Ponderosa Pines Campground
Satisfying and simple
Relaxation at its finest. Nice small size campground. Clean spots, play equipment, showers. Beach, fishing, grills, bathroom a short walk away.
178 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping in the Adams, Wisconsin area encompasses a range of options from state parks to private campgrounds, with several facilities located within a 30-minute drive. Buckhorn State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with lakeside sites, while Roche A Cri State Park Campground provides electric hookups and accommodations for tents and RVs. Castle Rock County Park and Petenwell Park feature year-round camping with full hookup options. The region includes both primitive sites in wooded settings and developed campgrounds with modern amenities, making it suitable for various camping preferences and equipment needs.
Most campgrounds in the Adams area operate seasonally, with peak availability from late spring through early fall, though several remain open year-round. Wisconsin state parks require vehicle admission stickers in addition to camping fees, which typically range from $15-30 per night depending on residency status and amenities. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds fill quickly. Cell phone reception varies throughout the region but remains generally reliable at developed campgrounds. A visitor commented, "Considering the proximity to Wisconsin Dells and all the hotels, outlet malls and distractions this little piece of nature was calm, cool and relaxing."
Campers consistently mention the natural beauty and recreational opportunities as highlights of the Adams area. The Wisconsin River and Castle Rock Lake provide popular waterfront camping experiences with opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails, with Roche A Cri State Park offering a 303-step stairway to a scenic overlook. A review noted, "This park is absolutely beautiful. It has great trails, a viewing tower that will leave you breathless, prehistoric petroglyphs on a natural monolith, plenty of wildlife viewing." Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near Interstate 90/94, though sites deeper in wooded areas tend to be quieter. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, swimming beaches, and organized activities are common at the larger developed campgrounds in the region.
"If you’re looking for a campsite that transports you away from the usual Midwest fare, this is the place to be! The site we stayed at was beyond perfect."
"Gorgeous campground in the middle of no where Wisconsin! Perfect place to camp if you like to climb at Necedah! There are a few lake entrances and at one of them we saw a couple large gorgeous cranes!"
from $18 - $90 / night
Check Availability"There is a tall tower to climb to a splendid overview of Friendship-Adams, many playgrounds, a paved path, hiking trails through the woods, streams, and fascinating hieroglyphs which put Roch-a-Cri in"
"Chill and relaxing camp ground in Roche A’ Cri Wisconsin State park. Sites surrounded by old growth pines and adjacent to park’s name sake, Roche A’ Cri mound."
from $18 - $34 / night
Check Availability"I have been going to this campground for years, walking around, going to the beaches, launching the family pontoon and fishing in Lake Petenwell. Everyone is always so friendly upon arrival."
"A nice camping option with a more peaceful, spread-out lake feel."
"A great spot for camping right on Castle Rock Lake. It has that easy, laid-back lake campground feel, with plenty to do without having to leave the park."
"Far drive to any nearby stores but a lot of bars and restaurants nearby. Carlson’s is the best! Had fun at the beach and down the road you can go tubing on the river nearby."
"We stayed at KOA in Wisconsin dells, which was about a mile away from everything. We called to RSVP. Which was a breeze."
"My family and I stayed at this Wisconsin Dells KOA location for two nights (site 61) as the first stop on a 3+ week trip, and it fully met our expectations"
"Good place for 4 wheeling, plenty of trails. Home made pizza and Bloody Mary's"
"Some of the walk in campsites are a far walk from the parking. So, if you simply want car camping, make sure you pick an appropriate site!"
"Enjoyed the beach and the trails. Lots of poison ivy so stay in the center of the trails and be aware."
"A great campground with out of this world lake views. Most sites come with amazing lake views. Great for watching the sun rise up over the lake. Great swimming, fishing and playing."
"Some sites with electric can be found with lake access. Plenty of space between sites. Very quiet campground with a play area, beaches and other nice features. "
from $17 - $23 / night
Check Availability"Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells RV Park is a nice option if you want an easy RV stay close to the casino and Wisconsin Dells attractions."
