Campgrounds near Cudahy, Wisconsin range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks within a 20-40 minute drive radius. The region features glacial kettle landscapes formed during the last ice age, with elevations ranging from 580 to 1,050 feet. Camping options include both inland forest settings and Lake Michigan shoreline access, with most sites offering the greatest availability on weekdays throughout the camping season.
What to Do
Hiking on diverse terrain: At Pinewoods Campground, trails connect directly to campsites with multiple difficulty levels. "Our site was well wooded and very spacious! It had a decent clearing for some sun and the driveway was longer setting it back from the loop road," notes Jack D. about his experience at Pinewoods Campground.
Beach swimming and fishing: Muskego Park features a spring-fed pond with both swimming and fishing opportunities. "This place had it all. A spring fed pond for swimming and fishing. Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area," writes Natassha F. about Muskego Park.
Winter camping options: Unlike seasonal campgrounds, Wisconsin State Fair RV Park remains open year-round. "We stayed at State Fair RV Park in Milwaukee for two months while waiting to retire and work out bugs in our new RV. The park was all cement, it was clean and quiet," reports Anna and Michael G.
ATV trails and nature activities: Richard Bong State Recreation Area offers specialized trails for off-road vehicles and extensive nature programs. "It was easy to get reservations to this campground. We picked it because it was an hour and half from Chicago. We went for the ATV track," says Katie D. about her visit to Sunrise Campground.
What Campers Like
Spacious, private sites: Ottawa Lake Campground receives consistent praise for site dimensions. "Most sites are well spaced for a state park. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers. Wood and ice available to purchase," shares Matt N. about his experience at Ottawa Lake Campground.
Clean facilities: Cliffside Park Campground maintains well-regarded bathrooms and showers. "Level sites with electric and water at each site. Well taken care of grounds. Nice bathrooms with clean showers," notes Nancy S. about Cliffside Park Campground.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying amenities. "The lake is very clean and the site are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!" remarks Neysha R. about Ottawa Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple locations offer opportunities to see local fauna. "I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two," shares Tim H. about his experience at Sunset Campground.
What You Should Know
Mosquito preparation: Several campgrounds report significant insect activity, especially in wooded or wetland areas. "It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go," explains Tim H. about Sunset Campground.
Reservation processes: Each campground has different booking systems and fees. "The fee when we stayed there was $28/night, but if you make an online reservation, a $12 processing fee is assessed," reports Nancy W. about Cliffside Park.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience road noise or have inconsistent quiet hour enforcement. "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion. The quiet Loop was a wonderful idea however, the campsite next to us was blasting music and at 11:30 pm someone randomly started playing a flute?" shares Kendal R. about Pinewoods.
Site selection variations: Campgrounds often have dramatically different sites within the same facility. "Sites 1-8 are in an oak savannah, semi-shaded but mostly in a grassland area. Sites are grassy with no gravel pads for parking," observes Josh F. about Muskego Park's varied terrain.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive children's programming. "Great campground for families! Tons to do! Bathrooms/showers are good. Comfortable stay," says Carol W. about Jellystone Park.
Beach options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying amenities. "The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards," notes Matt N. about Menomonee Park.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds include play equipment. "Small campgrounds in a small country park. There are a few camp sites most of which are very open and very little seclusion. A few nice shorter hiking loops that I believe can be used as horse trails as well," explains Darren L. about Muskego Park.
Weekend planning: Many family-oriented campgrounds fill quickly during summer. "During the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two," observes Tim H. about the quieter weekday experience at Sunset Campground.
Tips from RVers
Urban access options: Wisconsin State Fair RV Park provides the closest full-hookup option to Milwaukee. "Perfect campground for what it is! Big paved parking lot with full hookups. Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient," explains Mary G. about Wisconsin State Fair RV Park.
Hookup variations: Amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. "All sites are spacious with their own power and water. Sites 1-41 are available for first come if not previously reserved. The fee is $30/night plus $12 if you choose to reserve a site," notes Sharon B. about Cliffside Park.
Site lengths and surfaces: Different campgrounds accommodate various RV sizes. "The sewage system is strange at this park. We couldn't reach ours during our stay and a camper had blocked the dump station so we pulled through in a vacant spot to dump. The pipe is highly elevated, making the process more hands-on than one would like," cautions Kara W. about Wisconsin State Fair RV Park.
Seasonal considerations: Many RV sites have limited availability during winter months. "No showers in winter but awesome," mentions David H. about his winter camping experience at Ottawa Lake Campground.
