Family camping options near Brownsville, Wisconsin range from basic tent sites to luxury glamping accommodations across several counties. The region sits within Wisconsin's glaciated landscape, featuring kettles, moraines, and drumlins shaped by ice age activity. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F while spring and fall camping means cooler 40-65°F conditions with moderate rainfall throughout the camping season.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Ottawa Lake Campground provides a clean swimming beach that hosts triathlons during summer months. "The lake is very clean and the site are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!" notes camper Neysha R. about Ottawa Lake Campground.
Disc golf and outdoor activities: Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course and a nine-hole soccer ball course alongside recently renovated playgrounds. One camper mentions, "They have an 18 hole disc golf course and a nine hole soccer ball course. Brand new play ground added," making Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park Campground a versatile recreation spot.
Hiking trails: Menomonee Park features extensive trail networks for various activities. "The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing," reports Matt N. Trails vary from flat, easy loops to more challenging terrain through wooded areas.
What campers like
Large, wooded campsites: Naga-Waukee Park offers secluded sites despite its proximity to urban areas. "A very nice, woodsy campground. Feels like you are further north than you really are!" writes Gina L. about Naga-Waukee Park. The wooded settings provide shade and privacy between sites.
Convenient firewood delivery: Several campgrounds offer direct-to-site firewood delivery. At Menomonee Park, "The Ranger will come by often with wood to buy," and similarly at Naga-Waukee, campers report "Plenty of free wood available for the fire," making campfire setup easier after a day of activities.
Indoor amenities for weather flexibility: The Playful Goose Campground features an indoor pool that families appreciate during unpredictable weather. "Indoor pool great for kids. Bath house was a bit dated but okay. Coin operated showers, 25 cent for several minutes," reports Beth B. from The Playful Goose Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds near Brownsville operate from April or May through October or mid-November. Kohler-Andrae and Broughton Marsh Park are exceptions, offering year-round camping options, though with limited winter services.
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping sites close to Brownsville, Wisconsin fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. Silver Springs Campsites requires advance planning, with campers noting, "This really is a summer camp kind of place. Lots of sites, mostly RVs, and tons of activities for kids," according to Kim L. from Silver Springs Campsites.
Noise considerations: Proximity to roads affects some campgrounds. At Naga-Waukee Park, a camper observed, "It is quite nice and pretty out here. A lot of amenities you'll find at other campgrounds. It is very close to main roads as I heard traffic all day and sometimes sirens."
Weather variability: Spring camping often means dealing with wet ground conditions. One camper at The Playful Goose mentioned their "site was completely soaking wet" after rain, making tent stakes difficult to secure.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Breezy Hill Campground offers numerous child-focused amenities. "Family friendly campground. Plenty for the kids to do. Theres a fishing pond (catch and release) arcade, jumping pillow etc. Owners are friendly and helpful," writes Matthew J. about Breezy Hill Campground.
Budget planning: Many campgrounds charge additional fees beyond basic site costs. Visitor day passes typically cost $5 per person, and amenities like showers may require quarters. At The Playful Goose, "Coin operated showers, 25 cent for several minutes," while at Breezy Hill, "if you want visitors, there is a $5/visitor fee."
Site selection strategy: For families seeking quiet, request sites away from main roads and activity centers. At Kohler-Andrae State Park, "The sites on the road aren't great, but at least the picnic table and fire pits are secluded with those," advises Justin F. from Kohler-Andrae State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric sites at Ottawa Lake Campground fill quickly. One RVer advises, "We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to 'home'. We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments."
Site approach considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. The Playful Goose camper Amber C. noted, "The roads in campground were all very narrow so we had to drive on it if a car was coming. If they could widen the roads a bit it would be helpful."
Water connection planning: Broughton Marsh Park has limited water spigot access. A visitor pointed out, "One spigot for every four sites for water so 100 foot hose is required," making long water hoses essential for RV camping in this area.
