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Best Campgrounds in Wisconsin

3,526 Reviews

With the well-known water borders of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Mississippi River, and the natural wonders of The Dells, stunning island sea caves, and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the hardest part about camping in Wisconsin is deciding where to go.

There are over 5,000 campsites in the state park system, and many more options for remote rustic camping, family campgrounds, and wilderness cabins. It’s important to think about what kind of experience you want. Trust that the Badger State will live up to its outdoor recreation reputation – but for those looking for a tame trip camping in Wisconsin’s forests, hopefully not its nickname.

Factoid: Wisconsin got its nickname, The Badger State, because of lead miners in the 1800s that often lived in tunnels burrowed in the hillsides to shelter in the winter. The miners were nicknamed “badgers.” Actual badger encounters are incredibly rare in Wisconsin.

For those who might be mildly disappointed by the lack of badger action, you’re probably the type looking for a rustic wilderness experience. Some of the best options for more remote camping in Wisconsin include Bagley Rapids Campground, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Rock Island State Park, Big Bay State Park, and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

One of the most visually stunning and unique places to experience in Wisconsin is the Apostle Islands archipelago off the southern shore of Lake Superior, with camping available on 19 of the 21 islands. Great options are available for all levels of tent or wild camping, with traditional sites, group campsites, and remote backpacking zones. One of the main attractions is the sea caves. They’re best viewed by a kayak, and unless you know the area, it would be smart to get a guide or take part in a tour to find the best spots, and more importantly, stay safe amongst the spectacular geological formations, sculpted by the same unpredictable water that needs to be respected when visiting the area.

If you’re looking for the true family fun experience while camping in Wisconsin, that doesn’t necessarily require wilderness survival skills, check out the Wisconsin Dells. This 5-mile glacially formed gorge is carved in sandstone on the banks of the Wisconsin River, with incredible naturally formed sculptures and canyons. The area has become one of the primary destinations in the state for outdoor recreation and family fun. There are a multitude of Wisconsin Dells cabins available for a memorable trip to “The Waterpark Capital of the World.”

When you’re looking for Wisconsin Dells cabins to rent, there are several cabin resorts boasting nearby outdoor activities, access to the Dells, and comfortable accommodations. Pay attention to the actual distance between your accommodations and The Dells, and be aware of the wide ranging term “cabin”, as some might not fit your definition. Just remember, go for the scenic views and natural beauty, stay for the water slides and food.

When camping in Wisconsin, it’s hard to go wrong with the state or national park system, with so many options and levels for all types of campers. With state’s like Wisconsin that have such variety, stick with us at The Dyrt for on-the-ground information about the region.

Map showing campgrounds in WisconsinExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites in Wisconsin (977)

    1. Willow River State Park Campground

    58 Reviews
    •147 Photos•
    369 Saves
    Hudson, Wisconsin
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    2. Wyalusing State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    •255 Photos•
    331 Saves
    McGregor, Iowa

    Located on a high bluff overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, a land of sculpted limestone and prehistoric Native American mounds can be found amid a swath of preserved hardwood forest. Translated “home of the warrior” in the language of the local Munsee–Delaware Indians, Wyalusing Hardwood Forest and the Wyalusing Mounds have received recognition as national natural landmarks and historic places. Adjacent to the forest, Wyalusing State Park is the perfect camping destination for a little outdoors R&R, while discovering more about the natural and cultural history at the junction of Wisconsin’s and America’s greatest waterways.

    Visitors to Wyalusing State Park have two campgrounds to choose from. Wisconsin Ridge is set on a high bluff over the Wisconsin River, and Homestead is located in shady hardwood forest. Combined, they offer 109 campsites for tent and RV campers; there is also a large group campground. Both campgrounds provide flush and vault restrooms, shower facilities and drinking water. A portion of sites in each campground have electrical hookups for RVs, and there is a dump station near the Homestead site. The park also has several picnic areas, sports courts, and five reservable group picnic shelters. Firewood, camping supplies, ice and boat rentals are available at the concession stand. Seasonal campsite rates range from $15–$35/night; entrance to the park requires an additional fee.

    With nearly 24 miles of land and water trails in Wyalusing State Park, you’ll find ample opportunities for exploring riverside bluffs. Whether you like to walk, hike, ride, or paddle, there’s a trail just for you. Take an easy interpretive walk to learn about the park’s flora, fauna and geology; hike to see limestone caves, waterfalls, and a great view of the river; hop on your bike for a ride around the edge of a wooded grassland; or board a canoe or kayak and paddle through the Mississippi backwaters. Many of these trails are also open during the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Other park activities include fishing, bird watching, and seasonal hunting.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $35 / night

    3. High Cliff State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    •193 Photos•
    301 Saves
    Sherwood, Wisconsin

    An accessible cabin for people with disabilities is available at High Cliff State Park and makes for great camping near Neenah. The cabin can accommodate up to six people and can be rented for a maximum of four nights per year. The cabin is available May through mid-October. The family campground has 112 campsites (32 with electric and two accessible) and eight group sites. Campground hosts stay on site 58 from April through October. Pets are permitted in the family and group campgrounds. A flush toilet/shower building is in the family campground for overnight guests. There are also several vault toilets throughout the campground. The shower building is open seasonally, usually May to mid-October. A sanitary dump station and recycling/garbage station are available and free to use by all registered campers. There is a $10 fee for others to use the dump station.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    4. Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    44 Reviews
    •151 Photos•
    12 Saves
    Baraboo, Wisconsin

