Equestrian camping near Cottage Grove, Wisconsin presents specific considerations for travelers with horses. The region sits within the Driftless Area, an unglaciated zone characterized by rolling hills and diverse terrain at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. Winter temperatures typically range from 10-25°F while summer camping months average 65-85°F with moderate humidity and occasional evening thunderstorms.
What to do
Lakeside recreation at Yellowstone Lake State Park: Located 45 miles southwest of Cottage Grove, the 455-acre lake offers comprehensive water activities with kayak rentals available seasonally. "Great park for water activities and hiking! Also had nice shower facilities," notes a visitor to Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking the Ice Age Trail: Access portions of this 1,000+ mile national scenic trail directly from campsites at Kettle Moraine State Forest. A camper reports: "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," from Pinewoods Campground.
Waterfall exploration: The cascade at Governor Dodge State Park drops approximately 20 feet and remains accessible year-round. "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," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Private camping spaces: Sites at Kettle Moraine Southern Unit feature natural separation between campsites. "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," writes a camper at Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.
Walk-in sites for solitude: Several parks offer hike-in options requiring short walks from parking areas. "We camped in a 'walk in' spot about 200 feet from where you can park the car. It is very secluded and tree cover allows you to be hidden from all others," explains a camper at Yellowstone Lake State Park.
Quiet camping loops: Designated quiet zones exist at select campgrounds for those seeking reduced noise. "I liked it, nice size sites, bathrooms clean. Showers are individual not stalls with curtains which was cool. It rained all week before we arrived the site we were on could have used some more gravel as it was little muddy for the first day," shares a visitor to Kettle Moraine.
What you should know
Limited horse facilities: While several parks accommodate horses, dedicated equestrian camping near Cottage Grove remains minimal. Governor Dodge State Park has equestrian trails but limited overnight facilities. "They are working on a big improvement to the equestrian campground," notes a visitor to Cox Hollow Campground.
Low clearance hazards: Watch for unmarked overhead obstacles when driving larger vehicles. A Lake Kegonsa camper cautions: "Major CAUTION for RVs: there is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend's fifth wheel. There is also a low hanging overpass and it took the roofs off TWO fifth wheels while we were staying there."
Seasonal considerations: Many parks experience high use from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with spring sites often experiencing wet conditions. "It rained all week before we arrived the site we were on could have used some more gravel as it was little muddy for the first day," reports one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer structured recreational options beyond standard camping. "Plenty of things to do here to keep the kids engaged and busy very clean Campground the campsites are well-kept swimming Pond was clean and plenty of fun things to climb on and slide down," reports a visitor to Merry Mac's Campground.
Educational programs: State parks frequently schedule ranger-led activities during summer months. "Lots of hiking trails and nature programs for all ages," notes a camper from Yellowstone Lake State Park.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas near central facilities. "There was a central shower building with playground equipment for the kids. There was also a trail path that led down to the lake," shares a Lake Kegonsa visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection criteria: Pay careful attention to campsite dimensions and terrain when reserving. "If camping with a trailer or RV check to make sure you will get a campsite that is level enough for your vehicle. Lots of the campsites are uneven and larger vehicles may have issues getting level," advises a visitor to Twin Valley Campground.
Hookup availability: Electric sites often book quickly at state parks. "There are 96 sites to choose from in all and even on the weekend there were still a few open spots. Lots of spots can handle RVs and there were drive through sites so you don't have to back in if that's beyond your skill set. A third of the sites offered electricity," notes a Lake Kegonsa camper.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site sanitary disposal. "We were in sites #13 and couldn't be happier with our choice. I had done a drive through before reserving the site on the state camping website so I knew which ones would work for us. Site #18 would have worked as well."
