Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area
If you are looking for an equestrian style base camp to explore area trails or a destination campground with plenty of room for your family, try the Horseshoe Lake Recreations Area located north of Ino, Wisconsin on the Washburn Ranger District. The terrain is gently rolling with a sandy loam surface ideal for horse riding. The trail weaves through towering pine and hardwood forests as well as through the area's open barrens. Whether you are interested in plants, scenery or wildlife, touring the trail with binoculars or camera can allow you to take advantage of fantastic viewing and photographic opportunities.
The Horseshoe Lake campground features nine family camping units; one group site that allows up to 14 people. All other sites allow up to eight individuals and up to four vehicles. The sites here are not exclusive to campers with horses however, highlines are present at each campsite. Shared amenities include two vault toilets, two manure pit, and garbage service. Both back in and pull-thru sites are present. Please note there is water available onsite that is non-potable (not safe for drinking) so please plan accordingly.
A parking area is available for visitors looking to ride the trails for the day. There is a $5 use fee for day use of the recreation area, or you can purchase an annual pass.
Whether you are looking for a pleasant afternoon ride or an extended visit, the Horseshoe Lake Saddle Trail is a perfect adventure for any horseback rider. The combined trail loop length is 12 miles. Some distances overlap between the loops.
Trail Length:
- A Loop: 9.25 miles
- B Loop: 3.7 miles
- Outside Loop: 10.25 miles.
So, if you like camping and horseback riding with scenic views of the forest, then the Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area is the place for you.
Forest Roads are also open to horseback riding.
The nearby Moquah Barrens provides a great place to ride, view wildlife, bird watching and berry picking in the late summer.
Bring your trailer with your OHVs (ATVs and UTVs) and access the Iron River Trail from open OHV use roads. OHV use in the campground is prohibited.
Reservations
There are no reservable sites at the Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area. All sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
General Information
Campground Camping
The Horseshoe Lake campground features nine family camping units; one group site that allows up to 14 people. The sites here are not exclusive to campers with horses however, highlines are present at each campsite.
RV Camping
The Horseshoe Lake campground features nine family camping units; one group site that allows up to 14 people. The sites here are not exclusive to campers with horses however, highlines are present at each campsite. Shared amenities include two vault toilets, two manure pit, and garbage service. Both back in and pull-thru sites are present. Please note there is water available onsite that is non-potable (not safe for drinking) so please plan accordingly.
Size Restrictions
Back-in 35 foot: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7
Pull-through sites: 3 and 8
Group site: 10
The open season typically starts the Thursday before the May fishing opener, which is the first Saturday in May.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Restrictions for all National Forest System lands can be found by visiting Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261 by clicking here. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found on the Orders of the Forest Supervisor page.
Campsite Capacity
- Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles at each camp site.
- Vehicle capacity limit includes vehicles, wheeled camping units and trailers.
Firewood Closure Order
- Our firewood closure order prohibits the possession, storage, or transport of any firewood that originates from more than 25 miles from your campsite. Firewood certified by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Transportation and Consumer Protection can originate from more than 25 miles from National Forest destination.
- Pallet boards are not approved.
Operation of all ATVs & UTVs are prohibited in campground.
Individual campsite fee is $12 or $6 with the use of an Interagency pass (access or senior). The interagency pass applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fees or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party. The group site fee is $25 per night. There is a $5 day use fee for this recreation site for those using it during the day. The Forest also has an annual pass available for $30. Learn more about passes.
Address: 113 East Bayfield St. Washburn, WI 54891
Phone: 715-373-2667
Hours: Mon, Tue, and Thu 0830-1200, 1300-1530, closed for lunch from 12:00pm to 1:00pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.cnnfadmin@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.6422
Longitude: -91.1841
Directions
From Ashland:
- Drive 14 miles west on US Highway 2 to Ino and Forest Road 236.
- Turn right (north) and go 11 miles on Forest Road 236 to Forest Road 245.
- Turn right on Forest Road 245 and go 2.2 miles to the campground.
Facility and Amenity Information
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
There is water available onsite that is non-potable (not safe for drinking) so please plan accordingly.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes Info
There are 12 miles of non-motorized trails in the area for users on foot and horse to enjoy.
Horse Camping Info
The Horseshoe Lake campground features nine family camping units; one group site that allows up to 14 people. All other sites allow up to eight individuals and up to four vehicles. The sites here are not exclusive to campers with horses however, highlines are present at each campsite. Shared amenities include two vault toilets, two manure pit, and garbage service. Both back in and pull-thru sites are present. Please note there is water available onsite that is non-potable (not safe for drinking) so please plan accordingly.
Horseback Riding Info
Trail Length:
- A Loop: 9.25 miles
- B Loop: 3.7 miles
- Outside Loop: 10.25 miles
The terrain is gently rolling with a sandy loam surface ideal for horse riding. There are other Forest Service roads and Township roads that allow horses to ride near the campground as well.