Within a 30-mile radius of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, several camping options provide alternatives to traditional hotels. The area's glacial topography creates diverse landscapes for camping, from sandy beaches along Lake Michigan to wooded inland sites. Summer temperatures typically range from 60°F to 85°F, with occasional thunderstorms making weather preparation essential for campers.
What to do
Beach activities at Lake Michigan: Harrington Beach State Park offers swimming and beach exploration opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "The lake was a short bike ride from our site, and we enjoyed walking the beach and attached trails. The pond was overgrown with weeds, which made for a short fishing trip with our son, but lots of frogs and turtles to be found."
Hiking on Ice Age Trail: The Pike Lake Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest provides access to the Ice Age Trail. A camper noted, "A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home. We picked one of the three backpacking sites that are along the Ice Age Trail and away from the other traditional sites close to the lake."
Water sports on Long Lake: Kettle Moraine State Forest Long Lake Campground allows motorized watercraft. "Long Lake is big, so motorcraft are allowed. It's fun to sunbathe and watch waterskiiers and tubers fly by off in the distance," reports one camper.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained amenities at Pike Lake Campground. A camper reported, "Park is a local favorite, with decent hiking trails and beach. Heed warnings of swimmers itch and know that the dog beach is very small, with no beach at all (just a place rest for your dog to go take a swim.) As for the campground, it's small and has relatively little privacy so you'll make quick friends with your neighbors - unexpected from a state park. But the restroom facilities have flush toilets & showers, and are clean."
Lake activities: Campers often mention fishing opportunities. At Mauthe Lake, one visitor shared: "We like to fish and this lake is great. We caught some large blue gill, a few crappie, perch and bass. It is a 'weedy' lake but when your fishing for certain fish, that's a good thing."
Wildlife viewing: Harrington Beach State Park Campground provides nature observation opportunities. "We loved this camp! Very quiet, beautiful paved roads, super clean bathrooms, and a great beach with amazing hiking around the quarry. The sites around the quarry are really fun to explore And read about," commented a visitor.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Kohler-Andrae State Park, site quality varies. A camper advised, "Really nice state park with pretty good space in between sites. Some easy, limited elevation hikes around the campground, and a nice mix of pine trees/marsh/open space. Just a few minutes walk to Lake Michigan and a nice beach. Only flaw is the inconsistency with fire pits, some on the opposite side that doesn't give you much privacy for a campfire."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. For Mauthe Lake Campground, a visitor shared, "Nice clean swimming and lots of hiking and biking options."
Reservations recommended: Sites fill quickly, especially at popular parks. For Pike Lake, one camper mentioned, "The sites are well-separated for privacy. Also, the shower house is perfect for an end of the day washing. The lake itself is great for canoeing or kayaking."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Menomonee Park offers swimming options for children. "The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards," notes one camper.
Playgrounds and recreation: Several parks offer play areas. At Mauthe Lake, a visitor mentioned, "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids. Also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July."
Site separation: For families seeking privacy, look for wooded sites. "The sites are just about all wooded. Not huge but a good size for a country park. Most offer decent separation from your neighbor," reported a Menomonee Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup access: For RVers needing power, Wisconsin State Fair RV Park provides options. "Perfect campground for what it is! Big paved parking lot with full hookups. Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient," shares one RVer.
Size limitations: Some campgrounds have access restrictions. A Pike Lake visitor noted, "There is a TIGHT turn in the campground loop near site #17 to be aware of with longer trailers."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Harrington Beach, sites typically have electric only, with a dump station available for waste disposal.
