Best Tent Camping near Clinton, WI
Looking for the best options for tent camping near Clinton? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Clinton. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Clinton, Wisconsin (13)
1. Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
6 Reviews•18 Photos•70 SavesDelavan, WisconsinSnug Harbor is the place to be for Campgrounds in Wisconsin. At Snug Harbor you’ll find excellent fishing, boating and swimming on a private, clean, sandy beach.
Our campgrounds offer three different options for today’s camping enthusiasts: Tent Sites, RV Sites, and Manufactured Housing. We have all the modern conveniences while allowing you to relax and enjoy majestic views from every site. Amenities include full hookup, laundromat, ice, firewood, bait, candy, and some fishing supplies. Rent one of our rowboats or canoes for a relaxing day on the lake, or join in a pick-up game of volleyball or horseshoes. Additionally, our RV sites have 30 and 50 AMP electric service and full sewer hookups.
Campsite rentals include sewer hookup. Reservations are recommended. Boat slips are available for a fee. We offer affordable rates for RVs and tent campers. We also have reasonable rates for pier rental, visitors, and our four-legged friends.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$15 - $45 / night
2. MacQueen Forest Preserve
6 Reviews•27 Photos•60 SavesKirkland, IllinoisThis 48-acre former Boy Scout camp still includes the dining hall lodge, three enclosed shelters with wood stoves, hiking /cross country trails and a dozen tent campsites. It is one of the most botanically rich and topographically varied forested preserves in our district. Showy Orchis, Glade Mallow, Cancer Root, ferns, and a nice array of other uncommon plants occur in the diverse upland and floodplain forests. A 100 foot bluff, too steep to walk, drops to the South Branch Kishwaukee River – a run where the river flows across limestone bedrock and the drops over THE GREAT KISHWAUKEE FALLS: an eroded fracture straight across the river’s bed that allows the water to crash straight over the precipice before falling six inches to the bedrock below! (OK, maybe not spectacular, this is the Midwest, after all.) The state endangered Black Sandshell mussel has been found in this portion of the river and Bald Eagles nest less than a mile west, down the river.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
3. New Glarus State Park Campground
16 Reviews•31 Photos•48 SavesNew Glarus, Wisconsin- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$15 - $25 / night
4. KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site
1 ReviewEagle, WisconsinDesignated backpack campsites are available by reservation at the following properties. These campsites may be several hundred yards to a few miles away from the nearest parking area and campers need to carry all gear in and out. Campsites typically feature a fire ring, seating, and a primitive privy or wilderness latrine, which may be shared with other campsites. There are also a limited number of opportunities for very primitive, remote camping on DNR lands.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
5. Sandhill Station State Campground — Lake Mills Wildlife Area
2 Reviews•37 Photos•26 SavesLake Mills, Wisconsin- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
6. Castle Rock State Park Campground
7 Reviews•26 Photos•65 SavesOregon, IllinoisCastle Rock State Park is located along the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County, three miles south of Oregon, on Ill. Rt. 2. Castle Rock camping is centrally located in the Rock River Hills region of Illinois, and its rolling topography is drained by the Rock River. The park is representative of the Rock River Hills area with rock formations, ravines and unique northern plant associations. A sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river, has given the park its name.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$6 / night
7. Kishwaukee Valley Farms
Be the first to review!•1 SaveWoodstock, Illinois- Tents
- Equestrian
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
$74 - $100 / night
8. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center
1 Review•2 PhotosOregon, Illinois- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Cabins
10. Goatland
Be the first to review!•9 Photos•9 SavesOrangeville, IllinoisIt's not a huge place, but the goats, sheep, and a very bossy donkey will keep you company as you bake in the sun, or read under a tree by the creek. Close hwy access, but far enough from that, and in most cases the house, to afford privacy. This is a working farm.
I have several locations for campers based upon multiple factors like weather, phase of hay growth, whether you have kids, want sun or shade, or animals in your space. I limit the number of people here at one time - there is only one bathroom.
We're happy to have you, to answer any questions you may have, and to introduce you to the animals. We mind our own business unless you need something. If you require a lot of attention, manicured lawns, electrical service at your site, a grill at your disposal, and parking at your tent, you probably wouldn't be happy here, but if you like animals, quiet, and open space, we may be just what you're looking for.
Reasonable driving distance to Le-Aqua-Na, Apple River Canyon, Krape and Read Parks, Cadiz Springs, Pecatonica Forest Preserve, and Head Gates Park. About an hour from the Mississippi to the southwest, Galena to the west. There's also a popular walking/biking trail less than 5 mins away.
We are a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks.
Lambs are born in March. Kids are born in April or May. Most are gone, or mature enough to be less fun, by Oct.
