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Equestrian Camping near Waunakee, WI

13 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Governor Dodge State Park Equestrian Campground accommodates horses with 11 campsites designed for equine visitors. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and ample space for horse trailers. The campground connects directly to over 22 miles of designated horse trails within the 5,000-acre park. Riders can access water for horses at several points throughout the trail system. The equestrian camping area is separate from the park's other camping loops, providing a quieter experience for those traveling with horses. Sites are reservable through the Wisconsin State Park system and typically fill quickly during summer weekends. Most equestrian campsites at Governor Dodge offer electric hookups, with drinking water available nearby. Vault toilets serve the equestrian camping area while shower facilities are located a short drive away in the main campground.

    The bridle trails at Governor Dodge State Park range from easy to moderate difficulty, winding through mixed hardwood forests and open prairie areas. Trails are typically well-maintained with good footing for horses throughout the riding season. The park's varied terrain provides opportunities for both novice and experienced riders. Horse owners should bring their own feed and secure it in their trailers or vehicles overnight. Manure disposal areas are provided near the equestrian campsites. Campers should note that all horses must have proof of negative Coggins test, and weed-free hay is recommended. During peak summer weekends, the equestrian campground creates a friendly community atmosphere as riders often gather around campfires to share trail stories and riding tips. The park maintains seasonal water troughs specifically for equestrian use from May through October.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Waunakee (13)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

      4.0(22)18mi from Waunakee102 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Good hiking around the lake and mostly dog friendly. Nice play ground with horse she pits."

      "Just a quick 2 hour drive from our home in Chicago, with large wooded sites for privacy. Clean bathrooms."

      from $18 - $50 / night

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      2. Smokey Hollow Campground

      3.7(7)13mi from WaunakeeRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Behind the office was a large pond with a sand beach, lots of blow up pool toys, a bar, and volleyball, plus there are trikes and bikes available after you play mini-golf."

      "For anyone planning a visit, I recommend checking out the driving directions—they’re super helpful to avoid any hiccups on your way there. Happy camping!"

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      3. Merry Mac's Campground

      4.8(6)19mi from WaunakeeRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It’s located right by Devils lake. Firewood for sale, great wifi, clean bathhouses/rooms"

      "Lake full of all kinds of floats the kids can climb and jump on. Clean pool to cool off in. Sand volleyball, ga ga ball, huge park. Has so many different accomadtions to choose from!"

      from $35 / night

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      4. Sleepy Dragon Campground

      3.3(3)18mi from WaunakeeRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "As this place didn’t have much for reviews I wasn’t sure what to think but it’s a great location with good service."

      "In 2024 just before Memorial Day, I needed to leave the campground I was in and started calling around for openings at private campgrounds."

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      5. Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

      4.1(36)40mi from Waunakee134 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Tons of forest with cross country, equestrian, and hiking trails. One of the best lakes in Wisconsin for fishing along with a nice beach, and pet area. There is a free gun range."

      "It has a large lake with three boat launches, a main one with a motor ramp, a canoe launch near the marshy end, and a fishing pier."

      from $18 - $110 / night

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      6. Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      4.2(27)36mi from Waunakee116 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      "The sites on the "inside" of the loop are rather close to one another. 21 has a nice view of the lake, and you can walk back to the fence to look over the bluff 24 is quite private and very large 26,"

      from $25 - $40 / night

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      7. Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      4.4(22)36mi from Waunakee160 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Lakes, trails, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, fishing. Hidden gem of Wisconsin. The campsites are pretty private, nestled in trees. Some shaded, some have sun and shade."

      "Great park in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin. Not far from the house on the rock and Taliesin. Great open hiking trail. Well laid out sites with lots of space."

      from $25 - $40 / night

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      8. McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park (Dane County Parks)

      Be the first to review13mi from WaunakeeRVs, Tents

      from $65 / night

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      9. White Mound County Campground

      4.3(3)36mi from WaunakeeRVs, Tents

      "Most of the time, the pay envelopes are outside and you have to duck into your car, fill it out, and dart back into the dark to the drop box."

