Highland Ridge near Woodville, Wisconsin offers a tranquil equestrian camping experience within 30 miles of the Minnesota border. The campground sits at approximately 950 feet elevation in rolling woodland terrain. Fall temperatures range from 30°F to 65°F, making it ideal for late-season camping when insect activity diminishes significantly compared to summer months.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Lake Wissota State Park provides exceptional night sky viewing from multiple clearings. "Beautiful shaded campground with semi private sites. Nice beach that is a walkable distance from the sites. Lots of walking, biking and horse trails that are full of wild berries," notes one camper at Lake Wissota State Park Campground.
Winter recreation: Wild River State Park transforms in winter with organized events. "We planned on attending their candlelight ski and decided to camp. The campsite was plowed out and had a nice spot for the tent. The ski trails were groomed and there were miles of trails. The candlelight ski was great and the routes were marked with different colored luminaries - for hiking and skiing," shares a visitor from Wild River State Park Campground.
Beach access with pets: Bring dogs for specialized swimming areas at Lake Wissota. "Beach is nice, even better that they have a separate beach area for your leashed dog! (Its where my little terrier learned how to swim:)," reports one camper. The park offers dual swimming options with dedicated pet areas separated from main beaches.
What campers like
Quick access from major highways: Highland Ridge Eau Galle Reservoir serves as a convenient stopover location. One reviewer noted, "Great campground and been here many times. Plenty of wildlife and can hear the owls talking to each other," at Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir, highlighting the accessibility and natural setting.
Fall colors and cooler temperatures: Autumn camping brings additional advantages. "Beautiful in the fall. This is a smaller Corps of Engineers park, lots of primitive sites and lots electric sites too. A smaller lake but no gas motors. Cell service with Verizon was ok," shares a camper at Highland Ridge.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the separation between sites. "We had a wonderful stay at Lake Elmo at the rustic site. There was plenty of flat space for our tent. They provide a fire ring and picnic bench," reports a visitor to Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, noting the ample space between camping areas.
What you should know
Shower timing considerations: Plan showers strategically during busy periods. "The shower was great– warm water and great flow, although our friends (who arrived two days before we did) had cold showers when the campground was full," mentions a camper at Highland Ridge, suggesting early morning showers for best results.
Terrain challenges: Be prepared for hilly terrain when setting up. "Many sites are placed on on incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill," notes one reviewer about Highland Ridge. Bring leveling blocks for RVs and carefully select tent placement on sites.
Reservation requirements: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers modern amenities but requires planning. "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," according to one visitor, though last-minute reservations may be difficult during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Lake Elmo features a unique swimming area perfect for children. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains a visitor. This chlorinated swimming pond eliminates concerns about lake vegetation while maintaining a natural beach experience.
Playground access: Highland Ridge offers playground facilities for younger children. "At the campground, there was an interpretive center, but it was locked when we were there. There is also a nice, modern playground," notes a camper, providing options for family entertainment beyond trails.
Educational programming: Haycreek Valley Campground provides horse-friendly programming suitable for families. "Really nice campground with activities and a BAR/Restaurant. Pool is also there and is nice," according to a visitor, with scheduled events particularly on summer weekends.
Tips from RVers
Solar limitations: Plan alternate power options at heavily wooded sites. "First thing you need to know: It's completely in the woods, and sites are FULLY shaded. This is not a good place for solar panels, but almost all sites are electric," advises an experienced RVer about Highland Ridge, suggesting generator backup or full battery banks for boondocking.
Site selection for larger rigs: Research site dimensions carefully before booking. "Some sites on the short loop (28-38) are a bit smaller and slope down from the road, so be careful of the site's size when booking. Our 29' trailer would have been a challenging fit in some of those sites," recommends a regular visitor to Highland Ridge.
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