Best Equestrian Camping near Baraboo, WI

We're here to help you find where to go horse camping in Baraboo. Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Wisconsin campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Baraboo, WI (9)


Recent Equestrian Reviews in Baraboo

107 Reviews of 9 Baraboo Campgrounds


  • Sarah B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    Def do not recommend for summer 2024!

    I wanted so badly to love this campground experience, but just didn't. Site 19 was an easy walk-in that theoretically had nearby vault toilets, parking, and water.

    Each site only had space for one car to park before walking in. Not a huge deal, but annoying as there were 2 of us who drove separate and we had to problem solve. When we got to the site I was shocked to see that what was labeled as a tent site had literally NO flat space to actually set up a tent. Spacious site, but fully sloped.

    Also, what I would have loved to know, is that the vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction to build something new in that space. Construction that starts loudly each day at 7am. Honestly every site from about #35 down was affected by the noise because the construction is happening in the middle of the loop (and actually blocking some of the one-way road as well).

    The park in general was okay. Per the usual, the pet areas were lacking. No beach at all, just grass covered in goose poop and one cut out on the raised shore between tall grasses and foliage where a dog could potentially jump in. Certainly nowhere for a human to enjoy the water with their pups unfortunately.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Beautiful area and great Kickapoo access

    This is a smaller campground but makes up for it with all the access around it. Ice Cave trail was a neat, quick walk. The trails around have gorgeous views of the driftless area and Kickapoo river. I stayed at site 1. While it is right next to the campground road and a trail, trees block the views from people looking in and there was not that much traffic. It is a tent only site and can fit one tent. Was a good site for just me and would stay at this site again as most of the other sites are very explored.

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Lovely quiet park

    Nice campground, quiet would come back! It was our first time to WI so the scenery to the park was just beautiful.

    Our campsite was nice. Spaced out enough from neighbors that we were comfortable. Do not like the nickel and diming of WI state parks. Charge the site fee which is reasonable enough but then a $8 reservation fee that gets you to $40 and then another $11 to NR's for the vehicle pass. You can get an annual pass for $38 but when you are just passing through it's not worth it. Brought us to $51 for the stay and it was worth it since we needed a place to camp, but I've stayed in better places for less. This park was much better than Rocky Arbor.

    Bathrooms were super clean for a campground. Good shower with directions on wall, which was a nice touch. The cement in shower is stained so it looks dirty but it's really pretty clean. Enjoyed my hot shower here.

    Hiked the Old Settlers Trail. It was nice, some elevation changes that get you attention. It was muggy and hot as I hiked right after the rain, so temperature was miserable at times, but it is July! The entire trail was about 3 miles round trip from the campground. Definitely check out observation point! Beautiful view!!!

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
    Jun. 30, 2023

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    Nice alternative to Gov. Dodge or Devil's Lake (No rocks or vews though)

     This is a very large state park located halfway between Mineral Point and New Glarus, both nice visiting destinations in their own right.
    It has a large lake with three boat launches, a main one with a motor ramp, a canoe launch near the marshy end, and a fishing pier. There's also a boat rental place run by the nearby Cork Down Saloon. There are no boat-in or lake accessible campsites however.
     The campground is up a long 30 degree hill across from the main launch and Beach/ main picnic area. The sites are more secluded from each other than you'll find at most parks , which is very nice. Beware that some sites are so secluded that they are bi-level. That is, parking pad and then step(s) down to the site. Be sure to check the photos provided when reserving.  There are very nice walk-in sites, but no carts are provided.
    the facilities are clean, but there's only one building with running water and showers. Water throughout has a mild iron taste.
    There's no playground in the camp area, it's located in a picnic area near the canoe launch that you pass as you com in. Not walking distance, remember the big hill.
     There's an Ice Cream/concession at the east end of the lake with limited hours. Beyond that is the Cork Down Saloon, just outside the secondary entrance to the park. It's your closest option to eat out. Also there is the private Chalet campground (see others for a review) Neither has a view of the lake as they are below the Dam.
    A fun place to visit in the area is the Toy Train Barn Museum in Argyle, indoors if you have a rainy day.

  • Mike K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Jun. 7, 2023

    Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    Rangers to not enforce the park rules!

    wonderful park! Only problem is the park does not enforce their rules. Several sites had 3 to 4 cars/ trucks and as many as 15 people per site. And these were not the double sites which allow greater numbers. This was observered on single sites. Rules say max of 6 people and 2 cars. This creates very loud partying late at night. I asked at the ranger station about the rules and discussed what I saw what I experienced. Pretty much just blew me off! Reserving only one site and packing as many people as they can get away with does not create a very family friendly camping experience.  Only leads to trouble.  No Rangers in the Park after 8pm which to me is a safety issue!  After 8pm the local police in Dodgeville take over.  We were there 5 nights and only saw the police roll through 1 night!  Too bad.  Such a nice Park is going down hill!

