Equestrian Camping near Pewaukee, WI

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    Kettle Moraine State Forest's Southern Unit Horseriders Campground offers equestrian-specific sites with electric hookups and trailer parking. Located in Palmyra, this 5-star rated campground provides drinking water and includes access to trails designed for horseback riding throughout the Southern Unit. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs with ample space for horse trailers. The campground maintains toilets, showers, and trash facilities while keeping the equestrian experience central to its design. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings where fires are permitted. Trail riders notice the well-maintained pathways connecting directly to the campground, making morning rides convenient without having to trailer horses to trailheads.

    The extensive trail system throughout Kettle Moraine State Forest provides varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. Horse trails connect to the campground and wind through the forest's distinctive glacial features. Water is available for horses near the campsites, though riders should bring portable water buckets for convenience. The campground operates seasonally from April through November, making spring and fall particularly pleasant for equestrian camping due to moderate temperatures and fewer insects on the trails. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends and fall color season when the campground frequently reaches capacity. The park requires a state park admission sticker in addition to camping fees for all vehicles entering the property.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Pewaukee (13)

      1. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      4.4(26)13mi from PewaukeeRVs, Tents

      "It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa LakeNearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "

      "Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."

      from $18 - $30 / night

      2. Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks

      3.9(8)6mi from PewaukeeRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."

      "The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards."

      from $25 - $80 / night

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      3. Harnischfeger County Park

      5.0(3)17mi from PewaukeeRVs, Tents

      "Has trails, disc golf, and rock river for kayaking."

      "Their is also a great hiking trail if you like that."

      4. Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

      4.4(45)36mi from PewaukeeRVs, Tents

      "I live very close to this park and camp here often. It is a nice family type campground with a nice swimming beach and playground for children."

      "Mauthe Lake Campground is located in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest in East/Centreal Wisconsin."

      from $18 - $28 / night

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      5. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

      3.6(23)37mi from PewaukeeRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."

      "This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits."

      6. Horseriders Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      5.0(1)22mi from PewaukeeRVs, Tents

      "Driving on country roads to this campground, I drove past many many horse ranches. So it's no surprise that there is a dedicated campground for horseback riding in this state park. "

      7. Elkhorn Campgrounds

      4.3(4)32mi from PewaukeeRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Within walking distance to downtown Elkhorn, EAHS, and the horse areana. You might even be able to catch a show or two on site at the fair grounds, depending on the time of year."

      "Easy access to electric and/or water. If unsure, contact office. Site, restrooms, and showers were clean. There are a lot of sites but still felt like there was ample space."

      8. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

      4.0(22)50mi from PewaukeeRVs, 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."

      9. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      3.9(13)44mi from PewaukeeRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."

      "Trails were geared more towards horses and bikes, but there are plenty of walking paths, and we were able to find some hidden trails along the lake (read: unofficial)."

      10. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      4.3(12)44mi from PewaukeeRVs, Tents

      "There is a lot to do at this park from hiking to water sports to horse back riding. We did a nice short hike in area. We had a great time at this campground and would visit again."

      "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Pewaukee, WI

    160 Reviews of 13 Pewaukee Campgrounds


    • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 17, 2024

      Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      Fine camping in Northern Illinois

      We stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites. Fox den and Prairie view loops are nice as well with mostly primitive sites. Be aware that the map on www.ExloreMoreIL,com(where you make your reservations) doesn't show where the restrooms are. In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61. Facilities are clean and well lit. Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill. This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate, and it's a drive to the main boat launch at Maple Grove, where you have access to the Fox River and Grass lake. This location has a huge parking lot for boat trailers, a very well stocked general store with fishing supplies, a cafe, boat rentals and good firewood. To get away from the crowd if you're a canoeist or kayaker it's nicer to leave the park and go back in at Oak Point picnic area and boat launch at the northern border. This will put you on the Fox river with developments to the north(including a bar& grill) or to the south which is all nature. I think the distance by boat between the two launches is 4-5 miles, but I'm not sure, Halfway there you'll meet up with the Goldfinch trail which is the shortest loop and the most diverse in term of flora. There are horse/ snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground. Chain o' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season. We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October, so I can't tell you how crowded, but the vast number of picnic areas must be there for a reason. An odd thing is that you can hear a Steam Train whistle quite often, this is from Richardson's Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. We don't have kids so we went to Stade's Farm& Orchard(which is also large and kid friendly) because they have an orchard and vegetable market. One last thing, the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark:)

