Wildcat Mountain State Park

Highlights

Wildcat brings the drama—rolling climbs, valley views, and one of the most scenic horse-camp setups in the state.

Riding

From the saddle, this place reads as more than a line on a map. 15 miles of horse trail loops on scenic ridge-and-valley terrain with gradual climbs, overlooks, and classic Driftless character. The footing, scenery, and overall cadence differ by property, of course, but this one consistently rewards riders who want a day that feels immersive, scenic, and worth the drive.

Rideable terrain

15 miles

Trailer parking

The horse campground doubles as the natural base for staging, with designated equestrian access northeast of the park office and trail loops beginning directly from camp.

Horse regulations

Stay on marked horse trails only. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass. Trails are generally open May 1 through Nov. 14 and may close during wet conditions to prevent erosion.

Getting here

The access experience is part of the appeal. The horse campground doubles as the natural base for staging, with designated equestrian access northeast of the park office and trail loops beginning directly from camp. It is the sort of setup that helps both seasoned haulers and less frequent trailer travelers start the day in a calm, organized frame of mind.

Planning your visit

This is a better fit for riders who enjoy elevation and a little physicality, rather than a flat rail-trail cruise. The views make it worth the effort, especially in autumn, but book horse campsites early for peak weekends.

Where to stay

Amenities matter here, even if they are not the flashy part of the experience. The equestrian campground is the star amenity and makes this one of Wisconsin’s easiest places to build a proper ride-sleep-ride weekend. Ontario and the wider Kickapoo region offer outfitters, casual dining, and that delightfully unhurried small-town pace.