Best Equestrian Camping near Spooner, WI
Saint Croix State Forest Boulder Campground provides primitive camping for equestrians seeking a natural setting with vault toilets and no hookups. The first-come, first-served sites cost $17 per night and feature fire rings and picnic tables. The campground remains open from May through November, offering a secluded experience with ample spacing between sites. While horse-specific amenities are limited, the surrounding forest offers access to multiple trail systems. The sites are remarkably clean and well-maintained, surpassing the condition of many state park campgrounds despite their rustic nature.
The Saint Croix area provides numerous riding opportunities through state forest land with established ATV trails accessible from the campground vicinity. Trails wind through diverse forest terrain and along the scenic Tamarack River. Wildlife sightings, including bears, wolves, and coyotes, are common in this relatively undeveloped camping area. Campers should arrive early in the day to secure sites during busy periods, particularly weekends, as the reservation-free system fills quickly. Water for horses must be brought in or sourced from natural features. Midweek visits offer the quietest experience with significantly reduced ATV traffic and fewer fellow campers. The campground's remote location requires navigation along gravel roads, but the pristine natural setting rewards the effort required to reach this destination.