Glamping near Arpin, Wisconsin offers direct lake access on several water bodies within Juneau and Adams counties. Most luxury canvas accommodations in the region sit at elevations between 900-1,100 feet, providing both wooded seclusion and waterfront options. The central Wisconsin camping season typically runs from mid-April through October, with peak glamping demand occurring from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
What to do
Water activities on Petenwell Lake: Petenwell Park provides immediate lake access for swimming, fishing and boating on Wisconsin's second-largest lake. "Not much in the line of modernization. Trees separate sites. People talk with one another. No big towns, so not a wide selection of groceries. Mostly swimming, boating, socializing, campfires," notes a camper.
Rock climbing adventures: Petenwell Rock offers challenging climbing routes within a 20-minute drive of most campgrounds. A local outdoor enthusiast at Wilderness Park recommends visiting during weekday mornings for fewer crowds: "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."
ATV trail access: Many campgrounds connect directly to the region's extensive ATV trail system. Russell Memorial Park features dedicated ATV camping areas with trail access. "We stayed with a group for Memorial weekend. We have such a great time... Our site was a little hard to get into. We stayed at site 116 with a 40 ft 5th wheel. I would recommend booking early to get a better spot for a big rig."
What campers like
Lakefront site selection: Campers consistently praise the waterfront sites at several parks. "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," reports one Petenwell Park visitor. Another camper at East Arbutus Camp notes: "We really like how spacious and spread out the camp sites are. With big pine trees everywhere, there are lots of options for tents and campers to place their site."
Clean facilities: Many luxury glamping options maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "The campgrounds here are really nice and provide a nice escape from the normal busy camping areas. This location served as a basecamp for going to Devil's Lake and provided nice cover with some decent trails near by," reports a visitor to Roche A Cri State Park Campground.
Family-friendly atmosphere: The region's campgrounds typically welcome families with organized activities. "Very nice campground you can however hear HWY noise at your site," notes one Roche A Cri camper, while another adds: "Loved this campground. Not very large so its quiet and the sites are well spaced and wooded."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most upscale glamping sites operate from mid-April through October. "We came to petenwell park in just 2024. Very nice place and will be back again. Staff that we did talk to were friendly and helpful. If you want to bring a boat you can there is a landing in the park," reports a recent visitor.
Reservation requirements: Premium waterfront glamping sites book 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. Weekdays and shoulder seasons offer more availability and often lower rates at Moonlite Trails Campground: "Best campground for the price. Very peaceful and full hookup available with sewer dump near. Ice and wood in property. Very nice hosts and helpful when we needed wood."
Bug preparation: Central Wisconsin's lakes and forests bring mosquitoes, especially after rainfall. "Lots of bugs," notes one Petenwell camper. A visitor to Pineland Camping Park warns: "Prior to our stay they had excessive rain which flooded a lot of parts of the campground and also caused it to be unbearable with mosquitoes even with heavy layer of deep woods off."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several lakes offer dedicated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "Nice fishing beautiful sunset," reports one camper at Petenwell Park. Another visitor to East Arbutus Camp shares: "Loved our time at East Lake Arbutus. A warm shallow lake for swimming and boating, dog friendly, safe for kids."
Playground accessibility: Many glamping sites feature playground equipment within walking distance of luxury accommodations. A Russell Memorial camper notes: "Lovely county park with lots of campsites. Office staff is super friendly. Our site is right on the water... so calm and peaceful. Family friendly. Nice and clean."
Activity planning: Pineland Camping Park offers structured programs for younger campers. "A lot of the activities are designed for 12 and younger. Many of the spots are seasonal. The adult staff are friendly and helpful... The campground is extremely clean and well kept," reports a visitor with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Some glamping locations accommodate larger RVs while others have size restrictions. "We parked out 36 foot RV in a wooded site. They have water from sites also. We will be back and next time we will be doing the water site," reports a Petenwell Park camper.
Hookup variations: Electric-only sites predominate at most parks, with limited full-hookup availability. "The waterfront has mostly electric only sites and run very close to size. We have a 28 5th wheel and we're snug. Site said 25 ft but the picture had a 5'er on it so we booked it," shares a Russell Memorial camper.
Dump station planning: Sunday checkouts often create lines at dump stations. "Lots of electric sites, but no sites with water or sewer so Sunday checkout there's a line of campers waiting to dump," warns an East Arbutus Camp visitor.
