3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Governor Dodge State Park Equestrian Campground accommodates horses with dedicated corrals and trailer parking spaces at each site. Located within the 5,000-acre park, this specialized camping area provides direct access to over 25 miles of horse trails through the driftless region's wooded hills and valleys. The campground features drinking water access, electric hookups, and fire rings at each site. Trails are well-maintained with clear markings, making navigation straightforward for riders of all experience levels. Campsites can accommodate both tents and RVs, with ample space for horse trailers. The campground maintains clean toilet facilities and offers hot showers for campers after long days on the trails. Firewood is available for purchase at the park office.
Trail connections from the equestrian campground lead riders through diverse terrain including prairies, forests, and scenic overlooks. The extensive trail system accommodates both short rides and full-day excursions, with some routes connecting to water features where horses can drink. Riders frequently encounter wildlife including deer and various bird species along the trails. The park's equestrian facilities remain open throughout the regular camping season, typically April through October, with some weather-dependent closures during wet periods to protect trail conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer weekends and holidays when the equestrian sites fill quickly. The campground's location provides a central base for exploring the park's natural features, including two lakes and numerous hiking trails. Many equestrians return annually, appreciating the combination of well-maintained facilities and beautiful riding terrain.
"Most of the time, the pay envelopes are outside and you have to duck into your car, fill it out, and dart back into the dark to the drop box."
"The campsites are tucked away and private. There are bathrooms and a small playground. The lake is gorgeous and clean. The only downfall is the lake is spring-fed so it’s a bit cold for swimming."
"It’s located right by Devils lake. Firewood for sale, great wifi, clean bathhouses/rooms"
"Lake full of all kinds of floats the kids can climb and jump on. Clean pool to cool off in. Sand volleyball, ga ga ball, huge park. Has so many different accomadtions to choose from!"
from $35 / night
"NOTE; Google maps makes it look like the campground and landing are near each other. They are not."
"Proximity to potable water, vault or modern toilets and designated parking are all within 400 yards of all sites. "
Available this weekend
from $19 - $110 / night
"Two good lakes for kayaking/canoeing/fishing/swimming. Lots of good hiking trails and they are working on a big improvement to the equestrian campground."
"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,"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 - $39 / night
"Lakes, trails, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, fishing. Hidden gem of Wisconsin. The campsites are pretty private, nestled in trees. Some shaded, some have sun and shade."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $21 - $39 / night
"Behind the office was a large pond with a sand beach, lots of blow up pool toys, a bar, and volleyball, plus there are trikes and bikes available after you play mini-golf."
"For anyone planning a visit, I recommend checking out the driving directions—they’re super helpful to avoid any hiccups on your way there. Happy camping!"
"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."
"In 2024 just before Memorial Day, I needed to leave the campground I was in and started calling around for openings at private campgrounds."
from $39 / night
from $65 / night
TravelerCampground is nice spacious and we’re well divided. The drive from the entrance of Governor Dodge to cox hollow was a good 2-3 miles but was very scenic.
TravelerVery nice grounds with gorgeous tree covered sites, electric hookup on most of them. They have toilet facilities on each end of the grounds. They have shower facilities with potable water fill station next to the showers and water fountains in several locations. For those with kids they have a very nice playground area.
TravelerNot a place for camping. We booked 2 nights site red 12. Streets were very narrow getting to site. The site was literally a dirt island. We had to drive over a curb. The site was so small. There were campers everywhere. We ended up leaving right away and booked a different campground
ScoutFirst of all I have never paid so much for a state campground. By the time they were done tacking on fees it $72 a night, $15 extra for being out of state. There is only one dump station for over 320 sites. There was no water available in the campground, they were all torn up. Fortunately, the weather was fairly cool so we didn't need to run our air. Every time we tried to run more than 2 things at a time it tripped the 30 amp breaker. Very dissapointed for the price paid.
RangerTraveling along the road from Ontario to Wildcat gave a little Appalachia feel. The park is situated above the Kickapoo River valley and is a great base for trout fishing.
If you are in the driftless region looking for camping, this is the spot.
RangerI camped here in late spring and the park wasn’t too busy. Allot of elevation in the park and great lookout spots. Some gated up caves on the north end of the bluff. Great sunsets and sunrises!
ScoutI love Smokey Hollow Campground! The scenery is stunning, and the friendly staff really make a difference. For anyone planning a visit, I recommend checking out the driving directions—they’re super helpful to avoid any hiccups on your way there. Happy camping!
