Best Tent Camping near Bristol, WI

Tent campsites near Bristol, Wisconsin include several established options within a short drive. Melody Park Campground in Twin Lakes operates seasonally from May 1 to October 15, offering tent-specific sites along East Lakeshore Drive. For backpackers seeking more remote experiences, KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site provides primitive tent camping with hike-in access in the Kettle Moraine State Forest region, approximately 25 miles northwest of Bristol.

Most tent camping areas near Bristol feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. KMSF Shelter 1 offers truly primitive conditions with an outhouse toilet facility but no drinking water, requiring campers to pack in their own supplies. The site includes a picnic table and fire pit, though campers should be prepared to gather their own firewood from fallen branches in the surrounding forest. Alcohol is permitted at most sites, and pets are generally allowed throughout the area's campgrounds, though leash requirements may apply. Reservations are not available for some backcountry sites, making them first-come, first-served destinations.

Walk-in tent sites provide a more secluded camping experience compared to developed campgrounds. The KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site requires a decent hike over varied terrain to reach the camping area, creating natural separation from day-use areas and vehicle traffic. The site features an open shelter where campers can place tents if desired, though many choose to set up elsewhere within the designated area. Privacy is a significant advantage of these more remote locations, with minimal noise from neighboring campsites. According to one visitor, "It's very secluded for privacy. There is a fire pit, but we found our own wood around the site. Bring a small axe."

Best Tent Sites Near Bristol, Wisconsin (4)

Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Bristol, WI

500 Reviews of 4 Bristol Campgrounds


  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Great value Chicago suburb campsite

    I've camped here four different occasions this 2020 covid-19 year. The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms. It is a super clean campground with multiple hosts and forest preserve staff. There are a large number of RV pads overlooking the prairie and a few along a grove of trees. I was lucky once to see the equestrian area full of campers with their horses. There are 9 walk-in tent sites about 10-20 yards from parking (the two at the end p7 and p9 are connected for groups that know each other). There are multiple ada sites and two "walk-in/ie roll-in" site in the tent-only area. It's a good mix of young people, retired people, and families. I've seen weekends with mainly RVs and one weekend with a quarter of the drive-in sites being tents. The most shaded sites are p1,3,5,7 and 9. Many of the sites in the middle are wide open with little shade but nice summer breezes. Prices are a great deal if you live in Kane county but still worth the trip if you live in another county. Firewood is $7 for about .75 cu ft (what you can fit in a milk crate.) There are a few trails and I've seen lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels. Lots of people (including me) bring their leashed dogs. The other campers have been polite and friendly. I wish there was more distance between sites in the water/electrical loops for more privacy, but I'd go every weekend if I lived in Kane county because it would be worth the resident price even tho there are so many RVs. Because there is electrical it is a peaceful campground with no generator noise.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2020

    Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Well maintained and clean

    Very impressed with this state park! It was huge, almost 3 miles just to our site! The showers were clean. The spots were large and wooded with nice fire ring set ups. The staff was very helpful answering any questions and giving recommendations. We stayed on a primitive/wilderness site for $12 with no electric. They will allow anyone on these sites-we even saw huge RV'S and 5th wheels on primitive sites.

    There are amazing trails through park for people to hike, bike, or ride horse on.

    Spring Grove is a tiny town nearby with a little corner bar called “The Grove”. They serve amazing food with great service. Very clean! I recommend checking it out if you’re looking for some good food.

  • Josh F.
    Dec. 3, 2020

    Hebron Campground

    Small, Tidy with Lots of Waterworks

    This is a relatively small, private campground mostly for RVs though there are some very nice sites that would be lovely for tents. There are a dozen tent sites that back up to a very charming river, each one has a picnic table and fire pit. The view of the river from these sites is lovely. Adding to the waterworks, there is a cute pond with a charming fountain in the center of the RV sites, and a nice horseshoes pit. There are a number of RV sites with full hookups. 

    I spoke with the owner and they did not have tent camping in 2020. They were worried about people in too close proximity in the restroom. In 2020 they only allowed RVs that had their own restroom facilities. The owner told me that maybe there will be tent camping in 2021.

