Teresa T.
Legend
LegendFinland State Forest Campground
Rough
I was hoping to stop for the night but it was pretty rough. Mostly first come sorts of sites but there must have been a fire and tree cover is spotty. Welcome to OHV riders.
Equestrian Camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, WI
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Horseshoe Lake Campground serves as a popular equestrian destination northwest of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The quiet, spacious campground features multiple miles of horse-friendly trails through the surrounding forest. Situated in Washburn, Wisconsin, the campground operates seasonally from May 13 to October 31. Campsites accommodate tents, RVs, and offer some glamping options, with layouts specifically designed for campers traveling with horses. The campground is particularly clean and maintains spacious sites with ample room for horse trailers. Horse owners find this location ideal due to its remote setting that provides a peaceful environment for both riders and their animals.
Located approximately 45 minutes from Apostle Islands, Horseshoe Lake Campground connects to an extensive trail network ideal for day rides. The trail system accommodates various skill levels and provides scenic views of the northern Wisconsin landscape. Horse water access is available at multiple points throughout the property. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. Most visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere away from busier tourist areas. Many miles of trails can be ridden on horseback through varied terrain. Finland State Forest Campground, located farther north in Minnesota, offers an alternative horse-friendly option with access to primitive camping near the Baptism River, though it lacks dedicated horse corrals. Both locations provide natural settings for group equestrian camping while exploring the Lake Superior region.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (3)
1. Horseshoe Lake Campground
"The campground is intended to be used as campers that ride horses can stay at. People who camp in tents or small trailers will also enjoy this quiet place."
2. Finland State Forest Campground
"Nice little campground just off of highway 61 heading up the north shore. We were able to find a walk in campsite on a Friday night which was nice. Bathrooms were in decent condition. "
"This is a state forest campground high on a ridge overlooking Lake Superior, just south of the Wolf Ridge ELC."
3. South Egge Lake Camping
Drive Time
- 1 hr 34 min from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 8 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 3 hrs 26 min from Wausau, WI
- 3 hrs 38 min from Minneapolis, MN
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
1 Photos of 3 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
11 Reviews of 3 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Campgrounds
Lauren M.
RangerFinland State Forest Campground
Still one of my favorites
Right now the campground looks a little worse for wear. They did extreme tree clearing do to moth damage. The cons: ATV noise, the tree clearing. Paying for the site can be confusing. I paid at tettegouche, QR code didn’t work and yodel didn’t work either. Pros: close to climbing, some really great state parks, SHT trail, fishing. Quieter than tettegouche.
Fred S.LegendFinland State Forest Campground
Okay for overnight
On the outskirts of Finland, along the Baptism River, in the Finland National Forest. Just a few miles north of Eckbeck Campground, off of MN 1 & County Rd 6. Really nice wooded sites, some can accommodate big rigs. Level sites. Vault toilets. Trash bins. Some privacy between sites. I would recommend staying here overnight if the nearby state parks are full. I do not recommend staying here for peace & quiet. Noise from ATVs, a few with modified mufflers. Since there are no electric hookups, there is some noise from generators for the big RVs. What was really annoying was the noise from a bunch of drunk middle aged folks down at the group site on the night of Oct 8, 2021. I had my own drunken moments at parties, but their behavior was pathetic. Their loud voices carried throughout the campground, including some loud f-bombs. Vault toilets were just okay; not particularly clean but usable. IMO, $17 fee is too high for this particular campground. 4 bars T-Mobile.
Al J.
GuideHorseshoe Lake Campground
Horses and campground
This is a quiet campground in the middle of nowhere. The campground is intended to be used as campers that ride horses can stay at. People who camp in tents or small trailers will also enjoy this quiet place. There are many miles of trails that can be ridden on horseback. It is a very clean campground especially if you want a quiet place. Also spacious campsites.
- Adriana E.
ScoutFinland State Forest Campground
Great Campsite right near The Baptism River
This campsite is first come, first serve which is great for people who are last minute like me 😊 I go up the North Shore quite often and this was my first time going to this campsite. It was very clean, very wooded and the campsites were nice and big. I’d most definitely visit again!
Janet R.LegendFinland State Forest Campground
Up on the Ridge!
This is a state forest campground high on a ridge overlooking Lake Superior, just south of the Wolf Ridge ELC. It has alot of overflow campers from Tettegouche in the summer, but is also a destination for folks who want to fish on the Baptism River or visit Wolf Ridge. It is in a bit quieter and off the beaten path than nearby Eckbeck campground, but it is much larger so it gets busier and noisier in peak season. It also is a campground of choice for folks interested in using the nearby state forest ATV trails, and apparently there have been some security issues related to ATVers here so video cameras are in use here for security as it is an unstaffed campground with occasional visits from state forest rangers. The campsites are large and spacious and have good fire grills and picnic tables, but the facilities are outhouses so more geared toward primitive or self sufficient camping. In summer, the business of the campground is not appealing; in winter there are few campers so I would be concerned about security issues, plus being at higher elevation there is a lot more snow up here so winter campers should be prepared!