TravelerIn 2024 just before Memorial Day, I needed to leave the campground I was in and started calling around for openings at private campgrounds. I was getting worried that it was not possible for me to find a site. I remembered ( light bulb moment) that Sleepy Dragon Campground may have openings. I called and was shocked to hear they still had openings for that weekend. Drove to the campground and set my sights on a pull through site. I enjoyed it so much decided to stay permanently. My original site was 120, then moved to 114, it’s a corner site. Has shade and sun at different times of the day. Large to medium camp sites, grassy, concreted if that’s what you like, plus electric and water at each site. Sewer at selected sites. Personally I came here as a child, back in the later 60’s to early 70’s. Changed owners a couple of times, now it is veteran owned, upgrades are being completed as time allows.
LegendWe hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies! The site was of good size, dark and quiet. The shower house was close and clean.
Governor Dodge State Park Equestrian Campground offers dedicated space for riders and their horses within Wisconsin's scenic driftless region. Located 30 miles southwest of Reedsburg, the campground sits among limestone bluffs and valleys carved by ancient glacial meltwater. The area receives approximately 34 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation throughout the spring and summer camping seasons.
Trail riding through varied terrain: Equestrian riders can access over 25 miles of horse trails directly from Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park. "There are tons of trails, two beautiful beaches and an incredible waterfall. Some paths are paved for those who struggle with uneven terrain. There are bald eagles all over and plenty of fish," notes reviewer Mallory M.
Explore waterfall and canyon systems: The Lost Canyon and Stephens Falls trails provide unique geological features within a short hike. "Lost Canyon was BEAUTIFUL and had so many interesting geographical features. The trails behind the hike-in campsites also lead to some cliffs with some really amazing views," shares Mary M., who stayed at Twin Valley.
Kayaking the Kickapoo River: Plan a day trip from Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground for river adventures. "Great location for kayaking and hiking. The facilities are well maintained and clean. Camping sites are spacious and the stars at night is amazing. Bring or rent kayaks to float the Kickapoo River. Ontario to bridge 5 was 2.5 hours," reports John B.
Private, secluded campsites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites at White Mound County Campground. "I've been here many times and it's one of my favorites. The campsites are tucked away and private. There are bathrooms and a small playground. The lake is gorgeous and clean," notes Jaime L.
Reasonable fees: Several parks offer affordable rates for equestrian camping. Amy G. detailed White Mound County Campground's fee structure: "$5 per adult, $5 per car or vehicle, $5 if you didn't have a park sticker, $5 if you made the reservation online or by phone, $5 for electric. Soooo...if you had 2 adults, one car and needed electric, then it would be $20."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies by location and season. Fred S. from Twin Valley Campground reports: "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."
Weather considerations: Spring conditions can affect trail accessibility. A visitor to Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park mentioned: "We went through a lot of firewood - the bags at the park office were $5 and were pretty decent. We also purchased wood from the trailer next to the Don Q inn for $5 an armful, but it was rather wet."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife interactions. Sarah R. from Twin Valley warns: "PSA (obvi) keep your food and garbage locked up and away from your site. The raccoons here are insanely bold, we had one frequently visit our site and get VERY close to us and in the evening ended up ripping thru the roof of our tent."
Campsite selection: Research specific sites before booking. Paul N. describes site 263 at Twin Valley: "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."
Kid-friendly activities: Merry Mac's Campground offers structured recreation for children. "Super fun campground with so much to do! Lots of games for all up by lodge. DJ dance party on the deck at night. Lake full of all kinds of floats the kids can climb and jump on. Clean pool to cool off in. Sand volleyball, ga ga ball, huge park," describes Tracy C.
Pet-friendly options: Many parks accommodate four-legged family members. Sarah B. from Cox Hollow Campground notes: "My boyfriend and I brought our two dogs here to camp. They had a dog beach for them to swim in which was a huge plus! Great hiking with some beautiful scenery."
Seasonal considerations: Camping comfort varies throughout the year. A reviewer at Wildcat Mountain State Park shared: "We kayaked the Kickapoo river and stayed here for a night. We didn't reserve a site so the only spots left were the walk-in sites. There were carts to use and parking wasn't too far so it wasn't bad at all. We were close to a vault toilet and the flush toilets/showers weren't too far away."
Site selection for larger rigs: At Sleepy Dragon Campground, RVers can find sites with full hookups. Taylor U. reports: "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."
Power options: Not all campgrounds offer the same electrical capabilities. Scott G. noted about Twin Valley: "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."
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian campgrounds near Reedsburg operate on limited schedules. Brian O. advises about Twin Valley: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Reedsburg, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Reedsburg, WI is White Mound County Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Reedsburg, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Reedsburg, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
