Best Equestrian Camping near Portage, WI

Recent Equestrian Reviews in Portage

57 Reviews of 8 Portage Campgrounds

• 

  Mike K.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 7, 2023

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Rangers to not enforce the park rules!

  wonderful park! Only problem is the park does not enforce their rules. Several sites had 3 to 4 cars/ trucks and as many as 15 people per site. And these were not the double sites which allow greater numbers. This was observered on single sites. Rules say max of 6 people and 2 cars. This creates very loud partying late at night. I asked at the ranger station about the rules and discussed what I saw what I experienced. Pretty much just blew me off! Reserving only one site and packing as many people as they can get away with does not create a very family friendly camping experience.  Only leads to trouble.  No Rangers in the Park after 8pm which to me is a safety issue!  After 8pm the local police in Dodgeville take over.  We were there 5 nights and only saw the police roll through 1 night!  Too bad.  Such a nice Park is going down hill!

• 

  Chelsie W.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 12, 2023

  Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Lovely Gov’ Dodge

  We love to go kayaking here, the lakes are lovely. There are also lots of trails to explore. It can get busy, especially during the summer holidays. The beaches tend to be where the people are most dense. The campgrounds are pretty large but most sites offer good privacy. We stayed at Cox Hollow campground and enjoyed our stay. The stars were glorious. P.S. Bob’s Bitchin BBQ in Dodgeville is banging if you’re looking for a yum treat.

• 

  Art S.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 23, 2022

  Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Loud, party vibe

  The campsites here are deep with lots of greenery. However we chose this site thinking that it was on the end. The loops curl around so there were campers around us. On the other side was a playground that had children enjoying it all day. While this is great for some, our reactive dog was quite distracted.

  Upon arriving at the check in, there is still a couple miles to wind around until the campground, longer to get to twin lakes campground. The road is hilly too. It’s not a problem in our vehicle but it would be tiring on a bicycle. There are showers in the center of our loop. It could be expanded a bit - we had short lines for the restrooms. Water , garbage and recycling are available as well as a dump station.

  It was raining when we arrived but we drove around to see the park. We hiked the short distance to Stephen’s Falls and was not impressed. Maybe they need more rain this year but all we saw was a splatter.

  We saw folks who kept their kayaks and canoes locked up by the lake. The beach looked nice too. The other end of the park has an equestrian campground. We did see some horses riding the trail around the park.

  The vibe here wasn’t for us. Various sites had music playing loud enough for us to hear. Trails from camp would be great. We ended up walking along the narrow road.

• k

  kevin M.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 19, 2022

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Terrible campsite

  Made a reservation on line. $25. Added a conservation fee of $7. Taxes added to that. Pulled in on my motorcycles with my son and they charged us an additional $22 vehicle charge. This site cost us almost $60 for one night and the place was filthy. There were worms crawling around in the men’s urinal. The bathrooms were disgusting and there were signs all over complaining about how short staffed they were. Never go to this campground.

• 

  Rx Q.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 19, 2022

  Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Noisy

  This was my first and probably last time camping at Cox Hollow. Let’s start with positive: easy access to the campsite I was able to park my car right by the tent. Bathrooms and showers seemed clean enough, but I would recommend wearing some sort of footwear while you shower. Now the negatives: loud and obnoxious families with screaming bratty kids, people leave food scraps so raccoons are not scared and come right up to you sniffing for food, people have zero courtesy and slam bathroom door non stop, not to mention slamming down dumpster lids literally all day and late into the evening. Oh and did I mention screaming kids? Apparently “quiet hours” are from 11pm-8am, well the noise continued almost into midnight hours and as early as 6:30am. Thumping stereos with loud music, also can’t blame dogs for barking, but we had a howler and it kept going all the time. Forget about sleeping in or enjoying the sounds of nature. I’d like try different campsite at this park, but won’t be returning to Cox Hollow.

• 

  Brian O.

  Legend

  

  May. 12, 2022

  Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  check the photos before you book

   Unlike Twin Valley, this campground is up on the hills, many sites drop off steeply. It really should be called Cox Bluff, oh well.  Sites are well spaced and when it's summer and leafy, fairly private.  Site #21 has the best view of the lake, but it's the one everyone arriving shines their headlights into. The sites to either side fare better. Many of the sites on the outer loops are split-level. Check the photo, if it looks like there's a log across the site, it means you have to step down to get to the large part of the site. Pay attention to the drive-in dimensions posted. Bigger rigs will do better inner loop. There are no pull-throughs.
  Firepits are low steel rings, 30" across with no grate., tables are long, family sized.
  Toilets and showers are clean and well lit, with an outlet for razors. Hot water is inconsistent.

