Equestrian camping near Ontario, Wisconsin offers access to the unique Driftless Area, characterized by its steep ridges, deep valleys, and sandstone outcrops untouched by glaciation. The region features over 100 miles of multi-use trails across state forests and parks, with most equestrian camping areas open from May through October depending on trail conditions and weather.
What to do
Kayak the Kickapoo River: At Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy paddling the winding Kickapoo River. According to John B., "Ontario to bridge 5 was 2.5 hours" for kayaking, making it an ideal day trip for campers staying at the park.
Hike to seasonal features: The Ice Cave Trail at Wildcat Mountain offers a unique seasonal attraction. Kristina K. notes, "We'd love to come back and see the ice cave when it's cold enough for ice," highlighting the changing nature of park attractions throughout the year.
Explore sandstone bluffs: At Reno Horse Campground in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest, hikers can access sandstone formations. Joanna B. describes, "There is also hiking within this unit and a horse campground. The bugs weren't too bad, no ticks, no critters and no road noise."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campgrounds in this region typically offer well-spaced camping areas. At White Mound County Campground, Jaime L. appreciates that "the campsites are tucked away and private," providing a secluded camping experience in the woods.
Clean facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds maintain good standards for facilities. Amy G. noted about White Mound County Campground, "There were bathrooms scattered around with very clean pit-type toilets, and there were multiple toilets in 'mens' and 'women's' rooms."
Scenic overlooks: The elevated terrain provides excellent vantage points. At Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground, Steph comments, "The trails around have gorgeous views of the driftless area and Kickapoo river," making it worth climbing to higher elevations.
What you should know
Stream crossings on trails: Equestrian trails often feature water crossings. At Frontier Equestrian Campground in Yellow River State Forest, James M. mentions "trails from/camp including stream crossings in trout streams," noting that riders should be prepared for water features.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have steep access roads. Joyce B. warns about Wildcat Mountain, "if you have a low car, the front end is going to get scraped at the bottom of the mountain," indicating high-clearance vehicles are preferable.
Seasonal water temperature: Some swimming areas remain cold despite summer heat. At White Mound County Campground, Jaime L. cautions, "The only downfall is the lake is spring-fed so it's a bit cold for swimming," something families should consider when planning water activities.
Tips for camping with families
Wagon availability: For walk-in sites, equipment transport assistance may be available. Kay K. from Wildcat Mountain reports, "We hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies!" while Joyce B. notes "There were carts to use and parking wasn't too far so it wasn't bad at all."
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is essential in this region. Joyce B. warns from experience at Creekside Equestrian Campground, "We woke up in the middle of the night to find some smart raccoon (or whatever it was) had enjoyed our breakfast. We kept it in a cooler, but it figured out how to open it!"
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. Amy G. points out that White Mound provides "picnic tables everywhere, drinking water spigots, fire pits at every site and a playground for the kids," making it suitable for family camping.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric sites are distributed throughout some campgrounds. Amy G. notes about White Mound County Campground, "Electric sites (designated with an 'E' beside the number) were scattered with non electric sites. Electrics were more plentiful, though."
Site leveling: Campground pads vary in levelness across the region. Amy G. describes, "The pad we pulled into was fairly level and covered in pea gravel," which is important information for RV users setting up stabilizers and leveling systems.
Arrival timing: Late arrivals should prepare for self-registration. Amy G. advises, "There was even a campground map showing which spaces were taken and available (at the time the attendant went home for the day). This was nice, but the space we thought was open had been taken by someone moments before."
