154 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Dane, Wisconsin encompass a diverse range of accommodations from rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks within a 30-mile radius. Notable options include Devils Lake State Park, which features multiple camping areas such as Quartzite, Ice Age, and Northern Lights campgrounds, all offering both tent and RV camping with varying amenities. The region also includes county parks like Token Creek and Mendota County Park that provide electric hookups alongside access to Madison's urban amenities, while private campgrounds like Smokey Hollow offer cabins, yurts, and glamping options for those seeking additional comforts.
Most campgrounds in the Dane area operate seasonally, with the prime camping season running from May through September. Token Creek County Park maintains a strict operating season from May 1 to September 1, while facilities like William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground remain open year-round. County parks typically offer 30-amp electrical service but may not have water hookups at individual sites. Devil's Lake State Park campgrounds, located approximately 30 miles northwest of Dane, provide the most robust amenities including showers, toilets, and electric hookups, though advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer months. A visitor to Mendota County Park noted, "This is a lovely little campground with just 30 sites, though it feels like half that because it is so quiet."
Campers consistently rate campgrounds with water access and recreational facilities higher than those without. The man-made pond and beach area at Smokey Hollow Campground receives positive mentions for family activities, with one reviewer describing it as "a great place for multiple families to camp" with "more than just your average campground." Devils Lake State Park campgrounds generally receive the highest ratings for their natural setting and well-maintained facilities. Several campgrounds near Madison balance proximity to urban amenities with outdoor recreation opportunities, though some visitors mention road noise at sites closer to highways. County parks like Mendota offer lake access with swimming and fishing opportunities, providing what one reviewer called an "excellent location" that's "great for family camping."
"There is something for everyone at Devils Lake State Park."
"The new warden situation is interesting. Things have gotten a lot more strict in some areas (ex."
from $26 - $51 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It is up and away from the rest of the park a bit and typically almost every site has full shade. This is important in the summer months."
from $26 - $51 / night
Check Availability"Views like these are hard to beat in Wisconsin, or anywhere really. The cliffs on the side of the lake are phenomenal."
"Aside from some of the windy paths, this place is really nice and peaceful to stay. You can go to Devils Lake and kayak or canoe and swim. Overall a beautiful place in Wisconsin!"
from $26 - $51 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Nice little campground right on Lake Mendota. 29 sites available with electric, but bring an extension cords!! Some sites electric is close by, others not so much!"
from $28 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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!"
"Behind the office was a large pond with a sand beach, lots of blow up pool toys, a bar, and volleyball, plus there are trikes and bikes available after you play mini-golf."
"For anyone planning a visit, I recommend checking out the driving directions—they’re super helpful to avoid any hiccups on your way there. Happy camping!"
"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. "
"With the rain and the proliferation of mosquitoes, we were wandering around southern Wisconsin without a plan when we stumbled across this county park. 50 sites, many with electric and very reasonably"
from $18 - $28 / night
Check Availability"They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.
You are allowed to ride personal golf carts.""While the location is great for fast travels into Madison, or getting to great hiking areas."
from $43 - $999 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability
ScoutThis campground charges both a site reservation fee ($33 for a primitive mosquito infested tent site) AND an additional day use fee on top of that - a $16 fee on top of that! $49????? For a no hook up single tent site???? Of course the fees aren’t actually published anywhere so you have to reserve it to actually know what you’ll be paying. It’s nothing special so these fees aren’t actually warranted for this place. 👎
TravelerSmaller campground with decent sized campsites with picnic table and fire ring pit. Although my site and quite a bit of unleveled ground which made for limit options to pitch a tent. Pretty good cell service with T- mobile.
TravelerCampground is nice spacious and we’re well divided. The drive from the entrance of Governor Dodge to cox hollow was a good 2-3 miles but was very scenic.
ScoutCampground is small with only 18 car camping sites. Vault toilets, no showers. No electricity or dump station. Group camping sites and walk-in or bike-sites also available. I don't mind vault toilets but they were very low to the ground without any grab bar. I found it odd that this campground has many sites for cyclists using the sugar river bike trail and there isn't any showers. Being close to town is nice. There is a paved path that takes you right into New Glarus and past the New Glarus Brewery. After a day of cycling or hiking, one really needs a shower before heading into town!!
TravelerThe beauty of this campground was to Madison venues. We stayed here twice recently and took Uber rides too and from Camp Randall. It’s a very clean and friendly campground ground. Very nice pavilion for events. I loved the walking path and benches along the lake.
GuideGreat place to stay had everything and price right.
ScoutLOTS of acorns and walnuts dropping on the camper all day and night
TravelerStay here for a long weekend. The weather finally cooled down. Great hiking and beautiful views. There’s a lake for swimming and boating without motors. Very hilly area. We stayed at a double site and met relatives.
Traveler⭐ 1/5— Not a Family-Friendly Experience We have traveled by motorhome for many years and stayed at numerous KOA campgrounds. For many years ! Sadly, this is the first negative review we have ever written. Milton KOA is beautiful and clean, although the sites are somewhat crowded. Most staff members were polite and helpful. Unfortunately, the conduct of one employee was completely unacceptable. Our group included six families with children ages 3–18. This employee used profanity, including the“F-word,” toward the children and behaved in a verbally abusive and threatening manner. When one mother calmly tried to address the situation, the employee moved toward her aggressively, causing her to fear she might be struck, and shouted,“I’m sick and tired of this.” At approximately 9:45 p.m., the 18-year-olds in our group were ordered back to their campsite, even though they were simply walking around and were not being loud or disruptive. Adults were allowed to drink in the pool area, while our children were treated with hostility and disrespect just for being there. No food no drinks.No child or parent should experience profanity, intimidation, or threatening behavior from a campground employee. The campground may be enjoyable for adults traveling without children. However, based on what our six families experienced, we cannot recommend Milton KOA to families with children. We are submitting a formal complaint to KOA Corporate and requesting a thorough investigation. Also, wasp infestation beware if you have allergies .
