Equestrian campers can access several horse campgrounds near Pittsville, Wisconsin with well-maintained trail systems. The surrounding region contains mixed forest terrain with elevations ranging from 1,050 to 1,450 feet above sea level. Most equestrian campgrounds in this area operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October due to central Wisconsin's distinct four-season climate.
What to do
Horseback riding on extensive trails: Hartman Creek State Park Campground features dedicated horse trails alongside hiking and biking options. A camper notes, "horse trails, biking trails. Right along the ice age trail!" The park connects riders to multiple trail systems.
Fishing opportunities: Big Eau Pleine Park Campground offers multiple fishing access points. As one visitor mentioned, "There are several fishing points near the entrance and along the three boat landings. There is also a beach, two shelters and scattered picnic areas."
Disc golf: The disc golf course at Big Eau Pleine provides recreational options beyond equestrian activities. A camper noted there's a "daily fee for disk golf course" so budget accordingly if planning to play.
Hiking accessible trails: The trail systems accommodate various activity levels. According to one camper at Wedges Creek Hideaway, the campground offers "several miles of hiking trails" with access directly from camping areas.
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: Campgrounds in the Pittsville area typically provide adequate space. At Big Eau Pleine Park, a visitor commented, "Sites are very nice and level w majority elec. Wood available for fires an reasonable."
Peaceful atmosphere: The equestrian campgrounds maintain quiet environments. One camper at Wild West Campground & Corral stated, "This was quiet and peaceful. When we needed our fire pit cleaned out they came pretty quickly. Being able to watch the horses was very calming."
Bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean restrooms with additional amenities. A visitor to Wedges Creek Hideaway described "one of the largest, cleanest bathrooms I've seen. Women's had 2 sinks with a large vanity area, about 3 stalls and two very large shower stalls with full doors."
Family-friendly environments: Lakeside Fire Campground & Waterpark provides activities beyond equestrian options. A camper noted the "Ice cream Shop and hot Dog" options on site, appealing to families with children.
What you should know
Seasonal water quality issues: Some lakefront properties experience algae problems. At Big Eau Pleine, one camper reported, "The water quality suffers from green algae almost the entire season. Fishing can be good. No longer good for nocturnal carp due to water."
Site reservation requirements: Many equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Campgrounds like Wild West Campground & Corral recommend advance booking, especially for weekend stays with horses.
Enforcement policies: Rules are strictly enforced at some locations. One Big Eau Pleine visitor cautioned, "The rangers and camp hosts will give you tickets for EVERYTHING. There's no guest parking anywhere near the campsites and they'll write you a ticket if you park by the bathrooms or have more than 2 cars in your site."
Bathroom lighting: Multiple campgrounds have reported bathroom lighting issues. One camper mentioned at Big Eau Pleine: "no lights in bathroom. The electric did not work on our site they were very helpful and getting us a different one."
Tips for camping with families
Consider handicap-accessible sites: Hartman Creek State Park Campground provides accessibility options. A visitor shared, "A gorgeous family friendly campground! Our site was located overlooking Allen Lake, right in the tall pines. It was a great location, enough trees for kids to hang hammocks for a little relaxation."
Bring recreation equipment: Lakes provide water activities beyond swimming. One camper at Hartman Creek noted, "Hartman Creek is a nice small lake, with no wake. There is now a rental building available with kayaks, paddle boats, SUP, etc to rent. We rented kayaks for an hour and a very reasonable price."
Check seasonal hours: Firewood availability varies by location and time. A visitor cautioned, "Firewood permits are required and only sold from 8am - 8pm. The permit lasts for one day and can only be purchased from one location."
Plan for wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides wildlife observation opportunities. As one Hartman Creek visitor remarked, "Small lake so we were able to explore— saw about 3 dozen turtles which was super fun for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Electric hook-up reliability: Multiple campgrounds offer electric sites with varying reliability. At Big Eau Pleine, one RVer noted, "We camped on the handicap site as I am disabled. The site is near the bathroom which is good it's a nice big site. It was big enough for an camper and a tent."
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies throughout horse campgrounds near Pittsville. One camper at Big Eau Pleine reported, "For those requiring cell service, I had 3 bars LTE with Verizon at my site."
Campground approach access: Some locations require careful navigation. At Wedges Creek Hideaway, a visitor noted it's "on a double dead end road" and "off the main road, behind a field in Amish Country," requiring attention to directions when arriving with large rigs.
