Best Campgrounds near Appleton, WI
Campgrounds around Appleton, Wisconsin are primarily established facilities rather than remote wilderness settings, with most sites located within an hour's drive of the city. High Cliff State Park Campground in Sherwood offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with well-maintained sites in a wooded setting along Lake Winnebago. Other developed options include Apple Creek Campground in De Pere, which provides glamping and yurt options, and Hickory Oaks Campground in Oshkosh, where cabin rentals and tent sites coexist within established camping areas.
Seasonal operations govern most camping areas near Appleton, with the majority of campgrounds operating from April through October or early November. High Cliff State Park remains open year-round, though water availability in early spring can be unpredictable. Facilities at Calumet County Park, Apple Creek, and other developed campgrounds typically include electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary dumping stations, though amenities vary by location. Several locations accommodate larger RVs, with many offering both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service. A review noted, "High cliff is a nice place with lots of hiking trails to choose from and a big lake. Camp ground had nice wooded spots and is very dog friendly."
Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the landscape, with many facilities supporting multiple recreation types. The hiking trail system at High Cliff State Park receives particular praise, with limestone formations and lake views providing scenic backdrops. Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons frequently mentioned in visitor accounts. According to one camper, "Make sure to store your food correctly! The two sites beside us were ransacked by raccoons all night long because they left their supplies out." Most developed campgrounds feature shower facilities, flush toilets, and trash service, though primitive camping options are limited in the immediate Appleton vicinity. Water recreation opportunities abound at many sites, with Lake Winnebago access at several campgrounds, though water conditions can deteriorate with algae growth in mid-to-late summer.
