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Dog-Friendly Camping near Cross Plains, WI

124 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Blue Mound State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its camping areas, offering tent sites, RV spots, and cabins for visitors with dogs. Nearby, Devils Lake State Park's Ice Age Campground provides pet-friendly accommodations with clean bathrooms and tree-lined spots for privacy. Most campgrounds in the Cross Plains area require pets to remain on leash at all times, with designated pet exercise areas available at select locations. William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground features a dog park that campers receive admission to with their campsite reservation. Campers consistently note the clean facilities and well-maintained grounds at these pet-friendly parks. The campgrounds typically provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails where dogs can join their owners.

    Hiking trails throughout the region accommodate leashed dogs, with Blue Mound State Park offering wooded paths ideal for morning walks with pets. Mendota County Park provides wide bike and hiking paths that are paved or stone, perfect for dog walking while enjoying lake views. Summer visitors should be aware of mosquito activity, with reviewers recommending strong repellent for both humans and pets during warmer months. Most campgrounds maintain quiet hours from approximately 11pm to 8am, when barking should be minimized. Campers with pets should pack extra water, waste bags, and portable bowls for trail excursions. The pet beach at Yellowstone Lake State Park offers water access for dogs, though the area can become crowded during holiday weekends and summer months.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Cross Plains (124)

      1. Blue Mound State Park Campground

      4.6(28)12mi from Cross Plains91 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water."

      "This is another Wisconsin gym sitting in Southern West Wisconsin."

      from $18 - $50 / night

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      2. Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park

      4.5(47)22mi from Cross Plains109 sitesRVs, Tents

      "The new warden situation is interesting. Things have gotten a lot more strict in some areas (ex."

      "this park has everything. beaches, bluffs, campIng, hikes, and phenomenal views. there is no wake in the lake and dogs are technically supposed to be on a leash."

      from $28 - $53 / night

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      3. Cedar Hills Campground - Clothing Optional

      5.0(10)10mi from Cross PlainsRVs, Cabins

      "Cedar hill Wisconsin is a clothing optional campground so I enjoy it very much. The entire campground is located at the top of a 1000 ft.high bluff."

      "River right behind our campsite. Some sites were a bit small but we managed to reserve one big enough for a trailer and a tent. Somewhat closed in with a lot of vegetation. Kids loved the river!"

      4. Mendota County Park

      4.1(10)9mi from Cross Plains1 site

      "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."

      "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."

      from $28 / night

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      5. Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park

      4.3(43)22mi from Cross Plains184 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Quiet, pet friendly spot with nice bathrooms and plenty of tree lined spots for some privacy. Great spot to spend a weekend."

      "Much to do at Devil's Lake and surrounding area. features multiple campgrounds and multiple areas for swimming. A beach at the North and South of the lake."

      from $28 - $53 / night

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      6. Brigham Park

      4.4(10)10mi from Cross PlainsRVs, Tents

      "It's up on a hill, so there's good views of the driftless area of Wisconsin. Plenty of open walk up camp sites, but it might be more full in the summer."

      "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."

      7. Northern Lights Campground — Devils Lake State Park

      4.4(34)22mi from Cross Plains120 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Views like these are hard to beat in Wisconsin, or anywhere really. The cliffs on the side of the lake are phenomenal."

      "This is one if the busiest State Parks in Wisconsin because it has so much to offer! Great roomy sites, many with electric. Stunning lake surrounded by bluffs and beaches."

      from $28 - $53 / night

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

      3.8(18)17mi from Cross Plains2 sites

      "There are very wide bike/hiking paths that are paved or stone.  The huge lake has boating opportunities and you can rent a boat in McFarland that is a short drive or bike ride. "

      "If you haven’t reserved a site, there are several sites for walk-ins but you have to be present to sign/obtain them."

      from $18 - $28 / night

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      9. Token Creek County Park

      3.6(11)17mi from Cross PlainsRVs, Tents

      "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."

      10. Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

      4.2(27)25mi from Cross Plains116 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The sites on the "inside" of the loop are rather close to one another. 21 has a nice view of the lake, and you can walk back to the fence to look over the bluff 24 is quite private and very large 26,"

      "I randomly picked this campground, after trying to book Devil's Lake with no luck. WE LOVED IT! Sites are very private, some in the woods, and some have sun/shade."

      from $25 - $40 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Cross Plains, WI

    877 Reviews of 124 Cross Plains Campgrounds


    • Rose F.
      Sep. 26, 2020

      Crazy Horse Campground

      A little something of everything

      Friendly staff and a nicely stocked store. Has a pool, petting zoo, kayaks, rocky beach, dog park, and a land pillow! The sites are spaced out well and there are more secluded sites so you have the feeling of privacy or big group sites for a big party.

    • B
      May. 27, 2019

      Baraboo RV Resort by Rjourney

      Super campground!

