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Equestrian Camping near Delavan, WI

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    The Southern Unit Horseriders Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest offers electric hookups, water access, and tent and RV accommodations for equestrians exploring the region. Located near Palmyra, Wisconsin, approximately 20 miles from Delavan, this campground provides drinking water, fire pits, picnic tables, and toilet facilities specifically designed for visitors traveling with horses. The campground remains open from April through November, allowing for nearly seven months of horse camping opportunities. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs with room for horse trailers. Showers and toilets provide necessary comfort for overnight stays after long trail rides. Large camping spaces ensure adequate room for both camping equipment and horse gear.

    The equestrian trails at Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit connect riders to miles of wooded terrain suitable for day rides from the campground. The region features a mix of woodland trails and open areas, creating varied riding experiences for horse owners. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season when the campground reaches capacity. The campground's 5-star rating reflects its popularity among equestrians seeking well-maintained facilities. While there are no dedicated horse corrals, the campground layout accommodates portable corrals and highline setups that visitors typically bring. Riders access the trail system directly from the campground, eliminating the need to transport horses after arrival. Water sources for horses are available, though equestrians should confirm seasonal availability before planning extended stays.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Delavan (16)

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      1. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

      3.6(23)11mi from DelavanRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

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      2. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

      4.0(79)26mi from DelavanRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $12 - $50 / night

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      3. Elkhorn Campgrounds

      4.3(4)6mi from DelavanRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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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      4. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      4.4(26)25mi from DelavanRVs, Tents

      "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. "

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

      from $18 - $30 / night

      5. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      3.9(13)26mi from DelavanRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."

      "Trails were geared more towards horses and bikes, but there are plenty of walking paths, and we were able to find some hidden trails along the lake (read: unofficial)."

      6. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      4.3(12)26mi from DelavanRVs, Tents

      "There is a lot to do at this park from hiking to water sports to horse back riding. We did a nice short hike in area. We had a great time at this campground and would visit again."

      "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "

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

      5.0(1)17mi from DelavanRVs, Tents

      "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. "

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      8. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

      4.0(22)39mi from DelavanRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

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      9. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

      4.3(8)32mi from DelavanRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."

      "We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."

      from $43 - $73 / night

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      10. Paul Wolff Campground

      3.9(21)41mi from DelavanRVs, Tents

      "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."

      "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."

      from $12 - $35 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Delavan, WI

    227 Reviews of 16 Delavan Campgrounds

    • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 17, 2024

      Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      Fine camping in Northern Illinois

      We stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites. Fox den and Prairie view loops are nice as well with mostly primitive sites. Be aware that the map on www.ExloreMoreIL,com(where you make your reservations) doesn't show where the restrooms are. In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61. Facilities are clean and well lit. Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill. This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate, and it's a drive to the main boat launch at Maple Grove, where you have access to the Fox River and Grass lake. This location has a huge parking lot for boat trailers, a very well stocked general store with fishing supplies, a cafe, boat rentals and good firewood. To get away from the crowd if you're a canoeist or kayaker it's nicer to leave the park and go back in at Oak Point picnic area and boat launch at the northern border. This will put you on the Fox river with developments to the north(including a bar& grill) or to the south which is all nature. I think the distance by boat between the two launches is 4-5 miles, but I'm not sure, Halfway there you'll meet up with the Goldfinch trail which is the shortest loop and the most diverse in term of flora. There are horse/ snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground. Chain o' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season. We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October, so I can't tell you how crowded, but the vast number of picnic areas must be there for a reason. An odd thing is that you can hear a Steam Train whistle quite often, this is from Richardson's Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. We don't have kids so we went to Stade's Farm& Orchard(which is also large and kid friendly) because they have an orchard and vegetable market. One last thing, the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark:)

    • Josh F.
      Dec. 3, 2020

      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.

    • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 16, 2020

      Paul Wolff Campground

      Great value Chicago suburb campsite

      I've camped here four different occasions this 2020 covid-19 year. The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms. It is a super clean campground with multiple hosts and forest preserve staff. There are a large number of RV pads overlooking the prairie and a few along a grove of trees. I was lucky once to see the equestrian area full of campers with their horses. There are 9 walk-in tent sites about 10-20 yards from parking (the two at the end p7 and p9 are connected for groups that know each other). There are multiple ada sites and two "walk-in/ie roll-in" site in the tent-only area. It's a good mix of young people, retired people, and families. I've seen weekends with mainly RVs and one weekend with a quarter of the drive-in sites being tents. The most shaded sites are p1,3,5,7 and 9. Many of the sites in the middle are wide open with little shade but nice summer breezes. Prices are a great deal if you live in Kane county but still worth the trip if you live in another county. Firewood is $7 for about .75 cu ft (what you can fit in a milk crate.) There are a few trails and I've seen lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels. Lots of people (including me) bring their leashed dogs. The other campers have been polite and friendly. I wish there was more distance between sites in the water/electrical loops for more privacy, but I'd go every weekend if I lived in Kane county because it would be worth the resident price even tho there are so many RVs. Because there is electrical it is a peaceful campground with no generator noise.

