Camping near Camp Douglas, Wisconsin offers several options for outdoor stays at varying levels of amenity and price points. The area sits between the Driftless Area and Central Sand Plains regions with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,300 feet. Weather can shift quickly here during summer months, with temperatures ranging from 60°F nights to 85°F daytime highs and occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Hiking at Roche A Cri State Park: Located near Friendship, this park features a 303-step stairway to a panoramic lookout point. According to one visitor, "The bluff hike was cool, the beach was ok and very small. Lots of train traffic and flights due to the nearby military base. The lake/pond is right on the road which makes for an odd experience." The park also contains prehistoric petroglyphs and natural rock formations worth exploring.
Biking on the Elroy-Sparta Trail: Tunnel Trail Campground provides direct access to this historic rail-trail. A camper notes, "The Elroy Sparta Bike Trail, North America's first rails-to-trails project, runs through the Tunnel Trail Campground. The campground is very nice, especially for tents and smaller campers and caters to bicyclists." The trail features three old railroad tunnels to ride through.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities beyond those mentioned in the existing description. As one visitor to Castle Rock County Park reports, "There's a big beach area roped off, and a swim platform for the big kids. There's a boat launch, and Buckhorn State park is just 15 min away if you need more trails."
What campers like
Natural quiet and seclusion: Wildcat Mountain State Park offers peaceful camping settings with adequate space between sites. A camper shares, "The sites were spaced apart far enough so you weren't on top of the other campers. Very beautiful scenery, especially from the lookout. All the fire rings come with grill racks for cooking."
Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate lakeside camping options in the region. A visitor to Petenwell Park states, "We stayed in sight number nine which is right on Lake. Good fishing in lake for walleye. Campground is clean and has showers."
Year-round military base experience: For those seeking a unique camping experience, Pine View Campground at Fort McCoy operates throughout the year. One visitor notes, "Reveille, call to mess, retreat, tattoo and taps daily. If you was in the military and haven't heard bugle calls for awhile, this is the place."
What you should know
Highway noise affects some campgrounds: Several parks in the area are near highways or train tracks. A visitor to Mill Bluff State Park explains, "The highway is there and the night train schedule was 22:45 03:10 and 03:15. There are plenty of washrooms. Fire wood is sold at the camp ground entrance. $5 a bundle, cash or check."
Limited amenities at some sites: While luxury glamping near Camp Douglas offers many comforts, standard sites can be more basic. One camper at Mill Bluff noted, "There was no running water so bring sanitizer. The swimming pond was great and not rocky. The hikes were good but lots of mosquitoes which made it hard to enjoy."
Seasonality affects access: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, though some have different schedules. Roche A Cri State Park runs from "late Spring to early Fall," while Wilderness Park operates "May 1 - Oct 1," making advance planning necessary for early or late season trips.
Tips for camping with families
Look for swim-friendly options: Chapparal Campground offers excellent facilities for families with children. As one visitor describes, "This ultra clean campground has amazing shower and bathroom facilities. All the camp sites are shady and super well kept. On site there is a small swimming pool that is clean and not too deep, as well as a giant beach and swimming hole."
Consider site location and privacy: When selecting a site, corner or edge locations often provide better experiences for families. A camper at Mill Bluff recommends, "We picked site 2 and wish we picked 11 or 12. Those sites looked more secluded, where ours was right next to the road/entrance."
Pack for weather fluctuations: Summer temperatures can vary significantly, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms possible. Several campgrounds have limited shelter options, making proper rain gear essential for family trips during peak summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Wilderness Park offers spacious sites for RVs, though preparation for leveling may be needed. A visitor reports, "This is a very nice campground for those that don't require resort like amenities. Some sites will come with electric though most are rustic. Some sites with electric can be found with lake access."
Watch for tight corners: Larger rigs may face challenges at some campgrounds. One RVer at Tunnel Trail Campground warned, "We had difficulty getting to our site as tight corners for rigs 38 feet or more."
Utility hookups vary significantly: Full hookup availability differs widely between campgrounds, from basic electric-only sites to complete sewer/water/electric connections. Research specific utility needs before booking, especially for longer stays when tank capacities become more important.
