4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Yellow River State Forest in Harpers Ferry, Iowa offers multiple equestrian-specific campgrounds including Frontier and Creekside. Both campgrounds feature individual sites with tie-ups, picnic tables, and fire rings. The forest maintains proper manure disposal stations with tools provided for campers. Sites are spacious and level, providing ample room for horse trailers. These campgrounds connect directly to multiuser trails with stream crossings through trout-rich waters. The campsites accommodate tents and RVs, though most sites are primarily grass surfaces. Self-registration is available for overnight stays.
Equestrian trails throughout Yellow River State Forest include multiple water crossings through seasonal trout streams. Riders access an extensive network of trails directly from the campgrounds, with many routes designated for multiuser access. Trail systems allow riders to explore varied terrain while crossing scenic waterways. The horse campgrounds remain well-maintained with regular upkeep of tie-up areas and manure disposal facilities. Located approximately 55 miles from Westby, Wisconsin, these sites provide good alternatives for riders seeking developed horse camping facilities. The trails accommodate various riding experiences and skill levels, and some paths offer breathtaking lookout points to view the countryside.
"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 this weekend
from $19 - $110 / night
"There are many hiking trails, including a trail that goes on top of the bluff with views of the forest and of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River."
"Many different trails for hiking, biking or equestrian. Camp sites are mostly grass. Beautiful park"
"There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included."
from $12 / night
"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."
"In Yellow River State Forest,-Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site."
from $16 / night
"no shower) Horses are allowed. Fairly close together sites, but a beautiful area to get into nature or go camping at a reasonable price."
"Access to Root River trail close by."
from $17 / night
"Clean, well kept sites with tie-ups, tables, fire rings, manure station and tools, multiuser trails including stream crossings. Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings."
from $16 / night
TravelerVery nice grounds with gorgeous tree covered sites, electric hookup on most of them. They have toilet facilities on each end of the grounds. They have shower facilities with potable water fill station next to the showers and water fountains in several locations. For those with kids they have a very nice playground area.
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.
LegendThis is a small primitive campground that has 1 vault toilet. (no shower) Horses are allowed. Fairly close together sites, but a beautiful area to get into nature or go camping at a reasonable price.
LegendLocated on state forest land there are 2 separate areas right next to each other. The first loop is for smaller vehicles and tents and the larger area should be reserved for larger vehicles with horse trailers. There are hiking and equestrian trails present into the state forest land. There is one vault toilet. No other amenities. Beautiful area!
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.
TravelerGoing in knowing that there were pit toilets and no potable water, I did not have high expectations for this campsite. I was pleasantly surprised to find it very well maintained with spacious sites.
GuideWas very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. However, the park is situated on the valley bottom of the Yellow River Forest with beautiful tall trees, and there are fire rings. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March.
TravelerVery cool secluded walk in sites, pet friendly, awesome trails.
ScoutCame to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.
Yellow River State Forest in northeastern Iowa provides equestrian trail riding opportunities within 55 miles of Westby, Wisconsin. The forest terrain features steep limestone bluffs rising 400-600 feet above river valleys with trout streams. Equestrian campgrounds offer direct multiuser trail access across varied terrain including numerous water crossings.
Hiking exploration: Wildcat Mountain State Park trails offer varying difficulty levels through the Driftless Region. "We 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," notes Kay K. The Ice Cave trail provides a quick geological experience, especially interesting during cold months.
Trout fishing: Seasonal stocking occurs in streams throughout Yellow River State Forest, making it ideal for anglers. "Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen," explains Mary S., who visited Big Paint Campground. The forest maintains a stocking calendar posted at information centers for planning your fishing trips.
Scenic lookouts: Multiple observation points in the region provide views across river valleys. At Wyalusing State Park, "There are many burial mounds in the park, and there is an astronomical observatory on site," mentions Jim J., highlighting educational opportunities beyond standard hiking. The park sits atop bluffs overlooking both the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers.
Spacious sites: Equestrian campers appreciate the layout at Creekside Equestrian Campground. According to James M., these are "Clean, well kept sites with tie-ups, tables, fire rings, manure station and tools, multiuser trails including stream crossings." The sites accommodate large horse trailers with room to spare.
Quiet atmosphere: Campers consistently mention the peaceful settings. At Big Paint Campground, Tori L. describes it as a "Dream stay. Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service." The lack of connectivity often enhances the wilderness experience.
Trail access: Horse trails connect directly to camping areas, allowing riders immediate access to forest paths. James M. notes that Frontier Equestrian Campground offers "Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site. Self registration, trails from/camp including stream crossings in trout streams."
Limited facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds have basic amenities only. At R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest, Scott S. notes: "There are 8 sites. There is no water or electricity. One pit toilet for the site. 5 miles from Rushford MN." Always bring sufficient water for yourself and your horses.
Seasonal variations: Services and accessibility change throughout the year. Stuart O. found that at Big Paint Campground, "No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March."
Self-registration: Most sites require self-check-in rather than staffed facilities. Mary S. explains that at Big Paint Campground, you "Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at least 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee)."
Playground access: White Mound County Campground offers family-friendly facilities. Jaime L. reports, "The campsites are tucked away and private. There are bathrooms and a small playground. The lake is gorgeous and clean." This makes it ideal for families needing additional entertainment options.
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger programs when available. Jennifer B. found Wyalusing State Park valuable for young children: "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time." These programs typically run weekends during summer months.
Safety considerations: Some trails have steep sections requiring supervision. Daphne D. notes there are "breathtaking lookout points to see the countryside" at Big Paint Campground, but families should be cautious as some areas feature significant drop-offs.
Site surfaces: Most equestrian camping areas have grass surfaces rather than gravel or paved pads. According to Tamsyn K. at Big Paint Campground, sites are "spacious" but primarily grass-covered, which can be problematic after rain.
Access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. Joyce B. cautions about Wildcat Mountain: "If you have a low car, the front end is going to get scraped at the bottom of the mountain." RVs with low clearance should research access carefully.
Limited hookups: While some sites offer electric hookups, most equestrian-specific campgrounds have minimal services. James M. indicates Creekside Equestrian Campground has the basics but reminds that specialized horse facilities outweigh full hookup convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Westby, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Westby, 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 Westby, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Westby, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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