Camping sites near Cottage Grove, Wisconsin range from small county parks to family-oriented campgrounds with recreational lakes. Located in the glaciated terrain of south-central Wisconsin at approximately 900 feet elevation, the area features a mix of woodlands and prairie landscapes. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with higher humidity levels that can intensify mosquito activity at many campgrounds during peak camping season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Kegonsa offers multiple fishing spots where visitors can catch "blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie" according to reviews of Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground. Some campers report success using unusual bait: "people were catching fish with hot dogs!" at Mendota County Park.
Bike trail access: The Capital City Trail connects William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground directly to downtown Madison, making it "a great place to park your camper at a reasonable price where you can ride your bike to downtown Madison in about 40 minutes." The campground serves as a convenient base for cyclists wanting to explore the extensive Madison trail network.
Amusement park visits: Families staying at Whistlestop Campground appreciate the unique amenity of "a train that comes through every hour during the day to pick you up and take you to the next door amusement park." One camper noted that "the amusement park itself was not too expensive so it was enjoyable for the whole family."
What campers like
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer water recreation alternatives. Hickory Hills Campground maintains "a nice beach" on their 172-acre spring-fed lake and "a sparkling clean (but cold!) pool." At Badgerland Campground, families enjoy "a swim pond with a huge bouncy float" that provides entertainment during hot summer days.
Weekend activities: Several campgrounds organize regular events. Hickory Hills Campground hosts "activities and music on the weekends" including "a live band playing on the beach, people were dancing, cheering and having the best time of their lives." Campers appreciate these organized social opportunities.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention facility maintenance at Token Creek County Park, where "the grounds are super clean and not worn down." A camper noted the campground "is small therefore, quiet and not inundated with kids" and "sheriffs patrol the grounds and came thru twice a day," adding to the sense of security.
What you should know
Limited privacy: Many campgrounds in the area feature open layouts. At William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground, "the RV sites are only open to vehicles with self-contained water and sewer" during certain periods, and "the tent campsites are very open and would be quite sunny during the day. They are also extraordinarily close to one another, there is no understory between for any privacy."
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience transportation noise. Mendota County Park "is somewhat close to the interstate and rural highway roads so there is some traffic noise but relatively quiet by night time." Lake Kegonsa campers report that "freight train that came through around midnight and then again at 2 am" can disrupt sleep.
Mosquito prevalence: Milton-Madison SE KOA and other area campgrounds can become mosquito-heavy during summer months. At Babcock County Park, one camper described the mowed paths as "like running a gauntlet of mosquitos. I was bitten horribly." Bug protection is essential throughout the camping season.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas. Token Creek County Park provides "a small playground and short walking path which is nice." Milton-Madison SE KOA features "2 playgrounds, a nice pool, games and activities for the kids over weekends" making it "a great place to bring our three boys."
Beach access considerations: Water quality varies seasonally. At Lake Kegonsa, "the pedestrian beach is too rocky for my liking, but the dog beach is nice and sandy yet small. There is also a bit of a hike to get there. So if you take a cooler you may want a wagon." Families should plan accordingly when packing beach gear.
Campsite selection: Choosing the right site impacts your experience. At Lake Kegonsa, "large private sites with good space between them in a lovely wooded setting" provide better family comfort. One visitor recommended site selection at Token Creek: "careful of the even numbered side. It's a bit of a low space, and some sites can flood in heavy rain."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric service varies between campgrounds. At Lantern DeForest, "some sites have electricity, some do not. Pay attention to the map when booking for this information. There is no water or sewer on any sites. Water and dump stations are available." Most campgrounds offer electric hookups but limited full-service sites.
Site dimensions: RV campers should verify size accommodations. At Lake Kegonsa, "the sites we were in were a little narrow to back in a 30ft camper. The pictures of the site did not show this." Lantern DeForest provides more space with "all drive through" sites that "can handle large rigs. Not bad for a quick one-night stay."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have hazards for larger vehicles. Lake Kegonsa has "major CAUTION for RVs: there is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend's fifth wheel. There is also a low hanging overpass and it took the roofs off TWO fifth wheels while we were staying there." Proper route planning is essential.
