Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area

Area Status: Open

If you 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. For a map of roads on the Motor Vehicle Use Map please click here.  

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.

At a Glance

Reservations: There are no reservable sites at the Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area.  All sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Fees: 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. To learn more visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cnnf/passes-permits/recreation.
Open Season: May 2 - October 31
Usage: Light
Restrictions: 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 in the Occupancy and Use Restrictions for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Campsite Capacity
  • Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles at each camp site. (Vehicle limit includes combination of wheeled camping units and vehicles)
  • Vehicle capacity limit includes vehicles, wheeled camping units and trailers.
Pets and Animals
  • Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation areas.
  • Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas.
  • Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions.
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.
  • Both certified firewood and kiln-dried, untreated/unpainted/unstained/construction/dimensional lumber that is free of any metal or foreign substance is approved. Pallet boards are not approved.
Quiet Hours
  • Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Operation of all ATVs & UTVs are prohibited in campground.
Closest Towns: Washburn WI.
Information Center: Washburn Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

Directions to Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area: 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. 


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

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
 

Day Hiking

There are 12 miles of non-motorized trails in the area for users on foot and horse to enjoy.

Horse Camping

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. 

 

Horse Riding

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.