    • Josh F.
      Dec. 3, 2020

      Horseriders Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      If I had a horse, I'd definitely camp here

      Driving on country roads to this campground, I drove past many many horse ranches. So it's no surprise that there is a dedicated campground for horseback riding in this state park. 

      Built for Large Gatherings

      There are a number of COVID-era regulations that as of this writing are in place, see photos of the signs posted. This campground is clearly built for large groups to hang out together. There is a large shelter with picnic tables and very convenient roll-up sides that can be used to protect people during inclement weather. There is also a large grill that would be great for serving many, and a very nice fire pit with fixed seating for a large group. 

      Ammenities

      There are also nice touches, such as a small stair-step for beginners or young people to mount their horse. And the campground has a little free library. There are electric and non-electric campsites, all seem to have a picnic table and fireplace. There are ample places to bridle horses and shared corrals every four or five campsites. There are also animal waste collection areas throughout the campground. There are several pit toilets throughout the campground, and one building with flush toilets and showers. It's a very nice and fairly new building.

      Group Campsite

      The group campsite has six sites and they are not pull through for trailers. There is a fire pit with fixed seating around it centrally-located in the group campsite. The group campsite does not have electric units. 

      And no surprise, there is easy access to horse trails throughout the state forest. 

      My Top Picks

      There are several sites along one side of the park that are a little more secluded and in a pine forest. They have picnic tables and fire pits like the others, they include 409, 410, 411, 412, 413. There's also a series of pull-through sites that would make it easier for those who don't care to back trailers in or out of the site. These include electric sites 405, 404, 403, 402, and 401.

      There's a nice couple of campsites at the end of one of the loops that affords a little bit of privacy, the only problem is they abut the main road and are a little noisy with car traffic. However, they are sweet sites. They include 427 and 428. Unfortunately, they camping here you would hear all of the car traffic while all the other campsites are much further away from the road.

    • Julie L.
      Mar. 20, 2017

      Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

      Mauthe-Lake Northern Kettle Morraine

      I live very close to this park and camp here often. It is a nice family type campground with a nice swimming beach and playground for children. There is only 1 bath house here and MANY pit toilets that are surprisingly clean and not real stinky. It is part of the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine and there are great hiking and biking trails as well as horse trails with a horse camp nearby. Every once in a while you can spot an eagle soaring around dinner time. There are sites very near the lake, but I prefer the ones up the hill. Mosquitos are present in the early summer and the breezes topside keep them at bay.

    • Kim L.
      Jul. 28, 2019

      Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

      Great state park for family RV camping

      I love everything about this park except the beach, so it didn’t get a 5 star. We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine. Took a walk around and found plenty of other large, private shaded electric sites. If we came here again I would go for a site away from the bathroom. The tent sites looks fantastic- large and private. Plenty of hiking trails here, a decent playground, and tons of large fields to picnic in. Park has a Facebook page where they post activities. Friday night we saw a presentation on the cranes of Wisconsin, and Saturday morning we did a parkwide scavenger hunt. All fun for the family. We would definitely camp here again. The beach is across the very busy road, and has about 10 ft of sand before the road. Fine for a dip, but not relaxing. Very crowded. Other beaches are nearby but not free. Town of Lake Geneva is very cute in an upscale tourist way. Our kid found the museum a lot of fun.

    • A
      May. 31, 2019

      Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      Fine camp for hikers on the Ice Age trail.

      A good campground for tents and trailers in a pine forest.  It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake.  Nearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails.  You can almost feel like you're away from it all, but there is a small highway in the distance.

    • Brenton S.
      Jul. 1, 2020

      Elkhorn Campgrounds

      Affordable and friendly!