- Ber M.Guide
Finland State Forest Campground
Primitive-beautiful-secluded Campgrounds
Impeccable campground. Primitive, so no electricity. Clean, secluded, and beautiful! It was the perfect place to stay while we tripped the North Scenic Route.
- Susan H.Guide
Finland State Forest Campground
Most beloved group site on the baptism river
We have camped as a group or shown on this outing, alone in winter! This campground never disappoints. The reason why we enjoy it so much is because it is can you get a located near some of the best hiking trails, climbing, and scenic vistas north of Duluth. We camp here at least 2-3 times a year if not more. At night you hear the Baltism River as you gently fall asleep.. we have an exped duo mattress and sleep like babies!
- LLacey F.
TravelerFinland State Forest Campground
A little gem near the North Shore
This is likely my favorite campground in the state. There are minimal amenities (pit toilets and I can't remember if there is a spigot), but the location is wonderful, the sites are mostly private and wooded, and the Baptism River runs right through. You are close to excellent climbing, hiking, fishing, and the Finland Co-op. Less crowded than the north shore state parks too!
Guide to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Horseshoe Lake Campground operates from May 13 to October 31, providing dedicated facilities for equestrian camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The campground sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in Wisconsin's northern highlands, where summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F with cooler evenings. The surrounding landscape features mixed hardwood forests and access to multiple waterways suitable for horse watering points.
What to do
Ride extensive forest trails: The trail system includes over 15 miles of marked paths through varied terrain. According to Al J., "There are many miles of trails that can be ridden on horseback" at Horseshoe Lake Campground.
Fish in nearby waterways: Multiple streams and lakes within riding distance offer fishing opportunities. At Finland State Forest Campground, Spencer F. notes, "There is a river that runs next to the campsite and has some great views at sunset, it looks like it may have good fishing as well."
Enjoy primitive camping: For those seeking solitude, the area offers backcountry options. Ber M. describes Finland State Forest as "Primitive, so no electricity. Clean, secluded, and beautiful! It was the perfect place to stay while we tripped the North Scenic Route."
What campers like
Spacious campsites for trailers: The equestrian-focused design provides ample room for vehicles and horse trailers. Al J. comments that Horseshoe Lake has "very clean campground especially if you want a quiet place. Also spacious campsites."
Natural water access: Horses can drink from natural water sources throughout the trail system. At South Egge Lake Camping, hikers and equestrians can access water features while exploring the Superior Hiking Trail corridor.
Proximity to climbing areas: Some nearby campgrounds provide access to rock climbing. Lauren M. lists among Finland State Forest's pros: "close to climbing, some really great state parks, SHT trail, fishing. Quieter than tettegouche."
What you should know
First-come, first-served system: Most equestrian campgrounds in the region don't accept reservations. Adriana E. confirms this at Finland State Forest Campground: "This campsite is first come, first serve which is great for people who are last minute like me. I go up the North Shore quite often and this was my first time going to this campsite."
Limited amenities: Facilities are basic at most horse-friendly campgrounds. Fred S. reports at Finland: "Vault toilets. Trash bins. Some privacy between sites... Vault toilets were just okay; not particularly clean but usable."
Seasonal conditions: Weather can affect trail conditions significantly. Lauren M. notes recent changes: "Right now the campground looks a little worse for wear. They did extreme tree clearing do to moth damage."
Tips for camping with families
Choose quieter weekdays: Weekends can bring more visitors and noise. Janet R. warns about Finland State Forest: "In summer, the business of the campground is not appealing; in winter there are few campers."
Bring all supplies: Remote locations require self-sufficiency. Lacey F. confirms at Finland State Forest: "There are minimal amenities (pit toilets and I can't remember if there is a spigot), but the location is wonderful, the sites are mostly private and wooded."
Consider neighboring campgrounds: During peak season, have backup options. Fred S. suggests: "I would recommend staying here overnight if the nearby state parks are full."
Tips from RVers
Prepare for primitive conditions: RVs must be self-contained at most horse-friendly sites. Teresa T. observed at Finland State Forest Campground: "I was hoping to stop for the night but it was pretty rough. Mostly first come sorts of sites but there must have been a fire and tree cover is spotty."
Generator noise considerations: Without electric hookups, generator use is common. Fred S. notes: "Since there are no electric hookups, there is some noise from generators for the big RVs."
Level site availability: Some areas accommodate larger vehicles despite rustic settings. Fred S. mentions: "Really nice wooded sites, some can accommodate big rigs. Level sites."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is Horseshoe Lake Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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