Recreational camping options near Appleton, Wisconsin range from basic gravel pads to family-oriented resorts with extensive amenities. Most campgrounds in the Wisconsin Fox River Valley region maintain wooded lots with varying levels of privacy and seasonal operation from April through October. Winter camping options remain limited, with OshVegas Palms RV Resort being one of the few year-round facilities in the area.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pearl Lake RV Campground features a well-maintained fishing pond with catch-and-release rules. According to a camper at Hickory Oaks Campground, "Well stocked pond, easy to catch bluegill. Stayed in a self-contained RV so didn't use all facilities."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming facilities, including man-made ponds and indoor pools. A visitor to Apple Creek Campground noted, "Nice pool, well stocked fishing pond for catch and release. Only downside, there is nothing to do at this campground, and you have to drive 30 minutes to the city."
Mini golf and games: Several rv sites near Appleton, Wisconsin feature family recreation areas. At Village Inn on the Lake, one camper mentioned, "Cute Mini Golf Onsite! Location is great! About 2 Miles from Neshotah Beach!"
What campers like
Affordable rates: Budget-conscious campers appreciate lower-cost options in the region. A reviewer at Omro RV Park stated, "$15 a night for a site with electric hookup! Dump station and fresh water on site. Large gravel sites are flat but not secluded. Max of 2 week stay."
Wildlife viewing: Natural areas around Appleton camping facilities support diverse wildlife. One camper at Hickory Oaks Campground shared, "We saw so much wildlife! Chipmunks, ducks, a great horned owl, and countless birds to name a few. Our campsite was shaded all throughout the day, which helped with the summer heat."
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campers value quiet locations away from urban noise. A visitor noted, "Hickory Oaks was amazing! Cindy called to check on us because we were arriving late. They even delivered wood to our campsite so we could have a fire."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most camping facilities around Appleton operate from April through October. A Fremont RV Campground visitor mentioned, "Sites are close together with nothing in between. No privacy. Campground is FULL of kids which means full of noise and activity."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways, race tracks, or events. One camper at Plymouth Rock Camping Resort observed, "The amenities are pretty great, and the campground is decent, but the noise is annoying early in the morning and throughout the day. It is really close to a racetrack."
Campground layouts: Site spacing varies significantly between facilities. At Apple Creek Campground, a reviewer noted, "My wife and I usually do not like being so close to other campers... but we decided to stay here cause it's close to my in-laws."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Swimming facilities rank high for family satisfaction. A Village Inn on the Lake visitor reported, "The indoor pool is so nice! It's a saltwater pool and they have a separate hot tub. It was not crowded the time we went but I'm sure it can get busy."
Birthday celebrations: Some campgrounds offer special touches for celebrations. At Kewaunee RV & Campground, a camper shared, "Stayed there for our daughters birthday weekend. The owners overheard us talking as we checked in and brought her campfire colors as a gift all wrapped."
Activity scheduling: Plan around scheduled campground events for maximum enjoyment. A visitor to Fremont RV Campground noted, "A great place for kids, very clean and friendly staff, easy check in, allot of sites are available and 90 percent are level and good size, will go again."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many RV sites near Appleton, Wisconsin require minimal leveling. A visitor to OshVegas Palms remarked, "Easy Access. Grass Sites with easy entry for our 42 ft motor home without disconnecting our tow vehicle. 50 amp., water. And this small campground has great WiFi!"
Seasonal camping options: Some facilities offer predominantly seasonal sites. A Plymouth Rock Camping Resort reviewer noted, "The park is mostly seasonal and the short term sites are literally over a mile of tight, windy road to get to them. Once there the sites are ok."
Big rig accessibility: Larger RVs find suitable accommodations at several campgrounds. A camper at Apple Creek Campground shared, "We stayed 6 nights in our 36 ft motor home with tow. Even though we were on a hill the campsite was level. We had plenty of room for rv and tow."
