Wildlife watchers and anglers will find McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park positioned along river terrain in forested and open sections of Dane County. This county-managed facility provides both drive-in and walk-in camping access, though campers should prepare for rough road conditions leading to the sites. The park allows campfires, pets, and alcohol while providing basic amenities including toilets and trash service.
Reservations are available for the $65 nightly sites, making this a practical base for exploring camping near Cottage Grove. Pack extra supplies since the rough access may limit frequent trips to town.
Description
The vision for McCarthy Youth and Conservation Park began in 1974 with a donation of 180 acres of land that was owned by Russell and Ella McCarthy. The McCarthys’ primary goal was for the park to become“a place where kids from the city could learn about nature.” The park offers a group camp, hiking, cross-country skiing, equestrian trails and camping, picnic opportunities, and a beautiful prairie/wetland restoration.
There are two separate group camps at McCarthy.
McCarthy Group Campsite
Group Camp area for up to 50 people situated on top of wooded glacial drumlin adjacent to Maunesha River. Connection to hiking trails. Scattered level wooded camping areas. Located~ 1 mile from the park entrance through a gated access road– road is part of the hiking trail system. Ranger will open gate. No potable water at this time Vault(pit) toilet Picnic tables Campfire ring No electricity No shelter Vehicle parking in parking lot at base of the hill below the Group Camp site
McCarthy Equestrian Group Campsite
Located~.6 miles from the park entrance access through road gate– road is part of the hiking trail system. Ranger will open gate. Camping setup for self-contained camping units No potable water at this time Your group may rent a portable toilet(from a vendor of your choice) if needed. Picnic tables. Hitching posts. Campfire rings. No electricity. No shelter. Vehicle parking in parking lot at base of the hill below the group camp site
Reserve a campsite online here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html
Check opening and closing dates here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule
See campground rules here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMcCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park (Dane County Parks) is located in Wisconsin near Cottage Grove
Coordinates
43.11500178 N
89.191248 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
Verizon5GGood Coverage- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 16 min from Madison, WI
- 32 min from Janesville, WI
- 59 min from Fond du Lac, WI
- 1 hr 3 min from Rockford, IL
