Best Campgrounds near Burlington, WI

Richard Bong State Recreation Area anchors the camping landscape around Burlington, Wisconsin, with two main camping areas - Sunrise and Sunset campgrounds. The region includes both tent and RV sites, with several locations also offering cabin accommodations. Kettle Moraine State Forest lies approximately 30 miles northwest, providing additional camping options at Pinewoods and Ottawa Lake campgrounds. Amenities vary across these mixed-use campgrounds, with most offering electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Happy Acres Kampground provides a private alternative with water and sewer hookups, while Big Foot Beach State Park combines camping with lake access near Lake Geneva.

Campground availability typically runs from spring through fall, with Richard Bong State Recreation Area being particularly popular during summer months. Most sites require advance reservations through Wisconsin's state park reservation system, and campers need both a campsite reservation and a state park vehicle admission sticker for entry. The terrain is generally flat with a mix of prairie and wooded areas, making it accessible for most vehicles without special clearance requirements. Facilities at Sunrise Campground include flush toilets and showers, while Sunset primarily offers pit toilets. As one visitor noted, "The weekend we were here they had a free Kids fishing weekend and John the naturalist was amazing!! There is a ton to do at this park with the nature center having activities all weekend long."

Campers consistently mention the recreational diversity at Richard Bong State Recreation Area as a highlight. The park features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, a swimming beach, and dedicated areas for specialized activities like model rocketry and ATV riding. Several visitors pointed out the privacy of wooded campsites, especially in the Sunrise Campground where sites are well-spaced and bordered by vegetation. According to one camper, "Our spot had great tree coverage for privacy, and while most of the spots did, there were some on the inner circle that didn't have as much." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly bird watching and listening to bullfrogs in spring. Some visitors mentioned mosquitoes as a persistent issue, particularly in heavily wooded areas. Weekend visitors should expect higher occupancy rates and potentially more noise compared to weekday stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Burlington, Wisconsin (77)

    1. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    8 miles
    Website

    "I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"

    "Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots. Has a winery and cool dive bars all within 10 min. Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."

    2. Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    8 miles
    Website

    "I grew up in Burlington and used to visit this place often. This place has a little of everything except mountains. You can fish, hunt, hit the trail in your boots, or on your ORV."

    "Rocket launch (bring your own,) atv (no rentals-bring your own), water fowl hunting (during season), fishing, wildlife watching, swimming at the beach, playground for kids, and my favorite- nice trails"

    3. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lake Geneva, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 248-2528

    "We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."

    "This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits."

    4. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    39 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "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."

    "Made my first visit to Ottawa Lake on a mid-March weekend. The facilities were still under their winter setup (only vault toilet, no shower available, pay in an envelope)."

    5. Happy Acres Kampground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 857-7373

    "we’ve been RV camping here for 2 months now and love it. the bathrooms are older but still nice and cleaned daily. the pool is fantastic, lots of fun playgrounds around, and there’s a neat walking trail"

    "Petting zoo, camp store, pool, lake/pond for swimming and fishing. Cell signal for ATT just one bar. No internet. Lots of full time residents. Lots of activities for kids. Pet friendly."

    6. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    16 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "*** 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"

    "Campsite is nice, we're pretty close to our neighbors but not as bad as other places I've been. Walking distance to a fishing dock!"

    7. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    66 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    "We didn't have problems finding a spot and set up late at night as close to the lake as we could. The lake really can't be seen from any site but it's a 2 minute walk on a path to the lake."

    8. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    16 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."

    "You can hear whatever highway is nearby pretty clearly and constantly.

    But if you’re not looking for something super remote then it’s fine!"

    9. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "

    "However there is plenty of space around to find a spot on your own.

    The campsites are a nice size and have electric hookups. Water was at central locations and a dump is on the way out."

    10. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    22 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    22 miles
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $30 / night

    "It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa LakeNearby 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."

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Recent Reviews near Burlington, WI

669 Reviews of 77 Burlington Campgrounds


  • Mark D.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    We had such an enjoyable time at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature at Ottawa Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this welcoming retreat offers lakeside fun, scenic hiking trails, the quiet beauty of a true Northwoods experience, all without a long drive.