Contact me with any inquiries, or questions.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Firewood Available
$35 - $55 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Clinton, Wisconsin
626 Reviews of 13 Clinton Campgrounds
Josh F.
Legend
Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
RV campground with lake access
I did not stay here, but I spend some time walking through to get a feel for the place.
This is primarily an RV/mobile home campground, but there are some nicely tucked away tent camp sites that I'll recommend later in this review. Gravel roads connect the three loops and the landscaping is well kept and maintained. The campground sells ice, firewood and rents boats.
There is a very clean bathroom and bathhouse, freshwater for campers, and some electric tent campsites. The property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake. The tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below (and the RVs).
The Galapagos tent campsite is elevated and a short distance from the loop road, and has a nice view of the lake. The Box Turtle site is also a bit elevated above the main driveway as is Snapper 7, though I am not sure where you are supposed to put your tent in that site.
Now, Snapper 4, 5,6 and 7 would be nice for group camping because they are all very close to one another and a bit more private, set away from the rest of the campsites. There are lots of electrical sites for campers and RVs, most of which look like they are quite permanently in place.
- Josh F.Legend
Milton-Madison SE KOA
RV/Mobile Home Campground with lots to do
I did not stay at this campground, but drove through it to see the place. I was looking for tent campsites and if there are any, they were under the tires of an RV. There are lots of things to do here, but tent camping is not one of them. I have nothing bad or good to say about the place, just letting tent campers know that this might not be the place for them.
- Josh F.Legend
Hebron Campground
Small, Tidy with Lots of Waterworks
This is a relatively small, private campground mostly for RVs though there are some very nice sites that would be lovely for tents. There are a dozen tent sites that back up to a very charming river, each one has a picnic table and fire pit. The view of the river from these sites is lovely. Adding to the waterworks, there is a cute pond with a charming fountain in the center of the RV sites, and a nice horseshoes pit. There are a number of RV sites with full hookups.
I spoke with the owner and they did not have tent camping in 2020. They were worried about people in too close proximity in the restroom. In 2020 they only allowed RVs that had their own restroom facilities. The owner told me that maybe there will be tent camping in 2021.
- Becca Z.
Guide
Lowden State Park Campground
Great camping spot!
We were so happy with the size of the tent camping sites. They were mostly all flat, plenty of space and gave privacy from the neighbors. We were at site 28 which had both sun and shade. Right across from the pit toilets which I wouldn’t pick next time. There was no shower house or running water in the loop we were at. Across the street were the electric rv sites and a few tent sites. Only compliant is even from the middle of the campground we could hear the road noise. Otherwise great!
Nick C.GuideLowden State Park Campground
Great family camp ground
Two main camp grounds. Main rv/ tent camp ground has clean pit toilets and well maintained sites. Primitive camp ground on the east side of the main entrence is very basic yet spaced far enough apart to have some privicy
- John W.Guide
Lowden State Park Campground
Nice camping on the Rock River
We tent camped in the Shady Rest Loop. The B sites (we were B-36) are a strip on one side on the loop. It’s mostly RVs and a shower facility is close by. You get shower access with the B tent sites. They have reserve and walk up. There is a fairly big road that can be noisy. There are tent sites across the road but we did not check them out. Loredo Taft sculpted the large Blackhawk statue on the river (also sculpted the alma mater at U if I). There are some wide hiking trails, very shaded. AT&T got decent cell service in camp. The camp host will sell you firewood. Wed-Sun they have a snack shop with hot dogs and ice cream type stuff. There are volleyball and basketball court, playground and lots of open space if you like to use for games. Fishing is a bit tough from the shore. If you had a boat it might be easier to put in and fish off some of the islands in the river. Water quality from the pumps seemed good. The camp ground is pretty open, so if you are looking for more secluded sites, this might not be for you. That said, aside from the road, it was pretty quiet but we camped mid week. The B sites in this loop were a bit slanted. And our site, B-36 was across the road from the streetlight, our car blocked it pretty well so not a if deal for us. A video of the loo and some pics of the sites are included. Enjoy your camping!
- SSadie R.Guide
Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
Good Tent Sites
We visited this spot last summer as a place to stay for 1 night on our way farther north.
We really enjoy tent camping and prefer walk-in/hike in sites so we can have some privacy away from other campers. The campsites were decently dispersed and the ground was nice and grassy so it was pretty comfortable.
We always want more space between campsites, but I think the privacy level was fine. The tent sites are right off the parking lot where the boat ramp is so maybe on a busy weekend it would be a little loud, but overall a nice night for us!
We left in the morning to continue our drive so we didn’t spend much time checking out the hiking trails.