• 

  Cherie J.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 16, 2022

  Merry Mac's Campground

  Great place by state parks

  My family and I love the yurts and the giant pool/ pond. The park model rentals are nice now that my grandma is getting older. 4 stars simply because everything has a price and it's not included in tge total.

• N

  Nicole K.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 1, 2022

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Gorgeous Wisconsin Gem

  We really love camping at Governor Dodge. It has some fantastic hiking trails, nice lakes, and family friendly camping. Facilities are ok, not the worst, not the best. Medium sized sites. Overall a great State Park.

• 

  Jennifer B.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 20, 2022

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Cool Hiking and History!

  We stayed last year in Governor Dodge and we loved hiking, especially to Stephens’ Falls!

• c

  carol M.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 28, 2021

  Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Big Beautiful park has it all!

  We love camping at Governor Dodge state park. The campsites are big and fairly private some areas are better for groups of families camping together with play grounds and nice clean bathrooms with showers. If you camp at Twin Valley You will have to drive to the beach. We like the Cox Hollow beach the best ..so if you want to walk to beach camp there. There are lots of beautiful hiking trails including one that passes an old farm homestead complete with the old spring house and a waterfall. You can also rent horses and rid them in the park…the rental place is just outside the park. They have groomed cross country trails and mountain biking trails as well. You won’t be disappointed if you visit this park!

  V

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 27, 2021

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Beautiful campground

  Stayed at the Twin Valley campground. Beautiful. Some nice Fall colors. Camped at a non-electric site. While other Wisconsin state parks have shut off most water & closed their shower houses, ghost park kept these amenities available this late in October; that was a nice surprise. Sites are wooded & spacious. Shower house/ restroom was warm & clean. Would stay here again.

• 

  kassondra T.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 26, 2021

  Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Good campground, good hiking

  We had a great site with room for both our truck camper and canopy/tent setup. Great hiking, although the falls would’ve been more impressive if we’d had more recent rainfall. Had a fun time fishing but there wasn’t much of a pier. Found a picnic spot along the shoreline and fished from there instead. Loved that the campgrounds had little free libraries!

• T

  Taylor U.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 22, 2021

  Sleepy Dragon Campground

  Great old fashioned camping spot

  As this place didn’t have much for reviews I wasn’t sure what to think but it’s a great location with good service. I thought the stay price was reasonable and there are lots of options for sites and bathrooms. It was quiet and beautiful location with a nice owner.

• 

  Heather M.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 10, 2021

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  late summer getaway

  large shaded campsites, clean and well marked trails, excellent and friendly staff available to answer questions and offer suggestions. Wonderful experience

• 

  Michael D.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 4, 2021

  Merry Mac's Campground

  Quiet and peaceful

  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. It’s located right by Devils lake. Firewood for sale, great wifi, clean bathhouses/rooms

• 

  David H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 30, 2021

  Merry Mac's Campground

  Great places to camp and very clean

  Plenty of things to do here to keep the kids engaged and busy very clean Campground the campsites are well-kept swimming Pond was clean and plenty of fun things to climb on and slide down. We will definitely return to this Campground

• 

  Stacey N.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 25, 2021

  White Mound County Campground

  Understaffed.

  This is a beautiful site, and I would give more stars. But, there was no camp host, no one at the office to check in when we arrived, no one cleaning the bathrooms, and no one enforcing the 10pm quiet hour rule. I don’t mind the pit toilets, but at least clean the building. And at least have enough light in the building so one can see at night. If none of those things make a difference to you, then enjoy camping here!

• 

  Neal A.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 9, 2021

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  clean and peaceful with nice beach

  strong swimmers can cross the lake and hike back on a trail, nice bluffs across the lake to hike, clean beach with concession stand

• 

  Sara H.

  Scout

  

  May. 31, 2021

  Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Beautiful Park

  The park is beautiful, the campsites are very nice. There’s lots to do including swimming and kayaking on the lake. The only downside for us was that it was very loud due to it being a holiday weekend filled with families and kids. So it’s not the most quiet place but it is quite lovely. Sites 21, 24 and 26 are primo.

