Yellow River State Forest offers multiple equestrian camping areas within driving distance of Cassville, Wisconsin. The forest spans over 8,500 acres of diverse terrain with multiple trout streams crossing the property. Horse trails range from easy rides along creek bottoms to challenging paths with steep elevation changes and water crossings that connect directly to campground access points.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Yellow River State Forest provides excellent fishing opportunities in stocked trout streams. "Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings," notes James M. about Creekside Equestrian Campground. Anglers can access multiple stream points directly from camping areas.
Observatory viewing: Wyalusing State Park includes an astronomical observatory on site. As Jim J. mentions, "There are many burial mounds in the park, and there is an astronomical observatory on site. The only water access that we found was a boat landing on the Mississippi side."
Mountain biking trails: Governor Dodge State Park offers dedicated mountain biking paths separate from hiking routes. Josh F. reports, "There are miles of great hiking trails and two trails for mountain biking. While the trails to Big and Little Sand caves are lovely, they are also heavily trafficked."
What campers like
Scenic overlooks: Wyalusing State Park Campground provides commanding views of two major rivers. "The sites you'll want to check out are 119, 127, 129, 122, 144, 146, 148 and 152," for views of "both rivers and the quaint river town of Prairie du Chien," according to Josh F.
Creek water crossings: The equestrian trails at Frontier Equestrian Campground include stream crossings through trout waters. James M. notes the "very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site" with "trails from camp including stream crossings in trout streams."
Late-season availability: Big Paint Campground remains open when many others close. Stuart O. reports, "Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March."
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Big Paint Campground offers open camping with limited privacy between sites. Daphne D. notes, "The sites there are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites."
Wind exposure: Campsites on ridgetops experience significant wind. Josh F. warns about Wisconsin Ridge campground: "This campground is also noted for its rip-roaring winds, one camper told us that during the rainy and wind night before, their shelter took off and tumbled down the valley."
Aggressive wildlife: Raccoons at some campgrounds are particularly bold. Sarah R. advises, "The raccoons here are insanely bold, we had one frequently visit our site and get VERY close to us and in the evening ended up ripping thru the roof of our tent... Very frustrating night and hated every second of dealing with that coon."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly geology: Governor Dodge State Park features accessible rock formations good for children. Connor M. reports, "There's some really nice trails and cool rock formations, couple this with the playground and nice bathrooms it makes for an ideal campground for families with younger children."
Educational programs: Several parks offer nature activities for children. Jennifer B. shares, "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time."
Safety considerations: Watch children near cliff areas. "Just keep in mind that it's on a bluff so there are some steep drop-off points that children could take a pretty nasty fall from," warns Connor M.
Tips from RVers
Water and electric hookups: Backbone State Park has both 30-amp and 50-amp service available. Edward B. notes campers should "fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available."
Limited level sites: Some areas lack level parking for larger vehicles. Mary S. advises that in Governor Dodge State Park, "Lower [Twin Valley] being better for larger RVs while upper has more shaded, cozier sites better for smaller rigs and tents."
Off-season amenities: Some campgrounds maintain facilities later than others. Fred S. found at Twin Valley campground, "While other Wisconsin state parks have shut off most water & closed their shower houses, this park kept these amenities available this late in October; that was a nice surprise."
Ranger