      "The campsites are tucked away and private. There are bathrooms and a small playground. The lake is gorgeous and clean. The only downfall is the lake is spring-fed so it’s a bit cold for swimming."

      Check Availability

      10. Governor Dodge State Park Equestrian Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      5.0(1)35mi from WaunakeeRVs, Tents
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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Waunakee, WI

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Waunakee, WI

    131 Reviews of 13 Waunakee Campgrounds

    • Ted W.
      Aug. 21, 2019

      Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

      One of our favorites

      We spend quite a bit of time here. We hunt here and camp here year round. Tons of forest with cross country, equestrian, and hiking trails. One of the best lakes in Wisconsin for fishing along with a nice beach, and pet area. There is a free gun range. Hunt anything from pheasent to deer. There is also a nice bar and grill just down the street. Along with dairy bar as part of the park. Showers and bathrooms are always clean.

    • Meg S.
      Aug. 1, 2015

      Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      Great Campground in Wisconsin

      Great state park for a family camping vacation, tons of stuff to do. Lakes, trails, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, fishing. Hidden gem of Wisconsin. The campsites are pretty private, nestled in trees. Some shaded, some have sun and shade. They even have horse sites, so you can bring your horse, and stroll through the park horseback riding. Vault toilets, and regular toilets with ok showers. Water faucets scattered around for easy water access. Twin Valley has tent sites and RV/electric sites.

    • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 23, 2022

      Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      Loud, party vibe

      The campsites here are deep with lots of greenery. However we chose this site thinking that it was on the end. The loops curl around so there were campers around us. On the other side was a playground that had children enjoying it all day. While this is great for some, our reactive dog was quite distracted.

      Upon arriving at the check in, there is still a couple miles to wind around until the campground, longer to get to twin lakes campground. The road is hilly too. It’s not a problem in our vehicle but it would be tiring on a bicycle. There are showers in the center of our loop. It could be expanded a bit - we had short lines for the restrooms. Water , garbage and recycling are available as well as a dump station.

      It was raining when we arrived but we drove around to see the park. We hiked the short distance to Stephen’s Falls and was not impressed. Maybe they need more rain this year but all we saw was a splatter.

      We saw folks who kept their kayaks and canoes locked up by the lake. The beach looked nice too. The other end of the park has an equestrian campground. We did see some horses riding the trail around the park.

      The vibe here wasn’t for us. Various sites had music playing loud enough for us to hear. Trails from camp would be great. We ended up walking along the narrow road.

    • P
      Jun. 7, 2018

      Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      Great campground for everything but big 5th wheelers and motorhomes

      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. Lots of activities in the area and close to shopping in the town of Dodgeville.

    • Josh F.
      Dec. 3, 2020

      Horseriders Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

      If I had a horse, I'd definitely camp here

      Driving on country roads to this campground, I drove past many many horse ranches. So it's no surprise that there is a dedicated campground for horseback riding in this state park. 

      Built for Large Gatherings

      There are a number of COVID-era regulations that as of this writing are in place, see photos of the signs posted. This campground is clearly built for large groups to hang out together. There is a large shelter with picnic tables and very convenient roll-up sides that can be used to protect people during inclement weather. There is also a large grill that would be great for serving many, and a very nice fire pit with fixed seating for a large group. 

      Ammenities

      There are also nice touches, such as a small stair-step for beginners or young people to mount their horse. And the campground has a little free library. There are electric and non-electric campsites, all seem to have a picnic table and fireplace. There are ample places to bridle horses and shared corrals every four or five campsites. There are also animal waste collection areas throughout the campground. There are several pit toilets throughout the campground, and one building with flush toilets and showers. It's a very nice and fairly new building.

      Group Campsite

      The group campsite has six sites and they are not pull through for trailers. There is a fire pit with fixed seating around it centrally-located in the group campsite. The group campsite does not have electric units. 

