Kettle Moraine State Forest offers several horseback riding campsites within 45 minutes of Shorewood, Wisconsin. These equestrian-focused campgrounds sit on glacial terrain with varied topography between 900-1,200 feet elevation. Winter weather typically closes most horse trails from November through April, though some campgrounds remain open year-round with limited winter services.
What to do
Kayaking on Fox River: Access Chain O' Lakes State Park from the Oak Point picnic area boat launch. "To get away from the crowd if you're a canoeist or kayaker it's nicer to leave the park and go back in at Oak Point picnic area and boat launch at the northern border. This will put you on the Fox river with developments to the north or to the south which is all nature," notes Brian O. at Turner Lake South Camping Area.
Miniature golf: Harnischfeger County Park features a 9-hole mini golf course for $1 per person. "The campground has alot of great amenities. Theirs a mini gulf course that we had alot of fun with. Their is also a great hiking trail if you like that," shares Taylor C. from Harnischfeger County Park.
Winter horse camping: Some equestrian areas near Shorewood maintain limited winter access. "You can camp year around in this campground. Most recent 2 times were winter camping. No host so buying wood is an issue, but pick a site on the edge and there is more than enough free. Bring a saw," advises Tim H. about Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: The Pine Woods area in Kettle Moraine South offers private sites for those seeking quiet. "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion. The quiet Loop was a wonderful idea," explains Kendal R. at Pinewoods Campground.
Lake swimming: Many campgrounds feature designated swimming areas on natural lakes. "The lake is nice and there is a very nice beach as well as a fishing pier. I didn't take advantage of any of the hiking trails so cannot speak to those," reports Glenn S. about Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.
Local fair events: Elkhorn Campgrounds offers unique access to fairground activities. "This weekend had their annual Ribfest. Great food and music that you can walk to from your site (~2 min walk). Due to the fest, there was some late noise, but nothing obnoxious," mentions Dan W. from Elkhorn Campgrounds.
What you should know
Black bear sightings: Bears have been reported in some areas. "There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area. We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds," notes Abbe W. from Pinewoods Campground.
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Research site locations before booking. "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60 & 61," shares Brian O. about Turner Lake South Camping Area.
Alcohol restrictions: Not all parks permit alcohol consumption. "The only big minus is the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season. The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," warns Jeanne M. from Fox Den Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Mauthe Lake Campground features swimming facilities ideal for children. "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids. Also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July," recommends Kaylyn C.
Ranger programs: Many parks offer educational activities for children. "We took my kids camping to the Pinewoods the first weekend in May 2019, the weather was great if a bit cool for my kids taste. The sites were far enough apart for some privacy and the trails were very well kept up," shares Charles M. about Pinewoods Campground.
Quarry swimming: Menomonee Park offers a unique swimming experience close to Shorewood. "The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards," explains Matt N. from Menomonee Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Check site details before booking to ensure your RV can connect easily. "Chain O'Lakes State Park in IL has two electric campgrounds, 2 non-electric campgrounds and one group site. Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad," advises Debra M. about Fox Den Campground.
Satellite reception: Tree coverage affects signal quality at many campgrounds. "The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain. Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight," reports Abbe W. about Pinewoods Campground.
Winter camping access: Some campgrounds maintain year-round accessibility. "If traveling with horses, Kettle Moraine Southern Unit offers electric and non-electric sites available throughout winter months, though services are limited," according to park visitors.
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