Tent camping near Darien, Wisconsin offers campers secluded options within easy driving distance of both Madison and Milwaukee. The region features gentle rolling hills and oak savannas typical of southern Wisconsin, with elevations ranging between 800-950 feet above sea level. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, often falling 20-30 degrees from daytime highs, making proper sleeping gear essential for comfort.
What to do
Brewery visits: New Glarus State Park Campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the nearby New Glarus Brewery. "It's proximity to the brewery and the restaurants, shops, and bars of New Glarus, can't be beat. Also on the Sugar River Trail so bring your bike!" notes reviewer Kate B. The brewery is within walking distance of the campground.
Bike trail access: The Sandhill Station State Campground connects directly to the Glacial Drumlin bike trail. "Sandill Station is right outside Lake Mills, WI, right off the Glacial Drumlin bike trail. It features 15 campsites and 1 group campsite in an oak savanna, with varying degrees of shade," explains Jimmy P.
River activities: Some campers create their own river adventures from MacQueen Forest Preserve. "Some fellow campers were doing a diy tubing right to the campground. (About a 2 hr lazy river tube from Kingston or 5hrs from Genoa on the slow moving S. Branch of the Kishwaukee River which can be pretty deep in places.)" shares Marisa A.
What campers like
Site privacy: The walk-in sites at New Glarus State Park Campground offer substantial isolation. "The walk-in sites have a good amount of space between each site, however the sites on the east side of the bike trail get less level the further you get from the parking lot," writes Sarah W., adding "Our personal favorite site is #19. It is the closest site to the parking lot on the east side of the trail, but you have to take a short foot-path off the main trail to get to the site."
Affordable primitive camping: KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site provides an authentic backcountry experience at minimal cost. "Great backpack camp site. Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside. There is a fire pit, but we found our own wood around the site. (Bring a small axe)," recommends Erin Z.
Stargazing opportunities: The meadow sites at MacQueen Forest Preserve are perfect for night sky viewing. "About half of the campsites are in a meadow at the back end of the campground. It would be beautiful for stargazing! There's also a giant fire pit with benches," notes Amy G.
What you should know
Train noise: Be prepared for railroad disruptions at some sites. "Note: if you cannot sleep to the sound of trains at night, this is not the campground for you. I don't mind them at all, and rather enjoy the sound, but there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night rather close to the campground," warns Amy G. about MacQueen Forest Preserve.
Highway sound: New Glarus State Park Campground sites experience traffic noise despite their natural setting. "These sites are right next to the highway and (at least during the week) are subject to continuous, round the clock highway noise. The highway seems to be a regular truck route, with lots of semis driving by at all hours," cautions Katie K.
Pack-in requirements: Many tent sites in the region require carrying gear from parking areas. At Sandhill Station State Campground, "all 15 standard sites are carry-in only. The parking lot is anywhere from 100-500 yards from the campsite, depending on which one you choose. There isn't anywhere to buy firewood, so buy from a local resident/gas station," explains Jimmy P.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Consider site placement relative to facilities. "The smell of the vault toilets was almost unbearable, I would avoid campsite next to/directly across from the toilets," advises Kaitlin B. about New Glarus State Park Campground.
Playground options: Scheidegger Forest offers play areas for younger campers while maintaining a natural setting. The playground was described as "great" by Kay K., who added, "We hiked in a bit to a wooded quiet site. The toilets were clean."
Weather timing: Plan for seasonal conditions when tent camping with children. "I wouldn't go in the middle of summer, due to the limited shade, but it was very nice in early fall," recommends Jimmy P. regarding Sandhill Station, while Tawnie T. adds, "I do believe these would be lovely sites in the fall or Spring, though."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Darien have restricted RV facilities. "This is a small, rustic campground with water and vault toilets," notes Kate B. about New Glarus State Park Campground, one of the few sites in the area that accommodates both tents and RVs with minimal hookups.
Site accessibility: MacQueen Forest Preserve has one site designed for easier access. "They do have one space near the parking lot that's handicap accessible," notes Amy G., adding that "There's vault toilets and the one I used wasn't terrible, but it is primitive."
RV size limitations: Most campgrounds in the Darien area aren't suitable for larger rigs. "There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy," explains Marisa A. about MacQueen Forest Preserve, but emphasizes it's "Tents only!" for most sites.
