1 campground with availability this weekend
The Reno Horse Campground in the R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest provides backcountry camping opportunities for equestrians exploring the southeastern Minnesota bluffs. Located near the Wisconsin border approximately 25 miles from Mindoro, this primitive horse camp features multiple handmade fire pits and spacious open areas suitable for multiple tents, with ample room for horse trailers. The surrounding sandstone bluffs create a natural backdrop for this rustic camping experience. The campground accommodates tent camping with horses, though it lacks amenities like running water, electricity, or designated horse corrals. The camping area remains very quiet and peaceful, with no road noise disturbing campers or horses.
Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to an extensive network of hiking and horse trails throughout the state forest. The trail system includes routes that ascend the bluffs, providing riders with panoramic views of the surrounding forest, Wisconsin landscape, and Mississippi River. Riders can access multiple hiking units within the forest system, including the Money Creek and Vinegar Ridge units, which offer additional camping options approximately 15 miles northwest of the Reno Horse Campground. These primitive camping areas provide basic facilities for equestrians, with the Oak Ridge/Wet Bark Recreation Area specifically designated as a horse trail campground. The forest's trail system remains open from May through November, with visitation typically slow except during hunting season. The forest terrain features hardwood hills and valleys typical of the driftless region, giving riders varied terrain to explore.
"NOTE; Google maps makes it look like the campground and landing are near each other. They are not."
"Proximity to potable water, vault or modern toilets and designated parking are all within 400 yards of all sites. "
Available this weekend
from $19 - $110 / night
"Walking trails were nice but recommend pants as the grass was long in spots. Plenty of wildlife and could not hear the cars from the highway."
"There are many hiking trails, including a trail that goes on top of the bluff with views of the forest and of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River."
"no shower) Horses are allowed. Fairly close together sites, but a beautiful area to get into nature or go camping at a reasonable price."
"Access to Root River trail close by."
from $17 / night
RangerTraveling along the road from Ontario to Wildcat gave a little Appalachia feel. The park is situated above the Kickapoo River valley and is a great base for trout fishing.
If you are in the driftless region looking for camping, this is the spot.
LegendThis is a small primitive campground that has 1 vault toilet. (no shower) Horses are allowed. Fairly close together sites, but a beautiful area to get into nature or go camping at a reasonable price.
LegendLocated on state forest land there are 2 separate areas right next to each other. The first loop is for smaller vehicles and tents and the larger area should be reserved for larger vehicles with horse trailers. There are hiking and equestrian trails present into the state forest land. There is one vault toilet. No other amenities. Beautiful area!
LegendWe hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies! The site was of good size, dark and quiet. The shower house was close and clean.
TravelerVery cool secluded walk in sites, pet friendly, awesome trails.
GuideThis is a smaller campground but makes up for it with all the access around it. Ice Cave trail was a neat, quick walk. The trails around have gorgeous views of the driftless area and Kickapoo river. I stayed 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. It is a tent only site and can fit one tent. Was a good site for just me and would stay at this site again as most of the other sites are very explored.
LegendNice campground, quiet would come back! It was our first time to WI so the scenery to the park was just beautiful.
Our campsite was nice. Spaced out enough from neighbors that we were comfortable. Do not like the nickel and diming of WI state parks. Charge the site fee which is reasonable enough but then a $8 reservation fee that gets you to $40 and then another $11 to NR's for the vehicle pass. You can get an annual pass for $38 but when you are just passing through it's not worth it. Brought us to $51 for the stay and it was worth it since we needed a place to camp, but I've stayed in better places for less. This park was much better than Rocky Arbor.
Bathrooms were super clean for a campground. Good shower with directions on wall, which was a nice touch. The cement in shower is stained so it looks dirty but it's really pretty clean. Enjoyed my hot shower here.
Hiked the Old Settlers Trail. It was nice, some elevation changes that get you attention. It was muggy and hot as I hiked right after the rain, so temperature was miserable at times, but it is July! The entire trail was about 3 miles round trip from the campground. Definitely check out observation point! Beautiful view!!!
LegendThis was our second visit to this park. On both occasions we wanted to canoe the scenic Kickapoo river. Our first trip was five years ago and we got portage service for our canoe from Titanic Rentals in Ontario. We went from there (bridge 1) to bridge 12 Which took nearly all day, but we were able to have lunch at the park's Wildcat landing, the only real and equipped picnic site along the river. NOTE; Google maps makes it look like the campground and landing are near each other. They are not. It's three miles of very steep roads, so don't think you're going to fetch anything you left behind.
The campground is on top of the ridge, which means in the morning you will look out over a fog shrouded valley through the trees. The views from the overlooks, which are a short hike, are worth checking out. Campsite 15 is the only one with a clear view.
