Trade River Equestrian Camp — Governor Knowles State Forest

Within Governor Knowles State Forest, Trade River Equestrian Camp operates as a walk-in facility managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources from mid-April through mid-November. The campground requires hikers to trek between three-quarters of a mile to one and a half miles from the parking area near Fish Lake Wildlife Area off Shogren Road to reach three remote sites.

No water sources or vault toilets exist at any of the camping locations. Sites sit near small waterways including Benson Brook by the St. Croix River and Randall Creek, though water availability varies seasonally. The access trail presents challenges with downed trees, muddy sections, and overgrown brush. Campers report heavy tick populations during spring months and note the complete absence of other visitors, creating an isolated experience for those comfortable with primitive conditions and self-sufficiency.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsTrade River Equestrian Camp is located in Wisconsin near Harris

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Located near the Trade River, six miles west of Highway 87.

Address

2988 Evergreen Avenue
Grantsburg, WI 54840

Coordinates

45.59941107 N
92.77369918 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Trade River Equestrian Camp

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
50%
0%
50%
0%

3.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

Backpack site not good

I am torn on this. One side of me that likes seclusion, hiking out in nature and not seeing anyone else for miles, really loves this place. But the other half of me that dislikes poorly maintained trail, muddy and buggy sites, no facilities whatsoever and feeling isolated and concerned about injuries really can't review these sites highly.

We parked in the lot located near the Fish Lake Wildlife Area off Shogren Road. There are three remote backpacking sites from 3/4 mile to 1 1/2 miles from the parking area. No potable water or vaults anywhere in site.

Benson Brook is right near the St Croix by a small bridge crossing and literally steps off the hiking trail. I questioned whether it was a legit camping site or not. Randall Creek is on a small low lying spit right by the little creek. You might be able to get enough to filter but don't count on it in later summer months.

Ticks were extremely heavy in the spring. Between the mud and ticks, I would never recommend camping in spring. The hike in was not easy. Downed trees over uphill sections, large sections of mud and some overgrown brushy spots.

We did not see a single soul out there but us. Now I know why. If you love seclusion and don't mind zero amenities, bugs, mud and brush, go for it! It is a survivalist's dream.

  • Review photo of Trade River Equestrian Camp — Governor Knowles State Forest by Kim , September 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Trade River Equestrian Camp — Governor Knowles State Forest by Kim , September 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Trade River Equestrian Camp — Governor Knowles State Forest by Kim , September 14, 2020
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Trade River Equestrian Camp — Governor Knowles State Forest?

Trade River Equestrian Camp — Governor Knowles State Forest is located at 838 feet.

Are fires allowed at Trade River Equestrian Camp — Governor Knowles State Forest?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Trade River Equestrian Camp — Governor Knowles State Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Trade River Equestrian Camp — Governor Knowles State Forest have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Trade River Equestrian Camp — Governor Knowles State Forest does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Trade River Equestrian Camp — Governor Knowles State Forest?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.