      Such a great little place to escape to or visit if you're just passing through. Nothing crazy fancy but hook-ups and fire pits available if needed. Within walking distance to downtown Elkhorn, EAHS, and the horse areana. You might even be able to catch a show or two on site at the fair grounds, depending on the time of year.

    • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 13, 2023

      Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

      There are no Yeti here

      This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits. This area has always been a summer getaway, so reservations are hard to get. We went in October, so it was much easier, but the weather was unpredictable.
       The lake is famous for it's mansions, summer homes and the trail which goes around the entire perimeter and is open to the public, no matter how many property lines it crosses.
       The park is on the lake, 2 miles south of downtown. So, a 40 min walk, 11 by bike, though there are hills on both routes. The park has a long strip of beach that almost seems like a shoulder to the main road. There's a fishing lagoon with a bait vending machine. The campsites and trails are further back, and out of the wind.
       The sites are generally spacious, some are oddly shaped. The further back you go on the main loop though, actually brings you closer to town. You can hear events taking place at the High School even though it looks like you're in the woods.
       The main restroom and shower facility is brand new and spotless.
      Too many things to see and do in the area to list here but I'd point out the Boat House Bar & Grill is right next to the entrance. It has a big patio and is dog friendly. Easy walking distance from the campground. Good food at a good price.
       Outside of town, Lake Geneva County Meats is a butcher shop and more with a terrific selection and variety of brats (among other things) and can supply all your cookout needs.  Also, check out Royal Oaks farm & Orchard. In season, they have the greatest variety of apples we've ever seen. Better still, they are well labeled telling which types are best for what use. Of course, donuts and cider too.

    • Jay W.
      Jul. 19, 2018

      Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

      Great Camping in the Middle of Kettle Moraine Forest

      Mauthe Lake Campground is located in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest in East/Centreal Wisconsin. This is one of my frequent visited campgrounds in the state given all the recreational trails for hiking and bicycling. The campground is clean and spread out. This campground offers some of the cleanest showers I have encountered on my camping trips. The Lake to Lake bike trail connects Long Lake Campground and Mauthe Lake Campground which is abut an 8 mile trip one way. This trail is a mix of paved, dirt, and gravel and travels through different landscape . There is a short hiking trail around Mauthe Lake that you should be able to complete in an hour at a average pace. The Ice Age Trail also runs through the park as part of its 1200 plus miles through the state. Ice cream and restaurants are close by, just follow the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, which takes you on a scenic rout through the North Kettle and Southern Kettle Moraine Forest. Be prepared for LOUD FROGS when attempting to sleep, if you can sleep through this noise the campground won't let you down.

    • Jen L.
      Aug. 23, 2018

      Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      Mixed Bag

      The Pinewoods Campground is an odd mix. The comfort station (ie flush toilets with sinks and baby changing station) and shower facility is well maintained and centrally located to the camp ground with nearby playground, field area, and a little free library. The bathrooms located closest to the campsites are pit toilets that are lit at night, toilet paper provided, and hand sanitizer. The individual campsites are good sized (some with electric hookup for RVs) with dirt/pine needle ground instead of gravel areas which are more comfortable for tents. The tall trees keep the area shaded and cool even on hot summer days. The shade limits ground growth which pro - limits mosquitoes, but con - leaves clear eye-lines from one site to the neighbors. Kettle Moraine Forest - South as a park area has miles of trails for hiking, biking, skiing, and horse back riding. But individual trail areas are spread miles apart and driving or biking between sites is often required.

      Overall its a great area for families or inexperienced/unsure campers but if you're looking to get out into nature and away from civilization this isn't the place for you. Also if you are a family with young children then loop 1 (campsites 1-36) which is a 24hour quiet zone should not be your first choice.


    Guide to Pewaukee

    Southern Unit Horseriders Campground provides electric hookups, trailer parking, and specialized facilities for equestrians. The trails connect directly to the campground with varied terrain throughout Kettle Moraine State Forest. Water is available for horses near the sites, though portable buckets are recommended. The campground operates from April through November, with spring and fall offering moderate temperatures and fewer insects. Reservations are advised, especially during peak times, as the campground frequently reaches capacity. Wisconsin state park admission stickers are required in addition to camping fees.

