from your campsite.
What campers like
Private sites: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers secluded backcountry camping. One visitor describes their experience: "Site B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples."
Wildlife viewing: The horse trails at Crow Hassan Park Reserve provide excellent nature observation opportunities. One regular visitor notes it's "Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" The park's open prairie sections offer visibility for spotting various wildlife.
Clean facilities: Bunker Hills Regional Park maintains well-kept facilities. One reviewer appreciated that "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground."
What you should know
Horse-specific requirements: When camping with horses, prepare for the terrain at Elm Creek. A visitor advises: "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."
Seasonal bugs: Most horse campgrounds near Wayzata experience significant insect activity in summer months. Lake Maria State Park visitors warn: "Take a look at other reviews as they come in and see what time of year they visited... The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon."
Water access: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features a unique swimming area. One visitor explains: "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds nearby: Baker Campground offers excellent recreation for children. A frequent visitor mentions: "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Water activities: Bunker Hills provides water recreation for families. A camper recommends: "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails" making it suitable for families with various age groups.
Privacy options: Ann Lake offers varied sites for family camping. A visitor describes: "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Lake Elmo accommodates various RV sizes. A camper notes: "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids."
Arrival timing: At Ann Lake Campground, timing matters for site selection. A veteran camper advises: "Show up early on weekends if you want one of the better spots. The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very."
Road conditions: Watch for low-hanging branches at some equestrian campgrounds. One RVer at Ann Lake warns: "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking."