  • Tiffany K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
    May. 8, 2023

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    Family Camping near Lake

    This campground offers sites with electricity for RVs but some of the sites seem pretty narrow to use RV awnings. We booked an RV site but decided to camp. The site had a picnic table and fire ring but since it was an RV spot not a lot of good tent placement options. There are numerous pit toilets to use. The park has hiking trails that are accessible from the campground. The lake has a walking trail, kayak ramps and boat ramps.

  • Chelsie W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Feb. 12, 2023

    Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    Lovely Gov’ Dodge

    We love to go kayaking here, the lakes are lovely. There are also lots of trails to explore. It can get busy, especially during the summer holidays. The beaches tend to be where the people are most dense. The campgrounds are pretty large but most sites offer good privacy. We stayed at Cox Hollow campground and enjoyed our stay. The stars were glorious. P.S. Bob’s Bitchin BBQ in Dodgeville is banging if you’re looking for a yum treat.

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground
    Jan. 13, 2023

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    the best river for canoeing / kayaking in Wisconsin

    This was our second visit to this park. On both occasions we wanted to canoe the scenic Kickapoo river. Our first trip was five years ago and we got portage service for our canoe from Titanic Rentals in Ontario. We went from there (bridge 1) to bridge 12 Which took nearly all day, but we were able to have lunch at the park's Wildcat landing, the only real and equipped picnic site along the river. NOTE; Google maps makes it look like the campground and landing are near each other. They are not. It's three miles of very steep roads, so don't think you're going to fetch anything you left behind.
     The campground is on top of the ridge, which means in the morning you will look out over a fog shrouded valley through the trees. The views from the overlooks, which are a short hike, are worth checking out. Campsite 15 is the only one with a clear view.
    There are walk in sites and the paths are wide and clear. The park provides large carts for your stuff so you can really pack stuff in and get away from it all. But the family tent and RV sites generally well spaced, check the map as some are more private than others.
     Our second trip was in August, 2023 and we canoed from bridge 12 to LaFarge (bridge 21). It was later in the season than our previous trip, and in the slightly less scenic stretch of the river. As a result, we didn't see any other boaters.
    Campsites have basic fire ring, and there are pit toilets as well as one Full facility with running water and hot showers. Firewood is available at the Ranger station.
    There's also Equestrian camping elsewhere in the park and lots of trails for both hikers and horses.
     The town of Ontario has a good general store and a couple bars, but this is pretty much wilderness and small farms. Two unique places however are Wild Things Furrier near bridge twelve. Want a coonskin cap or some smoked trout? This is the place.
     More unique than that if you want to treat yourselves, go 34 miles south to the St. Frances Hermitage restaurant. It's run by a small order of French Monks and Nuns who raise their own animals and grow the vegetables they serve. Their bakery is also delicious. This is not fast food, this is a gastronomic experience.

  • Alex H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
    Sep. 26, 2022

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    No Flat Spots

    Very nice park. Well marked and maintained trails. A large lake with boat launch and beach area. Separate pet area.

    We spent the weekend at site 101, which is a tent site. I wouldn't recommend this site. based on a quick walkaround, it seemed a bit smaller than other sites. That's not really a deal-breaker, but it didn't really have any flat spots to pitch the tent. We ended up pitching it up on the parking area, but it was still a bit slanted and we could feel the tire divot a little through the air mattresses. Aside from that, it was great. The site had a picnic table and fire ring that we used a lot. It was secluded from the surrounding sites.

    We hiked the Windy Ridge trail and the Prairie Loop trail. both were well maintained and enjoyable trails. We also spent some time on the beach.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Aug. 23, 2022

    Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    Loud, party vibe

    The campsites here are deep with lots of greenery. However we chose this site thinking that it was on the end. The loops curl around so there were campers around us. On the other side was a playground that had children enjoying it all day. While this is great for some, our reactive dog was quite distracted.

    Upon arriving at the check in, there is still a couple miles to wind around until the campground, longer to get to twin lakes campground. The road is hilly too. It’s not a problem in our vehicle but it would be tiring on a bicycle. There are showers in the center of our loop. It could be expanded a bit - we had short lines for the restrooms. Water , garbage and recycling are available as well as a dump station.

    It was raining when we arrived but we drove around to see the park. We hiked the short distance to Stephen’s Falls and was not impressed. Maybe they need more rain this year but all we saw was a splatter.

    We saw folks who kept their kayaks and canoes locked up by the lake. The beach looked nice too. The other end of the park has an equestrian campground. We did see some horses riding the trail around the park.

    The vibe here wasn’t for us. Various sites had music playing loud enough for us to hear. Trails from camp would be great. We ended up walking along the narrow road.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
    Aug. 2, 2022

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    Great low key park!