"Best campground in the Wisconsin Dells by far."
"Nice quiet campground, close to many parks in Wisconsin Dells but far enough away from all the traffic and noise. Stayed one overnight driving through."
"Many of the sites are separated from others by some space and numerous trees, tucked back away in the pine forest."
from $18 - $34 / night
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Relaxation at its finest. Nice small size campground. Clean spots, play equipment, showers. Beach, fishing, grills, bathroom a short walk away.
Stayed hear on a very hot 90+degree day during a road trip, easy to reach from I90/94. Midweek, we were the only overnight guests. -Occasional loud noise from the road and train tracks. -At first was wary of paying for no showers and pit toilets for the price, but pit toilets were actually clean with no odor. -Spring fed swimming pond was good for a dip once you found a cool spot, but there are spots that felt like a hot tub. Beach is very nice sand, and there’s a playground for the kids. -Definitely check out the short hike up to Mill Bluff if you can tolerate steep rocky stairs, the view is beautiful. -Tried to check out the other trail near Camel Bluff but it was too overgrown to continue. -Electrical box is in the middle of the campsite near the picnic table, so power cables will need to be at least 30 feet long to comfortably reach your rig. -National Parks Pass is accepted for vehicle admission (separate from camping fee in WI) as this is part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve! -Sites 20/21 are great for proximity to swimming pond and toilets
We loved how well spaced out the sites were and traveled on a busy June weekend. Our kids loved taking their scooters on the campground road and to the lake swimming. The kids loved the playground and path, beach. We had one person that was blaring their music and there was no ranger around. Finally someone must have called the police and they shut off their music
North Wood County Park is a hidden gem. Many of the sites have a view of water and several even have water access right from your site. There are several loops that range from paved with electric to rustic and non-electric. We stayed at site 59 which stretched down to a paved trail and then one of the lakes. We were close to the suspension bridge, which is a fun attraction. There is also a low roadway that goes over the water that is absolutely beautiful and sometimes floods. There are several dams and it makes for a great kayak or fishing spot. Most of the campground is paved, which is awesome if you have an ebike or e scooter. They sell wood at a decent price ($7), but nothing else. You also have to book your site online with a $10 fee for using the online booking. It does make arrival super easy, you just pull in and set up camp. Overall I would highly recommend spending a few nights here.
Very quiet layed back place, lots to explore and see.
First, the staff was very accommodating, and we appreciated it. We made a last minute booking over the phone and requested a late check-in, and they were wonderful about making it happen for us.
Once we arrived, everything seemed to go wrong. It appears there’s been a recent change in ownership. The campground was marked with a different name and we weren’t sure we were in the right place. Then, the sites and the hookup numbers don’t match, so again we weren’t sure we were in the right place. Once we found our spot, the site next to us had spread into our space, so we had to wait to pull in until they moved their stuff out of the way. Even so, the lots were very tight. The women’s bathroom was unkept - hair and bugs in the sink, and no toilet paper. A half-drunk bottle of Fireball was in the men’s room.
We also woke to a cracked windshield. Not necessarily the campground’s fault, but just added to the experience.
It worked for a one night stop-over, but wouldn’t have chosen it for a lengthy stay.
We wanted to visit family in the area at the last minute, and pulled up to see if they had any spot available. They gave us a list of available options, we drove through, and picked a site with the perfect spot to watch the sun set. Amenities are clean, theres a pool table and games in the office area.
If you want a stop on a drive, or a home base for exploring the local tourist attractions (look up toilet on the side of the road,) this is the place for you! Think about bringing your own drinking water, though, the water from the pumps is a dark red-brown color, either from rust or from tanin.
The bad:
The good:
This is a wonderful campground with many amenities for the whole family. The sites are a good size, plenty of shade. Indoor and outdoor pool, Kiddie pool, mini golf, playgrounds, pond with inflatables, pond to fish(catch and release) paddle boats, row boats, kayaking. gaga pit, shuffleboard. Wonderful store stocked with everything you need and then some. They have a grill if you want to order food. Game room and arcade. Clean bathrooms and showers. Storm shelter under the bathrooms and showers. I can't say enough what a wonderful campground this is!!
