Camping options near Butler, Wisconsin provide easy access to the greater Milwaukee area while maintaining proximity to outdoor activities. RV campgrounds around Butler feature electric sites at county parks and full-hookup options at private resorts. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F while summer highs reach into the 80s, making seasonal preparation essential for campers visiting the area.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Kettle Moraine State Forest offers interconnected trail systems with varying terrain. "The trail is wide which meant my doggo hiked by my side. We both enjoyed it," notes one visitor to Naga-Waukee Park, which connects to the Ice Age Trail.
Swimming options: Many county parks maintain swimming areas with sand beaches. At Muskego Park, "There's a nice little concessions stand, a little sand area, and a small pier to jump off of," while also offering "a spring fed pond for swimming and fishing."
Observation points: Climb Powder Hill at Pike Lake Campground to access the tower. As one visitor shares, "There is a lookout tower that offers stunning views of the surrounding area," making it worth the short hike.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Despite being primarily a parking lot, Wisconsin State Fair RV Park maintains high cleanliness standards. "Nice facilities were average and clean. We didn't know it, but our site was 15 amp. On the same pole were two 30 amps. So we just use that because no one was there," notes one camper.
Spacious sites: Many parks provide ample space between campsites. At Cliffside Park Campground, "Even the Saturday night it was full still felt quiet and peaceful. Bathrooms were clean. About a mile hike to Lake Michigan but easy flat route-goes along community park thru a small neighborhood."
Family activities: Recreational amenities keep kids entertained. River Bend RV Resort stands out with "a spring fed pond with blow up floating slides and climbing activities, canoes, a bar and restaurant, mini golf, frisbee golf, live music some weekends, a kids barn with crafts, volleyball, shuffle board, etc."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Most county parks operate from April through November. Mauthe Lake Campground visitor notes, "We've been camping here for years and love the beautiful lake for swimming and watersports. No motor boats so nice and quiet."
Weekend reservations: Summer weekends fill quickly, especially at smaller campgrounds. "This is the only RV site in the Milwaukee metro area. It was nice, clean, showers and laundry. Staff is friendly. Summer months May through April you do have to book 2 nights minimum," shares a Wisconsin State Fair RV Park camper.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or attractions. A visitor to Pinewoods Campground mentions, "The quiet Loop was a wonderful idea however, the campsite next to us was blasting music and at 11:30 pm someone randomly started playing a flute?"
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several parks feature sandy beaches with shallow swimming areas. One Muskego Park visitor reports, "Beach was really nice and sandy. Slots were easy to pull in/out of," making it convenient for families with young children.
Playground proximity: Choose sites near playground facilities. Naga-Waukee Park camper notes, "The beach on the shores of Lake Nagawicka is well-groomed, clean, has a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot."
Loop selection: Consider quiet loops for families with early bedtimes. At Pinewoods Campground, "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion. The quiet Loop was a wonderful idea."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Not all RV sites are created equal. A Pike Lake camper advises, "Each of the 32 sites is unique in their own way. Some are large and flat perfect for a class A (#2 #4, #29 #31 is okay, but smaller), some incorporate the geography into the site."
Hookup particulars: Water connections may require extra equipment. At Fairgrounds RV Park, "Most sites have water hook-up," but some locations may need longer hoses to reach connections.
Dump station timing: Plan dump station use during off-peak hours. A Cliffside Park visitor explains, "Electric hookups, but no sewer hookup--dumpsite station available," indicating the need to factor in time for this essential service during departure.