    We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    https://youtu.be/xl4uAtNWclM

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lakeland Camping Resort

    Lakefront Fun

    As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have an RV. The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick’s Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson

    Nostalgic Campground

    As a mom, I can honestly say that Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is one of those rare campgrounds where the kids are entertained from morning till night and parents can actually relax a little too. The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours. Our campsite was clean and level, with options for full hookups or cozy cabins if you’d rather skip the RV, and the bathhouses were spotless, which is something I always look for. What I appreciated most was the balance: the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored, while my husband and I enjoyed sitting by the campfire or joining in on family activities like outdoor 'movies under the stars.' The campground store was well-stocked with snacks, s’mores supplies, and those 'oops, we forgot it' supplies, which saved us more than once. And while there’s plenty to do onsite, being near Lake Koshkonong and Fort Atkinson means you can easily slip away for a day of fishing, boating, or exploring. For me, the best part was watching my kids’ faces light up during the evening hayride, sticky with marshmallow, waving at Yogi like he was a celebrity that felt like the kind of wholesome, memory-making trip I hope they’ll look back on for years.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    Solid KOA Experience

    The Milton-Madison KOA is one of the larger campgrounds in the KOA network, offering over 200 sites with a mix of full hookups and water/electric-only hookups, along with a selection of pull-through and back-in options, gravel or concrete pads, and some upgraded patio sites. While primarily catering to RVs and fifth wheels, the campground also has about a dozen tent sites and half a dozen cabins. Amenities are extensive, ranging from an in-ground heated pool with a waterfall and two-story patio deck, hot tub, clubhouse, market store, snack shack, arcade, meeting and TV rooms, multiple restroom and shower facilities, laundromat and Wi-Fi, to a wide variety of recreation such as basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, baseball, disc golf, playgrounds, gaga ball, hayrack rides, barrel rides, train rides, and nature trails. Guests will also find a Kamp K9 dog area, golf cart and bike rentals, propane refill station, firewood, and plenty of seating throughout the grounds. Just minutes away, Lake Koshkonong offers excellent kayaking, canoeing and fishing. For dining, nearby Milton serves up hearty Midwestern fare, from Mary’s Café’s biscuits and gravy to Paul Revere’s homemade pies and the upscale Frederick’s Supper Club, known for its prime rib bites and Diablo pasta. Insider tips include enjoying the warm hospitality of the Riggio family hosts, taking a short drive to Madison for big-city attractions, noting that tent sites - though equipped with water and electric - feel basic and pricey, and being aware that cabin rentals also run higher than average. Thankfully, Milton’s local shops, grocery stores, and hardware options make resupplying convenient, rounding out a destination that’s both activity-packed and well-situated for Wisconsin adventures.  Overall, my family and I really enjoyed this place and would definitely come back!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    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, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.


Guide to Burlington

Camping near Burlington, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Blackwell Family Campground stated, "The toilets on the loops are vault and the ones by the main entrance are flush. Didn't use the showers on this trip but both facilities were well maintained and clean."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are huge and love the trails."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds often have activities for kids. One reviewer at Blackwell Family Campground said, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A review for Harrington Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "No water or sewer but does have a dump station."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. One visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pinewoods shared, "There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places with playgrounds and trails. A family at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground enjoyed, "The walking trails are nice and there’s a volleyball net and little playground too."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Sunrise Campground mentioned, "Lots of people during the weekend didn’t abide by the 'Quiet Hours.'"
  • Pack for Bugs: Be ready for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. One camper at Sunset Campground advised, "The ticks were bad but we sprayed intensely and just didn't walk in the brush."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A visitor at Ottawa Lake Campground noted, "Electricity on site and water nearby."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "Tight getting into the spot for Class As but spots are spaced nicely."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A review for Harrington Beach State Park Campground stated, "The sites are gravel but very unlevel. To level my 35-foot motor home my rear tires had to come off the ground by at least 6 inches."

Camping around Burlington, WI, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Burlington camping grounds?

Campgrounds near Burlington offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park provides nice, private sites with basic facilities. For more services, Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area offers electric RV sites, sandy beaches for swimming, and kayaking opportunities on Wolf Lake. Many campgrounds in the area feature shower facilities, restrooms, water access points, and hiking trails. Some parks also have playgrounds, picnic areas, and boat launches, but amenities vary by location, so checking specific campground details before booking is recommended.

Where are the best camping grounds near Burlington?

The Burlington area offers several excellent camping options. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground is a popular choice situated on Lake Geneva with spacious sites and great hiking opportunities. It's the only state park within town limits, making it convenient yet still scenic. For those seeking a pine forest setting, Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit offers excellent access to the Ice Age and Scuppernong trails, plus it's a short drive from Ottawa Lake with nearby mountain biking options.

Are there any free or low-cost camping options near Burlington?

While truly free camping is limited near Burlington, there are several affordable options. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park offers no-service sites (no electric hookups) at lower rates than full-service campgrounds. Water is available via a short walk, making it budget-friendly for those willing to forgo some conveniences. Camp Reinberg provides reasonably priced camping with access to numerous biking and walking trails. State parks in the area typically charge entrance fees in addition to camping fees, but they're generally more economical than private campgrounds while still offering good facilities and recreation opportunities.