• 

  Brian O.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 13, 2020

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Beautiful and popular

  Over 5,000 acres, featuring two lakes and some truly beautiful trails. It’s best to get reservations early. Twin Valley campground is split into upper and lower. Lower being better for larger RVs while upper has more shaded, cozier sites better for smaller rigs and tents. Cox Hollow campground is more open and may have some pull through spaces. Nearby are the kitschy House on the Rock and Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Taliesin home and studio. Recommend the Jumping Jupiter General store outside the park for all your camping needs.

• S

  Scott G.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 16, 2020

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Great state park

  Great park in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin. Not far from the house on the rock and Taliesin. Great open hiking trail. Well laid out sites with lots of space.

  Only ding is the price of a state park pass. Not pro rated and they expire at the end of the calendar year.

• 

  Catherine F.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 8, 2020

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Amazing

  Loved this place! So many trails , 3 nice camp areas, clean bathrooms, dog friendly, and beautiful views . I went mid week while it was freezing ,so not to many ppl , but Friday night rolled around and it sure did fill up fast . I will definitely go back in the summer for kayaking .

• 

  Sajjad A.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 27, 2020

  Merry Mac's Campground

  Clean. lot to do.

  This is good, clean campsite. You kids will have fun here. There is lot to do. Mostly RV sites.

• 

  Josh F.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 11, 2020

  Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Two lakes, two campgrounds and some nice walk-in sites!

  I stayed at this campground when I was a kid and only recently revisited it. The state park has two very large lakes with nice pan fishing and modest but well-groomed (daily?) swimming beaches. The lakes are a definite drive from the campgrounds, however, which makes it hard for "the kids" to simply amble down for a swim. This is important, in Sept. 2020 (COVID-19 times) 1/3 of the parking lot was closed off. Not sure why, but I speculate this is to regulate the number of beach dwellers and swimmers. Regardless, it's a very large and lovely park. Here's my review of the campsites.

  I am a car camper with no interest in (E) electric sites, so I did not pay attention nor note good ones. I prefer the silence and relative darkness that non-E sites provide.

  Campsite - Cox Hollow

  45/47 would be a nice couple of sites for a family/friends (wouldn't want this if you only needed one of them!)

  The sites on the "inside" of the loop are rather close to one another.

  21 has a nice view of the lake, and you can walk back to the fence to look over the bluff 24 is quite private and very large 26, 27 and 29 are all large, near the bluff

  34 is interesting, it's divided into three "terraces" Kind of fun, like a campsite divided into rooms

  44 right next to the water, BIG site, right near the bathroom and playground. This would be great if you have kids.

  The second campground is Twin Valley - though it is NO WHERE NEAR the Twin Valley lake. Lots of driving to get to the lake from here.

  221 is large with nice surrounding trees

  285 is really big

  This campground has walk in sites - these are sites with car parking on the road and you have to walk a minute or two to get to the site. Downside? Carrying all your gear and firewood. Upside? You can genuinely pretend that you've got the place to yourself, can't see a tent or an RV from any of these sites.

  262 is 40 steps in, right on the edge of the valley with it's own personal bluff.

  263 is a longer walk of 75 steps, a little less shaded than others, but PRIVATE

  264 is about 45 steps off the parking lot, right against the bluff edge.

  269 is 50 steps in, but it's just off the path, not as nice as others

  270 is a long 120 steps walking past 269, this is the site for you if you're looking for seclusion

  271 is 110 steps in, flat, really secluded

• L

  Laura D.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 29, 2020

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Site 237

  We really enjoyed our stay here, and are looking forward to coming back again!

  This site was a bit difficult to back into initially, and took a few tries to get the angle right. It was our 2nd trip with our camper, so it’s probably easier with more experience. The site was level at the top, and was relatively private from neighboring campsites. The flush toilets and showers were conveniently located a few sites down the road. We would choose this site again, and also found a handful of others for our “nice sites” list!

  Also good to know...there’s a hospital nearby (in Dodgeville) in the event of a mishap while cutting kindling for the fire, or other minor emergency! 😳

• 

  Nancy S.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 15, 2020

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Love this state park

  Site 291, electric, good size site. Wooded and quiet.

• 

  Paul N.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 31, 2020

  Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

  Site 263

  First off, I love this State Park. While the walk-in site I stayed at with my son (263) really isn’t all that far from where you park, it still leaves you surrounded by trees, and secluded from (seeing) other campers.

  The site has a gorgeous view as it butts up to a valley with a steep drop off near the site. That said, there are no level spots on the entire site to pitch a tent. The closest we could come was right as you enter the campsite, but that area is full of jagged stones.

  There are plenty of areas to attach hammocks if that’s your thing, and there are so many trails, waterfalls, and natural beauty here.