Searching for a campsite that allows pets near Cottage Grove? Camping is an adventurous and unique way to escape the city—and you can bring along your furry friend. You're sure to find the perfect pet-friendly campsite for your Wisconsin camping excursion.
The 328-acre park is a unit of the Capital Springs Recreation Area and has a campground, three shelter facilities, play equipment, barrier-free boat launch(with a fish cleaning facility), group camping area, wildlife pond, observation tower, hiking and cross-country ski trails.
The campground has 54 reservable sites(two fully accessible), including 39 electrical hook ups for RVs(50 amp), bathroom and shower facilities, wi-fi, and a sanitary dump station. Only 5 sites are pull through, all others are back in.
The campground opens in April and closes in October. You can check specific dates here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule
Reserve your site online here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html?InterfaceParameter=WebTrac
See campground rules here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules
$18 - $28 / night
Quartzite campground in Devil’s Lake State Park offers camping options for visitors, with both electric and non-electric sites available. This campground, which was once a 9-hole golf course, has mostly open and grassy areas, with a mix of trees scattered throughout. Although many campsites have limited shade or are located on the perimeter near surrounding woods, Quartzite Campground is a great choice for those with large RVs due to the open and spacious nature of many of its sites. The campground is equipped with a playground, a modern shower building, and a dump station. Located on County Road DL, Quartzite Campground can be accessed directly, making it easy to avoid heavy summer traffic when entering or exiting the campground. There is also an access road leading up to the park’s Nature Center, as well as the main day-use picnic area and beach. While the distance to the beach is walkable at about a quarter mile, visitors should note that there is a steep hill between the campground and the day-use area.
It’s important to keep in mind that sites 1-10 are now available only by reservation, and no longer on a first-come-first-served basis.
From website: Camping at Devil’s Lake State Park is extremely popular. Plan ahead, explore your options and make your camping or other lodging reservations well before you arrive. Devil’s Lake State Park has three campgrounds with a total of 423 sites that each accommodate a family (One to six individuals). There are no longer any first-come-first-serve campsites offered at the park. There are also nine group campsites that can accommodate a total of 240 campers. Group campsites are on the south side. Each campground has different qualities that have made each of them popular with annual campers. There are no campgrounds near or on the shoreline of Devil’s Lake itself. Only the Quartzite campground is open for winter camping.
The 427-acre park is best known for its five shelter facilities and ample open space for large group picnics and outings. Recreational facilities include five volleyball courts, equestrian trails, miles of hiking and cross country ski trails, a 27-hole disc golf course and a 43-unit campground, plus a group camp area. Other popular features include an accessible fish pier, two dog parks(one for small dogs), two playgrounds and an elevated boardwalk through a sedge meadow marsh. The park also offers winter access to Dane County's 274 miles of snowmobile trails.
To make a reservation online go here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html (All reservations must be made online or by calling 608-224-3730
Find rules and regulations here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules
See Opening and Closing Dates Here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule
$42 / night
Mendota County Park is located off County Rd M near the intersection of County Rds Q and M in the Town of Westport, a few miles southwest of Governor Nelson State Park. The park has a 30-unit campground and a 5-unit boat camping area. Each campsite has a 30-amp electrical hook-up. Please note an extension cord may be needed to connect some recreational vehicles to the electric pedestal. Camping amenities include bathroom and shower facilities and a dump station. The park also offers two shelter facilities, unsupervised swimming area with an accessible swimming ramp, volleyball courts, play equipment and a shallow launch for small boats, kayaks and canoes.
To make a reservation online go here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html
(All reservations must be made online or by calling 608-224-3730
Find rules and regulations here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules
See Opening and Closing Dates Here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule
$28 / night
Ottawa Lake’s campground is located in the southern unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, situated within half an hour’s drive from Milwaukee. Wisconsin campers of all ages love these grounds thanks to lakefront sites, modern facilities, and access to trails for hikers of every experience level. South Kettle Moraine is also home to over 160 miles of trails, including 87 miles open to horse use. Connect to the Ice Age Scenic Trail and various others within the John Muir and Emma Carlin trail systems.
Don’t forget to bring your rods when camping at Ottawa Lake! You’ll want to take full advantage of the boat dock and fishing pier where you can catch panfish, walleye, muskie, trout, bass, and northern pike – then you can grill them up at your campsite. Keep in mind, motorboats are not permitted on this small lake, which allows for peaceful wading and quieter camping all around.
Though Ottawa Lake is open year-round, it is recommended to check the weather in Dousman and Whitewater before planning trips in the colder months, as freezing temperatures and snow are common. Cold-weather campers who are willing to brave the Wisconsin winter will enjoy snowmobile trails, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. No matter when you visit, Ottawa Lake will leave you satisfied.
