River Road Equestrian Campground

For Wisconsin locals who share a passion for both camping and horseback riding, River Road Equestrian Campground in Conover offers a truly unique and highly specialized outdoor experience. Nestled within the expansive and picturesque landscapes of Vilas County, this campground is meticulously designed to cater to equestrian enthusiasts, providing not just a place to stay, but a gateway to miles of scenic horse trails. It stands out as an exceptionally well-maintained facility, ensuring that both riders and their equine companions enjoy a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the beautiful Northwoods. Whether you're planning a weekend trail ride or an extended equestrian adventure, River Road Equestrian Campground is a premier choice for combining your love for horses with the tranquility of Wisconsin's wilderness.

The dedication to equestrian needs is evident in every aspect of River Road Equestrian Campground. From specialized amenities for horses to a location that provides immediate access to dedicated riding trails, every detail is considered. This focus ensures that visitors can fully immerse themselves in their equestrian pursuits, knowing that their horses are well-cared for and that the trails are readily available. For Wisconsin's vibrant equestrian community, finding such a purpose-built and well-managed facility is invaluable, making it a go-to destination for riding adventures.

Furthermore, the campground's reputation for being "extremely well-maintained" and having amenities that "look to be brand new or nearly so" speaks volumes about the care and investment put into the property. This commitment to quality assures visitors of a clean, functional, and pleasant environment. While it offers a primitive camping experience, the emphasis on upkeep and essential facilities, such as vault toilets and potable water, elevates the comfort level for campers. This thoughtful balance between rustic charm and reliable amenities is a significant advantage, particularly for those who appreciate a well-cared-for natural setting.

River Road Equestrian Campground truly embodies the spirit of Northwoods outdoor recreation for a specific, passionate niche. It’s a place where the love of horses meets the beauty of Wisconsin’s forests, creating an inviting and functional space for riders to connect with nature alongside their trusted companions. For locals, this specialized offering provides a dedicated community and an ideal starting point for exploring the equestrian trails that crisscross the stunning Vilas County landscape, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling experience.

River Road Equestrian Campground is precisely located at 2P6J+JF, Conover, WI 54519, USA. More specifically, public sources indicate its address as 5065 River Road, off US Highway 45, south of Conover. This prime location places it deep within Vilas County, a highly celebrated region of Wisconsin known for its vast forests, numerous lakes, and extensive trail systems. For equestrian enthusiasts across Wisconsin, this offers a direct gateway to some of the state's most beautiful riding country.

Accessibility to the campground is straightforward via well-maintained roads. Located just a short distance west of US Highway 45, one of Wisconsin's main north-south arteries, the campground is relatively easy to reach for vehicles, including those towing horse trailers. US-45 connects various communities in northern Wisconsin and provides a direct route for visitors traveling from central and southern parts of the state. This convenient road access ensures that the journey to the campground is as smooth as possible, allowing for hassle-free arrival with horses and gear.

Despite its accessibility, the campground maintains a rural and natural feel, true to its Northwoods setting. Conover, the nearby town, offers essential services, supplies, and local amenities, ensuring that campers have access to necessities without having to venture far. This balance of seclusion for a peaceful outdoor experience and proximity to conveniences is a key benefit. Crucially, the campground provides direct access to Vilas County's extensive equestrian trail system, including the Torch Lake Equestrian Trail Loop and connector trails to the Ski Hill Trail Equestrian Loop. This immediate trailhead access means riders can saddle up and hit the trails right from their campsite, maximizing their time on horseback in the beautiful Wisconsin wilderness.

River Road Equestrian Campground is specifically designed to meet the needs of equestrian campers, offering a range of essential services and amenities. These include:

• Primitive Campsites: Eight designated primitive campsites are available, typically around a large common open area. Each site is suited for independent camping units and can accommodate equestrian trailers.
• Horse Tie Lines / Highlines: Five highlines are available within a park-like setting for securing horses.
• Fenced Corrals: Recently added in 2024, three corrals are connected to campsites #5, #6, and #7, providing secure, fenced areas for horses.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are on-site for camper convenience, with at least one ADA-compliant toilet building.
• Hand Pump for Potable Water: A hand pump provides access to fresh, potable water for both campers and horses.
• Manure Bunker/Pad: A dedicated waste disposal area for horse manure ensures cleanliness and proper management of equestrian waste.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Individual campsites include fire rings, often with an attached grill, for campfires and outdoor cooking. A large fire ring/grill is also available in the common area.
• Gravelled Day Use Parking Area: Provides space for visitors who are just using the trails for the day.
• Self-Registration Permit System: Camping is by permit only, obtainable through an on-site self-registration process, with stays limited to not more than ten consecutive days.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground provides direct access to the extensive Vilas County Equestrian Trail system.

