Equestrian riders looking for horse facilities near Green Bay, Wisconsin may need to explore beyond the immediate area. The region sits at elevations between 580 and 800 feet above sea level, with moderately humid summers and snowy winters that limit camping seasons at most parks from May through October. Unlike southern Wisconsin which offers several dedicated equestrian campgrounds, the Green Bay area campgrounds don't currently provide horse-specific amenities.
What to do
Beach activities on Lake Michigan: Point Beach State Forest features clean sand-ridged beaches perfect for swimming and walking. One camper noted, "The beaches are very clean and great for walking at different points in the day." The park also includes a lighthouse that "cannot be toured, but can be admired from the outside."
Hiking trails with history: High Cliff State Park Campground offers trails along the Niagara escarpment with moderate inclines and historic sites. A reviewer shared, "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."
Water recreation: Chute Pond Park provides multiple water activities including fishing, kayak rentals ($20/hour), and unique features. According to a camper, "They have a little footbridge to fish off of, a playground, and a nice beach. You can rent out kayaks and little boats." Another mentioned the unusual "Slippery Rock," described as "a waterfall from the river that you can actually slide down."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the wooded, private sites at certain campgrounds. At Rustic Timbers Door County Camping, a camper noted, "I was surprised that each site is pretty wooded making you feel like you don't have neighbors. The surrounding area is just expansive farmlands which is beautiful to look at when walking the dog in the morning."
Clean facilities: Bay Shore Park maintains well-kept grounds and facilities. One visitor mentioned, "Everything was very clean and even with the campground full it was nice and quiet. The spots are beautiful and shaded." However, they warned that "Rain does cause many of the spots to flood."
Family amenities: Campgrounds in the region often feature playgrounds and recreational areas for children. A camper at Bay Shore Park noted, "This is a great spot for kids..although there isnt swimming there are 2 playgrounds and lots of space to play frisbee or run around."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The climate can affect your camping experience significantly. At Bay Shore Park, after rainfall, "it was a muddy mess" according to one camper who experienced overnight rain. Others mentioned site flooding during rainy periods.
Limited horse facilities: Despite the popularity of trail riding in Wisconsin, dedicated equestrian camping near Green Bay remains unavailable. Horse owners typically need to travel to southern or western Wisconsin for proper horse camping facilities with corrals and equestrian trails.
Pricing variations: Weekday versus weekend rates differ significantly at many parks. One camper at Point Beach State Forest reported, "We paid $25 for a non-electric site (weekends are higher rate). You also have to pay the Wisconsin state park entry fee at $13/day for non residents, or $38 for an annual pass."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational areas for easier access with children. At Rustic Timbers Door County Camping, "There is also a nice little convenience store and a bar/restaurant with a patio that overlooks the play area. It's a great setup for parents who feel comfortable letting their kids play at a distance."
Schedule around events: Some campgrounds host themed weekends that appeal to families. One camper shared about Rustic Timbers: "While we were there it was Christmas in July and many campers had decorated. There were hayrides to view the decorations."
Consider noise levels: Campground entertainment can affect bedtimes. A parent at Rustic Timbers noted, "They had a live band all day Saturday until 9:15 and it made it difficult to get our 4 year old to nap/go to bed even with 2 sound soother on high and a fan running but I will say the band looked fun!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup challenges: Check the placement of utilities before setting up. At Bay Shore Park, one RVer reported, "The electric and water hookups were on opposite sides of the site, and we had to keep adjusting the travel trailer to get both to actually hook up."
Dump station timing: Plan departure times carefully to avoid congestion. A camper at Point Beach State Forest warned, "The dump station gets really backed up at the end of the weekend, so heads up."
Site selection for larger rigs: Some loops provide better options for bigger RVs. At Rustic Timbers Door County Camping, a camper advised, "We were assigned site 339 and in our opinion lucked out with the best site possible in our category. We were nicely surrounded by woods with minimal visibility of our neighbors... for full hook up sites the 300s are nice if you're looking for a more secluded/wooded spot, the pull throughs have minimal division from your neighbors."
