Most campgrounds near Cedarburg operate from spring through mid-fall, with only Wisconsin State Fair RV Park remaining open throughout winter. The area features both wooded sites in state parks and open field settings at county campgrounds. Campsites typically range from primitive tent-only areas to full-hookup RV spots with 30/50 amp electrical service.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit features numerous well-maintained paths including the Ice Age Trail. "A very nice, woodsy campground. Feels like you are further north than you really are," notes one visitor to Naga-Waukee Park. The park connects to both the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail.
Beach swimming: Several campgrounds offer lake access with designated swimming areas. "The huge sandy beach spans the entire length of the park - which features plenty of trails, a quarry, and a historical element," reports a camper at Harrington Beach State Park. Mauthe Lake is popular for swimming with no motor boats permitted.
Water activities: Fishing opportunities exist at multiple lakes in the region. "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," writes a reviewer about Harrington Beach State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. At Cliffside Park Campground, "The grass was mowed, there was no trash, and the restrooms were super clean and heated (as some mornings during our visit were in the 40's)." Another visitor notes, "Bathrooms were clean. Wood is available for purchase."
Family activities: Many campgrounds offer recreational amenities beyond hiking. At River Bend RV Resort, "This place is a kids heaven! Tons of activities! All included with admission... four wheel bikes to take out, jumping balloon, pool with multiple water slides, pond with blow up floating slides and climbing activities, canoes, a bar and restaurant, mini golf, frisbee golf, live music some weekends."
Diverse site types: Options range from open RV sites to secluded tent camping. "Most of the sites are pretty secluded so if you enjoy your privacy I will love this place. Everything was clean and updated including the bathrooms," mentions a visitor to Harrington Beach State Park. Mauthe Lake offers "sites separated by lush trees and bushes," according to a camper.
What you should know
Road and track noise: Several campgrounds experience traffic or racetrack sound disruption. "The campground is close to a racetrack. The great thing about this place is there is a lot to do," writes a camper at Plymouth Rock Camping Resort. A Naga-Waukee visitor observed, "It is quite nice and pretty out here. A lot of amenities you'll find at other campgrounds. It is very close to main roads as I heard traffic all day and sometimes sirens."
Crowded weekends: Holiday periods see significant traffic and changes in atmosphere. At River Bend RV Resort, a reviewer noted, "Holiday weekends get a little crazy, in both good and bad ways." Another mentioned that on Saturday night "it was full still felt quiet and peaceful" at Cliffside Park.
Limited pet access: Some parks restrict where dogs can go. A Cliffside Park visitor reported, "Dogs are only allowed in the campground and not permitted to walk around other parts of the park." At Harrington Beach, "The area they claim is for people with pets is a long walk and the beach no longer exists as the lake has washed it away."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids. Also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July," writes a visitor to Mauthe Lake Campground in the Northern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Kid-friendly water features: Swimming beaches and water activities are widely available. At Pike Lake Campground, visitors can enjoy "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.)"
Biking options: Paved and gravel trails accommodate family cycling. "There is a crushed gravel trail running from here to Long Lake that is great for running/walking/biking. If you like ice cream, head to Dundee and visit the Hamburger Haus," recommends a Mauthe Lake camper.
Tips from RVers
RV site variations: The quality and spaciousness of sites varies widely across campgrounds. "All sites are spacious with their own power and water. Sites 1-41 are available for first come if not previously reserved," notes a visitor to Cliffside Park. Another camper advised, "We saw a lot of bigger rigs but so much space between sites it didn't feel like we were crowded."
Campground navigation: Some RV parks have challenging layouts. "The short term sites are literally over a mile of tight, windy road to get to them," reports a camper at Plymouth Rock Camping Resort. At Pike Lake, "There is a TIGHT turn in the campground loop near site #17 to be aware of with longer trailers."
Reservation strategies: Booking patterns affect availability for RV sites near Cedarburg, Wisconsin. "The campground takes reservations 7 days out or drive up," shares a Cliffside Park visitor. Another notes, "Reservations can be made thru Real Racine but half of the sites are available for walkins."
