Horse trails wind through varied terrain near Rock Springs, Wisconsin, with most spanning 10-22 miles through state parks. The area sits in the Driftless region, characterized by rolling hills and valleys untouched by glacial movement. Winter camping options remain available at select campgrounds with year-round access for both equestrian and standard camping.
What to do
Trail riding: Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park connects to multiple trails for riders of all levels. "There are 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," notes Paul C.
Lakeside activities: Twin Valley Campground offers water recreation options on two lakes. "There are two beautiful lakes for canoe, paddle board, kayak and fishing. A small concession is available and they do sell wood at the entrance," reports Dawn A.
Canyon exploration: The Lost Canyon Trail near Governor Dodge offers unique rock formations and scenery. "The Stevens Falls and Canyon Trails were the highlight of the trip - even in the rain! Once you continue down to the falls they have another informational plaque about the falls with old pictures. The falls themselves are amazing," shares Siobhan R.
What campers like
Private sites: Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground offers secluded camping spaces. "The campsites are tucked away and private. There are bathrooms and a small playground. The lake is gorgeous and clean," reports Jaime L.
Family amenities: Merry Mac's Campground focuses on recreation for children. "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," states David H.
Diverse landscape: The Driftless region provides unique geological features unlike other Wisconsin areas. "This is a state park so amenities are electric and the campgrounds do have public showers. Great little lakes for canoe, paddle board, kayak and fishing," notes Dawn A. about Twin Valley Campground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Spring brings muddy conditions to horse trails. "Equestrian trails and an equestrian camp, but it was closed because of mud," Amy G. observed at White Mound County Campground.
Reservation requirements: Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground and other popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "Came July 2024 for our annual camping trip with 12 people and 6 cars at Group Camp 204. The campground itself is further from major stores (~15-20 min), gas, and ATMs for replenishing ice," notes Tate T.
Wildlife awareness: Raccoons actively approach campsites at several parks. "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD!" warns Jen L. at Cox Hollow Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activities for children: Choose campgrounds with built-in recreation options. "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," Tracy C. describes at Merry Mac's Campground.
Site selection strategy: Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground offers double sites for family camping. "We reserved one of the many 'double sites' the campground offers as we were camping with our daughter and needed to setup two tents and have enough room for 3 vehicles. The double sites include two picnic tables as well," explains Lisa S.
Trail difficulty assessment: Most trails accommodate children but vary in challenge level. "Lots of hiking (but trails aren't very challenging), swimming area and boat launch, playground. Basically a little bit of everything that makes it family friendly," Jen L. says about Governor Dodge.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check campground descriptions carefully for level sites. "If camping with a trailer or RV check to make sure you will get a campsite that is level enough for your vehicle. Lots of the campsites are uneven and larger vehicles may have issues getting level," advises Jeanne M. about Yellowstone Lake.
Access challenges: Some horse campgrounds near Rock Springs have difficult approach roads. "The driveway leading to the campground is a bit daunting (especially if pulling a camper), but its well worth it!" notes Holly W. about Wildcat Mountain.
Hookup availability: Electric sites are distributed throughout campgrounds. "Electrics were more plentiful, though. Tent sites were also available, if you like. They were grouped together in a different area," observes Amy G. at White Mound County Campground.
Ranger
