Best Campgrounds near Cottage Grove, WI

Are you in need of a campground near Cottage Grove, WI? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Cottage Grove, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Cottage Grove and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Cottage Grove, Wisconsin (144)

    1. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 873-9695

    "Just a quick 2 hour drive from our home in Chicago, with large wooded sites for privacy. Clean bathrooms."

    "We didn’t have much time to explore the campground but we did have a nice walk around the outer loop of sites. This is near the main highway and a nice place to camp."

    2. William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground (Dane County Park)

    17 Reviews
    Madison, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $18 - $28 / night

    "With the rain and the proliferation of mosquitoes, we were wandering around southern Wisconsin without a plan when we stumbled across this county park. 50 sites, many with electric and very reasonably"

    "No water on sites but spigots located throughout the park. Dump station right at the entrance but there's plenty of room to maneuver around there. Could get congested if busy."

    3. Token Creek County Park

    11 Reviews
    Windsor, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    "Small campground, but you play disc golf and lovely trails! So close to get away from the city."

    "Near the highway and airport makes for quick access but it can get noisy. It can also get very quiet and peaceful. Lots of hiking trails and a boardwalk."

    4. Badgerland Campground

    8 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 873-5800

    $40 - $60 / night

    "We booked in VIP 1, which is right next to the bath house. We wanted to be close to the showers (coin op). We figured since we’re at a sporting event that might be nice. Very quiet at night."

    "This is a small campground near Madison. Reasonable rates. Large VIP drive through sites. Small swimming area. Catch and release pond. Small office and bar. Clean bathrooms and showers."

    5. Mendota County Park

    10 Reviews
    Middleton, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $28 / night

    "Like other reviewers have stated, be prepared to be close to others. We didn’t mind at all and found everyone to be super nice."

    "Nice little campground right on Lake Mendota. 29 sites available with electric, but bring an extension cords!! Some sites electric is close by, others not so much!"

    6. Babcock County Park (Dane County Parks)

    5 Reviews
    Madison, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $28 / night

    "Nice trails in the area and good fishing. Convenience to everything you could need in Madison. You can walk or run down a couple of quiet streets and get to a river trail that goes for miles."

    7. Hickory Hills Campground

    12 Reviews
    Edgerton, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 884-6327

    $42 / night

    "Our site was nicely wooded and a decent size, but everyone was pretty close to each other.

    When we were there, the women's shower was freezing and the men's was almost uncomfortably hot."

    "Hidden from site, the entire grounds are completely surrounded by a very thick wall of tall trees that barricades this place from most of civilization."

    8. Milton-Madison SE KOA

    18 Reviews
    Edgerton, WI
    21 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!"

    9. Whistlestop Campground

    3 Reviews
    Marshall, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 655-3080

    $47 - $57 / night

    10. Lantern DeForest

    4 Reviews
    Windsor, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 342-1111

    $39 - $999 / night

    "They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.

    You are allowed to ride personal golf carts."

    "While the location is great for fast travels into Madison, or getting to great hiking areas."

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Recent Reviews near Cottage Grove, WI

972 Reviews of 144 Cottage Grove 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.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    way overpriced and not worth it

    cost at end of september, sunday night was $76/night PLUS $16 parking fee so $92 for a night at a mediocre campground with no privacy. i rarely write negative reviews, but ive been camping for a while now, and never experienced this high of a cost for just a regular campground.

  • 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

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Fon du Lac County Waupun Park

    Oak/hickory forest

    The campground is in a beautiful oak/hickory forest with many birds, chipmunks and skeeters(pack protection). We stayed on site 22 which was a nine minute walk from the toilet and had a street light. There are water spigots throughout. Site 21 or 23 would be better. The sites are large and the ones on the outside of the loop are very private. The campground was quiet, especially after dark! There is a train horn occasionally, but it’s distant. The showers were hot and clean. The playground was fun. There is a pickle ball court, so bring paddles. There is also a walking trail.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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 Cottage Grove

Camping near Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly campgrounds, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. Campers have noted that the trails are well-maintained and provide beautiful views. One reviewer mentioned, "This park had nice trails and was beautiful in fall," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes, making it easy to cast a line. A visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground shared, "Pierce Lake is great for fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the lakes. A reviewer at Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park said, "The best beach around, crystal clear, shallow water was perfect for our young kids to play in."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground remarked, "It's not the camping in nature experience I am looking for. Lots of noise. Lots of kids."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A visitor at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground noted, "There are very nice walk-in sites, but no carts are provided."
  • Reservations: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A reviewer at Governor Dodge State Park mentioned, "It can get busy, especially during the summer holidays."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the right campground: Look for family-friendly options with amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas. A camper at Blue Mound State Park Campground said, "This campground has a nice playground, hiking trails both short and longer."
  • Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park suggested, "Cannot camp and not do the hike! Views are incredible!"
  • Pack snacks: Keep everyone fueled up with easy-to-carry snacks. A camper at Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park mentioned, "The park itself is beautiful and look forward to coming back."

Tips from RVers

Camping around Cottage Grove, WI, offers a mix of fun activities and beautiful scenery. Whether you're tent camping or bringing your RV, there's a spot for you to enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cottage Grove, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cottage Grove, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 144 campgrounds and RV parks near Cottage Grove, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Cottage Grove, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cottage Grove, WI is Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cottage Grove, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Cottage Grove, WI.