Camping sites near De Pere, Wisconsin include a mix of natural settings along rivers, lakes, and forests within a 30-mile radius. The region sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan with elevations ranging from 580 to 800 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through March, while summer camping season brings average highs in the 70s to low 80s with occasional humidity.
What to do
Hiking the Niagara Escarpment: Explore limestone formations at High Cliff State Park Campground, located 25 miles southwest of De Pere. "Part of the Niagra escarpment there are plenty of cliffs and fun views along the trails. The camping itself is nice shaded and price for the most part," notes camper Racheal M. The park features both easy and moderate trails with scenic overlooks.
Fishing opportunities: Catch bluegill at Hickory Oaks Campground near Oshkosh, which maintains a well-stocked pond. "Well stocked pond, easy to catch bluegill," reports Craig C. The campground's small lake provides accessible fishing without requiring a boat.
Winter recreation: Brown County Reforestation Campground remains open year-round with trail access. "LOTS of birds (that's our thing!), forested, so many trails for hiking and mountain biking," shares Susan W. The campground offers both warm and cold weather activities with maintained trails.
Historical exploration: Visit old structures at High Cliff State Park. "There is also a lime kiln to hike to and see. There are two playgrounds for the kids as well. Beautiful views of Lake Winnebago from high points of the hike," writes Kaylyn C. The park preserves regional industrial history with interpretive displays.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Calumet County Park offers camping near Lake Winnebago with harbor facilities. "The park is on the shores of Lake Winnebago and the sunsets are fabulous! Many sites available on the edge of the water," explains Sherry J. The park includes a marina and boat launch for water recreation.
Swimming ponds: Apple Creek Campground features a maintained swimming area. "Nice pool, well stocked fishing pond for catch and release. Only downside, there is nothing to do at this campground, and you have to drive 30 minutes to the city," notes Lynn N. The swimming pond provides summer recreation without lake access.
Fall colors: Experience autumn camping at High Cliff State Park. "Beautiful fall colors! The campsite was large and relatively private. We enjoyed hiking on the trails," shares Laura D. Fall camping offers fewer crowds and spectacular foliage from late September through October.
Spacious sites: Bay Shore Park provides large campsites with some waterfront options. "The tent sites are a great size and semi private (you can have a conversation and not be heard at other sites)," explains Jennifer S. Sites include extra parking across from the main camping area.
What you should know
Water access limitations: Bay Shore Park offers limited swimming options. "There is a lot to do for kids a great play area, swimming, fishing, boating etc. There are hiking trails but not a lot," reports Jennifer S. The rocky shoreline makes swimming difficult in some areas.
Seasonal openings: Most campgrounds operate from April/May through October, with limited winter availability. "First week or two of may is a safe bet, but no promises. They have pit toilets open year round whatever the case," explains Brandl B. about High Cliff State Park's water facilities.
Site drainage issues: Heavy rain affects camping conditions at several parks. "Everything was very clean and even with the campground full it was nice and quiet. The spots are beautiful and shaded. Rain does cause many of the spots to flood," warns Celeste D. about Bay Shore County Park.
Proximity to highways: Some campgrounds experience road noise. "What wasn't so great was the proximity to the interstate, unfortunately, there is no changing that," mentions Scott D. about Apple Creek Campground. Sites farther from main roads offer quieter conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Potawatomi State Park offers family-friendly amenities. "There was one shower house that seemed to be pretty busy most of the time. There was also a child's playground with lots of space," reports Tiffany K. The campground provides designated play areas separate from camping sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Hickory Oaks Campground offers nature encounters. "We saw so much wildlife! Chipmunks, ducks, a great horned owl, and countless birds to name a few," shares Hannah H. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing times.
Firewood delivery: Some campgrounds offer convenient services. "They even delivered wood to our campsite so we could have a fire," notes Hannah H. about Hickory Oaks. Check with camp offices about availability and costs for delivered firewood.
Off-site activities: Devils River Campground provides access to nearby attractions. "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," recalls Jimmy P. The nearby Maribel Caves park offers additional exploration opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV sites at Apple Creek Campground accommodate various sizes. "Even though we were on a hill the campsight was level. We had plenty of room for rv and tow," reports Robert O. Many sites can handle larger rigs with space for both the RV and a towed vehicle.
Hookup locations: Calumet County Park requires planning for connections. "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," warns Nikki & Mike. Bring extension cords and extra water hoses to reach connections.
Bathroom facilities: High Cliff State Park offers clean but limited facilities. "Great spot, lots of trails, and the bathrooms were clean. Only gripe is the uncertain schedule they have for turning on water for the season," notes Brandl B. Shower availability varies by season and maintenance schedules.
Site spacing: Consider park layout when selecting a site. "The sites are right on top of each other and you could hear a mouse fart in the other sites," cautions Jennifer S. about Apple Creek Campground. Sites in wooded areas typically offer more privacy than open field arrangements.
