Cabin camping near Cambridge, Wisconsin offers access to Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin's second largest lake at 10,460 acres with an average depth of just 5 feet. Located in the glaciated terrain of southern Wisconsin, the area features both wooded sites and open meadows with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping season. Most cabin rentals in the region require minimum 2-night stays during summer weekends.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Koshkonong: Pettit's Lakeview Campground & Bar provides direct access with 850 feet of waterfront. "I didn't stay here but I did walk through the place to get to know it... The large sandy beach has lots of space, easy access to both the water and a bar and grill with outdoor seating and lots of umbrellas," notes Josh F.
Explore biking trails: Ottawa Lake Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest offers access to nearby trails. "20 minute drive to the awesome Kettle Moraine biking trails. Yee haw!" shares Heather H. The Ice Age Trail is also accessible for hiking within a 25-minute drive.
Visit local amusement parks: For families with younger children, Little Amerricka Amusement Park is within 10 miles. At Whistlestop Campground, "They have a train that comes through every hour during the day to pick you up and take you to the next door amusement park which was a lot of fun we spent the entire day there. And the amusement park itself was not too expensive," reports David H.
Fish in local waters: Lake Koshkonong offers various fish species. "While the clarity of the lake is quite low, this fishing hole yields some pretty amazing Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye and Catfish," according to Stuart K. at Pettit's Lakeview.
What campers like
Spring-fed lake access: Hickory Hills Campground features a natural lake with beach. "The lake has a nice beach. The pool is not too large but works on a hot day," states Margo S. The campground sits on a 172-acre spring-fed lake with designated swimming areas.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate room to spread out. "We had a group of 7 kids, it was nice to be backed up to the volleyball courts," mentions Danelle C. at River Bend RV Resort, which offers larger sites for families.
Quiet getaways: Some campers prefer more secluded options. "We liked this site because it was on the 'quiet loop.' No radios or pets allowed... it was a beautiful site and wonderfully quiet for the long weekend," notes a camper at Kettle Moraine State Forest. Similarly, at Pilgrim's Campground, Nora S. remarks, "This was definitely a relaxing spot, with very little noise and relative seclusion."
Affordable cabin options: For those seeking budget-friendly accommodations, several campgrounds offer cabin rentals under $100/night midweek. "The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby," shares Maria Mercedes M. about her cabin stay at Pilgrim's Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most Cambridge area cabin rentals operate from April/May through October. "For Memorial Day weekend the pool wasn't open, porta-potties near the lake and lodge were still padlocked/closed... I'd come again, but wait for later in the year when everything is up and running," advises Michael T. at Hickory Hills.
Utilities vary widely: Electric service differs between campgrounds. At Pilgrim's Campground, Jessica T. notes, "We have a 50 amp rig… we used 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."
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends book quickly. "We were able to grab a nonelectric site and transfer to an electric site when one cancelled last minute," explains Linda N. at Ottawa Lake Campground. Reserve 2-3 months ahead for holiday weekends.
Noise levels vary: Some locations cater to different camping styles. "This place is a kids heaven! Not exactly the place to go and enjoy peace and solitude. There's little to no seclusion... at night all the kids drive around in golf carts with crazy light effects blaring rap music," warns Darren L. about River Bend RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options for hot days: Milton-Madison SE KOA offers kid-friendly water features. "The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack," shares Maria Mercedes M.
Activity planning: Check campground schedules for special events. "Every weekend there are activities planned from wine tasting to Halloween trick or treating," mentions Margo S. about Hickory Hills. Most family-oriented campgrounds post weekly activity schedules online.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment for different age groups. At Whistlestop, Kevin C. notes, "There's a small beach with some floats that have seen better days but are still working just fine. There's a dunk tank free of charge, a bounce pillow and trampoline."
Rental options: If you don't have camping equipment, many sites offer alternatives. "For the most part, despite 2+ years passing since writing my initial review, not much has changed here apart from brand new management, where you'll still enjoy a smattering of overnight accommodations, whether that's a cottage, bunk house, smartly outfitted cabins," explains Stuart K. about Hickory Hills.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: Research campground layouts before booking. "The sites close to the store are so nice! Wooded and somewhat private," recommends Heather H. about Hickory Hills Campground. Many RV sites near Cambridge offer partial shade.
Hookup considerations: Power availability varies by location. "They do allow you to pick your site if your willing to pay $10 extra," explains Marc W. about Milton KOA. "I'm not 100% sure, but it looks like all the sites are full hook up. We had a back in site which was easy to navigate into and was mostly level."
Weekend vs. weekday stays: Campground atmospheres change throughout the week. "We went there first weekend in October, so it wasn't crowded. The campground is huge, over 400 seasonal sites. For weekend camping, I would only recommend if you want to bring a pontoon and party on the lake," advises Kim L. about Lakeland Camping Resort.
Local provisions: Stock up before arrival as on-site stores have limited supplies. "There is a nice clubhouse where you can purchase snacks and ice cream," mentions Erin B. about Milton KOA, though selection is basic. The towns of Milton, Edgerton, and Fort Atkinson have grocery stores within 15 minutes of most cabin camping locations.
