Best Equestrian Camping near Cambridge, WI

Southern Unit Horseriders Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest provides specialized camping facilities for equestrians near Cambridge, Wisconsin. The campground features both electric and non-electric campsites, each with a picnic table and fireplace, with shared corrals positioned every four to five sites. The campground is equipped with bridle areas throughout, mounting blocks for beginners or young riders, and designated animal waste collection areas. Sites 409-413 offer more seclusion within a pine forest, while pull-through sites 401-405 provide easier access for those with horse trailers. Campsites are built for large gatherings with a shelter featuring roll-up sides for weather protection, a large group grill, and fire pit with fixed seating.

Direct access to horse trails throughout the Kettle Moraine State Forest begins at the campground, offering extensive riding opportunities. The group campsite provides six non-electric sites arranged around a centrally located fire pit with fixed seating, though these sites are not pull-through for trailers. Facilities include several pit toilets throughout the property and one newer building with flush toilets and showers. The campground maintains a little free library for visitors. Sites 427-428 at the end of one loop offer privacy but are closer to the main road with noticeable traffic noise. The campground operates seasonally from April to November with a perfect 5-star rating from visitors who appreciate the well-designed horse facilities.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Cambridge, Wisconsin (13)

    1. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 873-9695

    "Good hiking around the lake and mostly dog friendly. Nice play ground with horse she pits."

    "Just a quick 2 hour drive from our home in Chicago, with large wooded sites for privacy. Clean bathrooms."

    2. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    22 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    29 miles
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $30 / night

    "It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa LakeNearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "

    "Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."

    3. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    81 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 885-3311

    $12 - $50 / night

    "Site along the edge of the campground had ample shade.  There is a central bathhouse with flush toilets and 3 showers. There is also a pit toilet. "

    "It has a large lake with almost 40 miles of hiking trails, including equestrian trails and an equestrian campground. There is boating and fishing as well as swimming in the lake."

    4. Kettle Moraine South Camping — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    12 Reviews
    Eagle, WI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6220

    "Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa. The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."

    "Whether you're in a tent or in a camper you can find just as much comfort as you're looking for. there's a lake with a swimming area if that's what you're looking for, not to mention a dock with great"

    5. Kettle Moraine Southern Unit — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    10 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    29 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "You can walk over to an area that has hiking trails right out of the campsite. State park mountain biking trails are also close by, but you would need to drive to them."

    "Reservable backpacking sites about 45-60min away from nearest parking. Fire pit, shelter, and picnic table at site.

    Really enjoyed the hike through forest to get to this site."

    7. Southern Unit Horseriders Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    1 Review
    Palmyra, WI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "Driving on country roads to this campground, I drove past many many horse ranches. So it's no surprise that there is a dedicated campground for horseback riding in this state park. "

    8. Harnischfeger County Park

    3 Reviews
    Ixonia, WI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 386-3700

    "Has trails, disc golf, and rock river for kayaking."

    "Their is also a great hiking trail if you like that."

    9. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lake Geneva, WI
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 248-2528

    "We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."

    "This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits."

    10. Elkhorn Campgrounds

    4 Reviews
    Elkhorn, WI
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 723-3228

    "Within walking distance to downtown Elkhorn, EAHS, and the horse areana. You might even be able to catch a show or two on site at the fair grounds, depending on the time of year."

    "Easy access to electric and/or water. If unsure, contact office. Site, restrooms, and showers were clean. There are a lot of sites but still felt like there was ample space."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Cambridge, WI

9 Photos of 13 Cambridge Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cambridge, WI

193 Reviews of 13 Cambridge Campgrounds


  • Josh F.
    Dec. 3, 2020

    Southern Unit Horseriders Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    If I had a horse, I'd definitely camp here

    Driving on country roads to this campground, I drove past many many horse ranches. So it's no surprise that there is a dedicated campground for horseback riding in this state park. 

    Built for Large Gatherings

    There are a number of COVID-era regulations that as of this writing are in place, see photos of the signs posted. This campground is clearly built for large groups to hang out together. There is a large shelter with picnic tables and very convenient roll-up sides that can be used to protect people during inclement weather. There is also a large grill that would be great for serving many, and a very nice fire pit with fixed seating for a large group. 

    Ammenities

    There are also nice touches, such as a small stair-step for beginners or young people to mount their horse. And the campground has a little free library. There are electric and non-electric campsites, all seem to have a picnic table and fireplace. 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. There are several pit toilets throughout the campground, and one building with flush toilets and showers. It's a very nice and fairly new building.

    Group Campsite

    The group campsite has six sites and they are not pull through for trailers. There is a fire pit with fixed seating around it centrally-located in the group campsite. The group campsite does not have electric units. 

    And no surprise, there is easy access to horse trails throughout the state forest. 

