Best Campgrounds near Clinton, WI

Within a 30-mile radius of Clinton, Wisconsin, campgrounds range from state parks to private facilities offering varied outdoor experiences. The area features several established campgrounds including Milton-Madison SE KOA, which provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Rock Cut State Park and Hononegah Forest Preserve in neighboring Illinois offer additional options with amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, and fire rings. Most campgrounds in this region are concentrated around Lake Geneva to the east and the Kettle Moraine State Forest to the northeast, with fewer options immediately surrounding Clinton itself.

Seasonal availability varies significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. The Milton KOA remains open from late April to mid-October, while Hononegah Forest Preserve welcomes campers from April 16 to November 19. Winter camping options are limited, though Rock Cut State Park remains open year-round for those prepared for cold-weather conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. A camper at Sugar River Forest Preserve noted, "Many people that we met have been coming back for years. They have fire rings and picnic tables and firewood for sale at the entrance."

Developed campgrounds in the region typically provide amenities suited to both tent and RV camping. Most established sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities. Several campgrounds offer electric hookups, with sites at Rock Cut State Park, Milton KOA, and Big Foot Beach State Park featuring full hookups for RVs. Campers report varying levels of privacy between sites, with state parks generally providing more secluded options. At Big Foot Beach State Park, a visitor observed that "the tent sites look fantastic - large and private." Many campgrounds in the area provide access to recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming. Mixed-use campgrounds predominate, accommodating both tent campers seeking primitive experiences and RV users requiring more developed facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Clinton, Wisconsin (100)

    1. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    81 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 885-3311

    $12 - $50 / night

    "The hiking/biking trails are many miles long.  The fishing near t he dam is great and you can always find a spot near the edge of the lake.  Bring bug spray."

    "Rock cut is only about a 50 minute drive from the far burbs of Chicago. It’s situated a few miles outside of Rockford so if you’re into exploring old industrial river towns, this is a nice one."

    2. Hononegah Forest Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Rockton, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 877-6100

    $11 - $31 / night

    "The bulk of the primitive campsites are located on the western side of the campground near the river’s edge, while those sites offering up electric and closer access to running water are located mostly"

    "Hike trail (path rather) was a great little scenic walk. Was going to upload some photos but the app wouldn't allow me to."

    3. Milton-Madison SE KOA

    18 Reviews
    Edgerton, WI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 868-4141

    "No enclosed dog park but plenty of area to walk your dog!"

    "Driving around, I really don't think there's a bad spot here.

    The staff is fantastic, friendly, and accommodating- as are the seasonal campers.

    We'll be back again...and again... and again!"

    4. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lake Geneva, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 248-2528

    "We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."

    "This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits."

    5. Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake

    6 Reviews
    Delavan, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 883-6999

    $15 - $45 / night

    "I did not stay here, but I spend some time walking through to get a feel for the place."

    "Wanted someplace close to home. Familiar with the Delavan area so was excited to find Snug Harbor. Set up went well, didn’t blow anything up! Yea! Staff was great, helped me back in."

    6. Sugar River Forest Preserve

    10 Reviews
    Durand, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 877-6100

    "There are very tall trees around the entire campground giving you some respite from the sun and the heat.  The bath house is easily within walking distance from anywhere in the campground. "

    "Last time we camped in site 65, next to the path to the playground & walk-in site parking which was busy."

    7. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 338-6223

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Love this spot for proximity to my home so I can get out more frequently than a longer drive into Wisconsin and other more popular camping locales."

    "While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."

    8. Scenic Ridge Campground

    7 Reviews
    Whitewater, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 883-2920

    "You are in walking distance of the lake with boat ramp, kayaking and water inflatables. I loved it! Also, there is a store with full kitchen."

    9. Pearl Lake

    2 Reviews
    South Beloit, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 389-1479

    10. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    39 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."

    "Made my first visit to Ottawa Lake on a mid-March weekend. The facilities were still under their winter setup (only vault toilet, no shower available, pay in an envelope)."

