Kettle Moraine State Forest offers extensive equestrian camping opportunities near Cleveland, Wisconsin, with dedicated facilities for horse enthusiasts. The Northern Unit contains over 30 miles of bridle trails winding through glacial terrain at elevations ranging from 900-1,200 feet. Trail conditions vary seasonally with spring often bringing muddy sections while fall offers optimal footing and visibility through the woods.
What to do
Fishing at Mauthe Lake: Anglers can access prime fishing spots at Mauthe Lake Campground within the Kettle Moraine State Forest. "Big campsites. Not too close to neighbors, good fishing!" notes camper Haley K. The lake prohibits motorized boats, creating a peaceful environment for shore and small craft fishing.
Beach swimming: Families appreciate the designated swimming areas at many parks near Cleveland. "Nice clean swimming and lots of hiking and biking options," reports Noreen T. about Mauthe Lake. The swimming beaches typically open Memorial Day weekend and close after Labor Day, with no lifeguards on duty.
Historical exploration: High Cliff State Park contains preserved lime kilns and other historical structures. "Hike the trails to see pieces of Wisconsin history throughout. Some trails on the Ridgeline offer vista views and moderate inclines that add to the adventure," shares Sam F. The limestone quarry and kilns date back to the 1890s and remain accessible year-round.
Sunset viewing: The region's lakes provide stunning sunset views. At Point Beach State Forest, visitors can watch from the shoreline as "The beaches are very clean and great for walking at different points in the day," according to Terry L. Sunset times vary seasonally, with summer offering the latest viewing opportunities after 8:30 pm.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Point Beach State Forest receives praise for its spacious layout. "The campground is clean and organized well, with each space separated by trees/bush/woods," notes Terry L. Sites typically measure 30-40 feet in length with natural vegetation barriers between neighboring campers.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned in reviews is the maintenance of bathhouses and common areas. "The shower house and flush toilets were a bit of a hike from our campsite, but pit toilets were nearby," reports Renee R. about Point Beach State Forest. Most campgrounds clean facilities daily, typically in early morning hours.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Multiple campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. Regarding Bay Shore Park, Kristine M. shares: "This is a great spot for kids..although there isnt swimming there are 2 playgrounds and lots of space to play frisbee or run around." Many sites can accommodate multiple tents and have extra parking areas for visitors.
Trail accessibility: Campers appreciate direct access to hiking and biking paths from their sites. "We've been camping here for years and love the beautiful lake for swimming and watersports. No motor boats so nice and quiet. Also great trail running opportunities on the Ice Age," notes Sarah L. about Mauthe Lake. Most trails connect directly to campgrounds with minimal road walking required.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Cleveland fill quickly during peak season. For Sundance Farm Campground, Sarah N. advises: "I almost hate to give this place 5 stars because I don't want everyone else to find out about it… it's a wonderful campground." Reservations open 11 months in advance and weekend dates in summer typically book within hours of release.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with drinking water. "The drinking water is not good so be sure to pack enough," warns Terry L. about Point Beach State Forest. While all campgrounds provide potable water, taste varies significantly between locations.
Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate on limited schedules. Camper Laura M. notes: "Campground will be closed until May 24, 2024 for maintenance on the waterlines." Winter access to equestrian trails near Cleveland remains limited, with most horse facilities closing after October.
Weather considerations: The glacial terrain creates unique microclimates. "We stayed in the primitive area which wasn't crowded at all just after labor day. It rained most of the time we were there so we didn't get to explore much," shares Ken G. about Bay Shore Park. Spring camping often encounters more precipitation, while September typically offers the driest conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play equipment. "There is a nice lodge and camp store right on the lake, complete with a quaint restaurant where we got breakfast on the weekend as well as ice cream," mentions Renee R. about Point Beach. Most playgrounds remain open from dawn until dusk, with some featuring updated equipment installed within the last five years.
Educational opportunities: The region offers natural history lessons for children. "The area has some interesting natural features, including some wetland-prone areas with frogs, salamanders, etc.," notes Renee about Point Beach. Rangers often conduct weekend programs during summer months, typically lasting 30-45 minutes and appropriate for children 5-12.
Food options: Bay Shore County Park provides convenient meal solutions when camping with kids. "Staff delivered fire directly to our site," notes Sam F., making meal preparation easier for families. While grocery stores require driving 15-20 minutes from most campgrounds, several parks operate small stores with essentials.
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy observing local animals. "Raccoons can be a pest and beg for food!" warns Denise L. about High Cliff State Park. Dawn and dusk offer prime viewing times for deer, while bird watching remains productive throughout daylight hours across all seasons.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Bay Shore Park, Nikki & Mike note: "The electric and water hookups were on opposite sides of the site, and we had to keep adjusting the travel trailer to get both to actually hook up." RVers should bring extension cords (25-50 feet) and extra water hoses to accommodate varied utility placements.
Dump station congestion: Laura M. warns about Point Beach: "The dump station gets really backed up at the end of the weekend, so heads up." Most campgrounds have single-lane dump stations that experience peak usage between 10 am and 1 pm on Sundays.
Site selection strategy: When staying at horse-friendly campgrounds near Cleveland, choosing the right location matters. Camper Lesley R. recommends the equestrian sites, noting: "Open tent sites and well designed riggings and beyond excellent, well-maintained trails, accommodations and hospitality." RVs exceeding 35 feet should verify site length before booking, as many older campgrounds have limited options for larger rigs.
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