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.