Best Equestrian Camping near Poynette, WI

Looking for the best horse camping near Poynette? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect equestrian sites that are scenic and easy to access.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Poynette, WI (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Merry Mac's Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Merry Mac's Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Merry Mac's Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Merry Mac's Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Merry Mac's Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Merry Mac's Campground

    1. Merry Mac's Campground

    6 Reviews
    7 Photos
    83 Saves
    Merrimac, Wisconsin

    Merry Mac Campground is a family friendly campground nestled between the South shore of Devil’s Lake and Lake Wisconsin. This 40 acre facility offers activities for all age groups: swimming pool, beach, swimming pond with water inflatables, jumping pillow, dunk tank, miniature golf, playground, sand volleyball, basketball, gagaball pit, trykes and bikes, friendly camp store surrounded by Mother Nature’s beauty!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Dragon Campground

    3. Sleepy Dragon Campground

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    10 Saves
    Poynette, Wisconsin
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from White Mound County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Mound County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Mound County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Mound County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Mound County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Mound County Campground

    5. White Mound County Campground

    3 Reviews
    22 Photos
    50 Saves
    Loganville, Wisconsin
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Harnischfeger County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Harnischfeger County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Harnischfeger County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Harnischfeger County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Harnischfeger County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Harnischfeger County Park

    6. Harnischfeger County Park

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    9 Saves
    Ixonia, Wisconsin

    Harnischfeger Park (132 acres) is the largest Dodge County Park. The park is located in southeastern Dodge County along the Rock River in the Town of Lebanon about one mile west of the unincorporated community of Ashippun and eight miles east of Watertown. A variety of terrain, vegetation and facilities provide park visitors with a multitude of recreational opportunities in a scenic setting. The clubhouse and two open pavilions offer excellent places to hold group functions, such as family reunions, company picnics, graduation parties and weddings. Camping is available with ten sites and a group site. Active and passive recreation abound with several miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing trails, snowshoeing, sledding, fishing areas, mini-golf course, disc golf course, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, baseball field, playground and a canoe launch with canoe and kayak rentals available. An 800 foot boardwalk provides additional shoreline fishing, wildlife and wetland viewing opportunities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • No image available

      7. McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park (Dane County Parks)

      Be the first to review!
      Cottage Grove, Wisconsin

      The vision for McCarthy Youth and Conservation Park began in 1974 with a donation of 180 acres of land that was owned by Russell and Ella McCarthy. The McCarthys’ primary goal was for the park to become“a place where kids from the city could learn about nature.” The park offers a group camp, hiking, cross-country skiing, equestrian trails and camping, picnic opportunities, and a beautiful prairie/wetland restoration.

      There are two separate group camps at McCarthy. 

      McCarthy Group Campsite  

      Group Camp area for up to 50 people situated on top of wooded glacial drumlin adjacent to Maunesha River. Connection to hiking trails. Scattered level wooded camping areas. Located~ 1 mile from the park entrance through a gated access road– road is part of the hiking trail system. Ranger will open gate. No potable water at this time Vault(pit) toilet Picnic tables Campfire ring No electricity No shelter Vehicle parking in parking lot at base of the hill below the Group Camp site

      McCarthy  Equestrian Group Campsite 

      Located~.6 miles from the park entrance access through road gate– road is part of the hiking trail system. Ranger will open gate. Camping setup for self-contained camping units No potable water at this time Your group may rent a portable toilet(from a vendor of your choice) if needed. Picnic tables. Hitching posts. Campfire rings. No electricity. No shelter. Vehicle parking in parking lot at base of the hill below the group camp site

      Reserve a campsite online here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html 

      Check opening and closing dates here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule 

      See campground rules here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group

      $65 / night

      • No image available

        8. Governor Dodge State Park Equestrian Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

        Be the first to review!
        Dodgeville, Wisconsin

        The equestrian campground at Governor Dodge State Park has 20 campsites, 18 with electric hook-ups. Each campsite includes a high-line hitching post with cable, and has a picnic table and fire ring. Drinking water, vault toilets, a horse washing station and manure bunkers are provided. Campers can use the shower building located in the Hickory Ridge group camp area. The equestrian campground is open from May 1 through Nov. 15.

        The equestrian campground is located in the Hickory Ridge area of Governor Dodge State Park. The campground has easy access to the park's 22 miles of equestrian trails - including both the interior horse trail system and the 15-mile Driftless Horse Trail.

        Campers must have a horse to camp at this site. Total driveway length 95'. Hunting occurs in the park along trails from Oct thru Dec and again in April.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Equestrian
        • Picnic Table
        Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook acres
        Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook acres
        Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook acres
        Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook acres
        Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook acres
        Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook acres
      Show More
      Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

      Recent Equestrian Reviews in Poynette

      59 Reviews of 9 Poynette Campgrounds


      • L
        Camper-submitted photo from Harnischfeger County Park
        Nov. 18, 2023

        Harnischfeger County Park

        A hidden gem

        We booked a week here in 2022 and ended up staying for two summers as camp hosts. The park is quiet, family orientated, and the park caretaker John is a national treasure. He’s been with the park since before it was county owned and knows every nook and cranny, critter and creature, and appreciates each and every guest who comes to the park. His one rule is to enjoy the park and let the staff know if you have any ideas to help to “keep it fresh”. Sites with letters are tent sites without water or electric, sites with numbers have water and 30 amp service, though there are plans to upgrade the sites to all have water and 50 amp service in the future. The last weekend of September is FallFest and often books a year in advance.

      • Mike K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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.

      • kThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Merry Mac's Campground
        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.

      • c
        Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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
        Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Dragon Campground
        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.

      • Michael D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Merry Mac's Campground
        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Merry Mac's Campground
        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from White Mound County Campground
        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!

      • Sara H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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
        Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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 .

      • Josh F.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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

      • LThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
        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! 😳



      Guide to Poynette

      Wisconsin offers a fantastic experience for horse camping enthusiasts, with several campgrounds providing excellent amenities and activities tailored for equestrians.

      Equestrian campgrounds include ample facilities for horse owners

      Most campgrounds have horse-friendly activities to enjoy

      • At Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park, you can enjoy hiking and kayaking in addition to horseback riding, making it a versatile destination for outdoor lovers.
      • Merry Mac's Campground provides a variety of activities, including swimming and fishing, alongside horse camping, ensuring there's something for everyone in your group.
      • Sleepy Dragon Campground is known for its serene environment, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding, with plenty of space for your horse.

      Tips for equestrian camping near Poynette, Wisconsin

      • When visiting Governor Dodge State Park, be sure to check the availability of horse trails and plan your rides accordingly to make the most of your experience.
      • At White Mound County Campground, consider arriving early to secure a good spot and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before the crowds arrive.
      • Always bring enough supplies for your horse, including water and feed, especially when camping at places like Harnischfeger County Park, where amenities may be limited.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Poynette, WI?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Poynette, WI is Merry Mac's Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Poynette, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.