Legend
General: Small county park campground (28 sites) located on Lake Mendota
Site Quality: All sites were level and generous in size. Camper pads were somewhat gravel but not well-defined. Long enough to accommodate the largest RV or additional cars (friends visited us when we were there and could easily park two cars in addition to our van at the site). The power box is located at the very end of the camper pad, but extension cords are available from the camp host. Thank goodness that there were ample shade trees in most sites as it was humid and in the high 90s when we were there.
Bath/Shower house: Located a short walk from the campground to accommodate the day-use people as well. Reasonably clean. The bathroom had three stalls and two sinks but could have used a couple of hooks for toiletries in addition to the one small shelf. Two shower stalls, including one ADA-accessible one. There is also a vault toilet closer to the sites.
Activities: Fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, etc. There were kayaks that looked like they could be rented but did not find information on how to do so. Basketball, Volleyball and a playground. The maintenance employee mentioned that people were catching fish with hot dogs!
Note that this park will be closed in spring 2025 for improvements. Note also that this park is located in a residential area, and I imagine it would be packed on weekends, but it was relatively quiet when we were there on a Monday at the end of August. Shortly after we arrived, a loud plane flew overhead, and we were worried this would be a problem, but we didn’t hear any more. The bugs (gnats and mosquitoes) were relentless, especially in the grassy areas so bring bug spray!
Traveler
I ended up here because I was going to a music festival in the area, and they turned me away because I have a service animal. I wasn't going to do all that work for nothing and just go home, so I decided to look up my nearest campground and it was KOA in Milton. they made me feel welcome. they understood my dilemma. it was a wonderful weekend. lots of amenities and I just absolutely can't wait to go back next year. I'm going to try to make it a couple times. so much fun, just me and my dog. And one last the thing, my fellow campers were more than hospitable and very nice and I appreciate that very much.
Traveler
I originally went to this campground a couple years ago for a music festival, but I discovered how much fun it was. the people were incredible. the staff was really awesome so I continue to make it back at least once a year
Guide
Sites are large and well spaced out. The campground is clean and well kept. The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested. There are pit toilets in the camp area, but there are flush toilets, running water, and showers in the picnic area near the entrance. There are a couple of hiking trails as well. Great landscape and wildlife. We were lucky enough to have a couple of Sandhill Cranes walk through our camp early one morning.
Guide
The campground was clean and quiet. We were in the East Loop. The on-site host was super friendly and helpful with firewood and ice. Pit toilets, no showers. Easy access to Ice Age Trail from the campground. Nice hike to Rice Lake.
Guide
Passing through and needed an accesible camping spot for our 19 foot travel trailer. Creekview fit the bill. Right off i90, and next to fuel and food stops. Family run campground with 40 sites that have water and electric. They are cash or check only, with no online booking. Sites are snug. Decent cell service. Other than highway noise peaceful spot. Dogs welcome!
Traveler
We booked a weekend here for a soccer tournament we had in Verona, so we didn’t spend a lot of time on the property. The staff was amazing! Very friendly and helpful for us new to camping people. We booked online and they were also friendly when I messed up my reservation so thanks for that too. 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. We did have a little time to go fishing at the fishing pond. We didn’t catch anything but we had fun. The fishing pond is a ways from our camping area though. It would have been a long walk so we drove. WiFi is for a fee but it was fine. The fee wasn’t expensive (less than $5). No sewer hook up but there is a dump site so no big deal. Overall good stay.
ScoutPulled into the loop, and the host greeted us immediately. Confirmed our spot and backed in. Level spot with a fire ring and metal picnic table. Our spot was back by the road but was still nice. They have very clean bathrooms with showers. Volleyball net, swings, and spots for boats. Would definitely stay again and enjoy the lake a bit more.
Scout
Lots of playgrounds for kids age 2-10. Pit toilets smell- I’d avoid sites around them. Hot Showers by lot 30 and at pool. Pool is not heated as stated- definitely not 80 degrees. West tower is the best for sunsets. Site 75 was nice as it was a bit back from the road and you can’t see your neighbors.
Traveler
Great backpack base camp! Great views, plenty of privacy and an easy hike. We stayed at 806.
Scout
Quiet, all drive-thrus, reasonable rates, very close to the dells, clean bathhouse.
We enjoyed our stay close to everything. Walmart and major shopping within a half a mile. pet friendly. I would recommend this campground
Guide
I've visited this campground twice and it's been a hit both times.
Pros:
- Scenic overlook is gorgeous.
- The dense tree cover and near-constant slight breeze help to both keep this campground cool and the mosquitos at bay.
- Well-kept vault toilets.
- Close to a many points of interest.
Cons:
- Some of the sites are strangely graded and situated. One site near ours had the fire pit at the very edge, making sitting around it virtually impossible. 14 was a pretty site but had a large tree in the middle of it.
- Using the County website to reserve the site was clunky and time consuming.
Guide
I have stayed at this campground three times in the last decade or so.
Pros:
- Excellent location if you're looking to recreate on the Wisconsin River or visit the American Players Theater across the way.
- Interesting history about the Shot Tower on site.