    What to do

    Hiking forest trails: The Kettle Moraine South Camping area offers extensive hiking options through varied terrain. "There are plenty of camp sites here! All different types. Electric, non-electric, primitive, walk-in, etc. Also, there's a small beach on a lake within the park near camping areas," notes Jessica Jazz B. The Ice Age Trail passes through several campgrounds, providing connectivity for longer treks.

    Mountain biking: Dedicated single-track trails can be found throughout the forest's southern unit. Bruce G. describes the area as having "awesome single-track mountain bike trails" with "something for everyone" across the "huge expanse of land." Trail difficulty ranges from beginner-friendly routes to more technical sections for experienced riders.

    Swimming and boating: Several lakes in the region offer swimming beaches and boat launches. At Menomonee Park, campers enjoy "a nice beach with life guards" where the quarry is "good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing," according to Matt N. Many lakes prohibit motorized boats, creating quiet environments for paddlers.

    What campers like

    Secluded wooded sites: Campsites throughout the Kettle Moraine system offer good separation and privacy. At Pinewoods Campground, Abbe W. found that "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." The natural buffers between sites create personal space even during busy periods.

    Seasonal beauty: Fall foliage draws many visitors to the area. Cathy L. notes that Kettle Moraine is "so pretty in the fall. Red Trail, Paradise Trail, Rice Lake are all great hikes." Winter camping options exist at several parks for cold-weather enthusiasts. Tim H. mentions that at Ottawa Lake Campground "you can camp year around" and finds winter offers "solitude" with "no rowdies."

    Proximity to urban areas: The region provides natural settings within easy driving distance from Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs. GA J. describes the area as "within an hour of major suburbs of Milwaukee but out of the way," making it ideal for weekend getaways without extensive travel time.

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking. "Please reserve especially on weekends," advises GA J. about Kettle Moraine Southern Unit. Popular sites and electric hookups are often booked months in advance, especially during summer and fall color season.

    Vehicle permits: Wisconsin State Park admission stickers are required for entry to state properties in addition to camping fees. These can be purchased online or at entrance stations, with annual and daily options available.

    Wildlife considerations: While generally mild, wildlife encounters do occur. Abbe W. notes "There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area. We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds." Proper food storage is advised even in established campgrounds.

    Insects: Bug protection is essential, particularly during warmer months. Amanda F. emphasizes to "definitely make sure to bring your bug spray for this location!" Some areas experience heavy mosquito activity during summer evenings.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Matt N. mentions that Harnischfeger County Park "has a 9 hole mini golf course that cost $1 a person" along with "trails, disc golf, and rock river for kayaking." These activities provide entertainment beyond standard campsite activities.

    Quiet camping sections: For families seeking peaceful settings, designated quiet areas exist in certain campgrounds. Wendy Z. appreciated that at Pinewoods Campground, they "liked this site because it was on the 'quiet loop.' No radios or pets allowed." These areas enforce stricter noise regulations.

    Activity programs: Many parks offer ranger-led programs during peak season. Art S. recommends: "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. We enjoyed a 4 mile hike from camp to the observation trail."

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection considerations: When booking RV sites, pay attention to specific features and limitations. At Lake Kegonsa State Park, Ted W. cautions that "the sites we were in were a little narrow to back in a 30ft camper. The pictures of the site did not show this." Checking campground maps and reading reviews can help identify suitable locations.

    Electric service details: Most electric sites in the area offer 30-amp service, with some providing 50-amp connections. Glenn S. notes that campsites are "roomy" but warns that after rain "most of the site was mud" due to limited grassy areas at some locations.

    Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer pull-through sites for easier access. Josh F. recommends the equestrian campground has "a series of pull-through sites that would make it easier for those who don't care to back trailers in or out of the site. These include electric sites 405, 404, 403, 402, and 401."

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pewaukee, WI is Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Pewaukee, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.