    Quartzite campground in Devil’s Lake State Park offers camping options for visitors, with both electric and non-electric sites available. This campground, which was once a 9-hole golf course, has mostly open and grassy areas, with a mix of trees scattered throughout. Although many campsites have limited shade or are located on the perimeter near surrounding woods, Quartzite Campground is a great choice for those with large RVs due to the open and spacious nature of many of its sites. The campground is equipped with a playground, a modern shower building, and a dump station. Located on County Road DL, Quartzite Campground can be accessed directly, making it easy to avoid heavy summer traffic when entering or exiting the campground. There is also an access road leading up to the park’s Nature Center, as well as the main day-use picnic area and beach. While the distance to the beach is walkable at about a quarter mile, visitors should note that there is a steep hill between the campground and the day-use area.

    It’s important to keep in mind that sites 1-10 are now available only by reservation, and no longer on a first-come-first-served basis.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    5. Kohler-Andrae State Park

    44 Reviews
    •287 Photos•
    413 Saves
    Oostburg, Wisconsin

    When you’re relaxing on the warm, sandy beaches at Kohler–Andrae State Park, gazing across the watery expanse of Lake Michigan, you’re not likely contemplating the area’s nearly two-million-year history. This is when Ice Age glaciers carved out the lake basin and rising and falling water levels dramatically changed the landscape. Soon after, the first Paleo-Indians began inhabiting the area, who hunted mammoths and giant musk ox around the northeastern regions. Moving into the Christian Era, the Hopewell, Chippewa, Potowatomi, and Sauk took turns residing here. Then came European settlers in the 19th century, who had no interest in beachfront property, as it couldn’t be farmed. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that Americans started to value outdoor recreation as a form of relaxation and entertainment. Today, you can enjoy this 1000 acres of sandy beaches, rolling dunes and mixed woods, where you’re more likely to be contemplating the cool breeze what to barbecue for dinner.

    For grilling up your tasty burgers, be they beef, beet, or anything in between, Kohler–Andrae State Park offers a large campground with fire rings and picnic tables in each site. There are more than 130 tent and RV sites to choose from, some with electrical hookups. There is also two group tent sites. The campground provides flush restrooms with showers, picnic areas and shelters, a playground, amphitheater, and laundry facilities; a dump station is located nearby. The campground is open year-round, but some amenities may not be available in winter months. Dogs are permitted in the campground and on some trails, but must remain leashed. Campers can access the beach through the picnic area or via a short nature trail. There is also an ADA accessible cabin available to rent. Campsite reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance; seasonal rates are $15–$40/night.

    While soaking up the sun and splashing in the lake are the main draw to Kohler–Andrae State Park, there’s much to do. Visit the Sanderling Nature Center at the north end of the park where you can explore interactive exhibits about the area’s natural history, and native flora and fauna. Kids can become Wisconsin Explorers and earn a patch for completing activities. For some paddling fun, you can launch your kayak or paddleboard right from the beach, or for fishing, head over to the fishing pond on the Ancient Shores Trail. And speaking of trails, the park has 8.5 miles of nature paths and hiking trails to explore, many of which are barrier-free. A walk on the aforementioned Ancient Shores Trail reveals where the lakeshore existed more than 5,000 year ago; the Marsh Trail along the Black River is a good place for bird and wildlife watching; and the Dunes Cordwalk explores the park’s dunes, wetlands and white pine forest.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    6. Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    43 Reviews
    •151 Photos•
    148 Saves
    Baraboo, Wisconsin

    From website: Camping at Devil’s Lake State Park is extremely popular. Plan ahead, explore your options and make your camping or other lodging reservations well before you arrive. Devil’s Lake State Park has three campgrounds with a total of 423 sites that each accommodate a family (One to six individuals). There are no longer any first-come-first-serve campsites offered at the park. There are also nine group campsites that can accommodate a total of 240 campers. Group campsites are on the south side. Each campground has different qualities that have made each of them popular with annual campers. There are no campgrounds near or on the shoreline of Devil’s Lake itself. Only the Quartzite campground is open for winter camping.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    7. Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit-Iansr

    41 Reviews
    •122 Photos•
    116 Saves
    Campbellsport, Wisconsin

    Mauthe Lake campground has 135 sites, including 51 electrical sites, one shower building with flush toilets in the 300 loop and several vault toilets throughout the campground. The campground is located within the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. The beach area has playground equipment. Food/drink concessions and kayak/canoe rentals are available seasonally. Campsites accessible to people with disabilities are also available. A sanitary dump station and recycling/garbage station are provided for registered campers. Mauthe Lake campground is open for camping year-round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $18 - $28 / night

    8. Copper Falls State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    •158 Photos•
    210 Saves
    Mellen, Wisconsin
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $30 / night

    9. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    35 Reviews
    •117 Photos•
    222 Saves
    North Prairie, Wisconsin

    Ottawa Lake’s campground is located in the southern unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, situated within half an hour’s drive from Milwaukee. Wisconsin campers of all ages love these grounds thanks to lakefront sites, modern facilities, and access to trails for hikers of every experience level. South Kettle Moraine is also home to over 160 miles of trails, including 87 miles open to horse use. Connect to the Ice Age Scenic Trail and various others within the John Muir and Emma Carlin trail systems.

