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Equestrian Camping near Monticello, WI

15 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Governor Dodge State Park Equestrian Campground offers horse-friendly camping with direct access to the extensive trail system within the 5,000-acre park. The campground features electric hookups, drinking water, and water hookups that accommodate both horses and riders. Campsites include fire rings with cooking grates, picnic tables, and ample space for horse trailers. The equestrian campground maintains clean restrooms and shower facilities within walking distance of the sites. Trail riders note the campground's strategic location provides immediate access to more than 25 miles of bridle paths without needing to trailer horses between rides. Both tent and RV camping options are available, with sites large enough for rigs and separate areas for horses.

    The bridle trails at Governor Dodge connect riders to diverse terrain including wooded ridges, open prairies, and scenic overlooks. Trails vary in difficulty from easy loops suitable for novice riders to challenging routes with significant elevation changes. Water access for horses is available at several points along the trail system, with natural streams and designated watering areas throughout the park. Horse owners must bring their own feed and secure it properly at campsites. Reservations are required for equestrian camping, with sites booking quickly during peak summer and fall weekends. The park remains open year-round, though winter access to certain trails may be limited by snow conditions. The campground's central location puts riders within an hour's drive of other regional riding destinations including Yellowstone Lake State Park and White Mound County Park.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Monticello (15)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

      4.1(36)19mi from Monticello134 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Tons of forest with cross country, equestrian, and hiking trails. One of the best lakes in Wisconsin for fishing along with a nice beach, and pet area. There is a free gun range."

      "It has a large lake with three boat launches, a main one with a motor ramp, a canoe launch near the marshy end, and a fishing pier."

      from $18 - $110 / night

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      2. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

      4.0(22)24mi from Monticello102 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Good hiking around the lake and mostly dog friendly. Nice play ground with horse she pits."

      "Just a quick 2 hour drive from our home in Chicago, with large wooded sites for privacy. Clean bathrooms."

      from $18 - $50 / night

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      3. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

      4.0(79)41mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Site along the edge of the campground had ample shade.  There is a central bathhouse with flush toilets and 3 showers. There is also a pit toilet. "

      "It has a large lake with almost 40 miles of hiking trails, including equestrian trails and an equestrian campground. There is boating and fishing as well as swimming in the lake."

      from $12 - $50 / night

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      4. Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      4.2(27)33mi from Monticello116 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Two good lakes for kayaking/canoeing/fishing/swimming. Lots of good hiking trails and they are working on a big improvement to the equestrian campground."

      "The sites on the "inside" of the loop are rather close to one another. 21 has a nice view of the lake, and you can walk back to the fence to look over the bluff 24 is quite private and very large 26,"

      from $25 - $40 / night

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      5. Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area

      3.6(10)25mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "There are some trails that will take you around some of the hills through open fields if you are interested in walking around the campground. This is a nice place to camp."

      "Campsites a little close to others and sound traveled. Trails were way nice and the scenery was beautiful-lots of deer!"

      from $10 - $30 / night

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      6. Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      4.4(22)32mi from Monticello160 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Lakes, trails, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, fishing. Hidden gem of Wisconsin. The campsites are pretty private, nestled in trees. Some shaded, some have sun and shade."

      "Great park in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin. Not far from the house on the rock and Taliesin. Great open hiking trail. Well laid out sites with lots of space."

      from $25 - $40 / night

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      7. Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve

      4.3(7)34mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents

      "Beautiful, quite and clean park with hiking trails and horse trails."

      "This is a nice campground that winds around through some light woods. Campsites have electric hookups. There are certainly lots of picnic tables. We saw more than one per site."

      from $15 - $25 / night

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      8. Governor Dodge State Park Equestrian Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      5.0(1)33mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents
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      9. Smokey Hollow Campground

      3.7(7)43mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Behind the office was a large pond with a sand beach, lots of blow up pool toys, a bar, and volleyball, plus there are trikes and bikes available after you play mini-golf."