There are walk in sites and the paths are wide and clear. The park provides large carts for your stuff so you can really pack stuff in and get away from it all. But the family tent and RV sites generally well spaced, check the map as some are more private than others.
Our second trip was in August, 2023 and we canoed from bridge 12 to LaFarge (bridge 21). It was later in the season than our previous trip, and in the slightly less scenic stretch of the river. As a result, we didn't see any other boaters.
Campsites have basic fire ring, and there are pit toilets as well as one Full facility with running water and hot showers. Firewood is available at the Ranger station.
There's also Equestrian camping elsewhere in the park and lots of trails for both hikers and horses.
The town of Ontario has a good general store and a couple bars, but this is pretty much wilderness and small farms. Two unique places however are Wild Things Furrier near bridge twelve. Want a coonskin cap or some smoked trout? This is the place.
More unique than that if you want to treat yourselves, go 34 miles south to the St. Frances Hermitage restaurant. It's run by a small order of French Monks and Nuns who raise their own animals and grow the vegetables they serve. Their bakery is also delicious. This is not fast food, this is a gastronomic experience.
RangerStayed here multiple times throughout the years, not much to it. Put toilets, usually slow except during hunting season. Camp sites are decent but primative.
The R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest region offers equestrian camping opportunities within the unique driftless area of southeastern Minnesota. This terrain features sandstone formations and hardwood forests with elevation changes of 400-600 feet between ridge tops and valley floors. Trail systems remain open from May through November with seasonal closures during spring thaw when trails become excessively muddy.
Trail riding access: Multiple trailheads throughout Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground connect riders to scenic routes. "The trails around have gorgeous views of the driftless area and Kickapoo river," notes reviewer Steph.
River exploration: The Kickapoo River provides additional recreation near horse campgrounds in the Mindoro area. John B. shares, "Great location for kayaking and hiking. Bring or rent kayaks to float the Kickapoo River. Ontario to bridge 5 was 2.5 hours."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning or evening rides offer the best opportunities for spotting local wildlife. Justin S. from Pietrek County Park reports, "Plenty of wildlife and could not hear the cars from the highway."
Spacious camping areas: The horse campgrounds provide ample room for trailers and equipment. At Wildcat Mountain State Park, David F. found "The sites were spaced apart far enough so you weren't on top of the other campers. Very beautiful scenery, especially from the lookout."
Quiet environment: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. Todd M. mentions, "Great place, quiet and never used bug spray. Sites for tents are spacious and the group camps are awesome."
Natural features: The sandstone bluffs create distinctive camping environments. Kristina K. notes, "Very nice park. Great views. We were hoping for some more rock faces and challenging/longer distance hiking."
Seasonal considerations: The trails and campgrounds have limited accessibility depending on weather. According to Scott S. at Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge, "There are 8 sites. There is no water or electricity. One pit toilet for the site. 5 miles from Rushford MN."
Limited facilities: Most horse campgrounds near Mindoro, Wisconsin provide only basic amenities. Michael V. reports about Oak Ridge / Wet Bark Recreation Area, "Small campground, usually no one here except during hunting season. Not much to this place."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigation of steep terrain. Joyce B. cautions, "We drove a truck so getting up/down the mountain wasn't a problem, but if you have a low car, the front end is going to get scraped at the bottom of the mountain."
Pack appropriate gear: Temperature fluctuations require layered clothing and proper sleeping equipment. Holly W. advises, "The campsites are wooded, far enough apart, well maintained, and bathrooms were clean. The driveway leading to the campground is a bit daunting (especially if pulling a camper), but its well worth it!"
Plan activities: Family-friendly trails with varied difficulty levels accommodate different riding abilities. "We hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies! The site was of good size, dark and quiet," shares Kay K.
Wildlife precautions: Secure food and supplies from local wildlife. One camper shared, "We woke up in the middle of the night to find some smart raccoon had enjoyed our breakfast. We kept it in a cooler, but it figured out how to open it!"
Site selection: RV sites with horse accommodations require advance planning. Annie C. from Pietrek County Park explains, "There are 25ish RV type sites with either just electric or electric and water. Some of these sites are set up back to back in an open field, which is not very appealing."
Trailer access: Horse trailer maneuverability varies by campground. "It looks like you can camp with your horses on the edge of the RV area. The showers were really nice and fairly new," notes one experienced camper.
Services availability: Limited hookups and dumping facilities require self-sufficiency. Michael V. cautions that most horse campgrounds in the area are "decent but primitive" with limited services during non-hunting seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mindoro, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mindoro, WI is Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mindoro, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Mindoro, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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