The Green Bay region near New Franken spans part of Wisconsin's Niagara Escarpment with elevations ranging from 580 to 780 feet above sea level. The area experiences average summer temperatures between 70-85°F during peak camping season (June-August), with nighttime lows often dropping into the 50s. Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October, with rainfall averaging 3-4 inches monthly during summer.
What to do
Waterfront fishing: Bay Shore Park offers access to Green Bay for anglers. The rocky shoreline provides fishing opportunities without swimming beaches. "The tent sites are a great size and semi private (you can have a conversation and not be heard at other sites). There are reservable and walk-in sites," notes Jennifer S.
Historic exploration: 1 mile from Devils River Campground visitors can explore the Maribel Caves Park with its unique limestone formations. "There are several things to do - hiking, biking, caves, Lake Michigan, etc. The New Hope Cave is only open to tour 1 weekend of the month. It is usually the 3rd Saturday of the month," reports M E.
Scenic hiking: High Cliff State Park offers multiple trail options along the escarpment with elevation changes. "Really cool cliffs to climb/hike. There is also a lime kiln to hike to and see. Beautiful views of Lake Winnebago from high points of the hike," explains Kaylyn C.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. At Cedar Valley Campground, "our site was enormous and the campground was so quiet. Our kids enjoyed the pool and playgrounds," according to April P.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate room to spread out. At Bay Shore Park, "The spots are beautiful and shaded. Rain does cause many of the spots to flood," mentions Celeste D. Plan accordingly during wet weather by selecting higher elevation sites.
Winter accessibility: Potawatomi State Park maintains year-round camping, unlike most seasonal operations in the area. "Good campground with clean bathrooms and showers. Very close to Sturgeon Bay. The sites were a little less secluded than we expected but weren't on top of each other by any means," reports Erin P.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Not making reservations during summer weekends is highly inadvisable. At Devils River Campground, "They don't have a ton of sites and they are reserve only. The weekdays are extremely quiet but the weekends get a little busy due to the seasonal sites."
Seasonal variations: May through early June often brings lake fly hatches along Green Bay shoreline. Weather patterns shift dramatically in September with temperature swings of 30+ degrees possible in a single day.
Site flooding: Low-lying sites can accumulate water during heavy rains. At Bay Shore Park, "Everything was very clean and even with the campground full it was nice and quiet. Rain does cause many of the spots to flood."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. At Apple Creek Campground, "What wasn't so great was the proximity to the interstate, unfortunately, there is no changing that," notes Scott D.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Children enjoy the swimming options at several campgrounds. At Door County KOA Holiday, "With 2 pools, water slide, and splash pad, they are always busy and happy! The bathroom and shower building is wonderful and kept very clean," shares Megan.
Playground access: Bay Shore Park provides play areas for children when swimming isn't available. "This is a great spot for kids..although there isn't swimming there are 2 playgrounds and lots of space to play frisbee or run around. We have a great time every time we go!" reports Kristine M.
Cave exploration: Schedule visits to Maribel Caves Park on the correct weekend. "The New Hope Cave is only open to tour 1 weekend of the month. It is usually the 3rd Saturday of the month but there were scheduling conflicts and it was open on the 2nd Saturday in August," advises M E.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose locations based on proximity to amenities versus privacy needs. At Brown County Reforestation Campground, "Great place to stay! Big rig friendly! Gravel pads and each site comes with a picnic table and fire pit," notes Tori K.
Hookup arrangements: Some sites have unusual utility placement. At Bay Shore Park, "The electric and water hookups were on opposite sides of the site, and we had to keep adjusting the travel trailer to get both to actually hook up," explains Nikki & Mike.
Limited septic service: Not all campgrounds offer on-site sewer hookups. "We wanted septic and they didn't tell us that the septic is a guy in a truck who comes by one or two times a week. There is a dump station however," reports Ross C. about Apple Creek Campground.
