Camping options near Delafield, Wisconsin range from woodland sites to lakefront retreats within 30 minutes of town. The area features rolling terrain shaped by glacial activity with elevations between 820-980 feet above sea level. Weather varies dramatically by season with summer camping temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Beach access at Naga-Waukee Park: The beach on Lake Nagawicka provides a clean swimming area with seasonal lifeguards. "The beach on the shores of Lake Nagawicka is well-groomed, clean, has a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot," notes one Naga-Waukee Park visitor.
Hiking on the Ice Age Trail: Multiple access points connect campgrounds to this national scenic trail. "We asked the ranger about hiking and she gave us a map to a trail system that connects to this campground between the group sites and loop 3. We enjoyed a 4 mile hike from camp to the observation trail," reports a camper from Pinewoods Campground.
Fishing on Rice Lake: Cast for multiple species at Hickory Hills Campground. "If you're looking to get your fishing on, what's great about Hickory Hills Campground is that they provide you direct access to Rice Lake, where you'll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie."
Water recreation at Lakeland Camping Resort: Family-focused water activities include multiple swimming options. "Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don't have an RV. The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends."
What campers like
Woodsy sites with privacy: Many campgrounds provide secluded spots despite proximity to urban areas. A visitor to Naga-Waukee Park noted, "A very nice, woodsy campground. Feels like you are further north than you really are!" Another camper mentioned, "The campground area is nice and wooded. Provides ample privacy from other campers."
Scheduled activities: Campground-organized events keep campers entertained. At Lakeland Camping Resort, visitors enjoy "planned activities and themed weekends," while River Bend RV Resort campers report organized entertainment: "Golf cart parade, DJ, band, BINGO."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies by location but receives positive mentions at multiple campgrounds. "Bathrooms were nice though" and "Heated in-door plumbing for the toilets that were open, vault toilets also available and all were clean, even off season."
Pet-friendly options: Multiple campgrounds accommodate dogs with dedicated spaces. "There were plenty of grassy areas to take our dog out to potty," notes a Wisconsin State Fair RV Park visitor, while another campground offers "Dog friendly, even a dog swimming area."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "This is a great place to experience nature near the cities. With the convenience of its location in mind, the entire grounds is surrounded by roads, highways and the constant hum of traffic, sometimes louder than others," explains a Naga-Waukee Park visitor.
Variable site conditions: Flooding impacts some campgrounds seasonally. "Half of camping sites closed due to flooding" and "It looks like many areas are under construction" indicate potential site limitations at certain properties.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly on weekends. "Summer months May through April you do have to book 2 nights minimum. That was a little annoying as it already seemed high price of $60 per night."
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Most open April or May and close in October or November, with Wisconsin State Fair RV Park being the primary year-round option.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with multiple activities: Facilities with diverse recreation options reduce the need for driving. "The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends," reports a Blackhawk Camping Resort visitor.
Consider noise levels when selecting loops: Some campgrounds designate quiet areas for families seeking peaceful settings. "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion. The quiet Loop was a wonderful idea."
Pack for variable weather: Spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature shifts. "Stayed here for a quick weekend getaway in the late spring. The campground area is nice and wooded. Provides ample privacy from other campers. Although the road ways are a little tight. Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it's a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access."
Research bathroom facilities: Toilet types vary widely between campgrounds. "Various bathroom options - ranging from pit toilets to port-o-potties. Showers available at the Beach House" and "The family sites are small - and there are only toilets available - but there is a main building down a steep hill to get to nicer facilities and showers."
Tips from RVers
Select sites based on hookup needs: Electric-only and full-service sites vary by campground. "We took an electric only site on the far right and were backed up against a band of grass. Full hookup sites are all blacktop," notes a visitor to Wisconsin State Fair RV Park.
Prepare for varying road conditions: Some campgrounds have narrow interior roads. "The sites were of decent size and fairly quiet. We did have an evening where we heard what I believe was a race track in the distance but was not able to confirm."
Know dump station availability: Options range from on-site stations to mobile services. "Used the dump station on our way out. Lines were not too bad for the dump station which was good."
Check space requirements for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big rigs. "The pipe is highly elevated, making the process more hands-on than one would like. Bathrooms could have been cleaner, but I mostly blame guests for not picking up after themselves. The automated site selection process, which many have mentioned, is frustrating."
