Camping spots near Cross Plains, Wisconsin encompass areas with elevations ranging from 900-1,300 feet in the Driftless Area. The region features a four-season climate with July average temperatures reaching 82°F and January lows dipping to 11°F. Summer thunderstorms can develop rapidly between May and September, particularly in the higher elevation locations west of Cross Plains.
What to do
Hike the bluffs at Blue Mound State Park Campground: The park offers trails for various skill levels with a 1.3-mile connection to observation towers. "The park offers nice wooded sites. Some larger than others so be sure to watch the site listing on ReserveAmerica to see how deep the site it. It also has bike in / hike in sites," notes one camper about Blue Mound State Park Campground.
Visit caves and geological features: Several locations near Cross Plains provide access to unique rock formations. At Quartzite Campground in Devil's Lake State Park, visitors can explore multiple trails. A camper shares, "Beautiful bluffs surround Devils Lake that allow campers to hike up and see greats views of the lake." Cave tours are available for families: "The caves are incredibly well maintained and organized with fun themed tours."
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Several parks maintain separate mountain biking trails designed for different skill levels. Blue Mound State Park features mountain bike specific trails through wooded areas. According to a visitor, "There are a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. A swimming pool and picnic area."
What campers like
Privacy at certain sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded spots than others. At Brigham Park, one camper reports, "On the other side of the loop, however, campsites are much more secluded with under-story between sites. These also back up to the woods, which makes for a much nicer overall camp experience." For optimal privacy, sites 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 20 are recommended.
Natural cooling effects: The higher elevation sites benefit from improved airflow. A Brigham Park visitor explains, "The dense tree cover and near-constant slight breeze help to both keep this campground cool and the mosquitos at bay." This natural cooling is particularly valuable during July and August when temperatures typically reach the 80s.
Fall camping colors: The hardwood forests transform from late September through October. A camper at Ice Age Campground shares, "Beautiful campground with amazing views for Fall. The hike to the caves is about 3 miles with gorgeous landscapes/colors in October."
What you should know
Limited water hookups: While most campgrounds provide electrical service, water access varies. At Mendota County Park, a visitor notes, "30 amp hookups no water at the sites." Some locations require extension cords: "Some sites electric is close by, others not so much! Everything from huge class A's to little tents here this weekend."
Seasonal operation differences: Operating schedules vary widely between locations. Several campgrounds close after October 1st until spring, while others remain open year-round. Brigham Park, for instance, is "Only Dane Co. Park open year round," according to one camper's report.
Insect activity varies by elevation: Campgrounds at higher elevations typically have fewer mosquito issues. Sites in lower areas or near water bodies experience more insects, especially after rainfall. One camper noted about Blue Mound State Park, "The raccoons are a bit gutsier than most, though," indicating wildlife management may be necessary.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming facilities: Several parks provide dedicated swimming areas during summer months. At Blue Mound State Park, one visitor reports, "The pool is very nice and very clean. There is a pool section and a splash section. There are chairs and lounges around both and shade awnings. The cost is $3 for and adult and $2 for child."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds have playground equipment and specific family-oriented features. Blue Mound State Park gets high marks from parents: "It is a beautiful park with tons of trees. Beautiful hiking trails everywhere for different levels of hiker. The pool is awesome, and the splash pad is absolutely incredible. This is a great place to camp with little kids."
Cave exploration with children: Specific caves in the area offer child-oriented tours and activities. According to a visitor at Northern Lights Campground, "There's also a biking camp ground right off the Ice Age Trail, which makes it a great stop for an overnight or just a break. You're also close enough to drive to Mt. Horeb if you need more action or beer."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate bigger recreational vehicles. A camper at Blue Mound State Park advises, "For RVs, be sure to select a bigger site than you think you need. Sometime's it's tricky to maneuver your camper so big rigs may want to stay elsewhere. Our 30 ft. travel trailer fit fine, with some skilled driving."
Electrical considerations: Placement of electrical hookups varies significantly between sites. As one Mendota County Park visitor notes, "The power box is located at the very end of the camper pad, but extension cords are available from the camp host." This tip is especially important for those with fixed cord lengths.
Bathroom and shower access: Facilities differ between campgrounds with varying cleanliness and features. According to an RVer at William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground, "Bathrooms/showers were warm and clean, and the vault toilets were not bad although there were a few spiders. The Stevens Falls and Canyon Trails were the highlight of the trip- even in the rain!"
