Tent campsites near Edgerton, Wisconsin range from primitive backpacking sites to family-friendly campgrounds with direct lake access. Most campsites in this region sit within the oak savanna ecological zone, featuring rolling terrain and mixed hardwood forests. Seasonal considerations include peak mosquito activity from late June through August, particularly in wetland areas and after periods of rain.
What to do
Brewery visits: 1-mile hike or bike ride from New Glarus State Park Campground to New Glarus Brewery with regular tours. "The park is simple... It's about a mile and half away. The park is simple. There are some really shallow tent spots though, so make sure you reserve in advance," notes Dana B.
Lake recreation: Fishing and boating at Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake, with boat rentals available on site. The campground "sells ice, firewood and rents boats," according to Josh F., who adds that "the property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake."
Biking: Direct access to multiple trail systems including Sugar River Trail from New Glarus and Glacial Drumlin from Sandhill Station. "With direct access to the Sugar River Trail and the town of New Glarus, it is a great location as an overnight stop or home base to explore," says Phillip J.
What campers like
Privacy levels: KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site offers true seclusion for primitive camping. "Great backpack camp site. Decent walk and terrain to get to the site... It's very secluded for privacy," writes Erin Z.
Mixed shade at most sites: Oak savanna settings provide dappled sunlight rather than deep forest cover. At Sandhill Station, Jimmy P. notes sites have "a good amount of mixed shade" with "two large oak trees on either side of our site."
Multi-level campground layouts: Blackhawk Memorial Park and Snug Harbor feature tiered camping areas providing views. "The view was nice overlooking Turtle lake. Like the design of 3 levels so everyone gets a view," reports James W.
Walk-in site spacing: Most tent-focused campgrounds offer better separation between walk-in sites. "The walk-in sites have a good amount of space between each site," notes Sarah W., though she cautions "the sites on the east side of the bike trail get less level the further you get from the parking lot."
What you should know
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds, particularly during weekdays. "These sites are right next to the highway and 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," warns Katie K.
Water quality varies: Some lakes in the region have algae issues during summer. At Blackhawk Memorial Park, Larry E. notes "the lake water is like green paint and the river is now brackish, but moving."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Wild Goose City Park and other basic sites require self-sufficiency. "Wild Goose bike trail leads to this park in Juneau. It's a good place to stop and have a break. There's a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain," explains Kim L.
First-come availability: Some county parks operate without reservations. At Blackhawk Memorial Park, "site availability is first-come, first served (no reservations)" and "sites have picnic tables (in season) and fire pits," according to xaq.
Tips for camping with families
Check site distances: Many walk-in sites require carrying gear significant distances. At Sandhill Station, Jimmy P. explains "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."
Mosquito preparation essential: Bring appropriate repellent for summer camping, particularly near wetlands. "The sites are really near some stagnant water, though, so WAY too many mosquitoes, even with the really intense bug spray," warns Tawnie T.
Playground access: Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake and others offer play areas for children. Kay K. appreciated that "the playground was great" when staying at New Glarus with family.
Off-season benefits: Consider spring or fall visits for fewer insects and more comfortable temperatures. Jimmy P. advises "I wouldn't go in the middle of summer, due to the limited shade, but it was very nice in early fall."
Tips from RVers
Tiered camping access: Some campgrounds offer different sections for different camping styles. Josh F. observed at Snug Harbor that "This is primarily an RV/mobile home campground, but there are some nicely tucked away tent camp sites" with "the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake."
Assistance with parking: Staff at certain locations help with site navigation. "Staff was great, helped me back in," reports James W. about his maiden RV voyage at Snug Harbor.
Weather preparedness: Be prepared for rain with proper site drainage. One camper at Snug Harbor mentioned, "My husband got stung twice when we went to plug-in our electric. But the staff came out immediately to spray and remove the nest."
