Camping cabins near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin offer access to the kettle moraine landscape formed by glacial activity 14,000 years ago. The area's mixed hardwood forests remain relatively temperate through summer months, with average highs reaching 81°F in July. Cabin accommodations typically feature varying levels of amenities within a 25-mile radius of the lake.
What to do
Lake activities: Plymouth Rock Camping Resort provides multiple swimming pools and miniature golf for family entertainment. "We were there Labor Day weekend huge campground of course it was very crowded. There's plenty to do 3 pools, Mimi golf, outdoor movies, the weekend we were there they had a band," notes one visitor.
Beach exploration: Harrington Beach State Park Campground features a mile-long sandy shoreline on Lake Michigan, approximately 25 miles east of Elkhart Lake. "The quarry and the beach area were great, and there were a ton of picnic spots overlooking the lake," reports one camper who visited in early June.
Hiking trails: The dune boardwalk at Harrington Beach State Park runs parallel to Lake Michigan. According to one visitor, "Hiking trails are great, especially the ones through the dunes." The park's quarry area features historical markers and relatively flat terrain suitable for most skill levels.
What campers like
Privacy levels: High Cliff State Park Campground offers sites with good spacing between neighbors. "The campsite was large and relatively private. We enjoyed hiking on the trails," notes a visitor who stayed at site 105 during fall.
Clean facilities: Hickory Oaks Campground maintains well-kept shower buildings and restrooms. "Bathrooms are well maintained, showers are free, and there is ice cream and some camping stuff for sale in the office," reports one camper. The grounds feature full-season shade that helps moderate summer heat.
Natural surroundings: Cabin sites typically include forest settings with wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw so much wildlife! Chipmunks, ducks, a great horned owl, and countless birds to name a few," mentions a visitor to Hickory Oaks Campground, located about 40 miles northwest of Elkhart Lake.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most cabin accommodations require advance booking, particularly during peak summer months. For Breezy Hill Campground, one visitor notes it's "Family friendly campground. Plenty for the kids to do. Theres a fishing pond (catch and release) arcade, jumping pillow etc."
Seasonal operation: The majority of cabin rentals operate from April through October. Most shut down during winter months, with limited year-round options available. Breezy Hill Campground specifies their season runs April 15 to October 15.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels, particularly those near highways or racetracks. A Plymouth Rock Camping Resort visitor mentioned, "The noise is annoying early in the morning and throughout the day. It is really close to a racetrack."
Amenity variations: Cabin facilities differ significantly between properties. "The front section had the most trees, but was still fairly open. Water was located next to the bathroom and the bathrooms were clean," notes a visitor describing the layout at Hoefts Resort and Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Kalbus Country Harbor provides open space for children to play near the water. "Lots of open space for our kids to play and a beautiful lake view and beach with lots of lake shells and birds to see," mentions one family who visited.
Short excursions: Many cabin locations offer easy day trips to nearby attractions. "One of the big perks of this park is it's close proximity to the Fox Valley, so dinner out or a show would be possible if you didn't feel like 'roughing it' for your whole trip," shares a visitor to High Cliff State Park.
Site selection: When booking family cabins, consider proximity to playgrounds and bathroom facilities. "We were at site 231, which was huge and very nice. We had some friends at other sites that weren't as nice. There is a YouTube video posted of all the sites," advises a parent who visited Harrington Beach State Park with a two-year-old.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord needs: When booking sites with electrical hookups, verify the distance to power sources. Some campsites require lengthy extension cords to reach available outlets.
Pad sizes: Plymouth Rock Camping Resort has specific areas for short-term stays. "The short term sites are literally over a mile of tight, windy road to get to them. Once there the sites are ok," notes a visitor who stayed four days.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds primarily cater to seasonal campers, with limited availability for short-term stays. "This campground is a great family oriented campground. There were many seasonal sites that were located in the main portion of the campground," explains a visitor to Hoefts Resort and Campground.