    • 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.

    • M
      Jun. 2, 2021

      Paul Wolff Campground

      Not for #vanlife

      Full hook ups and electric sites plus some restricted Equestrian and walk in sites
      Not for #vanlife. I tried to pay for a tent site and was told “you’re not supposed to sleep in your car” “this campground is for RV’s only”

    • 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.

    Guide to Delavan

    Camping options near Delavan, Wisconsin include diverse terrains ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet in elevation within the Kettle Moraine region, formed by glacial deposits that created the area's distinctive rolling landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during peak camping season, with moderate humidity that can intensify during July and August. The region's glacial features provide natural drainage that helps campsites dry quickly after rainfall.

    What to do

    Horseback riding trails: Kettle Moraine offers 40+ miles of designated horse trails. Riders at Southern Unit Horseriders Campground can access dedicated trails directly from camp. "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," notes Josh F., who visited the horse campgrounds near Delavan.

    Kayaking: Chain of lakes water system connects seven lakes via small channels. At Fox Den Campground, campers enjoy direct lake access for paddling. Aida K. shares, "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill. Also it is 30 miles from Shipshawana where the Amish have a flea market and auction."

    Geocaching: Several hidden caches throughout state parks offer tech-based adventure. Lake Kegonsa State Park features multiple geocaches along its trails. "There are several geocaches in the park, which adds a little fun, but they are in the woods, and the mosquitos are oblivious to the bug spray," warns Melissa K., emphasizing the need for proper bug protection when searching for caches.

    What campers like

    Private campsites: Wooded sites with natural separation. At Pinewoods Campground, the foliage creates secluded spaces. "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion," shares Kendal R. Teresa D. adds, "Was a pretty spacious site with a longer driveway. Lots of Pine, hence the name."

    Affordable camping options: Sites range from $12-27 per night. Turner Lake South Camping Area offers budget-friendly camping close to Delavan. Addison G. notes, "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner."

    Year-round accessibility: Winter camping available at select locations. Kettle Moraine Southern Unit maintains open campsites throughout winter. Tim H. explains, "You can camp year around in this campground. Most recent 2 times were winter camping. No host so buying wood is an issue, but pick a site on the edge and there is more than enough free. Bring a saw."

    What you should know

    Mosquito management: Bug pressure varies by location and season. Lake Kegonsa State Park can have significant mosquito activity. One camper warns, "The mosquitos are just too much" while another mentions "I don't think it filled up. I think many of the locals know the bugs are bad and leave it for those of us from out of state to get eaten alive."

    Campground occupancy patterns: Weekday vs weekend differences. Big Foot Beach State Park shows distinctive usage patterns. Heather H. observes at another nearby park, "Beautiful sites super quiet" during weekdays, while weekend usage tends to increase significantly, especially during summer months when lakefront areas become crowded.

    Alcohol restrictions vary by property. Several state parks prohibit alcohol completely. A camper notes, "The only big minus is the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season. The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Multiple play areas available near camping loops. Campgrounds like Kettle Moraine Southern Unit feature dedicated family zones. "There is a playground right next to them as well," mentions one reviewer about the facilities near the shower houses, providing convenient recreation for children.

    Quiet loops: Designated areas for families seeking less noise. Kettle Moraine State Forest offers specialized camping sections. Wendy Z. explains, "We liked this site because it was on the 'quiet loop.' No radios or pets allowed. I'm not sure about children! The sites are fairly close together and the trees are sparse, but it was a beautiful site and wonderfully quiet for the long weekend over the 4th of July."

    Beach options: Swimming areas with varying features. Lakes throughout the region offer different swimming experiences. "There is a lake for swimming, fishing and boating only 4 miles down the road at Ottawa Campground. Both are a part of Kettle Moraine South Unit," notes Teresa D., providing information about water recreation opportunities for families with children.

    Tips from RVers

    Low clearance warnings: Watch for height restrictions. Some parks have hazardous low branches or structures. Kathy L. cautions about Lake Kegonsa: "Major CAUTION for RVs: there is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend's fifth wheel. There is also a low hanging overpass and it took the roofs off TWO fifth wheels while we were staying there."

    Electric service reliability: Older facilities may have limitations. Older parks may struggle with power demands. Rebecca C. shares her experience at Rock Cut State Park: "We have a 30 amp trailer. When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday. We called the Rangers and asked them to look at our site breaker since it kept tripping. They came, told us the park was old and not updated."

    Pull-through site availability: Easier access for trailers and large rigs. Horse-friendly campgrounds typically offer specialized parking configurations. Josh F. notes about the equestrian campground, "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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Delavan, WI is Big Foot Beach State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 23 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Delavan, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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