Highland Ridge Campground near Elmwood, Wisconsin provides equestrian campers with a unique option. Located in the Eau Galle Recreation Area with sites at 850 feet elevation, the campground offers both main campground and equestrian-specific camping areas. Unlike many horse campgrounds near Elmwood, Wisconsin, Highland Ridge maintains trails year-round, with visitor centers typically open from April through November.
What to do
Trail exploration by horseback: The Eau Galle Recreation Area trails offer varying difficulty levels through wooded terrain. "We saw a couple of people fishing on the lake and there is a small swimming area," notes one Highland Ridge visitor, highlighting water recreation options beyond horseback riding.
Biking on paved trails: Access the Cannon Valley Trail directly from Haycreek Valley Campground for a scenic ride. "Very nice ride to Red Wing right from our site! Would probably stay here again but would definitely ask for a different site. Great for biking!" shares a camper who appreciated the tree-covered path that kept them cool.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings at Highland Ridge offer excellent bird watching opportunities. "Plenty of wildlife and can hear the owls talking to each other," reports a camper at Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir, highlighting the natural soundscape found around dusk.
What campers like
Shaded camping environments: Most sites at Lake Wissota State Park Campground offer natural cover. "Beautiful shaded campground with semi private sites. Nice beach that is a walkable distance from the sites. Lots of walking, biking and horse trails that are full of wild berries," notes a visitor who appreciated the natural features.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives high marks from most visitors. "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," remarks a camper at Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir.
Equestrian-friendly options: Dedicated horse camping areas accommodate riders with special needs. "We have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years for horse camping. The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff. They have electric and water hookups for horse campers, and they have overflow for horse campers," explains a frequent visitor who appreciates the accommodations for horses.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Research your specific site before booking. "Many sites are placed on an incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill. Not a whole lot to do at the campground. Trails are in poor shape," cautions one Lake Elmo County Park Reserve visitor who experienced challenges with terrain.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "AT&T service is spotty throughout the park with either 1 or 2 bars, although in the spring and fall when there's few leaves on the trees, service is fine," notes a Highland Ridge camper.
Reservation planning: Most popular equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "The campground provides designated overflow areas for horse campers during busy periods, ensuring space availability even during peak riding seasons," explains a reviewer about reservation options.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming options: Pietrek County Park offers water access along the Trempealeau River. "Nice big tent sites down by the river. Walking trails were nice but recommend pants as the grass was long in spots. Plenty of wildlife and could not hear the cars from the highway," shares a visitor who enjoyed the natural setting.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for younger campers. "They also have an archery range and on Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch. Very organized and clean facilities. Reasonably priced," notes a Lake Elmo visitor.
Bug preparation: Pack appropriate repellent, especially during summer months. "Very woodsy! Mosquitoes, gnats, and bugs galore. Beach is nice, even better that they have a separate beach area for your leashed dog!" reports a Lake Wissota visitor who experienced both challenges and benefits.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some sites have difficult approaches for larger rigs. "Some sites are difficult to back into if you have a large rig," cautions a Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir camper who noted the maneuverability constraints.
Electric hookup locations: Check electric post placement before selecting a site. "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," shares a Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground visitor who found a creative solution.
Equestrian section accessibility: Non-horse campers can sometimes use horse camping areas when main sections are full. "There is an equestrian campground about a half mile before the main campground entrance. You may camp in the equestrian area (E1-E10) without a horse if the main area is full," explains a Highland Ridge visitor who discovered this useful alternative option.