      "For anyone planning a visit, I recommend checking out the driving directions—they’re super helpful to avoid any hiccups on your way there. Happy camping!"

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      10. Merry Mac's Campground

      4.8(6)45mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It’s located right by Devils lake. Firewood for sale, great wifi, clean bathhouses/rooms"

      "Lake full of all kinds of floats the kids can climb and jump on. Clean pool to cool off in. Sand volleyball, ga ga ball, huge park. Has so many different accomadtions to choose from!"

      from $35 / night

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Monticello, WI

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Monticello, WI

    224 Reviews of 15 Monticello Campgrounds

    • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 1, 2026

      Rock Cut Equestrian Campground

      A Peaceful Retreat for Horse-Loving Families

      If your family's perfect camping trip includes saddling up and exploring miles of wooded trails together, the Equestrian Campground at Rock Cut State Park offers a wonderfully peaceful place to spend a few days. Tucked away from the park's busier camping loops, this rustic first-come, first-served campground provides spacious sites designed for campers traveling with horses, along with nearby potable water, restrooms and direct access to more than 14 miles of designated equestrian trails. While amenities are intentionally simple (erring on non-existent), the extra room to accommodate horse trailers and the quiet natural surroundings create exactly the kind of setting many riders are looking for. One of my favorite moments was watching families quietly prepare their horses in the early morning light before disappearing beneath the trees for a day on the trails, returning later with tired horses, dusty boots and smiles that needed no explanation. Arriving early is the best way to secure a site since camping is first-come, first-served and availability is limited. This campground is ideal for equestrian families given its spacious layout, direct trail access and peaceful atmosphere that allows both riders and horses to truly unwind.

    • Ted W.
      Aug. 21, 2019

      Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

      One of our favorites

      We spend quite a bit of time here. We hunt here and camp here year round. Tons of forest with cross country, equestrian, and hiking trails. One of the best lakes in Wisconsin for fishing along with a nice beach, and pet area. There is a free gun range. Hunt anything from pheasent to deer. There is also a nice bar and grill just down the street. Along with dairy bar as part of the park. Showers and bathrooms are always clean.

    • Meg S.
      Aug. 1, 2015

      Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      Great Campground in Wisconsin

      Great state park for a family camping vacation, tons of stuff to do. Lakes, trails, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, fishing. Hidden gem of Wisconsin. The campsites are pretty private, nestled in trees. Some shaded, some have sun and shade. They even have horse sites, so you can bring your horse, and stroll through the park horseback riding. Vault toilets, and regular toilets with ok showers. Water faucets scattered around for easy water access. Twin Valley has tent sites and RV/electric sites.

    • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 23, 2022

      Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      Loud, party vibe

      The campsites here are deep with lots of greenery. However we chose this site thinking that it was on the end. The loops curl around so there were campers around us. On the other side was a playground that had children enjoying it all day. While this is great for some, our reactive dog was quite distracted.

      Upon arriving at the check in, there is still a couple miles to wind around until the campground, longer to get to twin lakes campground. The road is hilly too. It’s not a problem in our vehicle but it would be tiring on a bicycle. There are showers in the center of our loop. It could be expanded a bit - we had short lines for the restrooms. Water , garbage and recycling are available as well as a dump station.

      It was raining when we arrived but we drove around to see the park. We hiked the short distance to Stephen’s Falls and was not impressed. Maybe they need more rain this year but all we saw was a splatter.

      We saw folks who kept their kayaks and canoes locked up by the lake. The beach looked nice too. The other end of the park has an equestrian campground. We did see some horses riding the trail around the park.

      The vibe here wasn’t for us. Various sites had music playing loud enough for us to hear. Trails from camp would be great. We ended up walking along the narrow road.

    • P
      Jun. 7, 2018

      Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      Great campground for everything but big 5th wheelers and motorhomes

      Two good lakes for kayaking/canoeing/fishing/swimming. Lots of good hiking trails and they are working on a big improvement to the equestrian campground. Lots of activities in the area and close to shopping in the town of Dodgeville.

