Southern Unit Horseriders Campground offers camping facilities for horse enthusiasts approximately 35 miles southwest of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The campground sits within the glacier-formed Kettle Moraine State Forest, featuring terrain shaped 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. Located at approximately 900 feet above sea level, the forest provides variable terrain for riders with hills, valleys and glacial features making up the landscape.
What to do
Trail riding access points: The campground connects directly to the extensive bridle trail system, allowing immediate access to the forest's riding network. "There is easy access to horse trails throughout the state forest," notes a visitor to Southern Unit Horseriders Campground.
Hiking exploration: When not on horseback, campers can access multiple walking paths through diverse ecosystems. At Pinewoods Campground, "We asked the ranger about hiking and she gave us a map to a trail system that connects to this campground between the group sites and loop 3. We enjoyed a 4 mile hike from camp to the observation trail."
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds in the region offer swimming areas for cooling off after trail riding. "The lake is nice and there is a very nice beach as well as a fishing pier," reports a visitor to Kettle Moraine South Camping.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate sites with more privacy for themselves and their horses. At Pinewoods Campground, "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."
Group facilities: The horse campground includes spaces designed for riding groups to gather. "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."
Horse-specific amenities: The equestrian campground provides practical features for horse owners. "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."
What you should know
Horse accommodations: While permanent stalls aren't available, the campground offers alternatives. "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."
Trailer-friendly access: Site design considers equestrian needs with pull-through options. "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."
Seasonal operation: The equestrian campground operates during prime riding months. At Mauthe Lake Campground, a different unit of Kettle Moraine, "Great clean sites and fishing. Many hiking trails. Historical attractions. Wisconsin does their parks and forests right."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: The Kettle Moraine system offers recreational options for younger visitors beyond horse activities. "The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards," notes a camper at Menomonee Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds near the equestrian facilities include play areas. At Mauthe Lake Campground, one visitor highlights "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids. Also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July."
Educational opportunities: The natural history of the region provides learning experiences. "Pick Up the activity book for kids it is a great adventure lots to do at the lake!!!" advises a visitor to Kettle Moraine South Camping.
Tips from RVers
Electric options: Electric hookups are available at specific sites in the equestrian campground. At Harnischfeger County Park, another nearby option, "Sites with letters are tent sites without water or electric, sites with numbers have water and 30 amp service, though there are plans to upgrade the sites to all have water and 50 amp service in the future."
Site selection for large rigs: Certain camping areas offer better accommodations for larger trailers needed by equestrians. "We have been to Menomonee park several times. It is one of the kids favorites. The sites are just about all wooded. Not huge but a good size for a country park."
Facilities maintenance: Equestrian campers report well-maintained shower and restroom facilities. At the Southern Unit Horseriders 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."
