Cabin camping near Mount Horeb, Wisconsin offers access to over 30 miles of hiking trails across the Driftless Area, characterized by rolling hills that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. Winter cabin camping here requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below 10°F from December through February, with seasonal campgrounds typically closing by mid-October.
What to do
Hiking trails with elevation: Blue Mound State Park Campground offers challenging terrain with unique observation points. "Gorgeous hiking with really unique trails. Awesome mountain hiking options," notes Kristina K. The park maintains two wooden observation towers where "you can see all the way to Madison on a clear day" according to Kim L.
Beach and water activities: Mirror Lake State Park provides both hiking and water recreation options. One visitor reported, "There's a beach and a trail to get there but no bikes are allowed on the trail so we took the road. Beach is average size for a lake and seemed pretty clean but there was a lot of algae." The park rents kayaks and paddleboards for visitors without their own gear.
Winter recreation: While most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, Blue Mound State Park maintains winter trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. "Beautiful campground with amazing views for Fall. The hike to the caves is about 3 miles with gorgeous landscapes/colors in October," says Kaylyn C., highlighting off-season options.
What campers like
River recreation access: Wisconsin Riverside Resort sits directly on the Wisconsin River with canoe, kayak and tube rentals. Joe K. explains, "Free shuttle takes you up river for a 3 hour float trip." This makes river activities accessible without needing personal watercraft, with the resort handling transportation logistics.
Family entertainment features: Crazy Horse Campground provides multiple recreation options beyond standard camping. "Creek tubing/kayaking is so much fun. Lots of activities and fun," states Karen L. Activities include basketball courts, mini-golf, and a jumping pillow, making it suitable for families wanting structured recreation options beyond hiking.
Spacious campsites: Toms Campground maintains larger sites for privacy between camping units. One visitor noted the "Nice rural setting, peaceful and nice scenery." Sites feature fire pits and picnic tables standard, with the campground accepting only cash or check payment for accommodations.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facilities range from basic vault toilets to full shower houses. At Skillet Creek Campground, "Bathrooms are very clean. Hot showers are free, although they only have an on and off, no temperature control." Other campgrounds charge for showers, with Mirror Lake requiring quarters ($0.50) for hot water.
Reservation timing matters: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, particularly for weekend stays. The limited inventory of cabins fills months ahead for summer weekends. Cedar Hills Campground offers "Park Models rentals or Tent site rentals" with rates starting at $125 per night for furnished units.
Seasonal availability limitations: Most campgrounds operate from April/May through mid-October. Smokey Hollow Campground represents an exception with year-round operations, though winter amenities may be limited. Several campgrounds offer seasonal RV sites where "you can leave your RV there in off season."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for children: Blue Mound State Park Campground includes a swimming pool and splash pad that parents appreciate. "The pool is very nice and very clean. There is a pool section and a splash section. There are chairs and lounges around both and shade awnings," writes Debra M. The cost is $3 for adults and $2 for children.
Playground accessibility: Merry Mac's Campground maintains extensive play areas including a "huge park" and activities like "ga ga ball." Tracy C. reports, "Super fun campground with so much to do! Lots of games for all up by lodge. DJ dance party on the deck at night. Lake full of all kinds of floats the kids can climb and jump on."
Wildlife awareness: Some campgrounds have active wildlife that requires proper food storage. "The raccoons are a bit gutsier than most, though," mentions one Blue Mound camper. Sites with active wildlife may require more diligent food management and securing garbage before nightfall.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger units: Wisconsin campgrounds vary greatly in accommodating larger RVs. Kim L. advises about Blue Mound: "For RVs, be sure to select a bigger site than you think you need. Sometimes it's tricky to maneuver your camper so big rigs may want to stay elsewhere. Our 30 ft. travel trailer fit fine, with some skilled driving."
Hookup configurations: Lantern DeForest Campground (formerly Madison Campground) offers full hookup sites with electric, water and sewer connections. "The sites are all drive through and can handle large rigs. Not bad for a quick one-night stay," notes Brad, mentioning the convenient access from I-90 despite some road noise.
Seasonal rental options: For RVers considering extended stays, Cedar Hills Campground offers seasonal sites. "You can plant a garden or flowers, build a deck and have a shed also on your lot starting $2995 to $3500 yr," according to one reviewer, providing options for those wanting a more permanent seasonal setup.