Camping opportunities around Adams, Wisconsin extend across more than 40,000 acres of public lands, including marshes, forests, and flowages with elevations ranging from 880 to 1,040 feet above sea level. The area's camping season typically runs from mid-April through October, with fishing often allowed year-round. Fall weather brings cooler temperatures in the 50s-60s°F during the day, creating ideal camping conditions.
Hiking at unusual rock formations: Roche A Cri State Park Campground offers distinctive geological features including a 300-foot rock outcropping. A visitor noted, "The 303 stairs to the top lookout is a workout and worth the trip for the view. We hiked almost 5.5 miles through this beautiful state park."
Geocaching adventures: Buckhorn State Park Campground provides free GPS units for geocaching. "When we arrived and checked in we grabbed one of their pre-loaded GPS units for Geocaching; It's something the park offers for free. They give you a bag, GPS and information book on all the Geocaching sites," shared one camper.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, Castle Rock County Park remains open year-round for camping. The park offers numerous winter activities including ice fishing, snowshoeing, and winter photography opportunities along the frozen lakeshores.
Private beaches: Many sites at Petenwell Park feature direct lake access. "We stayed at sites right on the lake and they were hands down the most beautiful sites I've personally ever camped at! We didn't need to leave our site," reported one visitor.
Quiet camping near attractions: Rocky Arbor State Park Campground offers a peaceful alternative to busy tourist areas while remaining accessible. A camper observed, "Most of the sites are separated from others by some space and numerous trees, tucked back away in the pine forest. The secluded nature gives it the feel of a National Park with beautiful stretches of pine and rocky ledges."
Diverse fishing opportunities: Fishing in the region includes multiple species across various waterways. At Buckhorn State Park, one angler reported, "The fishing is fantastic with Striped, Largemouth, and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Musky, and all kinds of panfish."
Highway noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience road noise. At Rocky Arbor, "The closer you get to the interstate the louder it gets and one of the loops backs right up to the interstate. So be aware if you are booking the loop it will be a constant hum."
Insect preparedness: Mosquitoes and ticks can be intense during summer months. A Buckhorn State Park visitor warned, "I may be biased- because I really hate mosquitos and ticks but wow! The ticks here are so tiny they're very easy to miss so look out for those. Also the mosquitos never let up- even in the rain."
Limited amenities: Many campgrounds have minimal services nearby. For Wilderness Park, a visitor advised, "You can buy wood and some supplies but be sure bring what you need as it is a drive into town to get whatever you may have forgotten."
Free fishing equipment: Buckhorn State Park provides complimentary fishing gear for children. "The park also offers free poles and tackle. We ventured into the campground area for fresh water," mentioned one family camper.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds include family-oriented activities on-site. A visitor to Pineland Camping Park noted, "A lot of the activities are designed for 12 and younger. The campground is extremely clean and well kept."
Beach access for kids: Castle Rock County Park features family-friendly swimming areas. "There's a big beach area roped off, and a swim platform for the big kids. There's a boat launch, and Buckhorn State park is just 15 min away if you need more trails," shared a family camper.
Electrical connection challenges: Some sites have awkwardly placed hookups. At Arrowhead RV Campground, campers advise: "Make sure you bring 50 ft of electrical cord and water hose. They do offer to barrow their extension cords."
Site selection for larger RVs: Rocky Arbor has limitations for bigger rigs. "Most of the campground is ideal for tent campground and smaller RVs," explained one reviewer, noting the steep, curving narrow roads to access sites.
Winter camping preparedness: For RVers using the year-round parks, bring additional insulation for water lines and prepare for limited winter services. Many campgrounds shut down water access points, requiring self-contained camping during freezing months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Adams, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Adams, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 178 campgrounds and RV parks near Adams, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Adams, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Adams, WI is Buckhorn State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Adams, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Adams, WI.
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