2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground features an extensive network of hiking and horseback riding trails in Wisconsin's driftless region, making it one of the top horse camping destinations near Warrens. The trails provide access to scenic overlooks with views of the Kickapoo River Valley. While the campground does not have dedicated horse corrals, it offers both family camping and group camping areas where horses are permitted with proper containment. The campground maintains clean facilities with flush toilets and hot showers in the main camping area. Sites are spacious and well-separated, with both drive-in and walk-in options available. The park's horse trails connect to the broader trail system throughout the area, providing miles of riding opportunities through diverse terrain.
Located near Ontario, Wisconsin, approximately 25 miles from Warrens, the park serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the Kickapoo River Valley on horseback. The campground provides access to water sources for horses and multiple trail entry points. For those seeking group equestrian camping, reservation options exist for larger parties with horses. The trails wind through forested ridges and open meadows, offering varied terrain for different riding skill levels. Some sites can accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking areas, though space may be limited during peak seasons. Campers frequently note the well-maintained trail system and the opportunity to see abundant wildlife while riding. Winter camping is available for those interested in cold-weather horseback riding, though services may be reduced during off-season months.
"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 next weekend
from $19 - $110 / night
from $50 - $65 / night
"From the owner: Wedges Creek Hideaway is on a double dead end road with several miles of hiking trails, electric hook up, cabins, fully furnished houses, and lots of stars for your next stay in central"
"A little ceramic heater had it so toasty when it was 30 degrees outside we actually turned it off - so it's sure to please on chilly nights. "
Available next weekend
from $25 - $190 / night
"Walking trails were nice but recommend pants as the grass was long in spots. Plenty of wildlife and could not hear the cars from the highway."
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.
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.
TravelerFrom the owner: Wedges Creek Hideaway is on a double dead end road with several miles of hiking trails, electric hook up, cabins, fully furnished houses, and lots of stars for your next stay in central Wisconsin! We host weddings and family events along with our popular brick oven pizza and live music weekends in the summer. Check our our schedule, book ahead and come unwind with us!
LegendThis is a diamond in the rough - exactly what we wanted on our journey. Our criteria - less than $100, pet friendly and rustic.
This is a sawmill that has it all - they run the mill when needed, but also have primitive cabins (where we stayed), full cabins with in house bath, electric RV/tent camping and more. Even wood fired pizzas with homemade crust most nights of the week and sometimes live music!
We were in cabin #3 - rustic. Yes - it did have heat! A little ceramic heater had it so toasty when it was 30 degrees outside we actually turned it off - so it's sure to please on chilly nights. The interior was amazing - lumber that I'm sure came from the mill and ceiling planks that were gorgeous - left over planks from many years ago, stored in a shed and re-purposed for the cabin. The bed was very comfortable with clean sheets and squishy (in a good way) pillows. A small covered front porch and we just parked in front.
Bathroom - if you are in a cabin without a bath, it's very nearby. One of the largest, cleanest bathrooms I've seen. He built it himself. Women's had 2 sinks with a large vanity area, about 3 stalls (very large - you don't have to squish into them) and two very large shower stalls with full doors - not shower curtains. Heated as well.
Pets - easy pet policy. Just let the owner know and it's no problem as long as you are responsible, pick up after them and leash them when necessary. Just a small charge for them and they were very welcomed here.
He even has event space indoors (heated) and outdoors for weddings and such. And hiking trails (6 miles) if you choose to take on the outdoors.
The owner plans on adding saunas and a hot tub in the near future - so this would be the place to drop for a while if you want something out of the norm, peaceful, rustic and relaxing. It's off the main road, behind a field in Amish Country. Lovely place to stay for the night. Very quiet.
TravelerVery cool secluded walk in sites, pet friendly, awesome trails.
GuideThis is a smaller campground but makes up for it with all the access around it. Ice Cave trail was a neat, quick walk. The trails around have gorgeous views of the driftless area and Kickapoo river. I stayed at site 1. While it is right next to the campground road and a trail, trees block the views from people looking in and there was not that much traffic. It is a tent only site and can fit one tent. Was a good site for just me and would stay at this site again as most of the other sites are very explored.
LegendNice campground, quiet would come back! It was our first time to WI so the scenery to the park was just beautiful.
Our campsite was nice. Spaced out enough from neighbors that we were comfortable. Do not like the nickel and diming of WI state parks. Charge the site fee which is reasonable enough but then a $8 reservation fee that gets you to $40 and then another $11 to NR's for the vehicle pass. You can get an annual pass for $38 but when you are just passing through it's not worth it. Brought us to $51 for the stay and it was worth it since we needed a place to camp, but I've stayed in better places for less. This park was much better than Rocky Arbor.
Bathrooms were super clean for a campground. Good shower with directions on wall, which was a nice touch. The cement in shower is stained so it looks dirty but it's really pretty clean. Enjoyed my hot shower here.
Hiked the Old Settlers Trail. It was nice, some elevation changes that get you attention. It was muggy and hot as I hiked right after the rain, so temperature was miserable at times, but it is July! The entire trail was about 3 miles round trip from the campground. Definitely check out observation point! Beautiful view!!!