  • Scott N.
    Jul. 14, 2020

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Great trails, loud neighbors, lots of bugs

    Thomas Woods campground has some great sites, particularly the tent sites. Many of them are set off a short distance from the parking area. I stayed at site 30 which was less than a tenth mile from the parking spot. There are no trash cans at the site, the dumpsite is near the entrance. Most of the roads are one way so after dropping the trash off you must drive all through the campground to get back to your site. The site itself had plenty of room and privacy. The woods are dense and block all views of the neighboring sites. Unfortunately, I think some people think if they can’t see you, you can’t hear them. Every site has a raised pad for a tent. This was very nice. I did track in some of the small gravel into the tent, though. It looks like kitty litter. Not a big deal. It was nice sleeping flat and not sliding off my sleep pad.

    Near Marengo Ridge is a bike trail called H.U.M. Trail. It is only 3.5 miles long. From what I understand is they lost funding for the project. The path is paved and offers a scenic forested view. The hiking trails of Marengo Ridge are the true stars of the area. I walked for almost two hours and still didn’t see them all. Some of the trails have wide paths of grass while others are single-track dirt. 

    As other reviewers have written, the mosquitoes are insane.  Bring plenty of bug spray!

    My website:  https://www.lost13.com/camping/2020/7/13/marengo-ridge

    My video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh4TzLzf\_PY&t=1s

  • Meg
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Good For families, a few downsides

    *** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) we chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren’t very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best.

    Pros- easy pull in sites and lots of walk-in availability. Sites are almost all flat thankfully, so no weird slopes to sleep on and easy for babies/toddlers to stay safe. Also seemed pretty respectful in the evenings with people toning down the noise.

    Lots of electric sites, deep enough for 2 tents, 2 cars (although close to neighbors and no trees between sites), picnic table and fire pit.

    Bathroom shower houses were decent (we usually just have toddler use her travel potty, but this one was fine).

    Multiple playgrounds, access to launch sites for kayaks, little store to buy ice cream or snacks.

    Cons - SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick, but they literally fall out of the trees into people! Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair.

    Also - the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it’s dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s’mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2019

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Amazing hiking and beautifully kept but a bit pricey

    This campground is in a populated area but the nature preserve is big. We rarely saw traffic once here. A train goes by a couple times but it was always during the day. 

    It’s pricey if you are from out of the county. We were hoping to camp at the primitive sites but they are walk-in only. Our teardrop wasn’t allowed. We settled at site 37 and enjoyed our stay. There are vault toilets but the large number of big RVs meant they were not used often leaving them almost like our private restrooms. Each site has water and electric. Trees are around the outside with few on the inside sites. All the sites have paved pads. 

    The highlight of our experience is the hiking. There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options. When we left we still hadn’t hiked all of them. 

    If the price was more reasonable we would certainly be back. If you need the water/electric then this is a great choice.

  • R
    Jun. 29, 2022

    Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Nice little get away

    Large sites with plenty of room to spread out. Plenty of birds and other wildlife for the kids to see. No alcohol is allowed so it made for a great family weekend. Short walk to bathhouse. Pit toilet for emergencies.

  • Josh F.
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake

    RV campground with lake access

    I did not stay here, but I spend some time walking through to get a feel for the place.

    This is primarily an RV/mobile home campground, but there are some nicely tucked away tent camp sites that I'll recommend later in this review. Gravel roads connect the three loops and the landscaping is well kept and maintained. The campground sells ice, firewood and rents boats.

    There is a very clean bathroom and bathhouse, freshwater for campers, and some electric tent campsites. The property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake. The tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below (and the RVs). 

    The Galapagos tent campsite is elevated and a short distance from the loop road, and has a nice view of the lake. The Box Turtle site is also a bit elevated above the main driveway as is Snapper 7, though I am not sure where you are supposed to put your tent in that site.

    Now, Snapper 4, 5,6 and 7 would be nice for group camping because they are all very close to one another and a bit more private, set away from the rest of the campsites. There are lots of electrical sites for campers and RVs, most of which look like they are quite permanently in place.


