Best Campgrounds near Elkhart Lake, WI

You'll find several state parks with camping near Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin. High Cliff State Park Campground sits about an hour away and has good hiking trails plus great views of Lake Winnebago. Another state park in the area gives campers quiet sites with decent spacing between them. Most campgrounds in this part of Wisconsin maintain clean bathrooms and provide drinking water. The sites at these parks generally work well for both tents and RVs, though they fill up quickly in summer months. High Cliff's trails make it worth the drive if you want to mix camping with day hikes. Keep in mind that firewood costs more at these parks than what you'd pay elsewhere, so you might want to pick some up on your way. Reservations become necessary during busy times, especially on weekends from late spring through early fall. The natural setting around these parks makes them popular despite being a bit of a drive from Elkhart Lake itself.

Best Camping Sites Near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (65)

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Recent Reviews near Elkhart Lake, WI

367 Reviews of 65 Elkhart Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Elkhart Lake

Camping near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something to offer.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Climbing: Explore the trails at High Cliff State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "A lot of great walking and hiking spots," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Swimming: While the beach at High Cliff State Park Campground isn't the best for swimming, you can enjoy the nearby lakes. Another camper noted, "The park is great for hiking and low elevation rock climbing," so pack your gear!
  • Fishing and Boating: Kohler-Andrae State Park is close to Lake Michigan, offering fishing and boating opportunities. A reviewer shared, "There’s also a nice lake and a dock for fishing, which we loved!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. One visitor at Kohler-Andrae State Park said, "The amenities were very clean and well taken care of."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A reviewer at Mauthe Lake Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites were spacious," which is great for families or groups.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: The welcoming vibe is a big plus. A camper at Calumet County Park noted, "The staff was very friendly," making it a pleasant experience.

What you should know:

  • Limited Swimming Options: While there are beaches, some may not be ideal for swimming. A visitor at High Cliff State Park Campground pointed out, "Even though there is a beach, it is not a very nice one."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Expect crowds during summer weekends. A camper at Mauthe Lake Campground mentioned, "It was hot and crowded," so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Long Lake Campground shared, "Our campsite was invaded by very aggressive raccoons," so keep your food secure!

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers plenty of activities, as one family noted, "This has been one of our favorite stopovers! Plenty of activities for the kids."
  • Spacious Campsites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Hickory Oaks Campground mentioned, "They have all types of RV sites, tenting/primitive sites and group sites."
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. A visitor at Calumet County Park said, "Saw several deer," which can be exciting for little ones.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Kohler-Andrae State Park noted, "Sites vary in levelness and amount of privacy from your neighbor."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Hickory Oaks Campground appreciated the "30 and 50 Amp hookups."
  • Friendly Hosts: Friendly campground hosts can make a difference. A visitor at Mauthe Lake Campground mentioned, "The hosts were wonderful and the park is clean and very well-maintained."

Camping near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful parks and friendly campers, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does camping cost at Elkhart Lake?

Camping costs near Elkhart Lake typically range from $20-35 per night for standard sites. Wisconsin state parks like Kettle Moraine State Forest Long Lake Campground charge around $20-28 for non-electric sites and $30-38 for electric sites, plus a required vehicle admission sticker ($8-13 daily or $28-38 annual). Private campgrounds such as Plymouth Rock Camping Resort have higher rates, typically $35-65 depending on hookups and seasonality. Most campgrounds offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays. Reservation fees may apply, usually $5-10 per booking. Wisconsin residents generally receive discounted rates at state parks.

Where are the best campgrounds near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin?

The Elkhart Lake area offers several excellent camping options. Mauthe Lake Campground in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest is highly recommended for its clean, spacious sites and excellent recreational trails for hiking and biking. Sites are nicely wooded with good privacy. Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park Campground provides a convenient option very close to Elkhart Lake with water access and basic amenities. For those seeking Lake Michigan shoreline access, Kohler-Andrae State Park offers beautiful beachfront camping about 30 minutes east. Most of these locations fill quickly during summer weekends, so advance reservations are highly recommended.

What amenities are available at Elkhart Lake campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Elkhart Lake offer varying amenities to suit different camping styles. The Playful Goose Campground provides spacious sites backing up to forested areas, offering a peaceful setting with wildlife viewing opportunities. Scheffel's Hideaway Campground impresses with well-maintained facilities that look brand new, alongside friendly, helpful hosts. Most area campgrounds offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms. Electric hookups are common, though water hookups vary by location. Many provide shower facilities, dump stations, and potable water filling stations. Recreation options typically include hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming areas, with the Kettle Moraine sites particularly known for their extensive trail systems for hiking and biking.

How far is Elkhart Lake from Green Bay?

Elkhart Lake is approximately 60 miles south of Green Bay, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes via Highway 43. This makes it feasible for a day trip between the two locations. Travelers heading from Elkhart Lake to Green Bay might consider High Cliff State Park Campground as a midway stopping point, offering beautiful views of Lake Winnebago. For those making Green Bay part of a longer Wisconsin camping tour, Point Beach State Forest provides Lake Michigan shoreline camping about 35 miles northeast of Elkhart Lake and 40 miles southeast of Green Bay, making it an excellent option when visiting both areas.