      And no surprise, there is easy access to horse trails throughout the state forest. 

      My Top Picks

      There are several sites along one side of the park that are a little more secluded and in a pine forest. They have picnic tables and fire pits like the others, they include 409, 410, 411, 412, 413. There's also a series of pull-through sites that would make it easier for those who don't care to back trailers in or out of the site. These include electric sites 405, 404, 403, 402, and 401.

      There's a nice couple of campsites at the end of one of the loops that affords a little bit of privacy, the only problem is they abut the main road and are a little noisy with car traffic. However, they are sweet sites. They include 427 and 428. Unfortunately, they camping here you would hear all of the car traffic while all the other campsites are much further away from the road.

    • Josh F.
      Sep. 11, 2020

      Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      Two lakes, two campgrounds and some nice walk-in sites!

      I stayed at this campground when I was a kid and only recently revisited it. The state park has two very large lakes with nice pan fishing and modest but well-groomed (daily?) swimming beaches. The lakes are a definite drive from the campgrounds, however, which makes it hard for "the kids" to simply amble down for a swim. This is important, in Sept. 2020 (COVID-19 times) 1/3 of the parking lot was closed off. Not sure why, but I speculate this is to regulate the number of beach dwellers and swimmers. Regardless, it's a very large and lovely park. Here's my review of the campsites.

      I am a car camper with no interest in (E) electric sites, so I did not pay attention nor note good ones. I prefer the silence and relative darkness that non-E sites provide.

      Campsite - Cox Hollow

      45/47 would be a nice couple of sites for a family/friends (wouldn't want this if you only needed one of them!)

      The sites on the "inside" of the loop are rather close to one another.

      21 has a nice view of the lake, and you can walk back to the fence to look over the bluff 24 is quite private and very large 26, 27 and 29 are all large, near the bluff

      34 is interesting, it's divided into three "terraces" Kind of fun, like a campsite divided into rooms

      44 right next to the water, BIG site, right near the bathroom and playground. This would be great if you have kids.

      The second campground is Twin Valley - though it is NO WHERE NEAR the Twin Valley lake. Lots of driving to get to the lake from here.

      221 is large with nice surrounding trees

      285 is really big

      This campground has walk in sites - these are sites with car parking on the road and you have to walk a minute or two to get to the site. Downside? Carrying all your gear and firewood. Upside? You can genuinely pretend that you've got the place to yourself, can't see a tent or an RV from any of these sites.

      262 is 40 steps in, right on the edge of the valley with it's own personal bluff.

      263 is a longer walk of 75 steps, a little less shaded than others, but PRIVATE

      264 is about 45 steps off the parking lot, right against the bluff edge.

      269 is 50 steps in, but it's just off the path, not as nice as others

      270 is a long 120 steps walking past 269, this is the site for you if you're looking for seclusion

      271 is 110 steps in, flat, really secluded

    • c
      Nov. 28, 2021

      Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      Big Beautiful park has it all!

      We love camping at Governor Dodge state park. The campsites are big and fairly private some areas are better for groups of families camping together with play grounds and nice clean bathrooms with showers. If you camp at Twin Valley You will have to drive to the beach. We like the Cox Hollow beach the best ..so if you want to walk to beach camp there. There are lots of beautiful hiking trails including one that passes an old farm homestead complete with the old spring house and a waterfall. You can also rent horses and rid them in the park…the rental place is just outside the park. They have groomed cross country trails and mountain biking trails as well. You won’t be disappointed if you visit this park!

      V

    • Matt N.
      Apr. 19, 2021

      Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

      Fun state park

      A nice state park. Clean bathrooms with showers. Good sized site with nice privacy. Good hiking around the lake and mostly dog friendly. Nice play ground with horse she pits.

    • Brian H.
      Aug. 1, 2021

      Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

      Disappointed

      The Pros: campsites were spread out and did have nice natural separation. Lot of big biting horse flies, but hey, we are in the woods next to a lake…

      Cons: vault toilets cleaned but not maintained. Saw 2 (including ours) with non functioning lighting. Hand sanitizers where empty the whole stay. Shower house was older and not cleaned. No ventilation. And sealed windows made it a dank steam room.

