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Best Campgrounds near Dousman, WI

669 Reviews

Kettle Moraine State Forest dominates the camping landscape around Dousman, Wisconsin, with multiple developed campgrounds offering a range of accommodation options. The Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine features Ottawa Lake Campground and Pinewoods Campground, both providing established sites for tent and RV camping. Several campgrounds in the area feature electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, with most offering fire rings and picnic tables at individual sites. The region includes both year-round camping options and seasonal facilities that operate primarily from April through October, with Ottawa Lake Campground maintaining a 4.27 rating on The Dyrt.

Camping availability varies significantly by season, with most facilities fully operational between May and October. Winter camping is limited to designated areas in the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest. "The campsites are large with lots of foliage for privacy. It's so pretty in the fall. Red Trail, Paradise Trail, Rice Lake are all great hikes," noted one visitor about Kettle Moraine South Camping. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Most sites require advance booking through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reservation system, with fees typically ranging from $18-30 per night depending on residency status and amenities. Campgrounds generally provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas, though amenities vary by location.

The proximity to the Ice Age Trail represents a significant draw for many campers visiting the Dousman area. Pinewoods Campground receives positive reviews for its secluded atmosphere and accessibility to hiking trails. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "A good campground for tents and trailers in a pine forest. It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake." Ottawa Lake Campground earns praise for its lake access and family-friendly environment. Campers frequently mention the clean facilities and well-maintained grounds throughout the Kettle Moraine system. The region's glacial topography creates diverse landscapes for outdoor recreation, with lakes, forests, and prairie areas all within short driving distances of established campgrounds. Seasonal campers particularly appreciate the fall colors and moderate temperatures during September and October.

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Best Camping Sites Near Dousman, Wisconsin (92)

    1. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    39 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."

    "Made my first visit to Ottawa Lake on a mid-March weekend. The facilities were still under their winter setup (only vault toilet, no shower available, pay in an envelope)."

    2. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    22 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    4 miles
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $30 / night

    "It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake.  Nearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "

    "Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."

    3. Kettle Moraine Southern Unit — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    10 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    5 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "You can walk over to an area that has hiking trails right out of the campsite. State park mountain biking trails are also close by, but you would need to drive to them."

    "Reservable backpacking sites about 45-60min away from nearest parking.

    Fire pit, shelter, and picnic table at site.

    Really enjoyed the hike through forest to get to this site."

    4. Kettle Moraine South Camping — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    12 Reviews
    Eagle, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6220

    "Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa.

    The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."

    "Whether you're in a tent or in a camper you can find just as much comfort as you're looking for. there's a lake with a swimming area if that's what you're looking for, not to mention a dock with great"

    5. Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Delafield, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Nestled in the heart of lake country (Waukesha County) and accessible from the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail, this county park is perfect for those just passing through or families looking for a"

    "Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it’s a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access."

    6. Mukwonago Park by Waukesha County Parks

    6 Reviews
    Mukwonago, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested."

    "Swim or fish in the lake, archery or huge picnic sites."

    7. KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site

    1 Review
    Eagle, WI
    6 miles
    Website

    "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)."

    8. Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit

    18 Reviews
    Slinger, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 670-3400

    "North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."

    "A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."

    9. Circle K Campground

    4 Reviews
    Palmyra, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 495-2896

    10. Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Muskego, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."

    "I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in.

    This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."

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Recent Camping Photos near Dousman, WI

236 Photos of 92 Dousman Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dousman, WI

669 Reviews of 92 Dousman Campgrounds

  • Mark D.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    We had such an enjoyable time at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature at Ottawa Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this welcoming retreat offers lakeside fun, scenic hiking trails, the quiet beauty of a true Northwoods experience, all without a long drive.

