Kettle Moraine State Forest offers dedicated horse camping facilities for equestrian enthusiasts in east-central Wisconsin. The New Prospect Horseriders Campground operates seasonally from May through October, with specific accommodations for horse owners and their mounts. The surrounding landscape features glacial topography with rolling hills and hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 900-1,200 feet above sea level.
What to do
Trail riding in the Northern Kettle Moraine: The extensive trail network provides varied terrain for all skill levels through glacial formations. At Mauthe Lake Campground, visitors enjoy multiple outdoor activities beyond horseback riding. "Nice clean swimming and lots of hiking and biking options," notes Noreen T. in her review.
Swimming in natural settings: Several campgrounds near Fond du Lac feature lake access for cooling off after trail rides. At High Cliff State Park, campers can enjoy "beautiful views of Lake Winnebago from high points of the hike," according to Kaylyn C.
Historical exploration: The region contains interesting historical sites alongside its natural features. Charles M. says of Mauthe Lake, "Located right on Mauthe Lake the campsites are separated by lush trees and bushes... The lake itself is great for canoeing or kayaking."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained restrooms and showers at campgrounds near Fond du Lac. A visitor to Harnischfeger County Park noted, "The park is quiet, family orientated, and the park caretaker John is a national treasure. He's been with the park since before it was county owned and knows every nook and cranny."
Varied recreational options: Beyond horseback riding, the area offers multiple activities for all interests. Brittany R. mentions Harnischfeger has a "9 hole mini golf course that cost $1 a person. Has trails, disc golf, and rock river for kayaking."
Peaceful surroundings: The wooded settings provide tranquility and separation between sites. Sarah N. says of Sundance Farm Campground, "The host is so nice, everyone is quiet and kind, the bathrooms are spotlessly clean, reliable Wi-Fi, great water/power hookups, the works."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most equestrian facilities in the Kettle Moraine area operate seasonally, typically May through October. Check specific opening dates as they vary by location.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer and fall color seasons. Brittany R. notes that even smaller parks like Harnischfeger County Park have limited availability with "only 9 sites."
Trail conditions: Trail difficulty varies throughout the region. At Menomonee Park, Matt N. reports, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas perfect for families. Kaylyn C. says of High Cliff State Park, "Really cool cliffs to climb/hike. There is also a lime kiln to hike to and see. There are two playgrounds for the kids as well."
Educational opportunities: The geological formations and historical sites provide learning experiences. Sam F. mentions, "Great place to explore with the fam. Hike the trails to see pieces of Wisconsin history throughout. Some trails on the Ridgeline offer vista views and moderate inclines that add to the adventure."
Campground amenities: Look for family-friendly features when selecting sites. "The sites are well separated for privacy. Also, the shower house is perfect for an end of the day washing," reports Charles M. about his Mauthe Lake experience.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: When planning horse camping trips near Fond du Lac with an RV, verify the exact hookup types. Lauren S. from Harnischfeger County Park explains, "Sites with letters are tent sites without water or electric, sites with numbers have water and 30 amp service, though there are plans to upgrade the sites to all have water and 50 amp service in the future."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on your specific needs and rig size. Matt N. advises about Menomonee Park, "The sites are just about all wooded. Not huge but a good size for a country park. Most offer decent separation from your neighbor."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions significantly. Taylor U. shared about Sleepy Dragon Campground, "It's a great location with good service. I thought the stay price was reasonable and there are lots of options for sites and bathrooms."
