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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.
"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."
from $24 - $41 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $24 - $110 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $39 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $26 - $41 / night
Check Availability"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."
"*** 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!"
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $26 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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."
GuideIt was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family. We arrived very late but the staff was very gracious and hospitable. The grounds were well kept. They had trash pick up. Nice laundry area. The surrounding area was very nice and rural. We took our dogs on the architecture boat tour.
GuideOur friends have a permanent camper here so we joined them for the weekend. I’ve never experienced a place like this. It’s not what I would consider camping. It’s basically people’s second trailer park home. The frog pond that was turned into a swimming hole with ridiculous inflatables completely ruined the peaceful atmosphere in that area of the park. If you enjoy being surrounded by people, noise, and teens cruising in golf carts, you’ll love this place. We do have fun when we are with our friends here, but it is definitely not a typical peaceful camp.
TravelerThis park has always been a go to for me. As a full time RVer, I come here a lot. The scenery is beautiful, beach right next door, fishing holes not far from here. The people who come are all very friendly and the park rangers are very welcoming and always have firewood for the visitors. Highly recommend this spot for everyone.
TravelerFirst time RV’ing with my wife and we were able to navigate pretty easily in our rented 30’. Arrived on a Monday, and as posted, there was no one so we checked in online(they sent an email to check in). Simple camp site with tons of space(almost double our RV), a long wood picnic table and a fire pit. Everything was great until we left. Dumping was straight forward, but the person in front of me was taking a little while to dump. They had came up to my RV and let me know the dump tank was backing up, which I had also experienced when I tried dumping. I called to ask for assistance on Thursday and they said they would send a ranger out. 45 minutes of waiting and a couple other RV’s after us and we ended up giving up and going to another site closer to home to dump. Great experience otherwise.
TravelerI love staying here from time to time. As a full time RVer, I book here frequently. Not only do they have all types of hookups stays, but they full men and women’s locker rooms with showers, and restrooms, including a laundry facility on site, shop is inside the office and ice available. The customer service is by far the best! They work with you every step of the way and show you around the area if you wanted! Plus they have a dump station and water fill up station even if you’re not staying here or book here. I recommend this site to anyone and everyone!
LegendIf your family's perfect camping trip includes saddling up and exploring miles of wooded trails together, the Equestrian Campground at Rock Cut State Park offers a wonderfully peaceful place to spend a few days. Tucked away from the park's busier camping loops, this rustic first-come, first-served campground provides spacious sites designed for campers traveling with horses, along with nearby potable water, restrooms and direct access to more than 14 miles of designated equestrian trails. While amenities are intentionally simple (erring on non-existent), the extra room to accommodate horse trailers and the quiet natural surroundings create exactly the kind of setting many riders are looking for. One of my favorite moments was watching families quietly prepare their horses in the early morning light before disappearing beneath the trees for a day on the trails, returning later with tired horses, dusty boots and smiles that needed no explanation. Arriving early is the best way to secure a site since camping is first-come, first-served and availability is limited. This campground is ideal for equestrian families given its spacious layout, direct trail access and peaceful atmosphere that allows both riders and horses to truly unwind.
TravelerThis is my second time camping here (June / July). This campground is the best of both worlds. By that, I mean there’s is peace and solitude, while also family fun activities for kids and adults. You can rent kayaks and canoes, for the lake. Fishing pier, nice size beach with the inflatable obstacle course. On the weekend they have activity’s on the beach such as sand castle building competitions, obstacle races and then they have beach bubbles. It’s is fun to watch all the little kids running around like little marshmallows.
The golf carts are all newer with long lasting batteries. The campsites have lots of tree shade. On our arrival, our site appears to be cleaned. Even our fire ring was cleaned out. Golf cart was there waiting for us fully charged. They bring firewood out to you when you buy it from the store. The store has a nice array of items such as food, ice cream, clothing, little toys an such. The mini golf course is new and some obstacles are made from an artist with recycled tires that are painted.
There is lots or grass at our campsite (mud too if you’re here when it rains). The roads are a VERY hard packed gravel that electrical scooters can ride on. So yes, electric scooters appear to be permitted here. Be careful tho as there are quite a few pot holes and dips.
There is a heated pool that goes to 9ft. A balloon launching area, jumping pillow and I’m sure others that I’m missing. By the store, they have picnic tables in shade with activities on each one with little blocks. Karaoke on the weekends. And if you like to socialize, you might run into the “booze cruise”. This is a group of seasonal people that ride their golf carts around playing music trying to get more people to join the ride. They’re entertaining to watch as they stop and start dancing like they’re 12yrs lol.
Great place to camp. Quiet when you want it, fun when you need it, great free WiFi, activities, shade, well maintained campground with staff that will literally help anyway they can if it’s within their power. Hope all this helps someone make their next camping trip as well as ours have been!
LegendThere’s something instantly calming about rolling into a campground wrapped in tall pines and soft breezes, and Pine Country had that peaceful, easy feeling that made all of us exhale before we even found our site. This campground is expansive and welcoming, with full-hookup spots laid out across wide loops, plenty of shade, clean bathrooms and a friendly mix of families settling in for weekends or longer stays. Our boys loved wandering between the fishing pond and the small recreation areas and we ended the evening sharing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that we made over an open fire on a Camp Chef black skillet munching them down at the picnic table while listening to the trees rustle above us. For families looking for a convenient home base near Rockford with lots of room to spread out, EZ access to town for supplies and a campground that really does feel safe and relaxed, Pine Country is an EZ pick. Highly recommended for young families seeking space, shade and a low-key, gentle setting to recharge.