We did however go checkout the beach which wasn’t much to write home about. If I remember correctly, we had to pay a fee to enter. Always happy to support a state park. We just figured since we were already paying to camp there, it wouldn’t cost extra. I’m pretty sure we paid an admission fee and didn’t stay for long. It was across the way and requires a drive instead of a hike to get there.
Marisa A.
Ranger
MacQueen Forest Preserve
Secluded Hike-in Tent Campsites on the Kish
This is where to go if you don't like pitching a tent in a field of RVs. There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy. This is a very primative campground with 1 set of Vault toilets. The other campsites require a walk/hike along a gravel path for completely wooded sites or cross a football sized meadow for open air sites. There are several well-water pumps "not for drinking." Each campsite has a fire pit and a picnic table. Pack out your garbage for the dumpster in the parking lot. There are only 9 sites total. VERY private and secluded. Tents only! Massive forest preserve area for excellent hiking. Some fellow campers were doing a diy tubing right to the campground. (About a 2 hr lazy river tube from Kingston or 5hrs from Genoa on the slow moving S. Branch of the Kishwaukee River which can be pretty deep in places.) Absolutely NO ALCOHOL. Cost for tent sites is only $4 per tent or tent-like structure. There are primitive cabins for rent and a large lodge if you rented the structure for an event here. By their facebook page, it looks like there have been beautiful weddings here. This is a former scout camp flanked by more forest preserves. The ranger is very nice and the entrance is locked from sunset to sunrise. I hesitated even posting this tent-camping primitive heaven, because I almost want to keep it for myself and the locals. Please practice leave no trace and follow the rules if you go so this place stays open. Dog friendly, but must be leashed all of time or a $50 fine. My dog loved the trails and river crossings! Gorgeous hidden gem about an hour into cornfield country from Chicago NW suburbs like Woodfield Mall. I had cell service at one spot in the parking lot, but it was fleeting with T-mobile. A fellow camper had the best private spot (#2) which other than the ada site was the best because it was closest to the parking lot, yet she still had a festival/yard cart to pull her gear up a gravel path. Make sure you bring yours or are outfitted with backpacking gear. Like anywhere, prevent insect deforestation and don't bring firewood, it's fine, they have plenty.
- DDougGuide
Paul Wolff Campground
Clean and Nice
I've stayed in a tent and a trailer here. Love this place. Super clean, everyone is pleasant. The tent sites are kind of away from the RVs. There's only 10 tent sites, but you could land your tent at an RV site if you wanted water or electric. Love coming here.
- Abby W.
Scout
Sycamore RV Resort
Nice fishing ponds
And fun beach!! But no tent camping
Gypsy G.Guide
Thousand Trails Pine Country
Very nice!
Tent camped here one night. Very nice, private sites. Not many campers, lots of RVs. Folks in the office were very helpful.
- Juliya R.
Traveler
Kettle Moraine South Camping — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit
Secluded and not too busy
Making reservations at the group site was easy and ensured no other campers were near us. Beach access and a great tree canopy allowed for comfortable tent camping.
John M.TravelerRock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
State park close to Chicago
This is a great state park not too far from Chicago. Has a lot of rv sites and dedicated tent site close to the lake.
- Casey M.Traveler
Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
Weekend getaway
We tent camped in the staghorn section, less packed that the other options. Nice place, bathroom and showers were decent. Lot of trails, rentals of kayak, great for dogs and kids. Meijer is also close by in case you forget anything.
- AAmy R.Guide
Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
Tent camping near lake
Tent sites are in hickory hills area. Easy walk to showers/toilets over across from site 100. Tent sites are much more shaded and private than electric sites. We were traveling with another family so had two sites. If you have two parties I'd recommend sites 27 and 31 which have a little private path and potentially 53 and 5 which also appeared to have a path between them. Our sites 47 and 53 were big and shaded but not very flat for sleeping. Boat launch very close if you bring your own kayaks or canoes. There are also some for rent at the other end of the park. Park and ice at concessions.
- DDougGuide
Thomas Woods Campground
Great Campground
Have stayed here a few times tent camping. Smaller campground in McHenry county. Good staff. Other campers relatively friendly and quiet. County police make a presence in the camp ground. Clean. Decent sites, some have hike in (kind of). Decent toilets.
- Chloe N.Scout
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Great for kids
We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. There are about 8 tent/pop up sites and the rest of the campground is for RVs. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site! The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms (no hot water in the showers) right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids! We’re going back this summer. This is not private or rustic camping but still very fun and relaxing.
Mitchell S.ScoutRock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
Easy get away
Nice quiet place to get away. Large lake for boating and fishing. Sights are good sized for campers and pop-ups. Tent sites are a little sloped. Easy trails around the lake.
- CClaire S.Scout
Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Typical State Park Campsites
The state park is larger than expected with decent amenities (boat rentals, concessions, relatively clean pit toilets) and areas designated for trailer camping and tent camping.
