Glamping experiences near Cottage Grove, Wisconsin feature a diverse range of accommodations across southeastern Wisconsin's glacial terrain. With average summer temperatures in the 70s and winter lows often below freezing, the region's camping season runs primarily from April through October. Most glamping options sit within 30 minutes of the Cottage Grove area, providing convenient access to both Madison's urban amenities and local natural settings.
What to do
Lake activities: Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground offers multiple water-based recreation opportunities on its 73-acre lake. "The lake is very clean and the site are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!" notes one visitor who enjoyed swimming at the park's beach and launching kayaks from designated areas.
River adventures: At Crazy Horse Campground, tubing and kayaking on Sugar River are included with your stay. A camper explains, "Creek tubing/kayaking is so much fun. Lots of activities and fun." The campground provides shuttles to drop-off points upstream, allowing for a leisurely 90-minute float back to camp.
Family activities: Duck Creek Campground features weekend-themed events throughout the season. As one visitor describes, "Duck Creek, for my money, is the best place in SE Wisconsin. Kids love the swim pond and pond floating playground. Fish in the pond with little ones or walk to Duck Creek with the bigger ones, fishing is pretty good."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at glamping sites near Cottage Grove. At Milton-Madison SE KOA, "The bathrooms and shower were clean and warm! We were surrounded by friendly people and welcoming owners and employees," according to a satisfied guest.
Swimming options: Many glamping locations feature swimming areas beyond standard pools. At Silver Springs Campsites, visitors enjoy both "a clean swimming pond with inflatables" and a traditional pool. One camper noted, "Me and my family has an awesome time every time we go with lots of outdoor stuff we can do all day long like swimming in the pool."
Proximity to hiking: The Kettle Moraine State Forest offers extensive trail systems near luxury camping options. "The campground was close to our intended hiking trail — the Scuppernong section of the Ice Age Trail. It's absolutely gorgeous and will be why we come back again," shared a visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many glamping campgrounds have varying site types and privacy levels. At Pilgrims Campground, "The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby," according to one family's experience.
Seasonal popularity: Most luxury camping destinations near Cottage Grove operate from April through October, with peak demand in summer. A camper at Lake Kegonsa State Park noted, "Clean facilities, friendly staff, and great trails. No bugs!" during their July visit, indicating optimal summer conditions.
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping sites fill quickly during peak season. At Milton-Madison SE KOA, a visitor advised, "They do allow you to pick your site if your willing to pay $10 extra," highlighting the importance of advance planning and potential for customizing your stay.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment planning: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson offers themed weekends and character interactions. A parent shared, "My husband and I plus our 3 kids stayed in a rustic cabin. The cabin was exactly how it was described and thankfully so! Since it had air-conditioning we all slept great."
Beach access: Multiple glamping locations feature sandy beaches for children. At Lakeland Camping Resort, "The beach was amazing!!" according to one visitor, providing a natural swimming alternative to chlorinated pools.
Playground options: Many campgrounds offer multiple play areas. At Duck Creek Campground, one parent noted, "campsites are located right next to the playground so we can watch the kids from the campsite," allowing for supervision while relaxing at your luxury accommodation.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most glamping sites near Cottage Grove offer full hookup options. At Ottawa Lake Campground, an experienced RVer mentioned, "We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to 'home'. We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation."
Site dimensions: RV travelers should check site specifications before booking. A Silver Springs camper noted, "We had a back in site which was easy to navigate into and was mostly level. A lot of the roads were paved and some were gravel but very well maintained."
Seasonal options: Many luxury RV sites offer seasonal rentals. At Lakeland Camping Resort, "Half of camping sites closed due to flooding. Big sites, not a lot of bugs or critters, electric available," providing insight into potential seasonal challenges despite the spacious accommodations.