Camping near Dane, Wisconsin offers options within a 30-mile radius that accommodate both tent and RV campers throughout the warmer months. The area sits within the Driftless Region, characterized by rolling hills and valleys that weren't flattened by glaciers during the last ice age. Most campgrounds in this region experience high humidity in summer, with temperatures averaging 80°F during peak camping months of June through August.
Hiking trails at Devils Lake: The Ice Age Trail passes through multiple campgrounds including Ice Age Campground where visitors can access remarkable hiking options. "The Ice Age trail passes right through this camp loop. We followed it out and back after setting up camp. The ranger said the east and west bluff trails are the most popular," notes Art S.
Swimming and beach activities: The man-made pond at Smokey Hollow Campground provides excellent swimming options. "Man-made pond with inflatable structures, a jumpy blob for the kids to jump on & lots of other activities! We go every year!" reports Sarah S.
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes offer fishing access without requiring a long drive. "There were kayaks that looked like they could be rented but did not find information on how to do so. The maintenance employee mentioned that people were catching fish with hot dogs!" shares Lee D. about their experience at Mendota County Park.
Bicycling on paved trails: Cyclists have direct access to Madison's trail system from some campgrounds. "There are trails right through the campground that are on Madison's trail system. There is a daily fee for the trails but I think it was $5 for the day," explains a visitor to William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground.
Privacy levels vary significantly: Some campsites offer more seclusion than others. "We found the site to be exceptionally wooded, and very private. It was a little difficult to find a level spot for our 10X10 tent, and all options were directly under the trees," shares Celina M. from Northern Lights Campground.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Quality bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. "There is a laundry facility. It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine," notes Julia H. about Lantern DeForest, showing the practical amenities available.
Balanced location advantages: Many campers appreciate sites that balance nature access with proximity to urban amenities. "Great location on the lake and short drive to downtown Madison. Bring you kayak and fishing poles," suggests Bob M. about Mendota County Park.
Seasonal activities and themed events: Some campgrounds offer regular programming for guests. "They have friendly owners, themed weekends, glow parades, Saturday activities for kids, and movies nights," mentions LEAANN about Skillet Creek Campground, highlighting the structured entertainment options.
Reservations essential for peak times: Devils Lake sites fill quickly during summer months. "We stayed in our 42 ft motor home with jeep tow. We drove to the park in our jeep at nine am on a Sunday to check availability. If you haven't reserved a site, there are several sites for walk-ins but you have to be present to sign/obtain them," advises Carol W.
Insect preparedness required: Several campgrounds report significant mosquito populations during summer. "The bugs (gnats and mosquitoes) were relentless, especially in the grassy areas so bring bug spray!" warns Lee D. about their stay at Mendota County Park.
Site selection matters: Not all sites within a campground offer equal conditions. "Careful of the even numbered side. It's a bit of a low space, and some sites can flood in heavy rain. That's not to say the entire camp is flood prone. Just some sites," explains Kendall H. about Token Creek County Park.
Noise considerations: Highway and airport proximity affects some campgrounds. "This campground was probably the most average town campground I've stayed in. Be prepared to immerse yourself in nature and then be disappointed as the cop sirens from the neighboring highway drown out the crickets," cautions Makala B. about William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground.
Seek campgrounds with dedicated recreation: Family-friendly sites offer structured activities. "They have a large field on the temporary renter side, where we've previously set up a volleyball net. As long as things are kept under control, all is well," shares Kari L. about Skillet Creek Campground.
Bathroom proximity matters: When camping with children, location within the campground affects convenience. "Nice playground right next to the shower so the kids could play while we showered," notes Siobhan R. about Northern Lights Campground.
Consider water features for hot days: Swimming options keep children entertained during summer heat. "The sites are pretty spacious in most places. Even in the crowded areas. The lake is really nice. They don't allow motor boats and have rentals for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards," shares Melissa K. about Ice Age Campground.
Explore day trip options: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for regional attractions. "Great for family camping. Lots of places to eat near by if you dont want to cook and still want to be outside," suggests Lori F. about Mendota County Park.
Electric hook-up logistics: Extension cords may be necessary at some sites. "Some sites electric is close by, others not so much! Everything from huge class A's to little tents here this weekend," advises debe K. about Mendota County Park.
Site leveling preparation: Uneven terrain requires leveling blocks at some campgrounds. "The sites are nice and level, and they include an aluminum picnic table and a fire ring," reports Ari A., though this contrasts with others' experiences at different sites.
Dump station logistics: Plan ahead for efficient departure. "The one road can get congested when you are waiting for the dump station," warns Jack C. about William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground.
Adult-oriented options available: Cedar Hills Campground provides an adults-only setting. "Adults only, gated community with firewood, propane and ice! They have RVs for rent also or seasonal sites available!" explains James, noting a specialized option for campers without children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dane, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dane, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 154 campgrounds and RV parks near Dane, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Dane, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dane, WI is Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 47 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dane, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Dane, WI.
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