Camping spots near Cambridge, Wisconsin offer diverse overnight options within a 30-mile radius of this small Dane County community. The region features multiple spring-fed lakes and glacial terrain, with elevations ranging from 850-900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F, while spring and fall nights can dip into the 40s, making proper gear essential for comfortable tent camping.
What to do
Fishing access: 172-acre spring-fed lake at Hickory Hills Campground provides abundant fishing opportunities. "You'll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie" at the accessible fishing spots throughout the grounds.
Biking trails: Connect to Madison from several Cambridge-area campgrounds. At William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground, "there are trails right through the campground that are on Madison's trail system. There is a daily fee for the trails but I think it was $5 for the day." The Capital City Trail lets you "bike to downtown Madison in about 40 minutes."
Water activities: Jump on inflatable water features available at family-oriented campgrounds. Badgerland Campground offers "a swim pond with a huge bouncy float," while Hickory Hills includes "a 172 acre spring-fed lake with its own beachhead, oversized inflatables" and water-based recreation options for all ages.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Room to spread out at select campgrounds. Milton-Madison SE KOA features "large sites" with "some smaller than others and some very generous sites." One camper noted, "We had a back in spot right up to a field. Very pretty and peaceful. We were able to rent a golf cart which the kids got a kick out of."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms mentioned frequently in reviews. At Badgerland Campground, visitors appreciate the "cleanest restroom/showers I can ever recall at a campground." Another review states, "Super clean bathrooms and showers if you need them."
Seasonal activities: Weekend events provide structured recreation throughout camping season. Milton KOA offers "activities every weekend," with one camper noting, "The Halloween weekend are fun." Many campgrounds run themed activities, with Badgerland visitors enjoying "the tractor ride through the campground for Halloween and have a blast at bingo!"
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book early for summer stays, particularly at popular spots. Most campgrounds operate mid-April through October. Tent sites at several campgrounds may be limited or closed during certain periods.
Highway noise: Traffic sounds affect some campgrounds. Creekview RV Park is "very close to the freeway and there is a constant din of traffic noise that remind you how close you are to the highway."
Potential flooding: Site conditions vary during wet seasons. At Lakeland Camping Resort, "Half of camping sites closed due to flooding" during one visitor's stay. When selecting campgrounds in low-lying areas, check recent weather conditions or call ahead.
Train noise: Railroad crossings create periodic disturbances at some campgrounds. Lake Kegonsa State Park campers report, "The park is somewhat close to the interstate and rural highway roads so there is some traffic noise but relatively quiet by night time. What was NOT quiet on Thursday night was the freight train that came through around midnight and then again at 2 am."
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers "many activities for all ages both for a small fee and free. Our kids used the pools quite a lot and were a bit disappointed with the skatepark. They enjoyed all the airfilled bouncy activities."
Consider heated pools: Several campgrounds offer swimming options even on cooler days. Milton KOA features "a nice pool" that's "very well maintained with a waterfall feature" according to reviewers.
Playground access: Multiple play areas are available at family-friendly campgrounds. Lake Kegonsa State Park provides "nice hiking trails right from campground. Lake & pet swim area" along with "nice playground with horse shoe pits."
Tips from RVers
Check electrical capacity: Ensure your RV power needs match campground capabilities. At Pilgrim's Campground, one RVer noted, "We were using a dogbone to connect to the 30 amp site. It was fine for a bit but then we started to get surges. Our EMS protected the rig but ultimately we couldn't use the power."
Verify site measurements: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. Lake Kegonsa State Park campers warn, "Major CAUTION for RVs: there is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend's fifth wheel. There is also a low hanging overpass and it took the roofs off TWO fifth wheels while we were staying there."
Confirm sewer connections: Not all sites offer full hookups. At Badgerland Campground, "They DO NOT have sewer at any site on the campground, though they do offer a pump-out service to come by and empty your tanks (for a fee…$15, I think). The error is presumably The Dyrt's fault, and the campground does have the usual free dump station."
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