Hickory Hills Campground

Unless you knew of Hickory Hills Campground, you wouldn’t happen across this site by luck or accident. While technically within the small itty bitty town of Edgerton, Hickory Hills is located far enough north and east for one to scratch their head in a bit of abject confusion. Located due east of the major highway of 39/90, as you are barreling north or south in the south-central area of Wisconsin, you would have to exit off State Highway 73, where you see signs for the small hamlet of Albion, from which you’ll head north a smidge, until you catch State Highway 106 east until you run into an intersection with Hillside Road, where you’ll head north for about a few miles until you come across Hickory Hills Campground on your right.

Directions aside, this campground will immediately feel to you as though it is certainly dated as you’ll discover that the buildings and overall infrastructure are a bit dilapidated and definitely in needed of repair. That said, the thickly wooded forest that encircles this campground creates a sense of peace and serenity that are unmatched. Plus, you are so far away from the major highway you likely just got off of, in addition to being so far away from any signs of civilization, you’ll feel completely burrowed away from all the noise, traffic and distractions you were eagerly trying to leave in the first place.

As for the campground itself, this is an update from my previous post, where I wanted to share an update as well as some additional photos. For the most part, despite 2+ years passing since writing my initial review, not much has changed here apart from brand new management, where you’ll still enjoy a smattering of overnight accommodations, whether that’s a cottage, bunk hose, smartly outfitted cabins, substantial number of back-in and pull-through RV slots (complete with the standard electric, water and sewage hook-ups) as well as primitive tent camping spots. Other amenities include: campground store, 172 acre spring-fed lake with its own beachhead, oversized inflatables, mini-golf, shuffleboard, fully-stocked snack bar, swimming pool, rowboat & canoe rentals, athletic field, basketball courts, sand volleyball court, dedicated fishing spots, shower & restroom facilities, horseshoe pits, Gaga pit, playgrounds, space ball, water wars and a massive jumping pillow.

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking to get your fishing on, what’s great about Hickory Hills Campground is that they provide you direct access to Rice Lake, where you’ll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie; (2) Once you grow tired of conjuring up that next meal from your roto-molded Cordova cooler or onboard RV mini-fridge, I’ll be honest, you might be challenged as you are clear out in the middle of nowhere, but that said, if you don’t mind a short drive, head east where you’ll find Outpost, which sits right on Lake Koshkonong and offers up a stunning log cabin wooden bar offering a sublime selection of local, domestic and import beers on tap, a well-stocked liquor bar and a typical Wisconsin food-shilling restaurant offering up bites like duck bacon wontons, ultimate grilled cheese, where you’ll want to splurge and get it with bacon and tomato, as well as some decently smoked brisket; (3) If you’d like a nice slice of old school Americana while you are in these parts, head on over to Little Amerricka Amusement Park that will keep your kiddos entertained and off the smart phones for at least 2-3 hours as they will enjoy this retro-1950s amusement theme park; and (4) Should you elect to learn a bit of local history, head on over to either Milton House Museum or Stoughton Historical Museum, both of which will make you more educated on the place you happen to be in than most of the folks here.

Happy Camping!

Pros - nice wooded sites, excellent fishing, amenities are good, bathrooms (near the lodge) are nice

Cons - for Memorial Day weekend the pool wasn’t open, porta-potties near the lake and lodge were still padlocked/closed, and non stop golf cart traffic.

Can’t complain about this place too much. It is as nice as it was when I came here 30 years ago. Just wish they had been more ready for the holiday weekend…I’d come again, but wait for later in the year when everything is up and running. Pool being closed made the beach crazy busy.

You’re out in an amazing patch of farmland, when BAM! you come across Hickory Hills Campground. Hidden from site, the entire grounds are completely surrounded by a very thick wall of tall trees that barricades this place from most of civilization. About a 25 minute drive from HWY 39/90, you’ll easily find P&Q here and ample space to realize your camping dreams albeit with some fairly hefty servings of very outdated cartoon characters that you won’t recognized. There is the buzz of constant whinning golf carts zipping by, but if you can get pass this, the amenities aren’t too bad(although the swimming pool is in serious need of a new paint job). Tent campers comingle here with the RV population, which is somewhat irking, but not the end of the world as we found the entire community to be quite welcoming and inviting. Showers and bathrooms are barely passable, but all in all, a decent experience. 

Happy Camping!

Have loved this campground for years. That said, it is under new ownership and if you need anything during your stay, steer clear of the blonde woman. She has no time for you. Other than that, when isn't camping great!?

This campground is 10 minutes from my house and we’ve stayed here years ago. Good things: awesome renovations! So many cool activities definitely kid orientated! The sites close to the store are so nice! wooded and somewhat private. Love that they have a sparkling clean (but cold!) pool and a lake with a beach! Dj’s and bands and build your own donut and sundaes. A jumping pad mini golf basketball hoops and water launchers. The store is awesome anything you would need. The apparel is expensive but well made. The only problem we had was the management. Sometimes you can bring your dog inside the store and sometimes someone randomly says no. Depends on who you get some staff is rude. The wood was barely light able we ended up going to Kwik trip to get some that actually burned. Staff yelled at kids for really no reason they charge for everything from golf to showers. Just kinda off putting. The woman’s shower didn’t have hot water that’s understandable but they posted signs that were sarcastic saying welcome to nature no refunds. I would definitely go back but my fiancé is a a hard no. It’s easy to talk to people with respect and not belittle them. :( just doesn’t seem like alot of the management cares alot, but much of the staff was cool just depended on who you got.

Small campground great little store pool mini golf and on the lake! Kids loved it !

The water obstacle course was so much fun! Kids and adults both had a fantastic time with it. We live close enough we'd be able to go for the day and probably will. The beach was clean sand, not real big but we never felt crowded. There were quite a few activities.

Our site was nicely wooded and a decent size, but everyone was pretty close to each other.

When we were there, the women's shower was freezing and the men's was almost uncomfortably hot. I know because my husband stood guard outside so I could wash up my girls (7mo, 5yo, 8yo). Also, check to be sure whether your site is back in or pull through. It's a good thing no one else was there when we arrived. It would have been a little tricky to get parked.

We have been seasonal campers here for over 30 years. don't come here if you want reliable water service. Our water keeps being shut off. There are many excuses as to why, but no resolution. Vanessa, the manager is very unpleasant and rude. She doesn't know how to deal diplomatically with people. I wouldn’t recommend camping here because the park isn’t ready. We’ve never had issues like this in the 30 years we’ve been here. The management/ customer service has never been this horrible. We are very unhappy with the change in management.

My husband and I were amazed how fun and beautiful this park is. It was our first time in a camper, we were able to pick our spot, many friendly people helped us with making sure our camper is set up correctly. On Saturday there was a live band playing on the beach, people were dancing, cheering and having the best time of their lives. We will definitely be back. Be aware their office is closing at 3pm so if you want to buy firewood, be there before that time.

They are mostly seasonal sites but offer a mix of weekender sites. Usually have some activities and music on the weekends. Very friendly seasonal owners. Great for social gatherings with random strangers.

It was nice place to spend the weekend and with no reservations we just decided to go and called them and they were really nice , water and electricity there .

Hickory Hills is a quiet but activity filled campground 30 minutes from Madison. There are many permanent campers but they are all friendly and welcoming. The lake has a nice beach. The pool is not too large but works on a hot day. Most people have golf carts as there is no place to park by the pool or the club house. The bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Every weekend there are activities planned from wine tasting to Halloween trick or treating. The sites are large and you can choose from shady or sunny sites. Great place to spend a few days or the whole summer.