Guide to Bristol

Tent campers seeking outdoor spaces near Bristol, Wisconsin can access sites within a 30-mile radius of the town. The region features the Fox River watershed and kettle moraine formations, with elevations ranging from 730 to 1,050 feet above sea level. Local camping areas experience typical Midwest seasonal weather patterns with warm summers and potential thunderstorms from June through September.

What to do

Boating access: Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake provides direct lake access for campers. "They also have tent sites. This season there will be new owners so I hope they keep some of the annual activities," notes Kevin C., a frequent visitor who appreciates the convenience of staying near the water.

Hiking opportunities: The kettle moraine landscape offers varied terrain for day hikes from camping areas. Josh F. describes Snug Harbor's layout: "The property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake. The tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below."

Campfire preparation: When camping at KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site, come prepared to gather your own firewood. Erin Z. advises, "There is a fire pit, but we found our own wood around the site. (Bring a small axe)." Most tent sites in the area allow fires but require campers to collect fallen wood or purchase bundles.

What campers like

Privacy level: Tent camping near Bristol offers secluded options for those seeking space from crowds. At KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site, one camper appreciated that "It's very secluded for privacy." The backpacking site requires a hike in, naturally separating campers from busier areas.

Lake views: Elevated tent sites provide scenic perspectives at some campgrounds. At Snug Harbor Inn Campground, Alix M. enjoyed the "Great three tiered camping spot. Full hookup, and great views." The terraced design ensures most sites can see Turtle Lake.

Quiet atmosphere: Despite being full during peak times, campgrounds maintain a peaceful environment. Jeffery S. reported about Labor Day weekend at Snug Harbor: "Great campground. Full weekend but very quiet and relaxing. Staff very nice."

What you should know

Facility conditions: Primitive sites have basic facilities that may require adjustment for some campers. At KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site, Erin Z. notes "There is an outhouse, but I wouldn't recommend using it." Campers should plan accordingly for bathroom needs.

Weather contingencies: Rain can impact camping experiences, so proper equipment is essential. Carole X. shared about Snug Harbor: "Will come back again, hopefully no rain next time!" The clay-rich soils in the region can become muddy after rainfall.

Site selection tips: For tent campers seeking the best spots, specific site recommendations help with planning. Josh F. advises about Snug Harbor: "The Galapagos tent campsite is elevated and a short distance from the loop road, and has a nice view of the lake. The Box Turtle site is also a bit elevated above the main driveway."

Tips for camping with families

Group site options: Families camping together can request adjacent sites at some campgrounds. At Snug Harbor Inn Campground, Josh F. notes "Snapper 4, 5, 6 and 7 would be nice for group camping because they are all very close to one another and a bit more private, set away from the rest of the campsites."

First-time setup assistance: Staff at established campgrounds often help new campers get situated. James W. shared about his experience at Snug Harbor: "Set up went well, didn't blow anything up! Yea! Staff was great, helped me back in." This support proves valuable for families new to camping.

On-site dining options: Some campgrounds offer food service, reducing meal preparation needs. "Nice Bar/Restaurant on site," notes James W. about Snug Harbor, while Alix M. confirms they serve "good food." This convenience allows families to focus on activities rather than cooking every meal.

Tips from RVers

Utility connections: RV campers should verify hookup availability before arrival. At Snug Harbor Inn Campground, Kevin C. confirms they have "Electric, water and sewer hookups." The campground accommodates both tent and RV campers with varied services.

Wildlife awareness: Insects can be present at campgrounds in the area. Carole X. reported: "My husband got stung twice when we went to plug-in our electric. But the staff came out immediately to spray and remove the nest." Carrying insect repellent and watching for nests is advisable.

Proximity to supplies: Campgrounds near Bristol offer convenient access to forgotten items. James W. appreciated that Snug Harbor is "nice place in the country but close enough to town to grab all those things we forgot, Like coffee and cups. What a dummy."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bristol, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bristol, WI is Melody Park Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bristol, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Bristol, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.