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Equestrian Camping near Elm Grove, WI

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Southern Unit Horseriders Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest serves as the primary equestrian camping destination near Elm Grove, Wisconsin. Located in Palmyra, the campground offers electric hookups, drinking water, and dedicated space for horses and their owners. The campground features both tent and RV accommodations with vehicle accessibility through drive-in access. Campers have access to modern amenities including flush toilets, showers, and picnic tables. The sites provide plenty of space for horse trailers with convenient parking configurations. While not featuring dedicated horse corrals, the campground offers appropriate areas for securing horses while maintaining campground cleanliness. The campground receives excellent reviews from equestrians who appreciate the clean facilities and spacious campsites.

    The bridle trails connecting to the Southern Unit Horseriders Campground provide extensive riding opportunities throughout Kettle Moraine State Forest. The trail system offers varied terrain through pine forests and rolling kettle moraine topography characteristic of the region. Riders have access to water sources along the trails during summer months. The campground operates seasonally from April to November, making it unavailable during winter months. Sites are reservable, which is strongly recommended during peak summer weekends when horse camping is in high demand. Camping fees include access to the trail system, with additional vehicle admission stickers required for day use. The campground's location provides convenient access to over 130 miles of trails within the state forest, allowing for multi-day riding adventures without covering the same ground twice.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Elm Grove (12)

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      1. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      4.3(52)21mi from Elm Grove103 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."

      "Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa. The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."

      from $23 - $38 / night

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      2. Pinewoods & Group Camp — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      4.4(26)19mi from Elm Grove107 sitesRVs, Tents

      "It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake.  Nearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "

      "You can walk over to an area that has hiking trails right out of the campsite. State park mountain biking trails are also close by, but you would need to drive to them."

      from $23 - $90 / night

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      3. Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks

      3.9(8)9mi from Elm GroveRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."

      "The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards."

      from $25 - $80 / night

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      4. Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

      4.4(45)39mi from Elm Grove141 sitesRVs, Tents

      "I live very close to this park and camp here often. It is a nice family type campground with a nice swimming beach and playground for children."

      "Mauthe Lake Campground is located in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest in East/Centreal Wisconsin."

      from $23 - $38 / night

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      5. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

      3.6(24)37mi from Elm Grove101 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."

      "This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits."

      from $18 - $36 / night

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      6. Harnischfeger County Park

      5.0(3)26mi from Elm GroveRVs, Tents

      "Has trails, disc golf, and rock river for kayaking."

      "Their is also a great hiking trail if you like that."

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      7. Horseriders Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      5.0(1)28mi from Elm Grove56 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Driving on country roads to this campground, I drove past many many horse ranches. So it's no surprise that there is a dedicated campground for horseback riding in this state park. "

      from $23 - $70 / night

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      8. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      3.9(13)42mi from Elm GroveRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."

      "Trails were geared more towards horses and bikes, but there are plenty of walking paths, and we were able to find some hidden trails along the lake (read: unofficial)."

      9. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      4.3(12)42mi from Elm GroveRVs, Tents

      "There is a lot to do at this park from hiking to water sports to horse back riding. We did a nice short hike in area. We had a great time at this campground and would visit again."

      "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "

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      10. Elkhorn Campgrounds

      4.3(4)34mi from Elm GroveRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Within walking distance to downtown Elkhorn, EAHS, and the horse areana. You might even be able to catch a show or two on site at the fair grounds, depending on the time of year."

      "Easy access to electric and/or water. If unsure, contact office. Site, restrooms, and showers were clean. There are a lot of sites but still felt like there was ample space."

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Elm Grove, WI

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Elm Grove, WI

    196 Reviews of 12 Elm Grove Campgrounds

    • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 17, 2024

      Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      Fine camping in Northern Illinois

      We stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites. Fox den and Prairie view loops are nice as well with mostly primitive sites. Be aware that the map on www.ExloreMoreIL,com(where you make your reservations) doesn't show where the restrooms are. In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61. Facilities are clean and well lit. Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill. This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate, and it's a drive to the main boat launch at Maple Grove, where you have access to the Fox River and Grass lake. This location has a huge parking lot for boat trailers, a very well stocked general store with fishing supplies, a cafe, boat rentals and good firewood. To get away from the crowd if you're a canoeist or kayaker it's nicer to leave the park and go back in at Oak Point picnic area and boat launch at the northern border. This will put you on the Fox river with developments to the north(including a bar& grill) or to the south which is all nature. I think the distance by boat between the two launches is 4-5 miles, but I'm not sure, Halfway there you'll meet up with the Goldfinch trail which is the shortest loop and the most diverse in term of flora. There are horse/ snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground. Chain o' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season. We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October, so I can't tell you how crowded, but the vast number of picnic areas must be there for a reason. An odd thing is that you can hear a Steam Train whistle quite often, this is from Richardson's Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. We don't have kids so we went to Stade's Farm& Orchard(which is also large and kid friendly) because they have an orchard and vegetable market. One last thing, the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark:)

    • Josh F.
      Dec. 3, 2020

      Horseriders Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      If I had a horse, I'd definitely camp here

      Driving on country roads to this campground, I drove past many many horse ranches. So it's no surprise that there is a dedicated campground for horseback riding in this state park. 

