Wisconsin's eastern region, near Little Chute, offers equestrian and family camping options within the distinct glacial terrain of the Kettle Moraine. This area, shaped by retreating glaciers that left behind unique depressions and ridges, provides both wooded seclusion and access to lakes. Campgrounds in this region typically operate from May through October, with most facilities closing during Wisconsin's snowy winter months.
What to do
Trail riding on horseback: Northern Unit New Prospect Horseriders Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest offers dedicated horse trails through wooded terrain. A camper noted it has "open tent sites and well designed riggings and beyond excellent, well-maintained trails" making it ideal for equestrian camping.
Swimming and water recreation: Mauthe Lake Campground provides access to swimming and water activities. According to one visitor, there's a "nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids. Also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July."
Fishing from piers: Several campgrounds offer lake access for fishing. At Hartman Creek State Park, "Allen Lake has a fishing pier that the kids loved fishing from. Good catches early in the morning!" This makes it convenient for families wanting quick fishing access.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness matters to campers in this region. At Wild West Campground & Corral, one visitor mentioned, "When we needed our fire pit cleaned out they came pretty quickly. Being able to watch the horses was very calming."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate separation between camping spots. At High Cliff State Park, campers mentioned that "The sites are in a nice wooded area and decently spaced out" and another noted that their "campsite was large and relatively private."
Beach and swimming areas: Families especially value clean swimming options. One camper at Mauthe Lake Campground described the experience as having "lots to do at mauthe lake. big campsites. not too close to neighbors, good fishing!"
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Some campgrounds have unpredictable water systems early in the season. At Hartman Creek, a camper noted: "Only gripe is the uncertain schedule they have for turning on water for the season. First week or two of may is a safe bet, but no promises."
Weather impacts on site conditions: Rain can affect camping conditions at certain locations. At Bay Shore Park, a camper observed: "The spots are beautiful and shaded. Rain does cause many of the spots to flood."
Hookup positioning challenges: RVers should be aware of potential site layout issues. One camper at Bay Shore Park mentioned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several parks offer dedicated play areas for children. One visitor to Bay Shore Park mentioned, "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."
Consider educational hiking opportunities: High Cliff State Park offers learning opportunities through nature. A camper noted, "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."
Kayak and canoe rentals: Hartman Creek offers water recreation equipment. "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. Small lake so we were able to explore— saw about 3 dozen turtles which was super fun for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Dump station timing: Avoid peak checkout periods for smooth departures. At Point Beach State Forest, a camper advised, "The dump station gets really backed up at the end of the weekend, so heads up."
Site-specific considerations: Research specific sites before booking. A camper at Point Beach noted, "A portion of the beach is dog friendly, so if that's important to you then try and get a site close to the dog friendly portion (south of the lighthouse), otherwise it's a good mile walk from the other end of the campground to the dog area."
Arrival planning: Some campgrounds have limited pull-through sites. At Sundance Farm Campground, a visitor warned, "We were reserved, but unable to stay due to having a trailer with a car in it and not being able to unhitch to back into a site. Site was paid for, but zero refund when the promised pull through was not available."
Traveler
