Camping opportunities near Denmark, Wisconsin stretch beyond the city limits, with accessible options within a 30-minute radius. The area sits along the Niagara Escarpment, a significant geological feature creating unique landscapes and cliff formations throughout the region. Winter camping temperatures frequently drop below 20°F with snowfall accumulations reaching 45-60 inches annually.
What to do
Hiking the Niagara Escarpment: High Cliff State Park Campground offers trails showcasing the limestone cliffs with views overlooking Lake Winnebago. "The hiking itself is nice shaded and price for the most part. Great for group camping and plenty to see during the day," notes a visitor to High Cliff State Park Campground.
Cave exploration: Devils River Campground provides access to nearby Maribel Caves. "It is fun to go down by the river and explore. One year we caught about 60 crayfish and cooked them on the campstove and ate them," shares a camper from Devils River Campground. The caves are typically open for guided tours only one weekend per month.
Lake Michigan activities: Two Rivers beaches offer swimming opportunities from May through September. "The beaches are very clean and great for walking at different points in the day," reports a visitor at Point Beach State Forest, which features a historic lighthouse and waterfront lodge with dining options.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bay Shore Park maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "Everything was very clean and even with the campground full it was nice and quiet. The spots are beautiful and shaded," according to a recent visitor to Bay Shore Park.
Swimming ponds: The man-made swimming areas at several campgrounds offer safer alternatives to Lake Michigan. "The central pond and waterfall were awesome! As far as amenities - the bathrooms/showers were very clean and well kept," notes a camper about Devils River Campground.
Indoor pool access: Village Inn on the Lake offers unusual amenities for campers. "The indoor pool is so nice! It's a saltwater pool and they have a separate hot tub," shares one camper at Village Inn on the Lake, highlighting the benefits of camping at a location that also operates as a hotel.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close between October and May. "Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from early May through mid-October," with limited winter camping options.
Site spacing variations: Campground privacy levels differ significantly. "The sites are nice and wooded with lots of privacy," writes a camper about Point Beach State Forest, while other campgrounds feature more open layouts.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water quality. "The drinking water is not good so be sure to pack enough," warns a Point Beach State Forest camper, suggesting visitors bring additional drinking water.
Reservation requirements: Weekend bookings fill quickly, especially during summer. "Campground will be closed until May 24, 2024 for maintenance on the waterlines," notes a Point Beach visitor, highlighting the importance of checking operational status before planning trips.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "This is a great spot for kids..although there isn't swimming there are 2 playgrounds and lots of space to play frisbee or run around," shares a visitor to Bay Shore Park.
Swimming options: Campgrounds with swimming areas rank highest among family visitors. "One of the season campers had some giant inflatable climbing/bouncing things for the pond, so that kept the kids and some adults occupied," mentions a Devils River Campground visitor.
Educational opportunities: Historical features provide learning experiences. "Hike the trails to see pieces of Wisconsin history throughout. Some trails on the Ridgeline offer vista views and moderate inclines that add to the adventure," recommends a High Cliff visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require careful positioning. "Even though we were on a hill the campsite was level. We had plenty of room for rv and tow," notes a visitor to Apple Creek Campground.
Hookup positioning: Utilities may not align with standard RV configurations. "The electric and water hookups were on opposite sides of the site, and we had to keep adjusting the travel trailer to get both to actually hook up," reports a camper at Bay Shore Park.
Dump station timing: Weekend departures create congestion at facilities. "The dump station gets really backed up at the end of the weekend, so heads up," warns a Point Beach State Forest visitor, suggesting midweek departures when possible.
