Kettle Moraine Southern Unit offers over 20,000 acres of glacial terrain for horseback riding and camping. Elevation changes range from 700 to 1,000 feet, creating varied trail conditions for riders. Trail access within the state forest includes paths suitable for beginner to advanced equestrians, with connecting routes that allow rides lasting from 30 minutes to full-day excursions.
What to do
Explore dedicated equestrian trails: The Southern Unit features an extensive network of horse-friendly paths through varied terrain. At Kettle Moraine Southern Unit, riders can access "great trails and rustic sites" with "very secluded" camping areas that connect directly to the trail system.
Enjoy beach activities: After a day of riding, cool off at the Ottawa Lake swimming area. "You can camp year around in this campground... No rowdies in winter. Close to hiking. 10 minutes from a town if needed," notes one visitor to Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.
Visit nearby attractions: The area surrounding Eagle provides additional recreational options. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground provides "great place to quickly get in and set up, easy access to all amenities... Good fishing ponds for the kids, and great hiking trails throughout the property."
Try winter camping: For those seeking off-season adventures, Kettle Moraine remains accessible. "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 campers like
Privacy between sites: Equestrian campers appreciate the layout at Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, where "the sites were very nice with some decent foliage between sites. The space was generous so we didn't feel crowded." Another camper mentioned "the sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain."
Multi-use trails: The interconnected path system allows for various activities. "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."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain good standards for bathhouses and common areas. At Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks, visitors note "there is a central shower building with vault toilets in the camping loops" and "the park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails."
Seasonal flexibility: The region's campgrounds accommodate year-round use. "We stayed with a group of people here with no electricity but was able to use my generator during the day while camping in my pop-up. Hot shower, public lake to go kayaking in."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The area experiences typical Midwest seasonal changes, with occasional heavy rainfall. At Elkhorn Campgrounds, a visitor noted "There are a lot of sites but still felt like there was ample space. Great location to visit Lake Geneva (~8mi.) or see a concert at Alpine Valley (~20 min)."
Reservation requirements: During peak horse riding months (May-October), campsites fill quickly. "Campsite 65- Rita, the mgr/owner, returned call to assist in selecting a site. The outer lanes had shade, while our site was in the middle open area."
Trail etiquette: Equestrian paths require proper horse management and awareness of other users. "The sites are designed to accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space."
Supply availability: Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site, but prices vary. "Site, restrooms, and showers were clean. There are a lot of sites but still felt like there was ample space."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with playground access: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly amenities. "The park has a playground too but the diverse hiking and woodsy sites make this one to return to," notes a camper at Pinewoods.
Pack insect protection: The wooded areas can have seasonal bug activity. "We didn't get Verizon service in camp but occasionally found 1 or 2 bars of weak signal while hiking."
Prepare for varied trail conditions: When horseback riding with children, select appropriate paths. "There is plenty of greenery between sites giving privacy. We could hear children playing but only saw them when they rode their bikes around the loop."
Visit during weekdays if possible: For quieter experiences with less competition for facilities. "Weekday camping... Beautiful sites super quiet" notes a visitor at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Plan arrival time carefully: Some campgrounds have limited check-in hours. At Harnischfeger County Park, "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."
Position rigs to maximize shade: Tree cover varies by site. "The campground has alot of great amenities. Theirs a mini gulf course that we had alot of fun with. Their is also a great hiking trail if you like that."
Consider electrical capacity: Some equestrian sites have limited amperage. "We booked a week here in 2022 and ended up staying for two summers as camp hosts. The park is quiet, family orientated, and the park caretaker John is a national treasure."
Verify water hookup locations: Placement can affect hose requirements. "Cute peaceful campground. Only 9 sites. Has a 9 hole mini golf course that cost $1 a person. Has trails, disc golf, and rock river for kayaking."
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