    My Top Picks

    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, they include 409, 410, 411, 412, 413. 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. These include electric sites 405, 404, 403, 402, and 401.

    There's a nice couple of campsites at the end of one of the loops that affords a little bit of privacy, the only problem is they abut the main road and are a little noisy with car traffic. However, they are sweet sites. They include 427 and 428. Unfortunately, they camping here you would hear all of the car traffic while all the other campsites are much further away from the road.

  • Judy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2021

    Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    Big park with lots of options for camping and recreation

    Rock Cut St. Park is in the middle of an urban area, but you would not know it.  The park is very large and has multiple campgrounds.  I stayed in the Plum Grove campground.  Trees were not really leafed out and some sites would have shade later in the year.  Site along the edge of the campground had ample shade.  There is a central bathhouse with flush toilets and 3 showers. There is also a pit toilet.  Sites have an electrical hookup, but water is from a hydrant.  There is a dump station and water supply near the park entrance.  There are bike trails, hiking, and equestrian trails.  I also believe that you can swim and boat here.

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 11, 2016

    Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    Rock Cut State Park campground is huge!

    Of all of the campgrounds that I have visited in Illinois, I would say that Rock Cut State Park is the best that I have seen. It boasts as being the largest State Park in Northern Illinois. It has a large lake with almost 40 miles of hiking trails, including equestrian trails and an equestrian campground. There is boating and fishing as well as swimming in the lake.

    The campground staff is very helpful and do a good job at keeping it clean and well maintained even with the large number of visitors. Don't miss my interview with Marsha, one of the friendly staff members at Rock Cut State Park.

  • Kim L.
    Jul. 28, 2019

    Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    Great state park for family RV camping

    I love everything about this park except the beach, so it didn’t get a 5 star. We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine. Took a walk around and found plenty of other large, private shaded electric sites. If we came here again I would go for a site away from the bathroom. The tent sites looks fantastic- large and private. Plenty of hiking trails here, a decent playground, and tons of large fields to picnic in. Park has a Facebook page where they post activities. Friday night we saw a presentation on the cranes of Wisconsin, and Saturday morning we did a parkwide scavenger hunt. All fun for the family. We would definitely camp here again. The beach is across the very busy road, and has about 10 ft of sand before the road. Fine for a dip, but not relaxing. Very crowded. Other beaches are nearby but not free. Town of Lake Geneva is very cute in an upscale tourist way. Our kid found the museum a lot of fun.

  • A
    May. 31, 2019

    Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Fine camp for hikers on the Ice Age trail.

    A good campground for tents and trailers in a pine forest.  It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake.  Nearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails.  You can almost feel like you're away from it all, but there is a small highway in the distance.

  • J
    Jun. 8, 2021

    Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    Very nice campground

    Rock Cut St. Park is in the middle of an urban area, but you would not know it. The park is very large(the largest in northern Illinois) and has multiple campgrounds. I stayed in the Prairie View campground. Trees all around, plenty of shade. There is a central bathhouse with flush toilets and 3 showers. There is also a pit toilets throughout the park. Sites have electrical hookup, but water is from a hydrant or there is a dump station and water supply near the campground entrance. There are bike trails, hiking, and equestrian trails. You can swim in the lake at the east end of the park. Paddle boats, canoes and kayaks for rent as well as two boat ramps on the big lake in the middle of the park. The Plum Grove campground is more open between sites and sites are closer. Staghorn, White Oak, and Prairie View are father apart and have more under growth between sites. Hickory hills campgrounds is all tent sites and most are on the lake. Also there are AOA sites.

  • Brenton S.
    Jul. 1, 2020

    Elkhorn Campgrounds

    Affordable and friendly!

    Such a great little place to escape to or visit if you're just passing through. Nothing crazy fancy but hook-ups and fire pits available if needed. Within walking distance to downtown Elkhorn, EAHS, and the horse areana. You might even be able to catch a show or two on site at the fair grounds, depending on the time of year.

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 13, 2023

    Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    There are no Yeti here

    This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits. This area has always been a summer getaway, so reservations are hard to get. We went in October, so it was much easier, but the weather was unpredictable.
     The lake is famous for it's mansions, summer homes and the trail which goes around the entire perimeter and is open to the public, no matter how many property lines it crosses.
     The park is on the lake, 2 miles south of downtown. So, a 40 min walk, 11 by bike, though there are hills on both routes. The park has a long strip of beach that almost seems like a shoulder to the main road. There's a fishing lagoon with a bait vending machine. The campsites and trails are further back, and out of the wind.
     The sites are generally spacious, some are oddly shaped. The further back you go on the main loop though, actually brings you closer to town. You can hear events taking place at the High School even though it looks like you're in the woods.
     The main restroom and shower facility is brand new and spotless.
    Too many things to see and do in the area to list here but I'd point out the Boat House Bar & Grill is right next to the entrance. It has a big patio and is dog friendly. Easy walking distance from the campground. Good food at a good price.
     Outside of town, Lake Geneva County Meats is a butcher shop and more with a terrific selection and variety of brats (among other things) and can supply all your cookout needs.  Also, check out Royal Oaks farm & Orchard. In season, they have the greatest variety of apples we've ever seen. Better still, they are well labeled telling which types are best for what use. Of course, donuts and cider too.