LegendThe moment we pulled into Holiday Acres, that cozy ‘old-school campground’ feeling washed over us, with tall trees, winding lanes and a big, friendly welcome from the office that instantly made the boys sit up and take notice. The campground is beautifully laid out with roomy sites, full hookups, a well-kept swimming pond, mini golf, a little camp store and restrooms that were impressively clean for a busy family spot. After a long drive, the boys made a beeline for the playground and the pedal carts, and later that night we all sat under the string lights eating ice cream sandwiches from the camp store while fireflies blinked and buzzed through the trees. If you’re a family looking for somewhere safe, shaded and EZ-going with just enough activities to keep the kids happily worn out, this place absolutely fits the bill. Highly recommended for its friendly atmosphere, great kid-focused amenities and peaceful, wooded setting.
Camping sites near Burlington, Wisconsin consist primarily of public campgrounds within state parks and forests, plus several privately owned facilities. The region sits on glacially formed terrain with kettles, moraines, and small lakes at approximately 800 feet elevation. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with higher humidity in July and August, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and less crowded camping conditions.
Swimming and fishing: Sunset Campground at Richard Bong State Recreation Area offers access to a small lake for water activities. "Great for relaxing or calming walks, great open view, small lake, enjoyable," notes camper Cora M. The recreation area provides multiple fishing spots within the park.
Boat rentals and kayaking: Visitors to Chain O' Lakes State Park can enjoy multiple connected waterways. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill," says one camper at Fox Den Campground. The park offers boat rentals at the concession area near the main boat launch.
Trail hiking: Kettle Moraine State Forest features the Ice Age Trail with varied terrain. A visitor to Pinewoods Campground describes, "We asked the ranger about hiking and she gave us a map to a trail system that connects to this campground between the group sites and loop 3. We enjoyed a 4 mile hike from camp to the observation trail." Most trails are well-marked with color-coded blazes.
ATV riding: Designated areas at Richard Bong State Recreation Area allow for off-road vehicle use. "Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots," notes a camper. A vehicle admission sticker ($28 annual/$8 daily) plus an ATV trail pass is required.
Wooded site privacy: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. At Pinewoods Campground, "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion," says Kendal R. Sites toward the back of camping loops typically offer more privacy.
Cleanliness of facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers receive frequent positive mentions. "Very nice campground and great place to camp for first-time campers like I was. Very nice and clean facilities," notes Barbara P. about Sunset Campground. Shower buildings are typically centrally located within campground loops.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The wetland areas support diverse animal populations. "I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two," reports Tim H. Early mornings and evenings provide the best wildlife viewing times.
Lake access: Multiple campgrounds feature water recreation opportunities. At Ottawa Lake Campground, "The lake is very clean and the site are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!" reports Neysha R. Most lakes in the area permit non-motorized or electric motor boats only.
Insect activity: The wetland environments support heavy mosquito populations in summer. "It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go," notes one camper about Sunset Campground. May through September typically sees the highest insect activity.
Weekend versus weekday crowds: Campgrounds experience significant differences in occupancy patterns. An Illinois Beach State Park visitor notes, "Very busy in the summer and can get wild with people partying." Weekdays offer a quieter experience with better site availability.
Reservation requirements: Most state park campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. "This state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer," warns a camper about Turner Lake South Campground. Reservations open 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin DNR system.
Site variations: Campsite quality and features differ significantly, even within the same campground. A Big Foot Beach State Park camper cautions, "Spaces are not consistent, some very large and shaded and some smaller and crowded." Using the reservation system's site photos helps in selecting the best options.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Happy Acres Kampground, "There are a lot of playground areas for the kids, the pool was working and it was heated," reports a visitor. Most play equipment is centrally located within camping loops.
Nature programs: Educational activities enhance the camping experience. "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," shares a Sunrise Campground visitor. Programs typically run Friday-Sunday during summer.
Swimming options: Multiple parks offer swimming areas for children. "The sandy Beach and warm water were great! kayaking was nice too on wolf lake," notes a camper. Swimming beaches typically open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with no lifeguards present.
Fishing opportunities: Kid-friendly fishing spots abound throughout the area. "There is a great winery just down the road if you want to take a field trip and have something to sip by the fire at night. There are lots of activities at the nature center and you can bring your own toys ie: ATV's, rockets, bikes to enjoy the vast amount of acreage that is available for use," shares a visitor to Sunrise Campground. Most lakes are stocked with panfish, making them ideal for young anglers.
Electric hookup locations: Site utility placement varies by campground. At Turner Lake South Campground, "Spots are mostly wide open to the road but separated enough to feel private (until drivers/walkers come through)." Many sites require extension cords of 25 feet or longer.
Dump station timing: Plan accordingly for waste disposal at peak checkout times. "Since there's no full hookup, they needed someone to control the traffic that comes from two different directions going to the dual dump stations. There's no honor system, especially on a holiday weekend," warns an RVer about Happy Acres Kampground.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. "Site had gravel and roots so tent spot took some searching and clearing to find," reports a Turner Lake South visitor. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended, especially for sites in wooded areas.
Shower facilities: Quality of shower buildings varies by location. "Shower house #2 was clean although a bit older (paint was peeling off the walls due to humidity) but the water pressure was fine and as hot as I needed it to be," reports a camper at Ottawa Lake Campground. Most shower facilities include private changing areas and consistent hot water.
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.
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