    We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    https://youtu.be/xl4uAtNWclM

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Fon du Lac County Waupun Park

    Oak/hickory forest

    The campground is in a beautiful oak/hickory forest with many birds, chipmunks and skeeters(pack protection). We stayed on site 22 which was a nine minute walk from the toilet and had a street light. There are water spigots throughout. Site 21 or 23 would be better. The sites are large and the ones on the outside of the loop are very private. The campground was quiet, especially after dark! There is a train horn occasionally, but it’s distant. The showers were hot and clean. The playground was fun. There is a pickle ball court, so bring paddles. There is also a walking trail.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lakeland Camping Resort

    Lakefront Fun

    As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. 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 and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick’s Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson

    Nostalgic Campground

    As a mom, I can honestly say that Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is one of those rare campgrounds where the kids are entertained from morning till night and parents can actually relax a little too. The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours. Our campsite was clean and level, with options for full hookups or cozy cabins if you’d rather skip the RV, and the bathhouses were spotless, which is something I always look for. What I appreciated most was the balance: the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored, while my husband and I enjoyed sitting by the campfire or joining in on family activities like outdoor 'movies under the stars.' The campground store was well-stocked with snacks, s’mores supplies, and those 'oops, we forgot it' supplies, which saved us more than once. And while there’s plenty to do onsite, being near Lake Koshkonong and Fort Atkinson means you can easily slip away for a day of fishing, boating, or exploring. For me, the best part was watching my kids’ faces light up during the evening hayride, sticky with marshmallow, waving at Yogi like he was a celebrity that felt like the kind of wholesome, memory-making trip I hope they’ll look back on for years.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    Solid KOA Experience

    The Milton-Madison KOA is one of the larger campgrounds in the KOA network, offering over 200 sites with a mix of full hookups and water/electric-only hookups, along with a selection of pull-through and back-in options, gravel or concrete pads, and some upgraded patio sites. While primarily catering to RVs and fifth wheels, the campground also has about a dozen tent sites and half a dozen cabins. Amenities are extensive, ranging from an in-ground heated pool with a waterfall and two-story patio deck, hot tub, clubhouse, market store, snack shack, arcade, meeting and TV rooms, multiple restroom and shower facilities, laundromat and Wi-Fi, to a wide variety of recreation such as basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, baseball, disc golf, playgrounds, gaga ball, hayrack rides, barrel rides, train rides, and nature trails. Guests will also find a Kamp K9 dog area, golf cart and bike rentals, propane refill station, firewood, and plenty of seating throughout the grounds. Just minutes away, Lake Koshkonong offers excellent kayaking, canoeing and fishing. For dining, nearby Milton serves up hearty Midwestern fare, from Mary’s Café’s biscuits and gravy to Paul Revere’s homemade pies and the upscale Frederick’s Supper Club, known for its prime rib bites and Diablo pasta. Insider tips include enjoying the warm hospitality of the Riggio family hosts, taking a short drive to Madison for big-city attractions, noting that tent sites - though equipped with water and electric - feel basic and pricey, and being aware that cabin rentals also run higher than average. Thankfully, Milton’s local shops, grocery stores, and hardware options make resupplying convenient, rounding out a destination that’s both activity-packed and well-situated for Wisconsin adventures.  Overall, my family and I really enjoyed this place and would definitely come back!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

Guide to Dousman

Camping near Dousman, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake. Campers enjoy the well-maintained trails, with one reviewer noting, "Campsites are kept up and quite clean. Some have a beautiful view of the lake."
  • Fishing: Head to Mauthe Lake Campground for great fishing opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "Great fishing and day-camping experiences too."
  • Beach Activities: Spend a day at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground where you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing. A reviewer said, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday. Conveniently located next to Lake Geneva."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. At Harrington Beach State Park Campground, one camper noted, "Bathrooms and showers are very clean and actually closed from 11am-noon each day for complete cleaning."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground mentioned, "These sites are separated by plenty of vegetation giving you good privacy."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Ottawa Lake Campground are great for families. One reviewer said, "Great trails close by. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground shared, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pinewoods mentioned, "The sites are gravel but very unlevel."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared to encounter wildlife. A camper at Mauthe Lake Campground noted, "We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park that offer playgrounds and activities for kids. One parent said, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Kohler-Andrae State Park mentioned, "There’s also laundry here, such a nice perk for full-timers like us!"
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Harrington Beach State Park Campground noted, "Gorgeous magnificent trails and right on Lake Michigan."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your site has the right electrical hookups. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake mentioned, "Electricity on site and water nearby."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A reviewer at Mauthe Lake Campground said, "I ended up leaving halfway through my second day because I just didn't want to deal with the noise and traffic."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground noted, "The garbage bin is on the way out of the campground."

Camping near Dousman, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for a mix of experiences, and you'll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Dousman, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dousman, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 39 reviews.

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