Equestrian camping near Alma, Wisconsin offers access to extensive trail systems through rolling bluff country along the Mississippi River valley. The region's terrain features wooded ravines and ridge tops with elevation changes between 700-1200 feet. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with spring often bringing muddy sections in low-lying areas while fall provides drier footing and colorful woodland rides.
What to do
Trail riding at Zumbro Bottoms: Access miles of forested trails at Zumbro Bottoms in the R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest, located about 45 minutes from Alma. The area features multiple interconnected trail systems with toilets and drinking water available. "The trails here are amazing," notes one rider at Haycreek Valley Campground.
Explore Root River trails: Money Creek campground provides primitive sites with access to the Root River trail system. Located 5 miles from Rushford, this no-frills camping area serves as a good base for trail exploration. According to a visitor, "There are 8 sites. There is no water or electricity. One pit toilet for the site. 5 miles from Rushford MN. Access to Root River trail close by."
Swimming and fishing: Several campgrounds offer water recreation options. At Chester Woods Park, the man-made lake provides opportunities for cooling off after trail rides. "The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great," reports one camper, while another notes "There is a fish cleaning house next to the campground which has electric lighting, but no running water."
What campers like
Quiet, wooded settings: Highland Ridge receives consistent praise for its natural environment. "This is a beautiful, densely wooded campground with fairly well spaced sites," says one camper. Another mentions, "We got here around 6pm on a Thursday evening and there were lots of available sites...absolute quiet for a good night's sleep."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain good standards. A visitor to Pietrek County Park noted, "The showers were really nice and fairly new." At Chester Woods Park, another camper was impressed: "The bathrooms and showers we pristine clean and close and easy to walk to."
Bug-free experience: Horse campers frequently mention the relative lack of insects at certain campgrounds. One camper at Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground commented, "The campsites are well kept and spacious." At Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir, a visitor reported, "This was one of The cleanest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. The sites are large and very well shaded for privacy."
What you should know
Site layouts vary significantly: Some campgrounds have unusual setups that require planning. At Haycreek Valley Campground, one camper noted, "Our site was rather odd as the electric and water post was on the opposite side of our camper. Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn't reach so we ended up backing up the hill."
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings mud, particularly in horse areas. A visitor to Pietrek County Park observed, "There is a horse arena (very muddy when I was there), and it looks like you can camp with your horses on the edge of the RV area."
Limited amenities at forest campgrounds: State forest campgrounds offer primitive experiences. At Money Creek, a camper reported, "Not much to it. Put toilets, usually slow except during hunting season. Camp sites are decent but primative." Similarly, at Oak Ridge/Wet Bark Recreation Area, expect minimal facilities as "Small campground, usually no one here except during hunting season."
Tips for camping with families
Scout playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. Chester Woods Park provides "Swimming in the lake, lots of fishing, hiking, nature center, free activity's, and other things to do," according to one visitor. Another adds, "Lots of other campers and area to run around."
Check for shower facilities: Not all horse camping areas have showers. At Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir, families appreciate that "This campground is well maintained and a beautiful park within the woods. Great for hiking and kayaking/canoeing is near by."
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly atmosphere varies by location. One camper at Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground described their experience: "We had a fabulous experience at BJ's this weekend. Mark, Sheri and the staff are good people who work hard to make sure you have a great time. The food is excellent and comes out SO FAST."
Tips from RVers
Hook-up limitations: Most equestrian camping areas have limited hookups. Chester Woods Park offers "Electric only at the camp sites but have water and dump station on site," according to a visitor who added it's the "Best value I've seen for fire wood."
Leveling challenges: Some horse camping areas have uneven terrain. At Highland Ridge, a camper warned, "Many sites are placed on on incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill."
Site selection for larger rigs: Carefully research site dimensions when booking. An RVer at Highland Ridge advised, "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."
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