Kettle Moraine State Forest features rolling hills and glacial landforms across southern Wisconsin, creating varied terrain for camping near Burlington. The forest sits about 800 feet above sea level, with most campsites positioned on flat, well-drained ground. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day, making it comfortable for equestrian camping and trail riding activities.
What to do
Horseback riding on extensive trails: Kettle Moraine State Forest offers over 40 miles of bridle trails through varied terrain. At Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park, campers appreciate similar trail access. As one visitor notes, "We kayaked in the lake and it's small but nice. Great for kids lots of activities and space to play But very quiet and relaxing by nighttime."
Hiking near your campsite: Many campgrounds connect directly to trail systems. At Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, one camper mentions: "We asked the ranger about hiking and she gave us a map to a trail system that connects to this campground between the group sites and loop 3. We enjoyed a 4 mile hike from camp to the observation trail."
Water activities and fishing: Lakes near Burlington provide swimming and fishing opportunities within 30 minutes of horse campgrounds. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground shared: "Nice large sites. gravel spot for arc/trailer. fire pit and picnic table. trails for hiking are nice, but the overall camping area isn't very big. 100 sites only. 30 with electric."
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Many campgrounds offer natural separation between sites. At Kettle Moraine South Camping, a camper noted: "The campsites are large with lots of foliage for privacy. It's so pretty in the fall. Red Trail, Paradise Trail, Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa."
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a priority for most campers. A review for Kettle Moraine Southern Unit stated: "Great campground! We camped at the Whitewater Lake Campground and it was well maintained. It was very quiet and peaceful. There were two areas we went swimming; one was a river where there were more boats and the other was more for recreational swimming."
Scenic natural areas: The forest setting around Burlington provides a peaceful backdrop. At Pinewoods Campground, a visitor shared: "Stayed one night (Friday) and really enjoyed the location. We were in the quiet loop, Loop 1, which actually was very quiet. Everyone was respectful of the rules. We did walk over to the other loops where there was more of a party atmosphere at some sites with larger groups, music, and kids."
What you should know
Seasonal trail conditions: Bridle paths can become muddy after rain, especially in spring and early summer. Trail conditions vary throughout the system.
Campsite reservations required: Most horse campgrounds near Burlington fill quickly during peak season (May-September). Reservations should be made 2-3 months in advance.
Quiet hours and rules: Specific quiet loops exist at certain campgrounds. As noted at Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park: "While pretty busy it still felt private and quiet aside from nearby sites playing music most of the day and early night. Nothing too rowdy especially since no alcohol is allowed."
Wildlife encounters: The area is home to various wildlife. One camper at Pinewoods Campground reported: "There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area. We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated family areas: Some campgrounds have specific loops for families. A visitor at Fox Den Campground noted: "This is our favorite place to camp. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. It has the electrical hookups that we need and has a bath house that is close to where you camp (hundreds of feet versus getting into a car and driving to it)."
Choose sites with playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. At Kettle Moraine South Camping, a camper shared: "The camp store was handy for ice and firewood. Our hike to the scenic overlook was pleasant - bring your binoculars!"
Pack for variable weather: Wisconsin weather can change rapidly. Bring layers and rain gear, even in summer.
Plan kid-friendly activities: Fishing and swimming are popular with children. A camper at Turner Lake South mentioned: "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by."
Tips from RVers
Select appropriate equestrian sites: Horse-specific campgrounds have larger sites designed for trailers. At Southern Unit Horseriders Campground, a reviewer observed: "There are several sites along one side of the park that are a little more secluded and in a pine forest. They have picnic tables and fire pits like the others... There's also a series of pull-through sites that would make it easier for those who don't care to back trailers in or out of the site."
Electric hookups availability: Not all equestrian sites offer electricity. Check availability when booking.
Water access points: Water spigots are located throughout equestrian campgrounds. Bring hoses to reach your site.
Shared corral considerations: Many horse campgrounds feature shared corrals between sites. A visitor at Southern Unit Horseriders Campground reported: "There are ample places to bridle horses and shared corrals every four or five campsites. There are also animal waste collection areas throughout the campground."
