Elm creek campground Introduce
Looking for a "camping near me" experience that offers a more rustic setting with unique features like horse camping? Elm Creek Campground, located at 13387 129th Ave N, Dayton, MN 55327, USA, might be of interest. Based on recent customer reviews, this smaller campground has both positive aspects, such as trail access and horse-related facilities, and some drawbacks to consider, including limited privacy and potential administrative issues.
Environment: Rustic and Open with Trail Access
Elm Creek Campground is described as a "smaller rustic campground with only a few sites." This suggests a more intimate camping experience compared to larger, more developed campgrounds. A notable feature is that it accommodates "horse camping as well," indicating facilities for those traveling with horses. The campsites themselves are reported to be "fairly open and not very secluded," which might be a consideration for campers seeking more privacy within their site. Additionally, one reviewer noted "considerable traffic noise," suggesting that the campground's location might be near a road with significant traffic. On a positive note, the campground "does look like it is well maintained," implying that while rustic, the grounds are kept in good order. Furthermore, "the trails lead right off of the campground," offering convenient access for hiking and exploring the surrounding area directly from your campsite.
Services and Amenities: Basic and Limited
In terms of services and amenities, Elm Creek Campground appears to be quite basic. The review explicitly mentions the presence of "pit toilets," which indicates more primitive restroom facilities compared to flush toilets often found in larger campgrounds. The availability of "horseshoes" suggests a simple recreational activity on-site. "Plenty of parking" is also noted, which is a practical benefit for campers. However, one reviewer stated, "There are really no amenities to speak of at this place," which reinforces the idea of a more bare-bones camping experience. This camper also reported difficulties in extending their stay, which they perceived as inaccurate based on the campground's apparent emptiness on subsequent days. Another significant issue raised was receiving a parking ticket under circumstances the reviewer found unfair. These points suggest that while the campground offers the basics for a rustic stay, campers should not expect extensive amenities and might encounter administrative frustrations.
Features and Activities: Horse Camping and Archery Nearby
One of the unique features of Elm Creek Campground is its provision for "horse camping," catering to equestrians looking for overnight stays with their animals. The presence of "horseshoes" on-site offers a simple form of recreation. Additionally, the "archery course is next door," providing an opportunity for archery enthusiasts to engage in their sport conveniently close to the campground. The direct access to trails is another significant feature, appealing to hikers and nature lovers. However, the lack of secluded campsites and the presence of traffic noise might detract from the overall outdoor experience for some visitors seeking a more tranquil setting. The discrepancy reported by one camper regarding site availability and the parking ticket incident also highlight potential issues with the management or communication at the campground.
Promotional Information: A Rustic Getaway with Horse Facilities and Trail Access
For local users interested in "camping near me" with a focus on a more rustic experience, particularly those who enjoy horse camping or have an interest in archery, Elm Creek Campground in Dayton, MN, offers these specific features. The direct trail access is also a significant advantage for nature enthusiasts. However, potential campers should be aware that the sites are not very secluded, and there is noticeable traffic noise. The amenities are basic, with pit toilets being the only restroom facility mentioned. Additionally, the negative experience reported by one reviewer regarding a parking ticket and perceived issues with booking transparency should be taken into consideration. If you are looking for a no-frills camping option with horse facilities and nearby archery, and if the lack of privacy and potential noise are not major concerns for you, Elm Creek Campground might be a viable option. To inquire about availability, specific details regarding horse camping, or any current information, it would be best to visit relevant online camping platforms or contact the managing authority for Elm Creek Campground directly, as no direct contact information was provided in the reviews. Be prepared for a more basic camping experience focused on the natural surroundings and specific activities like horse riding and archery.