River Road Equestrian Campground offers several key features and highlights that make it a premier destination, especially for equestrian campers in Wisconsin:

• Specialized Equestrian Facilities: Its primary highlight is its dedicated infrastructure for horses, including tie lines/highlines at campsites and recently added corrals. This ensures horses are comfortably and safely accommodated, a crucial feature for riders.
• Direct Access to Extensive Trail System: The campground serves as a trailhead for the Vilas County Equestrian Trail system, offering immediate access to nearly 20 miles of well-maintained horse trails across three marked loops (Torch Lake, Ski Hill, Pioneer Creek).
• Extremely Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistently praised in reviews for its immaculate upkeep. All amenities, including vault toilets and water pumps, are noted as being "brand new or nearly so," providing a high level of cleanliness and functionality for a primitive campground.
• Peaceful Rural Setting: Located in Conover, the campground offers a quiet and serene environment, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Northwoods, away from urban noise.
• Potable Water Access: The presence of a hand pump for potable water is a significant convenience for primitive campers, ensuring access to drinking water for both people and animals.
• Manure Disposal Area: A dedicated manure bunker/pad highlights the park's commitment to cleanliness and proper waste management for equestrian activities.
• Primitive Camping Experience: While well-equipped for horses, the campground itself offers a rustic experience, appealing to those who prefer simpler amenities and a closer connection to nature.
• Beautiful Northwoods Landscape: Surrounded by gently rolling terrain, mixed hardwoods, and pine trees, providing a picturesque backdrop for riding and camping.
• Conover Area Exploration: While offering seclusion, its proximity to Conover allows for easy access to local amenities and other area attractions if needed.

For more information, permits, or to confirm details about River Road Equestrian Campground, please use the following contact information. As a public campground managed by the county, direct phone numbers for the campsite itself are rare. It is best to contact the managing authority:

Address: 2P6J+JF, Conover, WI 54519, USA (More precise address: 5065 River Road, Conover, WI 54519)

Managing Authority: Vilas County Forestry, Recreation & Land Department

Phone: (715) 479-5160

Website for Reservations: You can typically find reservation information through the Vilas County website or by searching for "Vilas County WI campgrounds" or "River Road Equestrian Campground reservations." As of recent updates (starting 2026 season), reservations for Vilas County campgrounds like River Road Equestrian Campground are expected to open on January 1st on a first-come, first-served basis, moving away from a one-year-in-advance policy. It's advisable to check the official Vilas County Parks & Recreation website for the most current reservation policies and trail conditions before planning your trip.

River Road Equestrian Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Wisconsin locals, particularly those who embrace the unique blend of outdoor recreation and equestrian pursuits that our state offers. Its specialized focus and high standards of maintenance make it an ideal choice for a niche, yet passionate, segment of our local community.

Firstly, for Wisconsin's horse owners and riders, this campground is a dream come true. It's one of the few dedicated equestrian campgrounds in the state that provides "extremely well-maintained facilities" specifically for horses, including tie lines, corrals, and manure disposal. This level of accommodation for equine companions is invaluable, allowing local riders to comfortably bring their horses and enjoy extended stays in a safe and supportive environment. The direct access to nearly 20 miles of "well-maintained" horse trails right from the campground means less time spent trailering and more time riding in the stunning Northwoods landscape, a significant draw for any local equestrian.

Secondly, while it offers a primitive camping experience, the emphasis on cleanliness and functional amenities like "brand new or nearly so" vault toilets and a hand pump for potable water elevates the comfort level. Texans appreciate a natural experience but also value reliable, clean facilities. This balance means locals can enjoy the rustic charm of camping without sacrificing essential conveniences, making the transition from home to the wilderness smooth and enjoyable. The "open field" setting, while lacking privacy between individual campsites, fosters a communal atmosphere that can be appealing to groups or those who enjoy interacting with fellow riders.

Furthermore, the campground's location in Conover, within Vilas County, situates it in a quintessential "up north" Wisconsin setting. This allows locals to experience the peace and beauty of the Northwoods, complete with rolling terrain, mixed hardwoods, and pine trees. For those seeking to escape the urban hustle, it offers a tranquil retreat that is still relatively accessible from many parts of the state via US-45.

In conclusion, River Road Equestrian Campground is perfectly tailored for Wisconsin locals seeking a top-tier equestrian camping adventure. Its dedicated facilities for horses, pristine maintenance, and direct trail access combine to create an unparalleled outdoor experience that truly celebrates the unique bond between riders and their horses in the heart of our beautiful state.

River Road Equestrian Campground

2P6J+JF, Conover, WI 54519, USA