Horse trails near Tomahawk, Wisconsin offer riders access to remote wilderness areas with designated equestrian camping facilities. The region features multiple campgrounds that accommodate horses with spacious sites and direct access to trail systems. Seasonal access varies across campgrounds, with some facilities closing during winter months while others maintain year-round trail availability.
What to do
Trail riding on ATV routes: Underdown Campground provides riders with primitive trail access connecting to the Ice Age Trail system for extended rides. "It's as primitive as can be. Very ample space except near the water. Multiple small lakes around the area. Can set up camp anywhere but the road really," notes Wade W. about the Underdown Campground.
Water activities between rides: Most equestrian campgrounds in the region offer lake or river access for fishing and swimming after trail rides. At Torch Lake Campground, riders appreciate the beach on a 39-acre lake. "This place is fairly new and in excellent condition. It is well maintained. There are only a few sites and most are drive through," explains Lynette J.
Seasonal trail exploration: Fall provides spectacular trail riding opportunities with fewer insects and cooler temperatures. "Private sites, large, forested, near hiking trails and clean bathrooms. Fall colors are spectacular here," shares Jennifer S. about Torch Lake Campground.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Sailor Lake offers equestrians ample room for trailers and equipment. "Nestled within Wisconsin forest you find Sailor Lake. This national forest campground has water access as well as sites away from the lake," writes Art S. about Sailor Lake NF Campground.
Clean facilities: Many equestrian campgrounds maintain their vault toilets daily. "Pit toilet cleaned and restocked daily. What more could you ask for?" notes Mary M. about Sailor Lake NF Campground.
Natural separation between sites: Wooded areas provide privacy barriers between campsites at most horse-friendly locations. "If you prefer a little rustic and secluded and don't mind vault toilets if you don't have your own, this is a perfect place. It's very wooded and the sites are private," reports Lynette J.
What you should know
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Some trails may become overgrown or muddy depending on weather patterns. At Big Eau Pleine Park Campground, riders should note potential water quality issues: "The water quality suffers from green algae almost the entire season," warns Lori S.
Limited firewood availability: Many campgrounds require purchased firewood with specific sale hours. "Firewood permits are required and only sold from 8am - 8pm. The permit lasts for one day and can only be purchased from one location," explains Nicole H. about Big Eau Pleine Park.
Campground regulations: Some locations have strict enforcement of rules regarding vehicle numbers and parking. "The rangers and camp hosts will give you tickets for EVERYTHING. There's no guest parking anywhere near the campsites and they'll write you a ticket if you park by the bathrooms or have more than 2 cars in your site," cautions Allison.
Tips for camping with families
Choose lakeside sites: Families with horses often prefer sites with water access for additional activities. At Marathon County Dells of the Eau Claire Park, "The most epic part of the place is the Eau Claire river with the rocks and mini water falls. In the summertime you will see people all over the rocks swimming/sun bathing/having picnics," shares Raechel S.
Consider accessibility needs: Several campgrounds offer designated accessible sites for family members with mobility concerns. "I camped on the handicap site as I am disabled. The site is near the bathroom which is good it's a nice big site. It was big enough for an camper and a tent," explains Debra about Big Eau Pleine Park.
Pack for variable weather: Spring and fall camping requires additional clothing layers as temperatures can fluctuate significantly. "Spring time the water is usually high and the breakup of ice happens it's amazing to see. It's crazy loud too!" notes Raechel S. about spring conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Choose pull-through sites when possible to accommodate horse trailers and RVs. "There are only a few sites and most are drive through," mentions Lynette J. about Torch Lake Campground.
Power availability: Electric hookups vary across campgrounds, with some offering multiple amperage options. "Electric sites. No water. You now pay to dump your waste," explains Lori S. about the group site at Big Eau Pleine Park.
Cell service considerations: Reception varies significantly across horse campgrounds. "For those requiring cell service, I had 3 bars LTE with Verizon at my site," reports Nicole H., while other campgrounds note "Minimal cell signal encourages disconnecting for your stay."