  • Matt N.
    Apr. 19, 2021

    Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

    Fun state park

    A nice state park. Clean bathrooms with showers. Good sized site with nice privacy. Good hiking around the lake and mostly dog friendly. Nice play ground with horse she pits.


Guide to Cambridge

Kettle Moraine State Forest area offers a variety of horse riding facilities near Cambridge, Wisconsin, located within 30 miles of the town. The region features glacial terrain with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,100 feet. Most equestrian campgrounds operate seasonally from April through November when trail conditions are optimal for riding.

What to do

Trail riding access: Pinewoods Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit provides convenient access to extensive trails. "There is a central shower building with vault toilets in the camping loops. 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," notes Art S., highlighting the trail connections directly from camp.

Swimming opportunities: Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground offers water recreation options after a day of riding. "The park includes a beach and boat launch to help you enjoy Lake Kegonsa. It was also pet friendly with pet trails and a pet beach of their own," according to Lisa S., giving riders a chance to cool off.

Off-site excursions: For riders wanting variety beyond horse trails, Kettle Moraine South Camping provides access to the broader forest area. "About 20 minutes northeast of the campground is Lapham Peek Park with a walk up tower offering great views of the area," recommends Cathy L., suggesting worthwhile destinations for non-riding days.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit receives praise for its layout. "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion. The quiet Loop was a wonderful idea," writes Kendal R., appreciating the design that gives equestrians space.

Clean facilities: Riders value the maintained facilities at Kettle Moraine's campgrounds. "Clean facilities, friendly staff, and great trails. No bugs!" reports Brendan E. from Lake Kegonsa State Park, noting essential comforts for after-ride relaxation.

Seasonal considerations: Fall visits are particularly popular at many horse campgrounds. "Very nice campground. I have camped at Richard Bong State Park numerous times and this campground is very similar. The campsites are roomy and was wooded and private," mentions Glenn S. about Lake Kegonsa, suggesting autumn as an ideal time for horse camping.

What you should know

Special campground rules: Different camping loops have specific regulations. "Don't reserve a spot in loop 1 if you have a dog. It was easy enough to change but now we know to aim for loop 2 or 3," advises Art S. about Pinewoods Campground, information particularly relevant for equestrians traveling with dogs.

Access challenges: Some trails and areas have limited accessibility. "There is also a bit of a hike to get there. So if you take a cooler you may want a wagon," Ted W. notes about Lake Kegonsa State Park, which applies to hauling riding gear as well.

Booking requirements: Horse campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Making reservations at the group site was easy and ensured no other campers were near us," explains Juliya R. from Kettle Moraine Southern Unit, highlighting the importance of advance planning.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Big Foot Beach State Park Campground offers options for young riders and non-riders. "Good fishing ponds for the kids, and great hiking trails throughout the property. I look forward to more quick trips to Big Foot State Park with the family!" shares Brenton S., suggesting activities beyond horseback riding.

Campsite selection: Choose sites based on needs for family horse camping. "We stayed in loop 3 site 273 as we were camping in the early season and loops 1-2 were closed. The site was well wooded and very spacious!" recommends Jack D. from Pinewoods Campground.

Educational opportunities: Some horse campgrounds provide learning experiences. "Pick Up the activity book for kids it is a great adventure lots to do at the lake!!!" suggests Jill G. from Kettle Moraine South Camping, noting resources for young equestrians.

Tips from RVers

Site specifications: Harnischfeger County Park offers detailed site information. "Sites with letters are tent sites without water or electric, sites with numbers have water and 30 amp service, though there are plans to upgrade the sites to all have water and 50 amp service in the future," explains Lauren S., critical information for those hauling horse trailers.

Pull-through availability: Many equestrian campers require specific site layouts. "There are 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. These include electric sites 405, 404, 403, 402, and 401," notes Josh F. about the Southern Unit Horseriders Campground.

Seasonal closure awareness: Operating dates vary by location. "You can camp year around in this campground. Most recent 2 times were winter camping," mentions Tim H. about Kettle Moraine Southern Unit, though horse facilities may have more limited seasonal availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cambridge, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cambridge, WI is Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Cambridge, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.