    • Judy B.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 21, 2021

      Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

      Big park with lots of options for camping and recreation

      Rock Cut St. Park is in the middle of an urban area, but you would not know it.  The park is very large and has multiple campgrounds.  I stayed in the Plum Grove campground.  Trees were not really leafed out and some sites would have shade later in the year.  Site along the edge of the campground had ample shade.  There is a central bathhouse with flush toilets and 3 showers. There is also a pit toilet.  Sites have an electrical hookup, but water is from a hydrant.  There is a dump station and water supply near the park entrance.  There are bike trails, hiking, and equestrian trails.  I also believe that you can swim and boat here.

    • Matt S.
      Sep. 11, 2016

      Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

      Rock Cut State Park campground is huge!

      Of all of the campgrounds that I have visited in Illinois, I would say that Rock Cut State Park is the best that I have seen. It boasts as being the largest State Park in Northern Illinois. It has a large lake with almost 40 miles of hiking trails, including equestrian trails and an equestrian campground. There is boating and fishing as well as swimming in the lake.

      The campground staff is very helpful and do a good job at keeping it clean and well maintained even with the large number of visitors. Don't miss my interview with Marsha, one of the friendly staff members at Rock Cut State Park.

    • Josh F.
      Sep. 11, 2020

      Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      Two lakes, two campgrounds and some nice walk-in sites!

      I stayed at this campground when I was a kid and only recently revisited it. The state park has two very large lakes with nice pan fishing and modest but well-groomed (daily?) swimming beaches. The lakes are a definite drive from the campgrounds, however, which makes it hard for "the kids" to simply amble down for a swim. This is important, in Sept. 2020 (COVID-19 times) 1/3 of the parking lot was closed off. Not sure why, but I speculate this is to regulate the number of beach dwellers and swimmers. Regardless, it's a very large and lovely park. Here's my review of the campsites.

      I am a car camper with no interest in (E) electric sites, so I did not pay attention nor note good ones. I prefer the silence and relative darkness that non-E sites provide.

      Campsite - Cox Hollow

      45/47 would be a nice couple of sites for a family/friends (wouldn't want this if you only needed one of them!)

      The sites on the "inside" of the loop are rather close to one another.

      21 has a nice view of the lake, and you can walk back to the fence to look over the bluff 24 is quite private and very large 26, 27 and 29 are all large, near the bluff

      34 is interesting, it's divided into three "terraces" Kind of fun, like a campsite divided into rooms

      44 right next to the water, BIG site, right near the bathroom and playground. This would be great if you have kids.

      The second campground is Twin Valley - though it is NO WHERE NEAR the Twin Valley lake. Lots of driving to get to the lake from here.

      221 is large with nice surrounding trees

      285 is really big

      This campground has walk in sites - these are sites with car parking on the road and you have to walk a minute or two to get to the site. Downside? Carrying all your gear and firewood. Upside? You can genuinely pretend that you've got the place to yourself, can't see a tent or an RV from any of these sites.

      262 is 40 steps in, right on the edge of the valley with it's own personal bluff.

      263 is a longer walk of 75 steps, a little less shaded than others, but PRIVATE

      264 is about 45 steps off the parking lot, right against the bluff edge.

      269 is 50 steps in, but it's just off the path, not as nice as others

      270 is a long 120 steps walking past 269, this is the site for you if you're looking for seclusion

      271 is 110 steps in, flat, really secluded

    • J
      Jun. 8, 2021

      Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

      Very nice campground

      Rock Cut St. Park is in the middle of an urban area, but you would not know it. The park is very large(the largest in northern Illinois) and has multiple campgrounds. I stayed in the Prairie View campground. Trees all around, plenty of shade. There is a central bathhouse with flush toilets and 3 showers. There is also a pit toilets throughout the park. Sites have electrical hookup, but water is from a hydrant or there is a dump station and water supply near the campground entrance. There are bike trails, hiking, and equestrian trails. You can swim in the lake at the east end of the park. Paddle boats, canoes and kayaks for rent as well as two boat ramps on the big lake in the middle of the park. The Plum Grove campground is more open between sites and sites are closer. Staghorn, White Oak, and Prairie View are father apart and have more under growth between sites. Hickory hills campgrounds is all tent sites and most are on the lake. Also there are AOA sites.