    Don’t forget to bring your rods when camping at Ottawa Lake! You’ll want to take full advantage of the boat dock and fishing pier where you can catch panfish, walleye, muskie, trout, bass, and northern pike – then you can grill them up at your campsite. Keep in mind, motorboats are not permitted on this small lake, which allows for peaceful wading and quieter camping all around.

    Though Ottawa Lake is open year-round, it is recommended to check the weather in Dousman and Whitewater before planning trips in the colder months, as freezing temperatures and snow are common. Cold-weather campers who are willing to brave the Wisconsin winter will enjoy snowmobile trails, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. No matter when you visit, Ottawa Lake will leave you satisfied.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    10. Perrot State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    •204 Photos•
    181 Saves
    Trempealeau, Wisconsin

    Sitting pretty right where the Mississippi and Trempealeau rivers meet, Perrot State Park is a true geographic wonder. This 1,270-acre park was once inhabited by the native tribes in the area, who conducted important meetings (amongst other things) atop Trempealeau Mountain. The “mountain” is truthfully considered more of a bluff, as it is cone-shaped and surrounded by water. Trempealeau Mountain, as well as Brady's Bluff Prairie are the two main natural areas that the state park protects.

    Another interesting factoid about this park is that it's located in Wisconsin's Driftless region. The Driftless region is characterized by the lack of glaciation that took place there during the last Ice Age. This makes it one of the few places in the world you can actually see that was left unaffected and uncarved by ancient glaciers. Luckily, the park's main attractions provide stunning views of the surrounding geography.

    As far as recreation, this park offers plenty. There are over 12 miles of hiking trails that are great for mountain biking as well. Many of the trails provide great viewpoints from which hikers can enjoy the beautiful view of the Mississippi River with. Right over on the Trempealeau River is a boat landing where visitors can take their own private canoe or rented kayak out for some time on the water. Fishing equipment is available at the park office, and anglers can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the shore.

    During the winter, over nine miles of trails are groomed for cross country skiing, as well as snowshoeing and winter hiking. Visitors are urged to take caution as the rivers can be unpredictable and exposed to various ice conditions.

    There are 2 campgrounds available for use at Perrot State Park. One is a family campground that features 102 campsites, 38 of them have electrical hookups. The other one features 4 walk-in campsites with water access. Both campgrounds offer easy access to trails and other attractions of the park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
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Recent Reviews in Wisconsin

3526 Reviews of 977 Wisconsin Campgrounds

Guide to Wisconsin

Camping in Wisconsin offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in the Badger State.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Buckhorn State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, “Plenty of hiking, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities inside the park.”
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Coon Fork Campground, are perfect for fishing. A reviewer noted, “Nice beaches and walking trails throughout!!”
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Hartman Creek State Park Campground shared, “The beauty of this trail is amazing!”

What campers like

  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites. A review from Big Eau Pleine Park Campground said, “Sites were large and private.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds have well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Council Grounds State Park Campground mentioned, “Decent bathrooms. Nice little beach area.”
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often feel welcomed. One reviewer at Pigeon Creek Campground stated, “Great overall space! New jungle gym for the kids.”

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Buckhorn State Park Campground warned, “The only reason I gave this 4/5 stars is because the mosquitoes!!!”
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Jordan Park noted, “They had leaf blowers going at 7 am and came right next to our tents.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Roche A Cri State Park Campground mentioned, “Nothing too fancy, but it is worth the trip!”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One camper at Fremont RV Campground said, “Plenty of activities for the kids, nice staff, and friendly campers.”
  • Pack for Bugs: Bring bug spray to keep the mosquitoes at bay. A family at Pigeon Creek Campground mentioned, “Bugs were sometimes bad but it was June in the woods in Wisconsin.”
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can be loud, so have a backup plan for quiet activities. A visitor at Council Grounds State Park Campground shared, “Quiet. Sites were spaced nicely.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Hartman Creek State Park Campground noted, “If you want to be surrounded by hammock-able trees, I suggest sites 94-99.”
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric sites. A camper at Petenwell Park mentioned, “They also have put in new bathrooms and shower houses around their campground.”
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Not all campgrounds have sewer hookups. A visitor at Coon Fork Campground said, “Some loops better suited for tents, some for large RVs.”

Camping in Wisconsin is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available in Wisconsin?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Wisconsin offers a wide range of camping options, with 977 campgrounds and RV parks in Wisconsin and 26 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground in Wisconsin?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in Wisconsin is Willow River State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 58 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping in Wisconsin?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots in Wisconsin.

  • What are the best parks in Wisconsin?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 465 parks in Wisconsin that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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