Sanders Park Campground
Sanders park
Love this quaint smaller campground, close to home although you feel like you're way up north! Clean restrooms showers! Walking trails with preservation.
The Kettle Moraine State Forest dominates the camping landscape around Brookfield, Wisconsin, with multiple units providing varied overnight options. The Southern Unit features Ottawa Lake and Pinewoods campgrounds, both offering tent and RV camping with electric hookups and shower facilities. Within 30 miles of Brookfield, Waukesha County Parks maintain several camping areas including Menomonee Park, Muskego Park, and Naga-Waukee Park, which offer more modest accommodations but convenient access to urban amenities. For RV travelers, Wisconsin State Fair RV Park provides full hookup sites just 10 miles east of Brookfield, with amenities including laundry facilities and propane filling.
Many campgrounds in southeastern Wisconsin operate seasonally, with most county and state park facilities closing between November and April. "Mid to Late October is great Fall camping in Southern Wisconsin. Cool nights range from lower 30's to upper 40's. Day time temps can exceed 60," noted one camper about Pike Lake State Park. Sites at popular locations like Ottawa Lake often require reservations up to 11 months in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Kettle Moraine campgrounds typically provide drinking water, vault or flush toilets, and fire rings at each site, with some offering electric hookups. Cell service varies but remains relatively reliable throughout the region due to proximity to metropolitan areas.
The extensive trail systems connecting many campgrounds represent a significant draw for visitors. Campers frequently mention the Ice Age Trail, which winds through Kettle Moraine State Forest, as a highlight. "The proximity to the Ice Age Trail is a bonus, because it made for an easy activity without much fuss," according to one Ottawa Lake visitor. Most campgrounds in the region provide access to water recreation, from swimming beaches at Ottawa Lake to boat launches at lakes throughout the Kettle Moraine region. Sites at Pinewoods Campground receive praise for their secluded, shaded settings, with one reviewer noting they are "private and shaded. The tree cover is thick so expect shade throughout most of the day." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer sightings, particularly at campgrounds bordering agricultural fields.
"Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."
"Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa. The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."
$18 - $30 / night
"It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake. Nearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "
"Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."
$55 / night
"So we just use that because no one was there. 1.7 miles on bike path to Brewer Baseball field. It was raining to we used Uber to the game and walked back for an afternoon game."
"Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient."
$25 - $80 / night
"Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."
"There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."
$25 - $80 / night
"Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."
"I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in. This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."
$25 - $80 / night
"Nestled in the heart of lake country (Waukesha County) and accessible from the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail, this county park is perfect for those just passing through or families looking for a"
"Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it’s a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access."
"North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."
"A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."
$32 - $35 / night
"We were also pleasantly surprise when found out about the close by trail - short trail beginner friendly ravine geography. Very beautiful view of the lake from the top of the cliff."
"Month Stayed: September Site: gravel and level Spacing: very close to others Cleanliness: very clean Surrounding: trees throughout, playgrounds, nice bathrooms Noise: some noise due to closeness Access"
"This location did not dissapoint. We have not gone to this location during the warmer months but looks to be a great campground"
$25 - $80 / night
"The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested."
"Swim or fish in the lake, archery or huge picnic sites."












Love this quaint smaller campground, close to home although you feel like you're way up north! Clean restrooms showers! Walking trails with preservation.
Very enjoyable campground.
I don't remember the site number but the kids had a great time. Lots of things to do.
The Group Campground at Harrington Beach State Park brings a completely different energy, offering an expansive, open setting that feels made for large family reunions, scout troops, family birthday party overnighters and lively gatherings that stretch long into the evening. Unlike the more intimate family sites, this area is designed for scale, with wide communal spaces, larger fire rings and plenty of room for picnic tables, shared meals and kid-filled games of tag and flag football. We passed through and couldn’t help but smile watching a group roast marshmallows together while another set of kids played flashlight hide-and-seek across the open field. While it is less private and more bustling, this locale creates a joyful sense of togetherness that feels perfect for celebrations and group bonding. While the restroom and shower facilities were mediocre (at best), they were functional and clean. But the real star here is the close proximity to Lake Michigan. I’d recommend this Group Campground for larger parties who want space to spread out, EZ beach access and the freedom to make memories together in a beautiful lakeside setting.
There is something deeply calming about waking up just steps from Lake Michigan at the Harrington Beach State Park Family Campground, where our little crew found the perfect balance of nature and comfort in a setting that feels both scenic and safe. The campground is well-organized with clearly defined family-sized sites, clean restrooms and EZ access to walking trails and the beach, making it especially friendly for parents juggling gear and excited boys. One of our favorite moments was sitting around the campfire as we tried to stay warm from an early first wave of the winter to come while the sun melted into the lake in soft pink streaks. We loved that everything felt thoughtfully laid out without feeling crowded or chaotic. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families looking for a peaceful getaway with just enough adventure, thanks to its natural beauty, clean facilities, lakefront access and gentle, welcoming atmosphere.
There is something wonderfully grounding about settling into the Family Campground at Kohler-Andrae State Park, where our little crew felt instantly wrapped in the gentle rhythm of Lake Michigan and the whispering grasses of the sandy dunes that our boys loved to explore. The campground is very well laid out with 137 clearly defined family-sized sites (52 of which have electrical hookups), exceptionally clean restrooms and perfectly manicured pathways leading to the boardwalk and shoreline, making every moment of exploration feeling manageable and peaceful. One of our favorite moments was walking down the wooden boardwalk as the boys raced ahead to spot driftwood treasures and tiny shore birds along the beach. Everything here feels calm, safe and naturally beautiful without being overly rugged. And while you can bring everything you will need to enjoy camping here, in case you forget anything, nearby Sheboygan has you covered for just about any supply you could think of (except for firewood, which you can buy either at the park office or from one of the campground hosts). I would absolutely recommend this campground for families seeking a soothing lakeside escape with a perfect mix of nature, comfort, and gentle adventure.