    Guide to Monticello

    Equestrian campgrounds around Monticello feature trails across diverse Wisconsin terrain, from rolling farmlands to wooded hills. The region sits within the Driftless Area, characterized by valleys and ridges untouched by glacial flattening during the last ice age. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler weather with seasonal color changes.

    What to do

    Explore glacial landscapes by foot: The hiking trails at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground offer varied terrain through prairie and wooded areas. "Did about 10mi of hiking. Buggy, but it's June in WI," notes Doug, while Jeanne M. appreciates the "beautiful glacial area with rolling hills and wonderful views."

    Fish in peaceful waters: White Mound County Campground provides a spring-fed lake perfect for fishing. Though "a bit cold for swimming," according to Jaime L., the "lake is gorgeous and clean" for anglers seeking less crowded waters than larger state parks.

    Visit nearby cultural attractions: The region offers cultural experiences within short drives from camping areas. Campers at Rock Cut State Park mention "Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House, which is simply amazing" according to Stuart K., while Governor Dodge State Park puts you "within an hour's drive of other regional riding destinations."

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Twin Valley Campground provides secluded camping experiences. Mary M. found her site "just enough of a walk to feel remote but not so far that I couldn't carry all my stuff," while Sarah R. appreciated that her site had "nice trees for hammock hanging, decently level ground."

    Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower areas. At Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground, Hubert M. found "showers which were clean and lots of hot water," while Brendan E. simply noted "clean facilities, friendly staff, and great trails. No bugs!"

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural surroundings offer chances to observe local animals. Mallory M. reports "there are bald eagles all over" at Governor Dodge State Park, while Stuart K. mentions spotting "an amazing array of foul including bald eagles, American robins, northern cardinals, barn owls" at Rock Cut State Park.

    What you should know

    Weather variations affect campsite conditions: Spring rains can create challenges at some locations. At Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve, Sebastian G. notes the pit toilets while Art S. mentions it's "a nice campground that winds around through some light woods."

    Reservation requirements: Popular horse campgrounds near Monticello, Wisconsin fill quickly during peak seasons. At Governor Dodge State Park Equestrian Campground, reservations are required and sites book fast for summer and fall weekends.

    Wildlife precautions: Several campgrounds report active wildlife, especially after dark. Sarah R. warns about raccoons at Twin Valley Campground: "The raccoons here are insanely bold...keep your food and garbage locked up and away from your site."

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for dedicated play areas: Merry Mac's Campground offers extensive recreation options for children. Tracy C. reports it has "so much to do! Lots of games for all up by lodge...Lake full of all kinds of floats the kids can climb and jump on. Clean pool to cool off in. Sand volleyball, ga ga ball, huge park."

    Choose campgrounds with swimming options: Water activities provide entertainment for children during hot summer days. Ryan K. mentions Yellowstone Lake State Park has "a nice beach for kids and adults to relax at and lots of kayaks on the water."

    Consider accessibility between sites: When camping with multiple families, select adjacent sites when possible. At White Mound County Campground, sites are "spread out enough to make this peaceful and private, but close enough to make the campground functional and cozy," according to Amy G.

    Tips from RVers

    Check electrical capacity: Some older campgrounds may have limited electrical infrastructure. At Rock Cut State Park, Rebecca C. warns "the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday...We had to rent a motel for the night because we couldn't even pull out the slide or anything."

    Look for level sites: Topography in Wisconsin's Driftless Area creates challenges for larger rigs. Lee D. notes at Governor Dodge State Park to "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."

    Watch for low clearance areas: Some parks have hazards for taller vehicles. Kathy L. cautions about Lake Kegonsa State Park: "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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Monticello, WI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Monticello, WI is Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 36 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Monticello, WI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Monticello, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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