Elm creek campground Photos





Elm creek campground Location
Elm creek campground
13387 129th Ave N, Dayton, MN 55327, USA
Elm creek campground13387 129th Ave N
Rush Creek Group Camp4GXR+M6
Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey10410 Brockton Ln N
Riverbend Group Campsite - Crow Hassan Park ReserveOtsego
Bluestem Group Campsite - Crow Hassan Park Reserve45.189301
Ham Lake Resort2400 Constance Blvd NE
Dimmick Island Watercraft Campsite9968 Kahler Ave NE
Baker Park Reserve - Marshview Group CampMedina
Baker Campground2309 Baker Park Rd
Katrina 1&2 Group Campsite - Baker ParkUnnamed Road
GIRL SCOUT CAMP Elk River10775 237th Ave NW
Norquist Camp Ground4030 Viking Blvd NE
Lake Rebecca Park Reserve (South Group Camp)Independence
Elm creek campground Reviews
Smaller rustic campground with only a few sites and horse camping as well. There are pit toilets here, horseshoes and plenty of parking. The archery course is next door. The sites are fairly open and not very secluded and there is considerable traffic noise. The campground does look like it is well maintained and the trails lead right off of the campground.
Dec 02, 2023 · Wyatt W. PenkeI received a damn $35 parking ticket on my last paid night camping here with a Marine Veteran sticker plain as day on my truck. I was extremely appalled by the way I was treated as you see I began my 4 night camping expedition on the Sunday following Memorial Day weekend. There are really no amenities to speak of at this place. I wasn't able to reserve anymore nights due to an employee for the park saying they were totally booked already and I couldn't even pay for another night. I drove back to this campground the next 2 days to confirm it was full only to see the place wide open and empty both nights.
Jun 22, 2024 · Shawn AlbrightThey have three rustic campsites here. Toilets and running well water in the summer.
Aug 29, 2022 · Emily NullLooks good
Jul 29, 2023 · Dirk KleinGive it a shot.
Jul 18, 2022 · Sara
More Camping Near Me
Rush Creek Group Camp5.0 (2 reviews)4GXR+M6, Maple Grove, MN 55369, USA
Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey4.0 (418 reviews)10410 Brockton Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55311, USA
Riverbend Group Campsite - Crow Hassan Park Reserve4.0 (13 reviews)Otsego, MN 55374, USA
Bluestem Group Campsite - Crow Hassan Park Reserve4.0 (6 reviews)45.189301,-93.655020 Park Dr, Rogers, MN 55374, USA
Ham Lake Resort4.0 (340 reviews)2400 Constance Blvd NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304, USA
Dimmick Island Watercraft Campsite3.0 (6 reviews)9968 Kahler Ave NE, Otsego, MN 55362, USA
Baker Park Reserve - Marshview Group Camp4.0 (15 reviews)Medina, MN 55340, USA
Baker Campground4.0 (343 reviews)2309 Baker Park Rd, Maple Plain, MN 55359, USA
Katrina 1&2 Group Campsite - Baker Park4.0 (11 reviews)Unnamed Road, Maple Plain, MN 55359, USA
GIRL SCOUT CAMP Elk River4.0 (29 reviews)10775 237th Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330, USA
Norquist Camp Ground4.0 (54 reviews)4030 Viking Blvd NE, East Bethel, MN 55092, USA
Lake Rebecca Park Reserve (South Group Camp)4.0 (18 reviews)Independence, MN 55359, USA
Categories
Popular Camping Sites
Creekside Cabins and RV Park5.0 (4 reviews)
Fairplex RV Park4.0 (610 reviews)
Windmill Campground3.0 (51 reviews)
Lakeview Campground and RV4.0 (8 reviews)
Desert Harbor4.0 (59 reviews)
Heirs of Asgard5.0 (12 reviews)Most Searched Camping Sites
Trending Camping Blog Posts
10 Must-Visit Campgrounds in the Midwest for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Romantic Camping Spots for Couples: Perfect Getaways in Nature
Ultimate Guide to Off the Grid Camping in Remote Locations
Vanlife in Winter: My Personal Experience Living on the Road
How to Cook Over a Campfire Safely for an Enjoyable Outdoor Experience
From City to Camp: My Journey to Nature and What I Learned 