      Great location close to many things yet far enough to feel quiet and peaceful. Great owners always have fun stuff going on for everyone and our dog loves the dog park!

    • Debbi S.
      Aug. 26, 2018

      Wisconsin Dells KOA

      Good campground for families with kids

      A central playground and pool are the biggest draws for families with kids. There's also a prospecting 'sluice' that you can buy for the kids to look for 'fossils' and interesting rocks.

      The campground is located just north of the main attractions of Wisconsin Dells.

      Campsites are not overly generous in size -- typical KOA, where some are 'stacked like cordwood'. Don't go there if you want any privacy from your neighbors.

      Cabins are available for those wanting to 'camp' without a camper.

      Very small dog park area.

      Friendly check in staff. However, we were given a map with our campsite noted and told to wait for a person driving a golf cart to escort us and help us get situated. We waited...and waited...and waited...golf carts came and went, but passed us by. We finally gave up waiting and found out site by ourselves.

    • Pat M.
      Jun. 12, 2019

      Milton-Madison SE KOA

      Great stay

      Just became KOA met local campers that love this park! Good sites, trash pickup at side! They even have a snack bar and deliver to your campsite! No enclosed dog park but plenty of area to walk your dog!

    • Lori H.
      Aug. 1, 2018

      Indian Trails Campground

      Lots of wholesome family fun

      Pond, pool, snack shop, kayak rentals, fishing pond, family bicycle course with helmets, dog park, lots of activities/themes, reasonably priced, and clean!

    • Diana R.
      May. 29, 2026

      Ho-Chunk RV Resort & Campground

      Convenient RV Stay Near the Dells

      Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells RV Park is a nice option if you want an easy RV stay close to the casino and Wisconsin Dells attractions. I like that it feels convenient and low-hassle, with full hook-up sites, Wi-Fi, showers, laundry, a playground, pet area, and access to some hotel/casino amenities.

      Pros: great location, full hook-ups, convenient amenities, close to entertainment.

      Cons: it is more practical than scenic, and it is RV-only, so no tent camping.

      Overall, it’s a good pick if you want a comfortable RV base near the Dells instead of a rustic campground.

    • A
      Jun. 19, 2023

      Glacier Valley Campground

      Fun place

      Nice, clean, well maintained campground with something for everyone. Swimming pond is huge with toys for everyone. You can bring your own pool toys. Sites are decently spacious and decently level with some gravel and some grass. Bathhouse is nice & clean. Office/store has some logo goodies as well as any necessities you may need. They had a beer tasting going on, live music at the pavilion- both on a Saturday during our stay. A couple trails around for walks with dogs & a dog park. Lively campground during the day but nice & quiet at night with quiet hours being 11pm-8am.

    • Agapes D.
      Jun. 12, 2018

      Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

      Wonderful hiking!-May 2018

      This is a popular place in the area, the human beaches are full and the small pet beach area was well used by my husband, myself and our two dogs; Odinn & Frigga over Memorial Day. The hiking is amazing , particularly the Oakgrove trail, plenty to see with beautiful views. There is boating, canoeing, etc. Bring the strongest mosquito repellent you can get, Wisconsin in summer can be rough. We tried our Black Diamond poles and Thule day bags and we got to try cooling vests for the dogs from Ruffwear. It was so much fun. Note that there are sites to camp, cabins nearby and plenty of Hipcamp sites near. Strongly recommend Riverview Bottoms, which sits in a 500 acre property and is 10 min away.

    • Debra M.
      Jul. 29, 2021

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

      So Much to Do Worth a Second Visit

      We enjoyed this park so much we have already been here twice and have a third trip planned for this coming September.   There are very wide bike/hiking paths that are paved or stone. 

      The huge lake has boating opportunities and you can rent a boat in McFarland that is a short drive or bike ride.  We rented a boat to fish and then drove across the lake to eat at a restaurant with boat parking.

      The nature center is across the street from the campground and has a small snack bar/restaurant.  There are cranes walking all around and the park is so big it has different types of plants to explore.  There is an observation tower and in the picnic area a playground.  The best part is the boardwalk that extents over the lake and you are walking/riding on water.

      About a half a mile away is a very nice dog park that you receive admission to if you have a campsite.

      Dane County has many parks in their system and we have stayed at several and all are great.


    Guide to Cross Plains

    Cross Plains sits within Wisconsin's Driftless Area at elevations ranging from 860-1,260 feet, characterized by unglaciated terrain with steep valleys and sandstone bluffs. The camping season typically runs April through October, with July temperatures averaging 82°F and nighttime lows around 62°F. Winter camping is available at select locations, but facilities may be limited.

