Black Earth, Wisconsin sits at the western edge of Dane County, with an elevation of around 800 feet in the driftless area—a region untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. The area features rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and valleys carved by ancient water flows. Campers experience relatively stable temperatures during summer months with daytime highs averaging in the mid-80s, while a consistent breeze across the elevated terrain helps moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking through diverse terrain: At Blue Mound State Park Campground, multiple trail options accommodate different skill levels. "Beautiful hiking with really unique trails. Awesome mountain hiking options," notes Kristina K., while another camper adds, "The hike to the caves is about 3 miles with gorgeous landscapes/colors in October."
Water recreation opportunities: Governor Dodge State Park offers multiple options for water activities. "Two good lakes for kayaking/canoeing/fishing/swimming," according to Paul C. The park features "a nice beach" and "a swimming pool or head over to Cave of the Mounds where it's always cool," adds Kim L.
Canoe camping on sandbars: For a unique experience, try Lower Wisconsin Riverway where you can paddle and camp on sandbars. "We did 15 miles this trip—put in at Lone Rock (Otter Creek) Friday and canoed about 6 miles until we found a nice high sandbar," shares one camper. The riverway extends "92 miles from the Sauk City Dam all the way to the Mississippi River and sandbar camping is free the entire way!"
Rock formations and natural features: Devil's Lake State Park's Quartzite Campground provides access to unique geological features. "Beautiful bluffs surround Devils Lake that allow campers to hike up and see great views of the lake," says Mark J. The park is known for "beautiful hiking and rock climbing. Wonderful bluffs with beautiful view of the lake," according to Amy K.
What campers like
Sunset viewing spots: Brigham Park offers exceptional sunset watching opportunities. "Cute little campground with a breathtaking view. The campground is situated on the smaller mound of bluemounds. A perfect place to star gaze or watch a storm roll in," shares Braelyn C. Another camper confirms it's "The BEST spot for sunsets!"
Cool summer temperatures: The higher elevation at Blue Mound provides natural cooling. "The dense tree cover and near-constant slight breeze help to both keep this campground cool and the mosquitos at bay," notes Renee R. This makes summer camping more comfortable than at lower-elevation sites.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate Governor Dodge State Park for its well-spaced sites. "The sites are pretty spacious in most places. Even in the crowded areas," according to Melissa K. Another camper adds, "Good sized wooded sites with trees providing reasonable privacy. Flat area for tents."
Proximity to attractions: The area offers easy access to regional points of interest. Twin Valley Campground is "not far from the house on the rock and Taliesin," according to Scott G., making it convenient for day trips to these attractions.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly during peak season. For Devil's Lake State Park, "reservations are a must. This is a busy park as it has lots to offer in the way of outdoor activities," warns Jessica H. Sites can book up to 11 months in advance for holiday weekends.
Wildlife considerations: Raccoons are particularly active at several campgrounds. At Governor Dodge State Park, "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD!" cautions Jen L. Another camper shares, "The raccoons are a bit gutsier than most, though" at Blue Mound State Park.
Campground layouts: Site configurations vary significantly across parks. At Mendota County Park, "All sites were level and generous in size. Camper pads were somewhat gravel but not well-defined," notes Lee D., while at Brigham Park, "Some of the sites are strangely graded and situated. One site near ours had the fire pit at the very edge, making sitting around it virtually impossible."
Water access considerations: For river camping, water conditions fluctuate seasonally. On the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, campers should "keep an eye on water levels for the area you will be on, and also the weather." High water can mean "not many sandbars out there, but also not as many people."
Tips for camping with families
Pool and splash pad access: Blue Mound State Park Campground offers excellent water recreation for children. "The pool is awesome, and the splash pad is absolutely incredible. This is a great place to camp with little kids," reports Mallory M. Another camper confirms: "The pool is very nice and very clean. There is a pool section and a splash section."
Kid-friendly hiking options: Devil's Lake State Park has trails suitable for various ages. "There are good views from a fire tower which sits atop the mound, and a few miles of hiking trails in the parks," writes Danielle A. Families should note that some trails use roads within the park, which can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. At Mendota County Park, families will find "Basketball, Volleyball and a playground" near the camping area. "Nice playground right next to the shower so the kids could play while we showered," notes another camper about Devil's Lake State Park.
Fishing opportunities for beginners: Governor Dodge State Park offers accessible fishing spots for children. "Lots of good hiking with some beautiful scenery" and "a dog beach for them to swim in which was a huge plus!" reports Sarah B. The maintenance employee at Mendota County Park mentioned "people were catching fish with hot dogs!"
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup locations: At Cedar Hills Campground, RVers find spacious sites with full hookups. "You can plant a garden or flowers, build a deck and have a shed also on your lot starting $2995 to $3500 yr and you can leave your rv there in off season," notes a seasonal camper. For weekend visitors, the campground offers "extra large sites, with views."
Site selection for larger rigs: Twin Valley Campground at Governor Dodge State Park has distinct sections for different vehicle sizes. "Twin Valley campground is split into upper and lower. Lower being better for larger RVs while upper has more shaded, cozier sites better for smaller rigs and tents," advises Brian O. Cox Hollow campground is "more open and may have some pull through spaces."
Extension cord requirements: Some electrical posts are positioned far from parking pads. At Mendota County Park, "The power box is located at the very end of the camper pad, but extension cords are available from the camp host." RVers should come prepared with longer cords or check with hosts upon arrival.
Leveling challenges: Pet friendly camping near Black Earth, Wisconsin sometimes requires leveling equipment. At Devil's Lake State Park's Ice Age Campground, one camper reported, "We slept with our heads lower than our feet in our camper van." Sites at Blue Mound State Park and Brigham Park may also require leveling blocks due to the region's hilly terrain.