Equestrian camping near Hudson, Wisconsin offers access to extensive trail networks through diverse terrain. The area features a mix of hardwood forests, prairie lands, and river valleys with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with peak horse camping season running May through September when trails are typically dry and maintained.
What to do
Trail riding at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve: This 2,000-acre park includes two lakes and multiple trails for horseback riders. "They have awesome sites that fit the needs of just about anyone. The have beautiful hiking trails and a swimming beach for the hotter days. They also have an archery range and on Saturday nights they have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch," notes Tina H.
Canoeing the St. Croix River: Wild River State Park Campground offers river access for paddlers and trail riders. "The park is huge and beautiful. We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise," shares Joanna B. The park maintains river access points for easy horse trailer parking.
Biking from campsite: Many riders combine horse camping with cycling opportunities. "We really enjoyed the bike trail that was so close, paved and had lots of tree cover to keep us cool. Very nice ride to Red Wing right from our site!" explains Karin W. who stayed at Haycreek Valley Campground.
What campers like
Large, private sites: Highland Ridge receives consistent praise for spacious campsites. "This campground is small, but almost all sites are large. There are 38 sites plus walk in tent sites A through G and a group site," explains Mary S. Many reviewers note the privacy between sites.
Clean facilities: Equestrian campers appreciate well-maintained amenities. "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," reports Courtney C. about Highland Ridge.
Wooded shade coverage: Summer heat relief matters for horses and riders. "This campground is well maintained and a beautiful park within the woods. Great for hiking and kayaking/canoeing is near by," notes David E. Another camper adds: "Plenty of wildlife and can hear the owls talking to each other."
What you should know
Elevation challenges: Some campgrounds feature hillside locations. "Many sites are placed on on incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill," cautions John W. about Highland Ridge.
Seasonal bugs: Prepare for insects during summer months. "Aside from the plentiful bugs (in August), we enjoyed our two-night stay at this campground!" shares Lee D. about Baker Campground.
Water access varies: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer direct lake or river access. "Eau Galle Reservoir (Lake George) is about a 10-minute drive from the campground. Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds are located right on the water," explains Lee D. about Highland Ridge.
Solar power limitations: Full shade impacts power options. "It's completely in the woods, and sites are FULLY shaded. This is not a good place for solar panels, but almost all sites are electric," advises Mary S.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers abundant recreation options. "The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved," shares Arielle P.
Swimming options: Multiple parks feature swimming areas for after-ride cooling off. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S. about Lake Elmo.
Playground access: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds include play areas. "The campground was big with privacy between the camp spots. There were nice trails to help explorer the regional park. The bathrooms were nice and clean," notes Melissa A.
Evening programs: Check for ranger-led activities. "On Saturday nights they have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch. Very organized and clean facilities," reports Tina H.
Tips from RVers
Limited pull-through options: Plan for back-in sites at many equestrian campgrounds. "Our site (7) sloped down but leveled out with plenty of room for our campervan at the bottom," shares Lee D. about Highland Ridge.
Hookup limitations: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers more extensive services. "This place does have 30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites. Max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!" reports Spencer C.
Reservation strategy: "We were able to reserve a site in there a couple days ahead of time because the main campground was full. It was just us and one other family on a Saturday night, and neither of us had a horse," explains Mary S. about Highland Ridge's equestrian section.
Early season access: "We came here without a reservation while driving cross country. We got here around 6pm on a Thursday evening and there were lots of available sites," shares Laurel about Highland Ridge, noting April-May visits often have better availability.