    What to do

    Hiking diverse terrain: Blue Mound State Park Campground features extensive trail networks with various difficulty levels. "There are a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. A swimming pool and picnic area" and "gorgeous hiking with really unique trails. Awesome mountain hiking options," according to visitors who appreciated the varied terrain.

    Rock climbing: Quartzite Campground at Devils Lake State Park offers climbing opportunities on quartzite formations. "Devils lake state park is a busy place. Over 2 million visitors a year! Climbing is popular and there are people to help teach you," notes one camper, highlighting the accessibility for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

    Water activities: Cox Hollow Campground at Governor Dodge State Park provides multiple water recreation options. "Two good lakes for kayaking/canoeing/fishing/swimming. Lots of good hiking trails," writes one visitor. Lakes throughout the region maintain no-wake zones in designated areas to protect wildlife habitats and provide peaceful paddling experiences.

    Stargazing: Brigham Park offers exceptional night sky viewing due to its elevation. "A perfect place to star gaze or watch a storm roll in. You can see for miles and miles. The cool breeze rolls up over the mound at night, keeps you cool on your tent," shares one camper who appreciated the astronomical opportunities.

    What campers like

    Spacious, private sites: Ice Age Campground at Devils Lake State Park receives praise for its well-designed layout. "Quiet, pet friendly spot with nice bathrooms and plenty of tree lined spots for some privacy. Great spot to spend a weekend," explains one visitor who appreciated the natural buffers between campsites.

    Clean facilities: Northern Lights Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. "This campground is very clean and both shower house and vault toilets are as well. Sites are well spaced and each have fire pit/grill and picnic table," notes a camper who visited during a July holiday weekend.

    Cooling water features: Swimming areas are valued during summer months. "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," describes one camper at Blue Mound State Park, detailing the amenities available for $3 per adult and $2 per child.

    Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer nature observation opportunities. "We've seen bunnies and chipmunks. There are a lot of mature trees on site, which provided abundant shade in the mid 80's," shares a visitor at Token Creek County Park, noting the natural elements that enhanced their camping experience.

    What you should know

    Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. "You need to book the 11 months in advance, especially for holiday weekends," advises one camper about Devils Lake State Park, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead for prime camping dates.

    Site selection: Mendota County Park requires careful research when booking. "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," explains a visitor who appreciated the space but noted other considerations for choosing the right site.

    Weather preparedness: Storms can develop quickly in the area. "It did storm hard while we were there and the shore store had everyone in the store for the storm. The storm came in really fast too," reports one camper at Devils Lake, highlighting the need for weather awareness and appropriate shelter options.

    Variable cell service: Connectivity differs between campgrounds. "Strong cell signal on T-Mobile and you're quite close to Madison, University of Wisconsin, etc., so location could work well for lots of folks," notes a camper at Mendota County Park, while more remote locations may have limited reception.

    Tips for camping with families

    Pool and splash pad access: William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground offers recreation for children near Madison. "My husband and I stayed here and had a great time! The camp grounds were clean and ready to stay at. There are clean showers and bathrooms, a playground, and a place to swim," explains one visitor who enjoyed the family-friendly amenities.

    Playgrounds proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience with small children. "Nice playground right next to the shower so the kids could play while we showered," reports a visitor to Northern Lights Campground, highlighting the practical arrangement for families.

    Kid-friendly hiking options: Several parks offer trails suitable for various ages. "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," shares a visitor to Blue Mound State Park.

    Wildlife awareness: Certain campgrounds have active nocturnal visitors. "The raccoons are a bit gutsier than most, though," warns one camper about Blue Mound State Park, while another noted, "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD!" regarding Governor Dodge State Park, suggesting proper food storage is essential.

    Tips from RVers

    Extension cord needs: Many electrical sites require additional equipment. "Bring an extension cord! Some sites electric is close by, others not so much!" advises a camper at Mendota County Park, highlighting a practical consideration for those with electric-dependent setups.

    Site leveling challenges: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Not all 'driveways' are level which, unfortunately, we discovered in site 33. We slept with our heads lower than our feet in our camper van," shares one visitor to Governor Dodge State Park, suggesting research or leveling blocks be part of preparation.

    Dump station considerations: Facilities vary in quality and convenience. "The potable water spigot is way too close to the dump station for comfort," notes a visitor to Mendota County Park, while another camper at Token Creek explains, "Potable water, dump station, and non-potable water at the dump station are convenient. Have a bit of your own hoses to reach."

    Size restrictions: Some campgrounds better accommodate smaller RVs. "Great campground for everything but big 5th wheelers and motorhomes," explains a camper about Governor Dodge State Park, while another notes, "You drive through much of the park. Signs showed the way and it was easy to follow along," regarding navigation to specific sites.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cross Plains, WI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cross Plains, WI is Blue Mound State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 28 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cross Plains, WI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 124 dog-friendly camping locations near Cross Plains, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.