    Loved this quiet park! Camped at site 62 which is tent only. The site was huge and could easily fit 4 tents. Most sites had good privacy. Bathrooms could use a little work along with signage. However, I will absolutely be going back.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Great area for canoeing and kayaking

    Pretty cool state park. Campground is located on the top of the hill. Wish there were more hiking trails. You can also hike on the horse trails if you want. Would highly recommend canoeing or kayaking the Kickapoo River if you are spending a weekend there.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Jul. 19, 2022

    Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    Terrible campsite

    Made a reservation on line. $25. Added a conservation fee of $7. Taxes added to that. Pulled in on my motorcycles with my son and they charged us an additional $22 vehicle charge. This site cost us almost $60 for one night and the place was filthy. There were worms crawling around in the men’s urinal. The bathrooms were disgusting and there were signs all over complaining about how short staffed they were. Never go to this campground.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
    Jul. 10, 2022

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    Great WI State Park camp

    Great camping here. Water readily available. Clean bathrooms. Welcome center when you arrive. People friendly. Lot of different types of sites. Lot of sites. Did about 10mi of hiking. Buggy, but it's June in WI.

  • Rx Q.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    Noisy

    This was my first and probably last time camping at Cox Hollow. Let’s start with positive: easy access to the campsite I was able to park my car right by the tent. Bathrooms and showers seemed clean enough, but I would recommend wearing some sort of footwear while you shower. Now the negatives: loud and obnoxious families with screaming bratty kids, people leave food scraps so raccoons are not scared and come right up to you sniffing for food, people have zero courtesy and slam bathroom door non stop, not to mention slamming down dumpster lids literally all day and late into the evening. Oh and did I mention screaming kids? Apparently “quiet hours” are from 11pm-8am, well the noise continued almost into midnight hours and as early as 6:30am. Thumping stereos with loud music, also can’t blame dogs for barking, but we had a howler and it kept going all the time. Forget about sleeping in or enjoying the sounds of nature. I’d like try different campsite at this park, but won’t be returning to Cox Hollow.

  • Amber C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
    May. 27, 2022

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    Peaceful, large lots

    This Campground was spacious and quiet. We camped in April so it wasn't as crowded but I can imagine in summer this is a popular destination with the large lake. Lots of nice hiking trails. The water was still turned off since it was the off season so we didn't look at any of the facilities but everything seemed well maintained.

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    May. 12, 2022

    Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    check the photos before you book

     Unlike Twin Valley, this campground is up on the hills, many sites drop off steeply. It really should be called Cox Bluff, oh well.  Sites are well spaced and when it's summer and leafy, fairly private.  Site #21 has the best view of the lake, but it's the one everyone arriving shines their headlights into. The sites to either side fare better. Many of the sites on the outer loops are split-level. Check the photo, if it looks like there's a log across the site, it means you have to step down to get to the large part of the site. Pay attention to the drive-in dimensions posted. Bigger rigs will do better inner loop. There are no pull-throughs.
    Firepits are low steel rings, 30" across with no grate., tables are long, family sized.
    Toilets and showers are clean and well lit, with an outlet for razors. Hot water is inconsistent.

  • Cherie J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Merry Mac's Campground
    Mar. 16, 2022

    Merry Mac's Campground

    Great place by state parks

    My family and I love the yurts and the giant pool/ pond. The park model rentals are nice now that my grandma is getting older. 4 stars simply because everything has a price and it's not included in tge total.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Nov. 28, 2021

    Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    Big Beautiful park has it all!

    We love camping at Governor Dodge state park. The campsites are big and fairly private some areas are better for groups of families camping together with play grounds and nice clean bathrooms with showers. If you camp at Twin Valley You will have to drive to the beach. We like the Cox Hollow beach the best ..so if you want to walk to beach camp there. There are lots of beautiful hiking trails including one that passes an old farm homestead complete with the old spring house and a waterfall. You can also rent horses and rid them in the park…the rental place is just outside the park. They have groomed cross country trails and mountain biking trails as well. You won’t be disappointed if you visit this park!

    V

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Oct. 27, 2021

    Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    Beautiful campground

    Stayed at the Twin Valley campground. Beautiful. Some nice Fall colors. Camped at a non-electric site. While other Wisconsin state parks have shut off most water & closed their shower houses, ghost park kept these amenities available this late in October; that was a nice surprise. Sites are wooded & spacious. Shower house/ restroom was warm & clean. Would stay here again.

  • Bentz E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
    Oct. 25, 2021

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    Great spot, close to water

    Great spot to camp. Right by a lake. There is a dock out onto the water for easy access if you want to bring your kayaks, paddleboards, etc. Easy to get to and a beautiful drive through the country to get there in the fall. There are a lot of bugs due to the proximity to the lake

  • Anthony L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Family Campsite #29

    A chilly weekend at Wildcat. Site 29 is nestled in between the family campground and the bathroom/shower facility. Electric is provided. Wood sales run until 5pm or 7pm depending on the day.

    The site is open and near two others on the corner, but with enough distance to keep relative privacy.

    Excellent hiking options with incredible overlooks.

  • Anthony L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground
    Oct. 1, 2021

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Amazing Cart-In Experience

    My son and I stayed at site 106. Carts for hauling gear are in great condition. Clean restroom/shower facilities. Water available on trail next to the site. Access to the parks trail system is right by the parking area as well.

    Will head back again before winter.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Baraboo, WI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Baraboo, WI is Merry Mac's Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Baraboo, WI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Baraboo, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.