Tent camping near Butler, Wisconsin can be enjoyed year-round with fall months offering fewer insects and milder temperatures. Most campgrounds in the region operate between April and November, closing during winter months due to snow conditions. The area features a mix of oak savanna landscapes and forested terrain providing varied camping environments within a one-hour drive of Butler.
What to do
Hiking at Snug Harbor Inn Campground: Access three-tiered camping areas overlooking Turtle Lake with interconnected walking paths. "Beautiful views overlooking Turtle Lake. Friendly and helpful staff," notes Carole X., who recommends the lakefront sites for best scenery.
Biking the Glacial Drumlin Trail: Wild Goose City Park serves as a convenient rest stop along this popular bike route. "Wild Goose bike trail leads to this park in Juneau. It's a good place to stop and have a break. There's a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain," mentions Kim L.
Water activities at Turtle Lake: Snug Harbor Inn Campground offers boat rentals and lake access for swimming during summer months. "The campground sells ice, firewood and rents boats," explains Josh F., who recommends the Galapagos tent site for its elevated lake views.
What campers like
Private backpacking sites: The secluded nature of KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site appeals to campers seeking isolation. "Great backpack camp site. Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside," shares Erin Z., who appreciated finding firewood around the site.
Oak savanna landscapes: The open woodland setting creates unique camping environments. "The property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake. The tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below," describes Josh F. about the landscape at Snug Harbor.
Group camping options: Multiple sites accommodate larger gatherings. Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp offers spacious sites for multiple tents. "We had six tents, but the site could easily have accommodated more," confirms Hilary S., who visited during the pandemic.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Early fall offers the best camping conditions in this region. "I wouldn't go in the middle of summer, due to the limited shade, but it was very nice in early fall," advises Jimmy P. about Sandhill Station State Campground.
Gear transportation: Most walk-in sites require carrying equipment various distances. "The parking lot is anywhere from 100-500 yards from the campsite, depending on which one you choose," notes Jimmy P., who recommends packing light for Sandhill Station.
Water availability: Access to drinking water varies by campground and season. "Water is usually available, but more limited during the pandemic (spigot turned off by our campsite, but available near the parking lot at the entrance - a longer walk)," reports Hilary S. about Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with playground access: Younger children benefit from recreational facilities. "There's a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain. Plenty of space to spread out for a picnic when you're biking through," explains Kim L. about Wild Goose City Park.
Consider noise levels: Group camping areas can get loud despite visual separation. "The nine sites are visually separated, but not far enough away from each other to block louder noise - we could hear loud music from the site 4 late into the night," cautions Hilary S. about Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp.
Plan for insect protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain seasons. "The sites are really near some stagnant water, though, so WAY too many mosquitoes, even with the really intense bug spray," warns Tawnie T., who visited Sandhill Station in mid-June during a heat wave.
Tips from RVers
Multi-tier parking for different rigs: Waubedonia County Park provides electric hookups for those wanting basic amenities while maintaining a natural setting. "The campsites are inexpensive and comfortable, though there aren't as many amenities that a larger campground would have," notes Kevin S., describing it as "a nice little getaway."
First-timer friendly locations: Some campgrounds specifically cater to new RV owners. "Wanted someplace close to home. Familiar with the Delavan area so was excited to find Snug Harbor. Set up went well, didn't blow anything up! Yea! Staff was great, helped me back in," shares James W., who appreciated the helpful staff during his maiden voyage.