      Built for Large Gatherings

      There are a number of COVID-era regulations that as of this writing are in place, see photos of the signs posted. This campground is clearly built for large groups to hang out together. There is a large shelter with picnic tables and very convenient roll-up sides that can be used to protect people during inclement weather. There is also a large grill that would be great for serving many, and a very nice fire pit with fixed seating for a large group. 

      Ammenities

      There are also nice touches, such as a small stair-step for beginners or young people to mount their horse. And the campground has a little free library. There are electric and non-electric campsites, all seem to have a picnic table and fireplace. There are ample places to bridle horses and shared corrals every four or five campsites. There are also animal waste collection areas throughout the campground. There are several pit toilets throughout the campground, and one building with flush toilets and showers. It's a very nice and fairly new building.

      Group Campsite

      The group campsite has six sites and they are not pull through for trailers. There is a fire pit with fixed seating around it centrally-located in the group campsite. The group campsite does not have electric units. 

      And no surprise, there is easy access to horse trails throughout the state forest. 

      My Top Picks

      There are several sites along one side of the park that are a little more secluded and in a pine forest. They have picnic tables and fire pits like the others, they include 409, 410, 411, 412, 413. There's also a series of pull-through sites that would make it easier for those who don't care to back trailers in or out of the site. These include electric sites 405, 404, 403, 402, and 401.

      There's a nice couple of campsites at the end of one of the loops that affords a little bit of privacy, the only problem is they abut the main road and are a little noisy with car traffic. However, they are sweet sites. They include 427 and 428. Unfortunately, they camping here you would hear all of the car traffic while all the other campsites are much further away from the road.

    • Julie L.
      Mar. 20, 2017

      Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

      Mauthe-Lake Northern Kettle Morraine

      I live very close to this park and camp here often. It is a nice family type campground with a nice swimming beach and playground for children. There is only 1 bath house here and MANY pit toilets that are surprisingly clean and not real stinky. It is part of the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine and there are great hiking and biking trails as well as horse trails with a horse camp nearby. Every once in a while you can spot an eagle soaring around dinner time. There are sites very near the lake, but I prefer the ones up the hill. Mosquitos are present in the early summer and the breezes topside keep them at bay.

    • Kim L.
      Jul. 28, 2019

      Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

      Great state park for family RV camping

      I love everything about this park except the beach, so it didn’t get a 5 star. We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine. Took a walk around and found plenty of other large, private shaded electric sites. If we came here again I would go for a site away from the bathroom. The tent sites looks fantastic- large and private. Plenty of hiking trails here, a decent playground, and tons of large fields to picnic in. Park has a Facebook page where they post activities. Friday night we saw a presentation on the cranes of Wisconsin, and Saturday morning we did a parkwide scavenger hunt. All fun for the family. We would definitely camp here again. The beach is across the very busy road, and has about 10 ft of sand before the road. Fine for a dip, but not relaxing. Very crowded. Other beaches are nearby but not free. Town of Lake Geneva is very cute in an upscale tourist way. Our kid found the museum a lot of fun.

    • A
      May. 31, 2019

      Pinewoods & Group Camp — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      Fine camp for hikers on the Ice Age trail.

      A good campground for tents and trailers in a pine forest.  It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake.  Nearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails.  You can almost feel like you're away from it all, but there is a small highway in the distance.

    • Brenton S.
      Jul. 1, 2020

      Elkhorn Campgrounds

      Affordable and friendly!

      Such a great little place to escape to or visit if you're just passing through. Nothing crazy fancy but hook-ups and fire pits available if needed. Within walking distance to downtown Elkhorn, EAHS, and the horse areana. You might even be able to catch a show or two on site at the fair grounds, depending on the time of year.

    • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 13, 2023

      Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

      There are no Yeti here

      This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits. This area has always been a summer getaway, so reservations are hard to get. We went in October, so it was much easier, but the weather was unpredictable.
       The lake is famous for it's mansions, summer homes and the trail which goes around the entire perimeter and is open to the public, no matter how many property lines it crosses.
       The park is on the lake, 2 miles south of downtown. So, a 40 min walk, 11 by bike, though there are hills on both routes. The park has a long strip of beach that almost seems like a shoulder to the main road. There's a fishing lagoon with a bait vending machine. The campsites and trails are further back, and out of the wind.
       The sites are generally spacious, some are oddly shaped. The further back you go on the main loop though, actually brings you closer to town. You can hear events taking place at the High School even though it looks like you're in the woods.
       The main restroom and shower facility is brand new and spotless.
      Too many things to see and do in the area to list here but I'd point out the Boat House Bar & Grill is right next to the entrance. It has a big patio and is dog friendly. Easy walking distance from the campground. Good food at a good price.
       Outside of town, Lake Geneva County Meats is a butcher shop and more with a terrific selection and variety of brats (among other things) and can supply all your cookout needs.  Also, check out Royal Oaks farm & Orchard. In season, they have the greatest variety of apples we've ever seen. Better still, they are well labeled telling which types are best for what use. Of course, donuts and cider too.

