Tent camping opportunities near Camp Douglas, Wisconsin range beyond the Elroy-Sparta corridor to include other locations throughout Jackson and Monroe Counties. The area sits within the Driftless Region, characterized by steep valleys and rolling hills untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
What to do
Beach activities: Wazee Lake Recreation Area provides swimming in Wisconsin's clearest inland lake. "The lake is the clearest and deepest inland lake in Wisconsin. It is non-motorized to promote quiet and clean conditions," notes reviewer GoWhereYouAreDraw N. This location becomes busy during peak summer months as "the beach does get crowded with college kids in the summer and is a known party spot."
Disc golf courses: Justin Trails Resort offers dedicated disc golf facilities that remain popular year-round. "Disc golf is busy here, in winter they have sledding hills. The llamas are fun to feed," shares Michael V. The resort provides recreational options regardless of season.
Rock climbing: Devils Lake State Park Group Campground offers climbing opportunities for various skill levels. "We took the East Bluff trail to do some rock climbing with the kids," mentions Jon D. Another reviewer confirms, "views were beautiful, climbing was great!"
Canoeing: Canoe Campsite Near Hawk Island provides water-based recreation on the Black River. These primitive sites are "Canoe/kayak in only with a steep bank up to the sites," according to Brian O., offering a truly secluded experience.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: For the best tent camping near Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, timing matters significantly. "Weekdays and off-season dates are recommended as it is more peaceful," advises a camper about Wazee Lake. Similarly at Devils Lake, another camper reports, "We went during the week and it kept the crowds to a minimum."
Trail access: Sparta Campground provides direct trail connectivity. "This is a walk-in campground intended for very light camping, particularly for those biking the Elroy-Sparta or Lacrosse Trails, as it is right on the Elroy-Sparta trail and only a 10 minute bike ride into the town of Sparta," explains Jamee H.
Group camping options: Devils Lake State Park offers spacious group sites. "The group sites are well spaced out from each other and offer pit toilets and full bathroom facilities with sinks, toilets and showers within walking distance from all sites," says Sarah F. Another camper adds that they "Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site."
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds feature opportunities to observe local wildlife. "The birds near the group camp are cool, but can also sound like a large pack of dinosaurs squawking at each other...very loud," notes one Devils Lake camper. Watch for nocturnal visitors as some campers "got a visit from some local raccoons at night."
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Interstate proximity affects some camping experiences. Sparta Campground experiences significant noise as "it's very near the interstate so not the quietest of places," according to Gregory K. Another camper elaborates: "The most disappointing factor for me was the highway noise. I had read about that from another reviewer, and it was indeed bad, all weekend long. I had to wear noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the noise in order to sleep."
Non-resident fees: Wisconsin state parks charge different rates based on residency status. "Sites are basic with water, pit toilets, tables and fire rings. I originally planned to stay here but came across the non-resident charges (my state does not do this)," explains Mike L. about Sparta Campground.
Alternative shower options: When selecting primitive tent camping near Camp Douglas, prepare for limited facilities. "They do not have showers or plumbing but if you're desperate for a shower kwiktrip has showers!" advises Luc S. about Wazee Lake. For Sparta campers, "the Sparta Aquatic Center (10 minute bike ride) allows shower access for $3."
Insect considerations: Plan for mosquito protection, particularly in early summer. "The sites are simple, well separated with a very short walk, easy to take multiple trips. Going when we did we were met with swarms of mosquitoes," warns Gregory K.
Tips for camping with families
Dutch oven cooking: Black River State Forest offers primitive sites ideal for authentic campfire cooking. One Devils Lake camper shares, "Camp life was awesome, we ate very well since we brought two Dutch ovens. We ate Cowboy Casserole, Mountain Man breakfast, peach cobbler, 7 can soup, hobo dinner and apple sausage casserole."
Age-appropriate hiking: Consider trail difficulty when planning with children. "Spent about 5 hours hiking the East Bluff, it was challenging for some of our younger hikers," notes Charles M. about Devils Lake. Prepare for varied terrain and pack accordingly.
Site selection for gear hauling: When tent camping with families, consider distance from parking. At Sparta Campground, "This is a walk-in campground... We had site 3 (103 on the DNR campground map), which was about a 600 yard hike in from the parking lot, down a trail that can get quite muddy, especially during rain (which it did while we were breaking camp). Some of the sites are even further down the trail."
Water recreation options: Multiple sites provide swimming opportunities. "At this area you can rent paddle boards, Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats," explains a Devils Lake visitor, though they caution "during our stay that this store was not always open."
Tips from RVers
Alternative tent camping: While focused on tent camping near Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, some sites offer amenities more commonly associated with RV parks. Justin Trails Resort provides "Beautiful place, tent camping is available. Great breakfast and romantic setting for our anniversary. They sell wine and food in the store," notes Michael V.
Seasonal conditions: Weather impacts site conditions significantly. One Sparta Campground reviewer notes walking trails "can get quite muddy, especially during rain." Another camper describes Devils Lake sites as "heavily wooded which protects from rain but also means they are dirt with a ton of leaves."
Site surface considerations: Pack appropriate tent footprint and bedding based on ground conditions. "Adequate size site with a tent pad, shade and privacy. Trees for a hammock," describes Kay K. about Devils Lake, while Sparta sites feature natural ground surfaces.
