Governor Dodge State Park offers extensive equestrian camping near Mount Horeb, Wisconsin across its 5,000-acre landscape that features rolling hills formed by glacial activity. Winter camping remains available in this section throughout cold weather, allowing riders year-round access to the network of trails. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs while providing necessary amenities for horses.
What to do
Hiking adventures: Explore the scenic trails at Governor Dodge State Park, where visitors can experience varying terrain and natural features. "The Stevens Falls and Canyon Trails were the highlight of the trip - even in the rain! First you can explore the old spring house and read the informational signs about the family that used to farm there and other early settlers in the area," notes a camper who appreciated the historical elements along with natural features.
Water activities: Cool off at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground where swimming and water recreation options abound. "Camped here in May 2024. What really makes this campground is the lake. There's a nice beach for kids and adults to relax at and lots of kayaks on the water," shares one visitor who enjoyed the water amenities.
Wildlife viewing: Set aside time for nature observation throughout the parks. "There are lots of wildlife to enjoy and Yellowstone. A beautiful park and tons of hiking and nice lake," notes one camper, highlighting the natural diversity that makes this region special for animal enthusiasts.
What campers like
Private campsites: Twin Valley Campground offers secluded options for those seeking privacy. "Site 271 was just enough of a walk to feel remote but not so far that I couldn't carry all my stuff... The site I picked had lots of great options for hammock hanging!" shares a camper who appreciated the walk-in accommodations and hammock-friendly setup.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities across parks. "Shower house/restroom was warm and clean. Would stay here again," notes a camper at Twin Valley, highlighting the comfort these amenities provide even during cooler seasons.
Group camping options: Cox Hollow Campground provides excellent group sites for larger gatherings. "Stayed here last year with a group of friends! Had 2 different group sites and both were awesome! A lot of space and not close to other group sites so it was nice to not have to worry about surrounding people!" explains a visitor who appreciated the spaciousness for group activities.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Be prepared for variable conditions, especially if camping in spring or fall. "The first weekend in October can sometimes be a little iffy weather wise, but we lucked out with pretty warm temperatures. We got quite a bit of rain on Saturday, but none of the sites had issues with flooding," notes a camper at Cox Hollow.
Wildlife precautions: Several campgrounds report active wildlife, requiring proper food storage. "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD!" warns a visitor, emphasizing the importance of securing food items before nightfall.
Reservation timing: Book sites well in advance, especially during peak seasons. "Peak season reservations are a definite (weeks to months in advance for weekends)," shares an experienced camper at Cox Hollow, highlighting the popularity of these destinations during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground offers family-friendly water recreation. "The park includes a beach and boat launch to help you enjoy Lake Kegonsa. It was also pet friendly with pet trails and a pet beach of their own," explains a visitor who appreciated the diverse water access options for both kids and pets.
Playground facilities: Many parks feature play areas for younger visitors. "Adjacent to the shower house was a nice wooded picnic area with playground equipment for the kids," notes a Lake Kegonsa camper, describing amenities designed specifically for families with children.
Educational opportunities: Look for interpretive displays and programs throughout the parks. "Lots of hiking trails and nature programs for all ages," shares a visitor who enjoyed the educational components available for younger campers to learn about local ecology and history.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Merry Mac's Campground offers designated pull-through sites for easier setup. "We only stayed a few nights, chose a pull thru site. The staff is great, the pool is brand new! They have a huge pond with inflatables," shares an RVer who appreciated the convenience of pull-through access combined with amenities.
Leveling challenges: Check site descriptions carefully when booking with larger rigs. "Lots of the campsites are uneven and larger vehicles may have issues getting level," warns an experienced RVer, suggesting that campers with large trailers or motorhomes should research site specifications before committing to a reservation.
Utility connections: Note that electrical hookups vary across campgrounds in the region. Some parks offer 30-amp service while others provide 50-amp options, so bring appropriate adapters. Water and sewer connections are limited at some locations, requiring planning for longer stays.
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