- Nice little hiking trails.
Cons:
- Every time I've visited we've dealt with lots of mosquitos, but nothing comes close to our most recent visit! It was a mosquito massacre. So terrible that after coating ourselves in DEET and eating dinner there the first night, we actually booked another campsite about a half hour away (Brigham County Park - a gem!) and abandoned this site altogether.
- Vault toilets were fragrant.
ScoutWe needed a place after visiting the House on the Rock and couldn't find anything with hookups nearby. We stumbled upon Tom's Campground hoping to find a site. We pulled in and Tom met us at our camper as soon as we got to the top of the hill and before we even got out. He was very friendly and informative. Showers were good enough but we aren't picky, 7 minutes for $0.25. The area was beautiful.
TravelerGreat backpack camp site. Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside. There is a fire pit, but we found our own wood around the site. (Bring a small axe). There is an outhouse, but I wouldn’t recommend using it. There is a picnic table and a bench. It’s very secluded for privacy :) we will definitely be back.
Traveler
Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky. Electricity on site and water near by. Great trails close by.
Guide
I wanted so badly to love this campground experience, but just didn't. Site 19 was an easy walk-in that theoretically had nearby vault toilets, parking, and water.
Each site only had space for one car to park before walking in. Not a huge deal, but annoying as there were 2 of us who drove separate and we had to problem solve. When we got to the site I was shocked to see that what was labeled as a tent site had literally NO flat space to actually set up a tent. Spacious site, but fully sloped.
Also, what I would have loved to know, is that the vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction to build something new in that space. Construction that starts loudly each day at 7am. Honestly every site from about #35 down was affected by the noise because the construction is happening in the middle of the loop (and actually blocking some of the one-way road as well).
The park in general was okay. Per the usual, the pet areas were lacking. No beach at all, just grass covered in goose poop and one cut out on the raised shore between tall grasses and foliage where a dog could potentially jump in. Certainly nowhere for a human to enjoy the water with their pups unfortunately.
Guide
Stayed one night (Friday) and really enjoyed the location. We were in the quiet loop, Loop 1, which actually was very quiet. Everyone was respectful of the rules. We did walk over to the other loops where there was more of a party atmosphere at some sites with larger groups, music, and kids.
The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain. Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight. The pit toilets are about 3 sites away, a short walk. There is room for two tents.
There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area. We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds.
Traveler
Handful of sites, not very level. Lots of bugs, had raccoons fighting outside my tent. Was right across from the New Glarus brewery.
Traveler
We actually stayed in a deluxe cabin at this campground, while our friends were in a camper. The deluxe cabins were $300 a night, very poor air circulation and constantly felt wet. Toilets were impossible to flush and were backing up every time a shower was taken.
Our friends have a 40' camper and could barely fit in the space provided. There was no space to hang out as their camper took up the entire space. If we wanted to start a fire, we couldn't because their fire pit (more like a rusted out ring) was directly under a tree.
Customer service was horrible - manager basically told us it wasn't their problem and wouldn't help the situation. We will not return.
Traveler
Nice quiet place no neighbors usually bothering you showers and toilets could be better but overall ok
Ranger
We were in Site# B1. We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-thru. We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site. My jeep though did not fit. The site was easy to level.
Our site was shaded with lots of trees. This was a larger sized lot with our neighbors not too close (but we did choose a premium site with a patio and paid extra to be on the end).
This specific lot comes with a concrete patio The lot comes with a picnic table and fire hole in the ground.
They have a community Outdoor kitchen-y area with picnic tables.
They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.
You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. There is really not a need to have a Golf cart because it is a smaller campground.
They do have a Swimming pool.
There is a Playground. They also offer horseshoes and a volleyball court.
They have a great general store.
The streets are gravel so not great for riding bikes but there are great places to ride bikes outside of campground, especially around Middleton and Madison.
They have cabins for rent and tent areas.
They have one shower house. The shower house has the typical stalls. These are kept mostly clean.
There is a laundry facility. It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine.
They have a fenced in dog park and many grassy areas to walk dogs.
There were no trails to hike in the campground.
Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the Saturday Farmer’s Market in Madison and multitude of bike trails.
Guide
Cedar Hills Campground has its own Fireworks show on 3 day weekends!
Scout
Beautiful facility but the traffic noise was atrocious.
Guide
The campground is really nice. The facilities are excellent. However it's really close to the interstate and the road noise is awful.
Scout
They have RV for sale or rent, large lots start at $2495 to $3495 for the yr.
GuideYou can plant a garden or flowers, build a deck and have a shed also on your lot starting $2995 to $ 3500 yr and you can leave your rv there in off season. Rent now they have RV for sale for just taking over the site? Call Dennis 608.795.2606
Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. Here are some excellent campgrounds that welcome pets and offer a variety of amenities and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cottage Grove, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cottage Grove, WI is Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cottage Grove, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 129 dog-friendly camping locations near Cottage Grove, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
