Southern Unit Horseriders Campground offers equestrian-friendly camping from April to November on terrain shaped by glacial movements. The grounds include over 40 miles of horse trails through Kettle Moraine State Forest's diverse landscape of pine forests, hills, and grassland. Trail access starts directly from the campground entrance, with opportunities for riders of all skill levels.
What to do
Trail riding experiences: Horse trails throughout Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit provide varying terrain for riders. "Direct access to horse trails throughout Kettle Moraine State Forest begins at the campground entrance," notes a visitor to Southern Unit Horseriders Campground. The facility includes easy mounting options for less experienced riders.
Lakeside activities: Ottawa Lake within Kettle Moraine offers swimming and fishing opportunities. "You can camp year around in this campground. Most recent 2 times were winter camping... Nice place for solitude," reports a visitor to Kettle Moraine Southern Unit. The lake area includes designated swimming beaches and fishing spots.
Hiking and biking trails: The Ice Age Trail passes through several campgrounds in the area. "Firstly- don't reserve a spot in loop 1 if you have a dog. It was easy enough to change but now we know to aim for loop 2 or 3... We asked the ranger about hiking and she gave us a map to a trail system that connects to this campground between the group sites and loop 3," explains a camper at Pinewoods Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campsites offer good separation from neighbors. "The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain. Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight," describes a visitor at Pinewoods Campground. This privacy feature is common in several Kettle Moraine campgrounds.
Lake activities: Beaches and water access rank high with campers. "The lake is nice and there is a very nice beach as well as a fishing pier. I didn't take advantage of any of the hiking trails so cannot speak to those," mentions a camper at Kettle Moraine South Camping. Multiple swimming areas exist throughout the forest.
Equestrian facilities: Purpose-built areas for horses receive positive feedback. The purpose-built equestrian campground includes shared corrals, multiple bridle stations, and dedicated waste collection areas specifically designed for horse riders' needs.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping offers a different experience than summer. "No host so buying wood is an issue, but pick a site on the edge and there is more than enough free. Bring a saw. Nice place for solitude. No rowdies in winter," advises a visitor to Kettle Moraine Southern Unit. Some water facilities close during winter months.
Loop selection matters: Different camping loops have varying rules and atmospheres. "The quiet Loop was a wonderful idea however, the campsite next to us was blasting music and at 11:30 pm someone randomly started playing a flute?" reports a camper at Pinewoods Campground. Research loop rules before booking.
Site selection tips: Choose sites based on specific needs. "Pine Woods: 24-hour quiet and no pets! The sites in this area generally have long driveways, more 'privacy' than I've seen in many State Parks campgrounds and generous space between sites," advises a camper when describing ideal sites for tent camping in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Multiple swimming options for children exist. "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids. Also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July," notes a visitor at Mauthe Lake Campground. Some beaches have lifeguards during summer months.
Playground facilities: Play areas are available at several campgrounds. "We have been to Menomonee park several times. It is one of the kids favorites. The sites are just about all wooded. Not huge but a good size for a country park," explains a visitor to Menomonee Park, which includes playgrounds and family-friendly trails.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs run during summer months. Many campgrounds offer ranger-led activities and junior ranger programs focused on local ecology and glacial history.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Check site specifications before booking. "The campsites are roomy and (at least the one I was using) was wooded and private. I was camping with another party and we had adjoining sites," notes a camper at Kettle Moraine South Camping, though they also mention that some sites can become muddy after rain.
Hookup availability: Electric sites are limited in some campgrounds. Most campgrounds offer a mix of electric and non-electric sites, with some providing full hookups for RVs and others offering more primitive options.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal. Sanitary dump stations are available at several campgrounds but not all, requiring planning for longer stays.
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