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Recent Reviews near Clinton, WI

753 Reviews of 100 Clinton Campgrounds


  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Nice enough grounds, poorly maintained electric panels

    To be honest I thought this stay was going to be easy and the first couple days were. They didn’t have full hook up sites and 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. Even with only running the fridge it continued to trip. We tried the one next to us and it gave us the reverse polarity code so we decided it would be best to just leave the following day. The grounds are well maintained and the owners are friendly… they mentioned some of their 30 amp sites will get converted to 50 next year so hopefully that helps but definitely frustrating to need to book another site and forfeit money on this one.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    King's Campground

    Where Fireflies & Faith Meet Fresh Air & Farmland

    As a mom camping with my husband and kids, I loved how this Christ-centered campground felt both safe and family-friendly, with roomy sites that offer shade, fire pits, picnic tables and clean bathhouses close enough for those urgent kid trips. The layout makes it easy to relax while still keeping an eye on little ones and the amenities, whether tent pads or RV hookups, make setting up simple. What really stood out was the nearby fun and educational activity for kids, like a nature trail, nearby working farm, local park or our visit to Blackhawk Statue near Lorado Taft that gave the kids both excitement and a learning moment. At the end of the day, this is the kind of place where parents can unwind by the fire while the kids fall asleep happily worn out from their adventures.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 18, 2025

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    Decent getaway from the city

    Cedar Ridge campground: stayed during the week because weekends were all booked. Had the place basically to myself.

    The sites: not very private, and most are one behind the other, so you’ll be going through a campground to get to the main road if you choose one in the back. 

    Atmosphere: There are trains that pass nearby (not constantly), and I could hear some campers from the Sunny Crest campground. Neither were obnoxious, and overall, it was relatively quiet. 

    Wildlife: Turkeys wandering around, lots of different birds, I heard coyotes hooting and hollering in the distance, and an opossum wandered into my site while I was sitting by the fire. 

    Other notable items: Grab wood on the way there from a neighboring home/farmstand. There wasn't anywhere to purchase wood inside the property. 
    There are showers here. I'm not sure if they're open year-round, but the campground is. 
    The hiking trails are fun.

  • Mark D.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    We had such an enjoyable time at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature at Ottawa Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this welcoming retreat offers lakeside fun, scenic hiking trails, the quiet beauty of a true Northwoods experience, all without a long drive.

    We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    https://youtu.be/xl4uAtNWclM

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. 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.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lakeland Camping Resort

    Lakefront Fun

    As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have an RV. The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick’s Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson

    Nostalgic Campground

    As a mom, I can honestly say that Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is one of those rare campgrounds where the kids are entertained from morning till night and parents can actually relax a little too. The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours. Our campsite was clean and level, with options for full hookups or cozy cabins if you’d rather skip the RV, and the bathhouses were spotless, which is something I always look for. What I appreciated most was the balance: the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored, while my husband and I enjoyed sitting by the campfire or joining in on family activities like outdoor 'movies under the stars.' The campground store was well-stocked with snacks, s’mores supplies, and those 'oops, we forgot it' supplies, which saved us more than once. And while there’s plenty to do onsite, being near Lake Koshkonong and Fort Atkinson means you can easily slip away for a day of fishing, boating, or exploring. For me, the best part was watching my kids’ faces light up during the evening hayride, sticky with marshmallow, waving at Yogi like he was a celebrity that felt like the kind of wholesome, memory-making trip I hope they’ll look back on for years.


Guide to Clinton

Camping near Clinton, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Rock Cut State Park Campground. Many visitors enjoy the numerous trails, with one reviewer noting, "Tons of trails, fishing, and even a swimming pond."
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area. One camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting," highlighting the lake's beauty.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Blackwell Family Campground, you can spot various wildlife. A visitor mentioned, "Driving in here makes you forget you’re in the middle of town! Quiet and roving park rangers give it a very safe feel."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review for Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park stated, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Ottawa Lake Campground noted, "The sites are spacious but very close to your neighbors."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Blue Mound State Park Campground are great for families. One reviewer said, "This campground has a nice playground, hiking trails both short and longer, and bike trails."

What you should know

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper mentioned, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."
  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowded sites on weekends, especially at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for White Pines Forest State Park Campground noted, "The campground is absolutely jammed with campsites—it's ridiculous."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pinewoods. One camper said, "There is a playground for the kiddos."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A parent at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Check for Quiet Hours: Be aware of quiet hours to ensure a good night's sleep for the little ones. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, "It’s actually quiet at night when they need to sleep."

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds, like Ottawa Lake Campground, are big rig friendly. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites are spacious but very close to your neighbors."
  • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. One camper at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground said, "Some sites seem pretty narrow to use RV awnings."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, "Lots of noise. Lots of kids. Lots of dogs."

Camping around Clinton, WI, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Clinton, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clinton, WI is Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground with a 4-star rating from 81 reviews.