    • Erin Z.
      Jul. 21, 2024

      Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      Great Family Campground!

      Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky. Electricity on site and water near by. Great trails close by.

    • C
      May. 12, 2018

      Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      We love camping at Kettle...

      We go there every year. The campsites are large with lots of foliage for privacy. It's so pretty in the fall. Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa.

      The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside.

      About 20 minutes northeast of the campground is Lapham Peek Park with a walk up tower offering great views of the area.

    Guide to Elm Grove

    Kettle Moraine State Forest covers approximately 30,000 acres near Elm Grove, Wisconsin with elevations ranging from 250 to 300 feet above the surrounding area. The forest's rolling terrain was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age. Winter camping options remain limited with most equestrian facilities closing from November through April when temperatures often drop below freezing.

    What to do

    Hiking accessible trails: From Pinewoods Campground, visitors can access trails directly from the camping area. "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," notes Art S. about Pinewoods Campground.

    Mountain biking options: The state forest maintains dedicated single-track mountain biking trails throughout the property. "Great natural and historical sites. Awesome single-track mountain bike trails. Multiple campgrounds. Something for everyone," reports Bruce G. about Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    Kayaking and canoeing: The lakes throughout the region provide calm water recreation opportunities from spring through fall. At Mauthe Lake, "The lake itself is great for canoeing or kayaking. I would highly recommend visiting," shares Charles M. about Mauthe Lake Campground.

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Many campsites throughout Kettle Moraine offer natural screening. "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion. The quiet Loop was a wonderful idea," comments Kendal R. about their stay at Pinewoods Campground.

    Quiet camping areas: Dedicated quiet zones appeal to campers seeking peaceful surroundings. "We liked this site because it was on the 'quiet loop.' No radios or pets allowed. I'm not sure about children! The sites are fairly close together and the trees are sparse, but it was a beautiful site and wonderfully quiet for the long weekend over the 4th of July," explains Wendy Z. about her experience at Kettle Moraine SF Southern Unit.

    Scenic views and wildlife: The natural landscapes provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Stayed one night (Friday) and really enjoyed the location. We were in the quiet loop, Loop 1, which actually was very quiet. There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area. We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds," reports Abbe W. from their stay at Pinewoods Campground.

    What you should know

    Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. "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," advises Tim H. regarding winter camping at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Reservation requirements: Booking in advance is essential during peak season. "State park mountain biking trails are also close by, but you would need to drive to them. The showers were clean and when we used them, available," shares Wendy Z. about Kettle Moraine SF Southern Unit.

    Equestrian facilities: Dedicated horse campgrounds near Elm Grove, Wisconsin provide specialized amenities. "This campground is clearly built for large groups to hang out together. There is a large shelter with picnic tables and very convenient roll-up sides that can be used to protect people during inclement weather," explains Josh F. about his visit to Southern Unit Horseriders Campground.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards," recommends Matt N. about Menomonee Park.

    Swimming beaches: Lake access provides recreational opportunities during summer months. "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids. Also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July," shares Kaylyn C. about Mauthe Lake Campground.

    Quiet zones for families: Some campgrounds designate specific areas for families seeking peaceful surroundings. "I would say sites are average size for a county park. All sorts are mostly wooded and offer good shade. There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I'm sure I'm missing more," reports Matt N. regarding Menomonee Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Electric site availability: Limited electrical hookups require advance planning. "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers. Electric is easily accessible, and water / sanitary is easy to get in and out of," advises Ian C. about Fox Den Campground.

    Pull-through sites: Some campgrounds offer easier access for larger rigs. "There are several sites along one side of the park that are a little more secluded and in a pine forest. There's also a series of pull-through sites that would make it easier for those who don't care to back trailers in or out of the site. These include electric sites 405, 404, 403, 402, and 401," notes Josh F. about Southern Unit Horseriders Campground.

    Campground layout considerations: Site location can impact camping experience. "Campground facilities are clean, 30 amp at the electrical site worked perfectly. Other campers amazingly friendly. Sunset on the lake is ridiculously beautiful!" reports Elizabeth S. about Mauthe Lake Campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Elm Grove, WI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Elm Grove, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 52 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Elm Grove, WI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Elm Grove, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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