Tent camping near Blue Mounds, Wisconsin offers access to the driftless region, an area characterized by rocky outcrops and ridges that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. Elevations in this area range from approximately 900 to 1,700 feet above sea level, creating diverse ecosystems for campers to explore. The region experiences warm summers with average July temperatures around 80°F and moderate precipitation, making May through October the primary camping season.
What to do
Hiking on interconnected trails: Several campgrounds provide access to hiking options beyond what's mentioned at the more well-known parks. At Blackhawk Memorial Park, campers can hike along the river with minimal crowds. One visitor noted, "The park is well-maintained. There's not a lot of official information available (like many county parks)."
Mountain biking access: Trails for cycling enthusiasts are readily available from select campgrounds. At New Glarus State Park Campground, campers appreciate the cycling connections. As one reviewer explains, "It is a smaller state park camping wise. There is hiking and mountain bike trails available. With direct access to the Sugar River Trail and the town of New Glarus, it is a great location as an overnight stop or home base to explore."
Water recreation options: Swimming and fishing opportunities exist at several locations within 30 minutes of Blue Mounds. A camper at Avoca Lake Tent Camping Resort mentioned lake access for small craft, while another visitor at Blackhawk Memorial Park described the water conditions: "The lake water is like green paint and the river is now brackish, but moving."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers value the spacing between campsites in this region. At the Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites, a reviewer appreciated "plenty of privacy and an easy hike" and mentioned "site 806" as their specific recommendation.
Cultural connections: The Blue Mounds area offers unique cultural experiences near campgrounds. A camper at New Glarus State Park noted, "We spent the day exploring our Swiss heritage in New Glarus," while another mentioned "There was a spring on our site! We hiked in a bit to a wooded quiet site."
Off-grid experiences: Some campers seek more remote tent camping near Blue Mounds for intentional disconnection. A visitor to Blackhawk Memorial Park described it as "Quiet, off the grid! Very pleasant!" while another called it "Great little off grid camping for people that aren't afraid of bugs!"
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Road noise affects certain campgrounds more than others. At New Glarus State Park, a recent reviewer warned, "These sites are right next to the highway and (at least during the week) are subject to continuous, round the clock highway noise. The highway seems to be a regular truck route, with lots of semis driving by at all hours."
Site terrain quality: The ground conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Sandhill Station State Campground, a camper advised, "The sites are all very remote; no onsite rangers or anything like that. Beautiful walk in sites, no carts to haul gear so pack light!"
Insect conditions: Bugs can be problematic in certain areas and seasons. A Sandhill Station visitor cautioned, "The sites are really near some stagnant water, though, so WAY too many mosquitoes, even with the really intense bug spray. We were there in mid-June on one of the hottest weekends of the year and we were massacred the second we walked into the site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families can take advantage of play areas at select campgrounds. A reviewer at New Glarus State Park mentioned, "The playground was great," making it suitable for families with young children.
Easy hiking options: Trails with manageable difficulty levels work well for families. At Devils Lake State Park Group Campground, a Scout leader shared, "Spent about 5 hours hiking the East Bluff, it was challenging for some of our younger hikers."
Group camping options: Several locations accommodate larger family gatherings with dedicated spaces. A visitor to Hickory Ridge Group Camp stated, "Nice family campground. Has a lot of amenities including shower," while another called it "Spacious sites, lots of availability to swim and hike."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds present difficulties for leveling RVs. At Devils Lake State Park, a camper noted, "Adequate size site with a tent pad, shade and privacy. Trees for a hammock," but mentioned nothing about RV pads or leveling.
Limited full-hookup options: While some parks advertise RV compatibility, hookups may be restricted. At New Glarus State Park, one camper explained, "This is a small, rustic campground with water and vault toilets," indicating limited amenities for RVs compared to larger resorts.
Access road conditions: Roads leading to some campgrounds may challenge larger vehicles. A New Glarus State Park visitor mentioned, "It is a smaller state park camping wise," suggesting potential access limitations for RVers planning tent camping trips near Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.