We stayed in the Turner South Loop, one of the older tent camping loops, and the age definitely showed. Most of the sites on this loop are pretty worn, with not much privacy. We stayed in T10, but would consider T9 if we returned to this loop for a different reserved site. The prairie loop looked a bit newer with bigger, less worn sites. Both loops had grill pits that were well-maintained for fires and campfire cooking.
Trails were geared more towards horses and bikes, but there are plenty of walking paths, and we were able to find some hidden trails along the lake (read: unofficial). Overall, a place for relaxing and leisurely strolls and not hiking.
- CCari B.Traveler
Paul Wolff Campground
Nice enough for a stopover
Well maintained park. We stayed at a tent site, nearby pit toilets are basic with no running water. Odd numbered sites had better shade than evens. The RV sites looked closely spaced but nice enough
Matthew S.GuideLowden State Park Campground
Good hotel alternative
Pro: it's only $10 to tent camp.
Facilities are clean.
Con: it's state Park camping. For someone who prefers a more primitive camping style, it's a bit jarring to have no privacy between sites that are packed in tight together. But for $10, it still beats a hotel.
KenGuide
Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Beautiful Spot
We were camping here right in the middle of fall. The leaves were changing and our site was near the lake. Awesome family friendly spot. Adult beverages must be in a solo cup. Good for RV and tent camping. The bathroom isn’t too far of a walk from any site.
- Marisa A.Ranger
Thomas Woods Campground
Beautiful IL woods and prairie
Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers. Hand pumps for water and well-kept pit toilets. Hiking galore! My "leashed" dog loves this place, as do I.
- MMarthaScout
Paul Wolff Campground
Not for #vanlife
Full hook ups and electric sites plus some restricted Equestrian and walk in sites
Not for #vanlife. I tried to pay for a tent site and was told “you’re not supposed to sleep in your car” “this campground is for RV’s only” - PPhillip T.Guide
Sycamore RV Resort
Secret get away
No tent camping allowed but pop up trailers on up are welcome. Very nice grounds that are quiet. 10 minute drive to town. 20 minutes from Dekalb. Some Covid 19 restrictions. Beach and restrooms are closed. Campers must have their own toilets. Other wise very clean shower house and restrooms if there were no Covid 19.
- JJulianaTraveler
New Glarus State Park Campground
Quiet!
Camped here in a camper van. Very quiet (mid week in September). Very well maintained trails. Most sites are spacious, shady. I did not check out the tent sites, but the one I did see was really nice. A bit of highway noise, certainly nothing bad.
- Josh F.Legend
Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks
A county park with lots to offer
I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in.
This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach. There are nicely-groomed volleyball courts, picnic shelters and abundant picnic tables. There are pit toilets throughout the campground and one flush toilet station in the public picnicking area.
The campsites are up the hill from the public areas I just described. Sites 1 through 8 are in an oak savannah, semi-shaded but mostly in a grassland area. Sites are grassy with no gravel pads for parking.
The group camping area is slightly shaded, but would be warm and sunny midday. Group site 19 is probably one of the shadiest areas.
Now, sites 22 and 23, 24, 25 and 26 are very cool. The campsites are in the midst of a pine forest. It would be sweet to tent camp there and listen to the wind in those trees. Note, there is no camping IN among the pine forest, and these sites are going to be quite sunny and warm midday without much shade.
Guide to Clinton
Discover the beauty of tent camping near Clinton, Wisconsin, where nature meets adventure in a variety of well-reviewed spots. From serene lakeside views to rustic forest settings, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Tent campers should check out local activities
- Enjoy a peaceful stay at Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake, where you can indulge in fishing and boating on the picturesque Turtle Lake.
- Experience the tranquility of MacQueen Forest Preserve, perfect for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
- Visit Sandhill Station State Campground — Lake Mills Wildlife Area for birdwatching and enjoying the diverse wildlife in a serene environment.
Amenities that enhance your camping experience
- Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake offers full hookups, showers, and a restaurant on-site, making it a convenient choice for families.
- At New Glarus State Park Campground, you'll find spacious sites with electric hookups and access to well-maintained trails for hiking.
- Scheidegger Forest (Dane County Parks) provides a drive-in option with picnic tables and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay in nature.
Unique features to enjoy while camping
- The three-tiered layout at Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake guarantees stunning views for all campers, making it a picturesque spot for relaxation.
- MacQueen Forest Preserve offers secluded sites that are perfect for those seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle.
- Experience the rustic charm of KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site, where you can enjoy a remote camping experience with a fire pit and picnic table for a cozy evening under the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clinton, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clinton, WI is Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Clinton, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Clinton, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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