Bear Claw Campground / Horse Trails

Introduction / Overview

For the adventurous Wisconsinite seeking a true escape from modern civilization, the Bear Claw Campground / Horse Trails near Withee offers an authentic, back-to-nature experience. This destination is less of a manicured resort and more of a gateway to the vast, untamed beauty of the local county forestlands, specifically catering to those who prefer rustic, free, and minimally developed camping. It is particularly renowned among the equestrian community, providing dedicated access to an expansive network of rugged horse trails.

Bear Claw Campground is ideal for the experienced camper or rider who is self-sufficient and fully prepared to embrace the wilder side of the Northwoods. It is a place where the focus is firmly on the trails and the tranquility of the forest. Its atmosphere is one of rugged authenticity, attracting individuals who value solitude and the challenge of navigating less-traveled terrain. As one visitor aptly summarized, the experience is “Rustic Free camping... Nice if that’s what you want.” It's a prime choice for unplugging and testing your outdoor skills against the backdrop of Central Wisconsin’s natural landscapes.

Please note that the amenities are minimal, reflecting its rustic, "free camping" status. This is the place to go when your primary goal is trail riding or hiking in a deep forest setting, rather than lounging by a lake with modern hookups. The nearby Clark County Forest system provides a tremendous amount of public land to explore, and Bear Claw is a key access point into that network.

Location and Accessibility

Bear Claw Campground / Horse Trails is located in a rural setting near the community of Withee, Wisconsin, placing it deep within the scenic county forestland of Clark County. This positioning makes it a true "getaway" destination, removed from major highways and city centers.

Address: Withee, WI 54498, USA

Accessibility is a key point to understand before visiting. The campground is situated on what may be unpaved or unimproved forest roads, which contributes to its rustic nature. Due to the rough and potentially challenging terrain on the access roads and within the campground itself, local users highly recommend taking precautions. Specifically, a customer review noted, “4X4 without trailer Recommend,” indicating that standard two-wheel-drive vehicles, especially while towing, may face difficulties navigating the approach to the site.

The isolation is part of the appeal. While amenities are scarce, the location offers unparalleled peace and direct access to the scenic, hilly hardwood forest trails that crisscross the area, a paradise for horseback riders and off-road explorers. It serves as an authentic staging area to enter the vast public lands of the region.

Services Offered

As a rustic, "free camping" destination, Bear Claw Campground offers extremely limited and basic services, focusing on providing a functional base for trail users rather than extensive comfort amenities. The core services are centered on accessibility for equestrian users and simple site functionality.

• Rustic, Free Camping Sites: Overnight camping is available at no charge (as per common reports for primitive county sites), providing a minimalist, basic site to pitch a tent or park a rig. Campers must be fully self-contained and prepared for a primitive experience.
• Medium-Sized Parking Area: Dedicated parking is available for users, specifically catering to those bringing horse trailers, allowing riders to easily unload their animals and access the trails.
• Trailhead Access: The primary service is providing direct access to the extensive, rugged horse trails within the surrounding county forest. The trail system is the main attraction and benefit of this location.
• Minimal Facilities: Any restroom facilities are typically limited to very basic pit or vault toilets, and running water or electricity should not be expected. Campers must bring their own water and be prepared to pack out all trash.
• No Reservations: Being a free, rustic site, it likely operates on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips for the prepared adventurer.

Features / Highlights

Bear Claw Campground’s features are defined by its environment—the wild, expansive nature of the Clark County Forest and the challenging terrain it presents.

• Unparalleled Horse Trail System: The main highlight is the access to miles of dedicated equestrian trails, offering varied terrain that winds through scenic northern hardwood forests and rolling glacial moraine. It is a known part of the larger network of horse trails found throughout the area.
• Authentic Rustic Camping: For those who find joy in simplicity, the "rough and sites look the same" nature of the campground is a feature, promoting a genuinely self-reliant, immersive wilderness stay without the noise and crowd of developed campgrounds.
• Seclusion and Quiet: Located away from major traffic, the campground offers a high degree of seclusion, providing a quiet and peaceful environment ideal for observing local wildlife and escaping the sounds of city life.
• Challenging Terrain: Both the trails and the access roads are noted for being "rough," making this a great spot for the skilled equestrian and the off-road vehicle enthusiast. The natural, unimproved condition of the trails provides a rewarding challenge.
• Gateway to Clark County Forest: The location serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the roughly 135,000 acres of the Clark County Forest, which offers opportunities for hiking, nature observation, and other dispersed recreation beyond just the horse trails.

Contact Information

Since Bear Claw is a rustic, often unlisted or minimally managed site within the Clark County Forest system, direct contact information for the campground itself is not typically provided. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the trails, conditions, or any local regulations (such as trail passes), it is recommended that local users contact the managing agency for the surrounding area.

Address: Withee, WI 54498, USA

Local Forest Management Contact (Clark County Forestry & Parks): (715) 743-5140 (Note: This number is for the county office managing the larger forest system, which may have current information on the trails and camping guidelines.)

What is Worth Choosing

Bear Claw Campground / Horse Trails is definitively worth choosing for a specific type of Wisconsin adventurer: the equestrian rider or the rustic camping purist. If your vacation priorities include self-sufficiency, challenging off-road access, and long days on the back of a horse exploring rugged, scenic trails, this is the ideal destination.

The primary value here is the unrestricted access to the equestrian trail network combined with the benefit of free, rustic camping. Unlike many developed campgrounds that charge a nightly fee and require reservations, Bear Claw offers a budget-friendly, spontaneous option for those who are prepared to forego modern amenities. It’s an immersion into the core wilderness experience.

However, potential visitors must heed the strong recommendation for a 4x4 vehicle—this is not a spot for low-clearance passenger cars or large, delicate RVs. The rough access is a necessary barrier that ensures the campground maintains its peaceful, secluded atmosphere. Choosing Bear Claw means choosing a challenging, authentic, and rewarding deep woods experience, perfectly suited for the prepared Wisconsin trail user ready to “Ruf n Tuf it.”