1 campground with availability this weekend
Highland Ridge Campground near Ellsworth, Wisconsin offers an equestrian section with designated sites (E1-E10) for horse campers. These sites remain available to campers without horses when the main campground area is full. The equestrian camping area is located approximately half mile before the main campground entrance, providing a separate and specialized environment for those traveling with horses. The campground features electric hookups and drinking water access for horse campers with additional overflow capacity when needed. The natural wooded environment creates a peaceful setting for both riders and horses with ample space at each site.
Horse trails connect directly to the campground, allowing riders convenient access to the surrounding countryside without trailering. The Hay Creek Valley Campground, located near Red Wing, Minnesota, provides another nearby option with trails described by frequent visitors as shaded and relatively bug-free. These trails have been enjoyed by horse campers for over 15 years, with many returning annually for the quality riding experience. Both campgrounds accommodate various camping styles including tent and RV options with horse-specific considerations. The trails at Hay Creek connect to a larger network that offers diverse terrain and riding opportunities. Reservation requirements vary by season, with weekends filling quickly during peak summer months. Horse campers typically find the electric and water hookups conveniently positioned for both human and equine needs.
"Services: There are full services at this campground - flush toilets, sinks, showers, trash receptacles, and drinking water/dump station near the entrance."
"T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location. The showers and bathrooms were spotless. Firewood is available at several roadside stands just outside the entrance."
Available this weekend
from $24 - $280 / night
"Well placed sites nestled near lovely walking trails - Very nice water hook ups and electric- well maintained! Loved this Camping Site!"
"For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."
from $23 - $80 / night
"Great for hiking and kayaking/canoeing is near by."
"Stayed middle of the week found local firewood from farms nearby. Also a creamery is a short drive from camp."
"Nice campground outside of Red Wing, MN with a bar/restaurant and other features. Access to trials for bikes and horses. I stayed in the horse camp without a horse but it was a nice area."
"We have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years for horse camping. The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff."
"Horse camping and trails too. Private Firewood sources are right at the entrance. Bathrooms and water. Clean. Nice reservoir for kayaking."
from $50 / night
"The river is behind the property."
from $17 / night
from $22 / night
"We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
"If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers."
GuideRun by the Army Corp of Engineers, it’s a nice quiet campground. Good host. Horse camping and trails too. Private Firewood sources are right at the entrance. Bathrooms and water. Clean. Nice reservoir for kayaking. Good amount of quiet areas you can hike too with picnic tables.
ScoutI camp site is beautiful but they do not have any USPS delivery so you must get delivered to the post office
TravelerBeen camping here year round for 20+ years. Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring.
If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers.
LegendThis is in a rural area and has many seasonal sites. Transitional sites too. There is a restaurant/bar on site. The river is behind the property.
LegendNice camping for going on the horse/hiking trails in the Zumbro River valley. Many large sites equipped for the equestrians whom need space for horses and equipment.
LegendThe campground is down a minimum maintenance road, but the road is pretty good though. Just one circle with 17 sites. There are many miles of horse and hiking trails in the area. 2 Vault toilets. No showers. Some picnic tables/fire rings/tie outs for horses.
GuideRed Wing, Minn might be the prettiest small town in the US. Rolling hills, greenery, the Mississippi River, and genuinely nice people in a small city with lots of attractions.
The campground is about a 10 minute ride from the city center. The amenities are sparse and aged, but the sites are level, plentiful, and reasonably priced.
Be aware however…..The Dyrt is wrong. There are no sewer hookups at this campground. They have a dump station and will pump for a fee.
There is a perfectly average pub on site. The food is okay, the price is reasonable.
TravelerTheres alot of hiking trails, the rustic sites are very nice, swim pond, fishing pier.
LegendGeneral: Smallish (38 sites plus four walk-in sites) Army Corps of Engineers campground. Some (see below) have electric hookups but no water or sewer hookups, however, there is a dump station.
Site Quality: All sites are gravel/dirt (except for the ADA-accessible site), and most are very generous in size. Our site (7) sloped down but leveled out with plenty of room for our campervan at the bottom. All sites are wooded with trees providing separation/privacy between sites. Completing the site are a metal picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook.
Bath/Shower House: Sites 28-38 only have vault toilets (but you could trek to the other campground loop). Sites 1—27 have flush toilets and showers. They were very clean, and I especially appreciated the fact that they were cleaned daily before 6 am, a shout out to the camp host! The shower was great– warm water and great flow, although our friends (who arrived two days before we did) had cold showers when the campground was full.
Activities: Several short hiking trails. I give this campground 4 stars instead of 5 because Eau Galle Reservoir (Lake George) is about a 10-minute drive from the campground. Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds are located right on the water. 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. At the campground, there was an interpretive center, but it was locked when we were there. There is also a nice, modern playground.
Aside from the plentiful bugs (in August), we enjoyed our two-night stay at this campground!
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.
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!"
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.
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."
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ellsworth, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ellsworth, WI is Highland Ridge with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ellsworth, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Ellsworth, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
