Highland Ridge Campground offers both dedicated equestrian and standard camping areas within the wooded terrain near Ellsworth, Wisconsin. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet, the campground sits among rolling hills typical of western Wisconsin's driftless region. Fall temperatures typically range from 35-65°F with summer highs reaching 80-85°F, making spring through fall the prime camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking and nature trails: Highland Ridge provides several hiking paths through wooded areas. According to one camper at Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir, it's a "Great campground and been here many times. Plenty of wildlife and can hear the owls talking to each other."
Paddling and water activities: Eau Galle Reservoir (Lake George) offers calm waters for paddling enthusiasts. A reviewer noted at Highland Ridge Campground that "There are no amenities (rentals, etc.) offered at the lake but it is small and beautiful, and we enjoyed a peaceful paddle. We saw a couple of people fishing on the lake and there is a small swimming area."
Biking on nearby trails: The region offers excellent biking opportunities. A visitor at Haycreek Valley Campground shared: "We really enjoyed the bike trail that was so close, paved and had lots of tree cover to keep us cool. Very nice ride to Red Wing right from our site!"
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Many campers appreciate the size and layout of sites. One reviewer at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve mentioned: "Our modern site 40 was in a great open location with a shaded edge. We had plenty of room to play, park the camper or set up tents."
Cleanliness and maintenance: Campgrounds in the area are well-maintained. A camper noted: "This was one of The cleanest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. The sites are large and very well shaded for privacy. Great playground and hiking area."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides chances to spot local wildlife. "The campground is well maintained and a beautiful park within the woods. Great for hiking and kayaking/canoeing is near by," reported one visitor about Highland Ridge.
What you should know
Terrain considerations: Some sites in the region have challenging terrain. One Highland Ridge visitor cautioned: "Many sites are placed on on incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill."
Weather preparation: The wooded environment can affect temperature and conditions. A camper at Cannon River Wilderness Area advised: "The 2 camp sites are a good little hike in and you have to backpack everything you need in."
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. One Highland Ridge camper shared: "Came here without a reservation while driving cross country. It is only a few miles from the highway but is a beautiful and quiet, natural environment with lots of trees. We got here around 6pm on a Thursday evening and there were lots of available sites."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreational amenities: Some nearby parks offer additional features for children. At Lake Elmo, a visitor mentioned: "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids."
Consider shoulder season visits: Less crowded periods offer a more relaxed experience. "We stayed during a severe storm, and the wind through the trees was just massive! The bath houses are very nice and there's a playground for the kids," noted one Highland Ridge camper about their off-peak visit.
Plan for shade needs: The tree cover varies across campgrounds. "It's completely in the woods, and sites are FULLY shaded. Sites 28-38 are on a loop with a picnic pavilion in the middle with some openings for sun on the road and in the picnic area," explained a Highland Ridge visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RV access: Some sites have challenging approaches. One camper at Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground noted: "The campsites are well kept and spacious. There are no picnic tables in the sites, but we got along just fine without."
Hookup positioning: Utility locations can be challenging at some sites. A visitor mentioned: "Our site was rather odd as the electric and water post was on the opposite side of our camper. Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn't reach so we ended up backing up the hill to get next to the water and filled our tank for the weekend."
Solar power limitations: The dense tree cover affects solar charging. A Highland Ridge camper advised: "This is not a good place for solar panels, but almost all sites are electric."
Legend