LegendThis was our second visit to this park. On both occasions we wanted to canoe the scenic Kickapoo river. Our first trip was five years ago and we got portage service for our canoe from Titanic Rentals in Ontario. We went from there (bridge 1) to bridge 12 Which took nearly all day, but we were able to have lunch at the park's Wildcat landing, the only real and equipped picnic site along the river. NOTE; Google maps makes it look like the campground and landing are near each other. They are not. It's three miles of very steep roads, so don't think you're going to fetch anything you left behind.
The campground is on top of the ridge, which means in the morning you will look out over a fog shrouded valley through the trees. The views from the overlooks, which are a short hike, are worth checking out. Campsite 15 is the only one with a clear view.
There are walk in sites and the paths are wide and clear. The park provides large carts for your stuff so you can really pack stuff in and get away from it all. But the family tent and RV sites generally well spaced, check the map as some are more private than others.
Our second trip was in August, 2023 and we canoed from bridge 12 to LaFarge (bridge 21). It was later in the season than our previous trip, and in the slightly less scenic stretch of the river. As a result, we didn't see any other boaters.
Campsites have basic fire ring, and there are pit toilets as well as one Full facility with running water and hot showers. Firewood is available at the Ranger station.
There's also Equestrian camping elsewhere in the park and lots of trails for both hikers and horses.
The town of Ontario has a good general store and a couple bars, but this is pretty much wilderness and small farms. Two unique places however are Wild Things Furrier near bridge twelve. Want a coonskin cap or some smoked trout? This is the place.
More unique than that if you want to treat yourselves, go 34 miles south to the St. Frances Hermitage restaurant. It's run by a small order of French Monks and Nuns who raise their own animals and grow the vegetables they serve. Their bakery is also delicious. This is not fast food, this is a gastronomic experience.
ScoutPretty cool state park. Campground is located on the top of the hill. Wish there were more hiking trails. You can also hike on the horse trails if you want. Would highly recommend canoeing or kayaking the Kickapoo River if you are spending a weekend there.
Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground provides horse trails throughout Wisconsin's driftless area with no dedicated corrals but acceptable containment options. The park offers accessible paths for both novice and experienced riders through diverse terrain. Trail systems connect to the broader Kickapoo River Valley network, allowing extended journeys through forest ridges, meadows, and river valleys.
Kayaking the Kickapoo: Spend a day paddling the winding Kickapoo River. Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground serves as an ideal launch point. "Great location for kayaking and hiking. The facilities are well maintained and clean. Ontario to bridge 5 was 2.5 hours," notes John B.
Explore Ice Cave Trail: Take this short trail during colder months when ice formations appear. "We'd love to come back and see the ice cave when it's cold enough for ice," shares Kristina K. The trail offers a quick geological exploration opportunity with unique seasonal features.
Stargazing: Clear night skies provide excellent stargazing conditions away from city light pollution. "Camping sites are spacious and the stars at night is amazing," according to John B. The elevated position of many campsites creates unobstructed views of constellations.
Quiet atmosphere: Campers consistently mention the peaceful environment. "Very beautiful scenery, especially from the lookout. All the fire rings come with grill racks for cooking," reports David F. The separation between sites enhances privacy.
Wildlife encounters: The abundant wildlife adds to the camping experience. "We hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies!" says Kay K. about her stay at Lakeside Fire Campground & Waterpark.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive frequent positive mentions. "The sites were spaced apart far enough so you weren't on top of the other campers. Showers were very nice as well," writes David F. about his experience at Wildcat Mountain.
Challenging access roads: The campground entrance road presents difficulties for some vehicles. "The driveway leading to the campground is a bit daunting (especially if pulling a camper), but its well worth it!" warns Holly W. Low-clearance vehicles may experience scraping at the mountain base.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage requires attention due to wildlife activity. Joyce B. from Pietrek County Park shares, "It was recommended that we keep all food in our car, but we were drinking and too lazy/drunk to take back all our food to the car... so we woke up in the middle of the night to find some smart raccoon had enjoyed our breakfast."
Tent site locations: Walk-in tent sites require short hikes from parking areas. "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," explains Joyce B. about Wildcat Mountain.
Reserve early: Secure family-friendly sites well in advance, especially during summer months. "Very nice park. Great views," states Kristina K., adding that Wildcat Mountain is "Great for families." The most accessible sites fill quickly during peak seasons.
Utilize group camping areas: For larger family gatherings, consider the group camping sections. Todd M. recommends, "Great place, quite and never used bug spray. Sites for tents are spacious and the group camps are awesome. We stayed in Group C."
Consider alternative accommodations: Wedges Creek Hideaway offers cabin options for families wanting more comfort. "This is a sawmill that has it all - they run the mill when needed, but also have primitive cabins, full cabins with in house bath, electric RV/tent camping and more," explains Amy G.
Site selection for horse trailers: For equestrian camping near Warrens, Wisconsin, select sites with adequate space for both RV and horse trailer. "We found this gem in 2016 and loved it. The campsites are wooded, far enough apart, well maintained," reports Holly W., though noting the challenging driveway when "pulling a camper."
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are available but confirm amperage needs. Glenn T. from Wedges Creek Hideaway notes, "Not our typical type of campground but absolutely no complaints. Very friendly atmosphere and more comfortable sized sites than we expected considering what we typically look for."
Water access points: Water is accessible for both campers and horses throughout the park. "Bring or rent kayaks to float the Kickapoo River," suggests John B., indicating the proximity to water that benefits both recreation and equestrian needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Warrens, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Warrens, WI is Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Warrens, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Warrens, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
