Equestrian camping near Kimberly, Wisconsin offers options in the region's glacially-shaped landscape with rolling hills and kettle moraines formed during the last ice age. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, ideal for camping from May through October. During peak season, Wisconsin state parks charge non-residents approximately $38 for annual passes or $13 for daily vehicle permits.
What to do
Trail riding on the Ice Age Trail: New Prospect Horseriders Campground at Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit offers access to dedicated riding paths. One visitor describes it as having "open tent sites and well designed riggings and beyond excellent, well-maintained trails" in "one of the most lush forests in the SE corner of Wisconsin near Milwaukee."
Swimming in Lake Michigan: Point Beach State Forest has sandy shorelines for after-ride relaxation. A camper notes, "The beaches are very clean and great for walking at different points in the day" while another mentions "a nice lodge and camp store right on the lake, complete with a quaint restaurant where we got breakfast on the weekend as well as ice cream."
Hiking with scenic views: High Cliff State Park offers trails with elevation changes overlooking Lake Winnebago, about 30 minutes from Kimberly. A reviewer shares: "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."
What campers like
Well-designed horse facilities: Horse owners appreciate Wild West Campground & Corral in Amherst for its equestrian focus. A recent visitor commented, "Being able to watch the horses was very calming. We would recommend this place to others and we would go back."
Clean bathroom facilities: Bay Shore Park maintains their facilities well. A camper reports, "Everything was very clean and even with the campground full it was nice and quiet. The spots are beautiful and shaded." Another notes the "Bathrooms are clean host is little rude but all in all ok place."
Private, wooded sites: Mauthe Lake Campground offers secluded camping spaces. One reviewer describes: "The sites are well separated for privacy. Also, the shower house is perfect for an end of the day washing. The lake itself is great for canoeing or kayaking."
What you should know
Seasonal camping restrictions: Most equestrian facilities in the area operate seasonally. New Prospect Horseriders Campground operates "1st weekend May to last weekend October," while other parks like Bay Shore Park run "May 1 to October 15."
Bring portable horse containment: Most campgrounds lack permanent horse corrals. None of the equestrian sites in the dataset list horse corrals as available amenities, so bring portable fencing or tethering systems.
Varying site conditions: Weather affects camping conditions at most sites. At Bay Shore Park, one camper noted "the ground was a sandy-dirt, which wasn't too bad at first, but after an overnight rain it was a muddy mess" while another mentioned "Rain does cause many of the spots to flood."
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming options: Hartman Creek State Park offers family-friendly water activities. A visitor shared: "Hartman Creek is a nice small lake, with no wake. There is now a rental building available with kayaks, paddle boats, SUP, etc. to rent. We rented kayaks for an hour and a very reasonable price."
Find parks with playgrounds: Bay Shore Park has recreational facilities for kids. A camper notes: "This is a great spot for kids. Although there isn't swimming there are 2 playgrounds and lots of space to play frisbee or run around. We have a great time every time we go!"
Choose quiet campgrounds: Several parks enforce noise policies for family comfort. As one Hartman Creek visitor mentions: "We loved the quietness at night. Not entirely sure, but I believe there is a quiet policy after 10pm. Gorgeous to look up and see the amazing stars at night."
Tips from RVers
Confirm hookup locations: Some sites have inconveniently placed connections. One camper at Bay Shore Park 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."
Plan for dump station delays: Point Beach State Forest can experience congestion at service points. A visitor warns: "The dump station gets really backed up at the end of the weekend, so heads up."
Consider weekday camping: High Cliff State Park can be busy on weekends. A visitor recommends "Site 105" noting it was "large and relatively private" while another reports the campground has "decent sized park" with "nice hiking trails" but warns "raccoons can be a pest and beg for food!"
Traveler