Fantastic! I called the day before and she got me right in an excellent spot. Very nice and helpful and so grateful they were open in Winter ❄️🥶
This is a nice getaway for camping, picnics, hiking, fishing and in the summer swimming! They only offer swimming with lifeguards in the summer months. They have great open spaces for group camping.
This park is pretty much the perfect blend of forest, marsh, beach, dunes, and hills. It's got breathtaking views year round. Not all sites are created equal- there's functionally three different types of campsite. The southernmost are wooded and fairly private. There's a longer walk to the showers. Feels more primitive, although the roads are well maintained and bathrooms clean. The campsites in the middle of the park have few trees and little privacy. These are more like crash pads if you want to spend the day swimming, hiking, or fishing. The north end of the park offers denser woods and more established sites. These are close to the water and the park exit. Winter camping is peaceful and quiet. Spring is exciting, but can be wet. Summer is cool near the lake and usually busier. Fall is crisp and colorful.
If you are looking for winter storage, look elsewhere. The Wisconsin State Fair RV Park storage is run with zero flexibility and rude service.
The Access Issues: They have extremely limited hours(10 AM- 3 PM Monday to Saturday), are closed on every minor holiday, and require you to give 24-hour notice so someone can unlock the lot. If you work a normal job or have a busy schedule, good luck getting your rig ready to leave.
The 'Money Grab': I planned to leave on 1/21, but my truck was hit, and I physically couldn't move the camper. I admitted I missed the 11 AM checkout deadline, but when they called me at 1:12 PM, I returned the call 3 minutes later to extend my storage for another 23 days. Instead of waiving the late fee since I was paying for nearly another month of storage, the rude receptionist just quoted'rules and regulations' and charged me an extra $25.
It’s completely unreasonable to charge a late checkout fee to a customer who is actively extending their stay due to an emergency. It feels like a terrible money grab. Save yourself the headache and store somewhere else.
Camping spots near Brookfield, Wisconsin offer options throughout the year in a glacier-sculpted landscape characterized by kettle lakes, moraines and diverse hardwood forests. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing from December through February, while summer camping season peaks with daytime highs averaging 80°F in July. Road noise can be a consideration when selecting sites, particularly in campgrounds near highways.
Winter camping opportunities: Pike Lake Campground remains open year-round, allowing for quieter off-season experiences. "Great for winter camping. No showers in winter but awesome," notes a visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground.
Astronomy activities: Several campgrounds offer night sky viewing options. Pike Lake features "the interpretive astronomy trail" according to one camper, making it ideal for stargazing enthusiasts. The relative proximity to Milwaukee means some light pollution, but clearer skies are found at more remote sites.
Beach and swimming: Muskego Park provides family-friendly swimming options. "The small man made pond... offers a very family friendly swimming area. There's a nice little concessions stand, a little sand area, and a small pier to jump off of," writes one reviewer about Muskego Park.
Accessibility to urban amenities: The Wisconsin State Fair RV Park offers proximity to Milwaukee attractions. "1.7 miles on bike path to Brewer Baseball field," shares one camper about Wisconsin State Fair RV Park, highlighting the convenience for urban excursions.
Well-maintained shower facilities: Many campgrounds feature reliable shower access. At Cliffside Park, campers appreciate that "Bathrooms were super clean and showers are free," making it suitable for longer stays during summer months when temperatures frequently reach the 80s.
Pine forest camping experience: For those seeking woodland seclusion, Pinewoods Campground delivers. "The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain. Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight," notes a visitor to Pinewoods Campground.
Loop selection matters: Certain campground loops offer specialized experiences. "Don't reserve a spot in loop 1 if you have a dog. It was easy enough to change but now we know to aim for loop 2 or 3," advises a camper about Pinewoods. Similarly, "We liked this site because it was on the 'quiet loop.' No radios or pets allowed" explains another camper about a different site.
Cell service considerations: While the existing description notes relatively reliable service, coverage varies significantly by carrier. Verizon users at Pinewoods report "didn't get Verizon service in camp but occasionally found 1 or 2 bars of weak signal while hiking."
Traffic noise: Proximity to highways affects some campgrounds. At Naga-Waukee Park, one camper notes "It is very close to main roads as I heard traffic all day and sometimes sirens," something to consider when selecting sites.
Beach and recreation options: Family-friendly amenities vary widely between campgrounds. "This weekend we were there they had live music, food trucks and a beer garden. This was well away from the campsite areas so if you are just there for nature it didn't impede on that," shares a visitor about Muskego Park.
Character experiences: For themed camping experiences, Jellystone offers special interactions. "You can pay $6 to have Yogi, Boo Boo or Cindy come visit your site and bring juice and a cookie," explains one camper about Jellystone Caledonia.
Playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature play areas near camping loops. At Pike Lake, there's "a playground right next to [the showers] as well," making it convenient for families with young children needing multiple bathroom breaks.
Road considerations: Access roads at some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "There is a TIGHT turn in the campground loop near site #17 to be aware of with longer trailers," warns a camper about Pike Lake Campground.
Hookup access: Water hookup reach can be an issue at some sites. At Cliffside Park Campground, "in order to reach some of the spigots you would need more than a 50' water hose so choose your site with that in mind."
Winter camping for RVs: Ottawa Lake Campground offers winter camping options, though with reduced amenities. One winter visitor advises, "No host so buying wood is an issue, but pick a site on the edge and there is more than enough free. Bring a saw."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Brookfield, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brookfield, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 52 reviews.
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