Tent camping in the Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin region features multiple campgrounds scattered through the glacial landscapes of eastern Wisconsin. Seasonal temperatures range from winter lows averaging 10°F to summer highs around 80°F, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season. The terrain consists primarily of rolling hills, kettle lakes, and hardwood forests formed by glacial retreat thousands of years ago.
What to do
Hiking trails network: Explore the Ice Age National Scenic Trail sections that traverse through Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit. The forest offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails through glacial features including eskers, kettles, and moraines. According to one camper, "We booked this for a coronavirus-safe camping trip, and it did not disappoint. Water is usually available, but more limited during the pandemic."
Cycling opportunities: Access the Wild Goose Trail from Wild Goose City Park for dedicated bike paths. "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. Plenty of space to spread out for a picnic when you're biking through," reports one visitor.
Fishing access: Cast a line in local waterways near Waubedonia County Park, where riverside tent sites provide easy water access. The campground is situated along the Milwaukee River, with good smallmouth bass and northern pike fishing opportunities. A camper notes it's "A nice little campground near the river in Fredonia, WI. The campsites are inexpensive and comfortable."
What campers like
Spacious group sites: Greenbush Group Campground provides exceptionally large camping areas. According to a visitor, "Large sites great for groups. Sites 2 and 9 are the largest. Those can each fit over 20 backpacking tents at the same time. Grassy sites surrounded by trees (plenty for hammocks too)."
Affordability: The camping options near Elkhart Lake maintain reasonable pricing compared to more developed areas. Waubedonia County Park campers appreciate the value, with one noting, "The campsites are inexpensive and comfortable, though there aren't as many amenities that a larger campground would have."
Accessibility: Most tent campgrounds in the region offer relatively convenient access from nearby population centers. One camper at Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp commented on it being "Easily accessible from Milwaukee," making it suitable for weekend trips.
What you should know
Water access considerations: Water sources at campgrounds may require walking from your site. A camper notes, "Water is usually available, but more limited during the pandemic (spigot turned off by our campsite, but available near the parking lot at the entrance - a longer walk)."
Noise between sites: Despite visual separation between campsites, sound travels easily in many of the camping areas. One visitor reported hearing "loud music from the site 4 late into the night" despite being at a different site.
Limited facilities: Most tent campgrounds offer basic amenities only. At Purplehaze Acres, tent campers have access to drinking water and pit toilets but should expect to be self-sufficient for other needs. The 9 tent sites include both drive-in and walk-in options.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wild Goose City Park offers play facilities alongside camping. "There's a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain. Plenty of space to spread out for a picnic when you're biking through," mentions one visitor.
Multi-tent capacity: Family groups requiring multiple tents can utilize the spacious sites at Greenbush. A camper reports, "We had six tents, but the site could easily have accommodated more."
Short walks to facilities: Children benefit from the layout of many campgrounds in the area. As one camper noted about Greenbush Group Campground, there's a "Short walk to pit toilets and drinking water" which helps when camping with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Electric availability: Little Turtle Lake offers 5 camping sites but limited hookups, so tent camping is the primary accommodation type. RVers should note that while fires are allowed and firewood is available for purchase, the site lacks electricity connections and water hookups.
Limited services: Most campgrounds near Elkhart Lake cater primarily to tent campers rather than RVs. The facilities typically provide pit toilets rather than full restroom buildings with showers, and hookups are rare even at established campgrounds.
Small campground navigation: Waubedonia County Park offers a more intimate setting described as "small but quaint" which allows easier navigation for smaller RVs and trailers, though big-rig accessibility is limited throughout the region.