      Beach was closed due to excessive algae. Wish they mentioned that on their website.

      Was a little confusing finding the campground when we first arrived.

    Guide to Waunakee

    Governor Dodge State Park's equestrian campground includes separate horse camping facilities from the main camping areas. The park spans over 5,000 acres of glacially-carved terrain in Wisconsin's Driftless Area, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Horse trails remain open from May through November, with trail conditions dependent on recent rainfall patterns.

    What to do

    Hiking near waterfalls: Trek the Lost Canyon and Stephens Falls trails at Governor Dodge State Park for views of natural water features. "The trails behind the hike-in campsites also lead to some cliffs with some really amazing views," notes Mary M. about Twin Valley Campground.

    Fishing in quiet lakes: Cast a line in the spring-fed waters at White Mound County Park where the lake offers peaceful shoreline spots. "The lake is gorgeous and clean. The only downfall is the lake is spring-fed so it's a bit cold for swimming," shares Jaime L. about White Mound County Campground.

    Mini golf and disc golf: Enjoy affordable recreation options at Harnischfeger County Park where families can play together. "Has a 9 hole mini golf course that cost $1 a person. Has trails, disc golf, and Rock River for kayaking," reports Brittany R. about the park's amenities.

    What campers like

    Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feel of sites at Twin Valley. "Site 271 was just enough of a walk to feel remote but not so far that I couldn't carry all my stuff," explains Mary M., who found good trees for hammocking at the campground.

    Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness rates highly in camper satisfaction surveys. "Site was clean and nice," shares Hubert M. about his experience at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground, adding that showers had "lots of hot water."

    Winter camping options: Several parks in the area remain open year-round for cold-weather camping. "It was very pretty with and without snow. Lots of wood to burn. Nice and quite," reports Jill K. about her winter stay at Governor Dodge State Park Equestrian Campground.

    What you should know

    Reservation planning: Most equestrian camping near Waunakee requires advance booking, especially during summer months. "Peak season reservations are a definite (weeks to months in advance for weekends)," advises Jen L. about Governor Dodge.

    Wildlife awareness: Take precautions with food storage in this area known for bold wildlife. "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD!" warns Jen L., emphasizing the importance of securing food items at night.

    Bridge clearance issues: Some parks have low overpasses that can damage large RVs. At Yellowstone Lake State Park, Kathy L. cautions, "major CAUTION for RVs: there is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend's fifth wheel."

    Tips for camping with families

    Family-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playground equipment and gentle trails. "Perfect for a family get away - showers, flush toilets, lots of hiking (but trails aren't very challenging), swimming area and boat launch, playground," recommends Jen L. about Cox Hollow at Governor Dodge.

    Kid-focused water features: Several parks offer swimming ponds with special features for children. "Swimming Pond was clean and plenty of fun things to climb on and slide down," describes David H. about Merry Mac's Campground.

    Weekend activities: Check park schedules for organized events. "Lots of planned activities on weekends. We stayed during water wars and the kids had a blast!!" shares Tracy C., highlighting the family programming at Merry Mac's Campground.

    Tips from RVers

    Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds in the Driftless Area feature uneven terrain. "Not all 'driveways' are level which, unfortunately, we discovered in site 33. We slept with our heads lower than our feet in our camper van," warns Lee D. about his stay at Governor Dodge.

    Electric hookup location: Check the position of electrical boxes when selecting sites. "A third of the sites offered electricity," notes Lisa S. about Lake Kegonsa, which matters for RVers with shorter power cords.

    Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping facilities, requiring planning for longer stays. Several reviewers note that while most state parks have dump stations, they're often located near park exits rather than within campground loops.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waunakee, WI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waunakee, WI is Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 22 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Waunakee, WI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Waunakee, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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