Equestrian camping near Eau Claire, Wisconsin offers opportunities for riders in wooded terrain covering the rolling hills and river valleys of west-central Wisconsin. The region sits at elevations between 800-1,100 feet with a mix of deciduous forest and open meadows that create diverse riding experiences. During peak summer months, temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity, requiring proper ventilation for horse trailers and portable corral systems.
What to do
Trail riding at Highland Ridge: The equestrian section at Highland Ridge provides trail access with both wooded and open sections. One camper notes, "You may camp in the equestrian area (E1-E10) without a horse if the main area is full," which helps during busy weekends. The equestrian sites are separate from the main campground area.
Kayaking and canoeing: Many equestrian-friendly areas also offer water activities for when you're not riding. At Lake Wissota, "the boat dock and beach launch for kayaks is close by car, and we used it twice," as one visitor explained. This provides alternative recreation between trail rides.
Wildlife watching: The wooded areas create habitats for diverse wildlife. At Pietrek County Park, there's "plenty of wildlife and could not hear the cars from the highway," creating a more immersive experience for horse campers. The park's backstory includes preservation as a wildlife area, making conservation a priority.
What campers like
Private campsites: Many horse-friendly campgrounds offer secluded sites. At Lake Wissota State Park Campground, a visitor observed "Beautiful shaded campground with semi private sites. Nice beach that is a walkable distance from the sites." The spacing helps reduce stress for horses and riders.
Clean facilities: Basic but well-maintained facilities matter for equestrian campers. According to one reviewer at Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir, it was "one of The cleanest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. The sites are large and very well shaded for privacy." Clean restrooms with showers allow riders to refresh after dusty trail days.
Rustic options: Some riders prefer more primitive settings. At Wedges Creek Hideaway, a camper described the experience as "rustic glamping" with "primitive cabins" and pet-friendly policies that work well for equestrians with dogs as trail companions. The property features "6 miles" of hiking trails suitable for both walking and riding.
What you should know
Limited dedicated horse facilities: While camping with horses is possible, many sites lack dedicated equine amenities. As one visitor to Zumbro Bottoms Central noted, there are "Some picnic tables/fire rings/tie outs for horses" but no proper corrals, requiring portable containment systems.
Seasonal variations: Spring conditions can create challenges. At Lake Wissota, trails feature "lots of walking, biking and horse trails that are full of wild berries" in summer, but spring conditions can create muddy footing requiring caution on horseback.
Reservation requirements: Many horse-friendly campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A Highland Ridge visitor explained, "We drove around and found a relatively level site with a very long driveway, then went online to recreation.gov to check its availability and reserved/paid for it." Planning ahead for equestrian sites is essential during busy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Combined activities: Look for campgrounds with diversified recreation beyond riding. One family at Lake Wissota enjoyed that "there was a ton to do in terms of swimming, hiking, canoeing or just enjoying the sights," creating options for family members who don't ride.
Playground access: Several equestrian-friendly campgrounds include play areas. A visitor to Highland Ridge mentioned "a nice, modern playground" near the interpretive center, providing entertainment for children between trail rides.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds are quieter than others for light sleepers. At Zumbro Bottoms West, the "Nice large horse Campground near the river" provides a more secluded setting away from road noise, with "Many large sites equipped for the equestrians whom need space for horses and equipment."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Horse camping areas sometimes have uneven terrain. At Highland Ridge, "Our site (7) sloped down but leveled out with plenty of room for our campervan at the bottom," showing the need for leveling blocks when parking horse trailers with living quarters.
Power access: Electric hookups vary at equestrian sites. One RVer mentioned, "Cost is $20/$16 for electric/non-electric" at Highland Ridge, with discounts available for pass holders. Checking power availability before arrival helps when using electric fencing systems.
Size considerations: Not all horse camping areas accommodate larger rigs. As one camper noted, "Some sites are difficult to back into if you have a large rig," requiring practice or spotters when positioning large horse trailers at tighter campgrounds.
