Cedar River North State Forest Campground features 14 riverside campsites with half containing dedicated horse pens, making it a premier destination for horseback riders. The rustic campground sits 8 miles down an old logging trail and connects to a network of equestrian trails that double as ski routes during winter months. A fresh water spigot serves the campground, though no electricity is available at any of the sites.
What to do
Trail riding: Equestrian trails at Cedar River North State Forest Campground offer extensive riding opportunities through forested terrain. Christopher L. notes, "Great little State Forest campground that follows the river. Very few people, extremely quiet, private sites."
Kayaking: Launch your kayak directly from the campground for fishing and paddling on the Cedar River. The campground features a dedicated kayak launch area, with local anglers reporting good bass fishing opportunities in the river.
Island exploration: Take a ferry to Washington Island Campground for a unique camping experience. Mary H. shares, "The island itself is lovely with lots to do and see. Restaurants and little grocery store that has everything you'd need. Taking the ferry was really fun and unique!"
Beach visits: School House Beach on Washington Island offers a rare limestone pebble beach. Connor M. recommends, "Visit School House Beach (don't take the rocks!), the lavender farm and for a few extra bucks have seafood at Sailors Pub on the water."
What campers like
Natural separation: The campsites at Cedar River North provide significant privacy between camping parties. Christopher L. appreciates that sites are "very private" with "extremely quiet" surroundings.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at River Park provide excellent wildlife watching opportunities. David K. shares, "We went for walks on the handful of small trails, enjoyed a picnic and roasted food over our little fire. The site also offers toilet, water and trash services, adding a little extra convenience."
Family-friendly amenities: Rustic Timbers Door County Camping offers numerous facilities for families. Kayla M. reports, "Multiple nice play areas, my 4 year old had a blast. They had a live band all day Saturday until 9:15."
Riverside locations: Many campsites directly border the Cedar River. Zachary J. noted at River Park, "We are in site 3 overlooking the River. We will come back again; each site had a trash and fire ring."
What you should know
Access road conditions: While the road to Cedar River North is unpaved, most vehicles can navigate it. Christopher L. confirms, "Road is slightly bumpy but completely fine for almost any vehicle to go down."
Insects: Mosquitoes can be abundant during certain seasons at Cedar River North. Christopher L. simply states, "Mosquitoes are plentiful."
Limited amenities: No electricity is available at Cedar River North, though there is a fresh water spigot. The campground has basic vault toilets but no showers.
Ferry requirements: To reach Washington Island Campground, you must take a ferry across from the mainland. Kelly G. advises, "The ferry ride was easy to navigate and when we arrived we were able to just drive right on. Even with our 13'2" clearance they easily accommodated us."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Bay Shore Park offers multiple play areas for children. 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."
Kid-friendly campsites: Look for sites with enough space for play and exploration. Linda N. at Rustic Timbers notes, "The newer playground is now open/free and includes a pickleball court, which was enjoyed by everyone. There is also a nice little convenience store and a bar/restaurant with a patio that overlooks the play area."
Safety considerations: Some campsites may require additional supervision due to proximity to water. At River Park, Gwynn S. cautions, "There was a good amount of broken glass and some trash at site 2, so be careful if you have little ones or dogs."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger RVs: At Rustic Timbers Door County Camping, certain areas provide more privacy than others. Debra M. recommends, "We stayed on the Horseshoe Loop which was less crowded and very nice."
Hookup placement: Check hookup locations when selecting sites. At Bay Shore Park, Nikki & Mike found challenges: "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."
Ground conditions: Be aware of potential muddy conditions after rain. Nikki & Mike observed at Bay Shore Park, "The ground was a sandy-dirt, which wasn't too bad at first, but after an overnight rain it was a muddy mess."
Site spaciousness: Most sites at Cedar River North can accommodate campers and horse trailers, with ample room for setup and parking.
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