Governor Dodge State Park's equestrian facilities provide 20 miles of dedicated bridle trails through the 5,270-acre park in Wisconsin's Driftless Area. Located 7 miles north of Highland at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,180 feet, these facilities accommodate both day riders and overnight campers. The terrain features steep sandstone bluffs and deep valleys not typical of Wisconsin's generally flat landscape.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Governor Dodge State Park provides multiple fishing opportunities with two accessible lakes. "I love coming here. It's very convenient to get to and it has some great campsites. I recommend going in the Fall to see some great Fall colors!" shares Elise M. about Governor Dodge State Park.
Hiking the canyon trails: The park features the Stevens Falls and Canyon Trails system with unique geological formations. "The Stevens Falls and Canyon Trails were the highlight of the trip - even in the rain! First you can explore the old spring house and read the informational signs about the family that used to farm there and other early settlers in the area," notes Siobhan R. about her experience at Cox Hollow Campground.
Beach and swimming: Cool off at the designated swimming beaches on both Cox Hollow and Twin Valley lakes. "Two good lakes for kayaking/canoeing/fishing/swimming. Lots of good hiking trails and they are working on a big improvement to the equestrian campground," reports Paul C. about his stay at Governor Dodge State Park.
What campers like
Secluded walk-in sites: For those wanting more privacy while horse camping near Highland, Wisconsin, some parks offer walk-in tent sites. "We stayed at a hike in site in May and had great hanging options for our hammocks, excellent privacy in the hike-in sites, and beautiful options for hiking, fishing, and photography," explains Kathy S. about her stay at Twin Valley Campground.
Well-maintained shower facilities: Many equestrian campgrounds in the Highland area provide clean bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms/showers were warm and clean, and the vault toilets were not bad although there were a few spiders," mentions Siobhan R. about Cox Hollow Campground.
Group camping options: Larger equestrian groups can reserve designated group sites at some parks. "Stayed here last year with a group of friends! Had 2 different group sites and both were awesome! A lot of space and not close to other group sites so it was nice to not have to worry about surrounding people!" shares Amanda J. about her experience at Cox Hollow.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are common at many campgrounds near Highland, particularly at Governor Dodge State Park. "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD! Perfect for a family get away - showers, flush toilets, lots of hiking (but trails aren't very challenging), swimming area and boat launch, playground," warns Jen L. in her review of Wyalusing State Park.
Winter camping availability: Some equestrian facilities remain open year-round. "It was very pretty with and without snow. Lots of wood to burn. Nice and quite," reports Jill K. about winter camping at Governor Dodge State Park Equestrian Campground.
Reservation requirements: Book well in advance for weekend stays, especially during peak season. "Peak season reservations are a definite (weeks to months in advance for weekends). Picnic table and fire ring standard at all campsites," advises Jen L. about Governor Dodge State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly trails: Many trails at area horse campgrounds accommodate riders of various skill levels. "We stayed at the Twin Valley campground. Beautiful. Some nice Fall colors. Camped at a non-electric site. While other Wisconsin state parks have shut off most water & closed their shower houses, ghost park kept these amenities available this late in October; that was a nice surprise," shares Fred S. about Twin Valley Campground.
Playground access: Some campgrounds near Highland offer playground equipment for children. "Good sized wooded sites with trees providing reasonable privacy. Flat area for tents but not all 'driveways' are level which, unfortunately, we discovered in site 33," notes Lee D. about Governor Dodge.
Beach activities: Lakes at several parks provide swimming opportunities for families. "My boyfriend and I brought our two dogs here to camp. They had a dog beach for them to swim in which was a huge plus! Great hiking with some beautiful scenery," says Sarah B. about Yellowstone Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many equestrian camping sites near Highland have uneven terrain. "Good place for camping. We camped at site 56,57. Restroom were not so clean. Good hiking trail, lake for kayaking and swimming," reports Meri S. about Cox Hollow camping sites at Governor Dodge State Park.
Electric hookup availability: Electric sites are limited and often fill quickly at horse campgrounds. "We were at site 1. While it is right next to the campground road and a trail, trees block the views from people looking in and there was not that much traffic," shares Steph about her stay at Wildcat Mountain State Park.
Dump station access: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer full RV services, so plan accordingly. "This is a state park so amenities are electric and the campgrounds do have public showers. Great little lakes for canoe, paddle board, kayak and fishing. A small concession is available and they do sell wood at the entrance," explains Dawn A. about Twin Valley Campground.
Ranger
