P
Peter N.
Scout
ScoutSunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Nice sites. Lots of road noise.
Camping near Elkhorn, WI
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Campgrounds near Elkhorn, Wisconsin range from established facilities at the Walworth County Fairgrounds to more secluded options in the surrounding Kettle Moraine State Forest region. The Elkhorn Campgrounds provide basic amenities with electric hookups and fire pits in a central location, while locations like Big Foot Beach State Park and Ottawa Lake Campground offer more natural settings with a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and some cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in the area maintain well-marked trails connecting to larger networks throughout southern Wisconsin's glacial terrain.
Many established campgrounds in the Elkhorn area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some Kettle Moraine facilities remain open year-round with reduced services in winter. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F, while spring and fall bring more moderate conditions ideal for hiking and outdoor recreation. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when Lake Geneva visitors often fill nearby camping areas. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some offering lakefront settings while others are set back in wooded areas. According to one visitor, "This area has always been a summer getaway, so reservations are hard to get. We went in October, so it was much easier, but the weather was unpredictable."
Campers consistently note the appeal of sites within Kettle Moraine State Forest, where glacial topography creates a distinctive landscape. The Ottawa Lake area receives particularly positive reviews for its spacious sites and proximity to various trails. Several visitors highlighted the advantage of camping slightly away from Lake Geneva to avoid crowds while maintaining reasonable access to recreation areas. For families, campgrounds like Snug Harbor on Turtle Lake offer amenities focused on water activities, though these tend to fill quickly during peak season. One camper remarked that "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." Winter camping options remain limited in the immediate Elkhorn area, though some state forest locations maintain minimal services for cold-weather enthusiasts.
Best Campgrounds near Elkhorn (100)
1. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
"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."
"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."
57 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $38 / night
2. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
"We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."
"This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 - $36 / night
3. Pinewoods & Group Camp — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
"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."
32 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $90 / night
4. Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
"I did not stay here, but I spend some time walking through to get a feel for the place."
"Wanted someplace close to home. Familiar with the Delavan area so was excited to find Snug Harbor. Set up went well, didn’t blow anything up! Yea! Staff was great, helped me back in."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $45 / night
5. Elkhorn Campgrounds
"Not many frills but quiet and within walking distance to downtown Elkhorn."
"Within walking distance to downtown Elkhorn, EAHS, and the horse areana. You might even be able to catch a show or two on site at the fair grounds, depending on the time of year."
6. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
"I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"
"Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots. Has a winery and cool dive bars all within 10 min. Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $38 / night
7. Scenic Ridge Campground
"You are in walking distance of the lake with boat ramp, kayaking and water inflatables. I loved it! Also, there is a store with full kitchen."
8. Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
"Rocket launch (bring your own,) atv (no rentals-bring your own), water fowl hunting (during season), fishing, wildlife watching, swimming at the beach, playground for kids, and my favorite- nice trails"
"Plenty of space & foliage between sites and a nice network of trails surrounding the campground. Close to some small towns and the interstate as well, but not close enough to hear traffic."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $110 / night
9. Staghorn Campground - Rock Cut State Park
"The hiking/biking trails are many miles long. The fishing near t he dam is great and you can always find a spot near the edge of the lake. Bring bug spray."
"Rock cut is only about a 50 minute drive from the far burbs of Chicago. It’s situated a few miles outside of Rockford so if you’re into exploring old industrial river towns, this is a nice one."
Check Availabilityfrom $12 - $50 / night
10. Whitewater Lake Campground & Hickory Woods Group Camp — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
"Pros: The sites we stayed in and the others that we noticed seemed sizeable and had nice tree-cover
- Having access to the Ice Age Trail was really neat
- Lake access nearby
Cons:
- On"
"Easy access to Ice Age Trail from the campground. Nice hike to Rice Lake."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $90 / night
Drive Time
- 29 min from Janesville, WI
- 34 min from Milwaukee, WI
- 38 min from Kenosha, WI
- 46 min from Racine, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Elkhorn, WI
277 Photos of 100 Elkhorn Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
Scenic Ridge Campground
Whitewater Lake Campground & Hickory Woods Group Camp — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
Sheltering Oaks Campground
Backpack Sites — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
Pinewoods & Group Camp — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern UnitB
Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson
Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Happy Acres KampgroundJ
Recent Reviews near Elkhorn, WI
819 Reviews of 100 Elkhorn Campgrounds
- JJenny B.
TravelerHononegah Forest Preserve
All sites are separated not on top of each other. We’ve been here quite a few times during cooler months and have been very happy with our experience.
Stuart K.
LegendPrairie View Campground - Rock Cut State Park
Nice Shaded Camping Alcove With Plenty of P&Q
Prairie View CG is the very first camping oasis you will come across after entering Rock Cut SP from its northernmost entrance, with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east. Once you enter the park, you will follow the long winding nicely paved two-lane circuit until you begin seeing the signs highlighting where to go for the various campgrounds. Once you access this road, you’ll come across a small building with a ranger where you will check in, after which, you will pass by a designated dump station before coming around a small bend where you will take your first left.
The sites begin with #500 and as you circumnavigate the simple circular loop, you will pass by about 2 dozen or so slots that are nice flat paved slots perfect sized for just about any RV or 5th Wheel. There is a single his / her restroom along with trash area at the beginning of the loop just past sites #503 and #504. To access the shower, you will need to go back to the main road and hike it down the road with your towel and toiletries, which I have to admit, is the biggest bummer about this particular campground. If having close access to shower facilities is important to you, then you may want to contemplate staying at other campgrounds here at Rock Cut SP like Staghorn and White Oak, which offer closer proximity.
One of the greatest assets here at Rock Cut SP is the very massive Pierce Lake, which is great for fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming. To launch your watercraft, you’ll head south to Hickory Hills campground where on the eastern side of this area you’ll be able to find the boat launch. In the Prairie View campground, in addition to restroom and waste disposal, you’ll also have access to running water spigots at each site along with running electric. The small community amphitheather is located centrally just past the campstore and before reaching the Hickory Hills campground. There is an excellent camp store in the middle of Rock Cut SP that offers up ice, firewood, ice cream, snacks, games, limited groceries and a number of other sundries you might need while camping. Additionally, there are 5 shelters that have electricity, with water and restrooms nearby and each shelter available through a reservation system. Two of the shelters (Red Oak and Puri Crest) also have children’s playgrounds nearby.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best sites here at Prairie View CG are those that are located furthest from the main road, for attaining the maximum camping bliss trifecta of less traffic, little noise and more privacy. As such, look at sites #512, #514, #516 and #518, which are all located on the exterior of the circle, thus providing the greatest amount of intimate nature experience; (2) Once you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your cooler, fret not, and just head out of the park where you will find a handful of dining options: Tom& Jerry’s, Fresh Start Café, Waffle Shop, Golden Chopsticks Buffet, Sunrise Family Restaurant, Beef-A-Roo (in fact, there’s like 4 of these that the park is surrounded by), but one of my absolute favorites is Green Fire, which is a really nice farm-to-table joint; (3) Got bird watching on your mind? Well, you’re in luck, because here at Rock Cut SP you can spot an amazing array of winged adventurers including bald eagles, American robins, northern cardinals, barn owls, mourning doves, indigo buntings, eastern bluebirds, Canadian geese, red-bellied woodpeckers, brown thrashers and many others; (4) Tired of nature and just want to get some really cool culture in you? Then head just due south of Rock Cut SP to explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House, which is simply amazing; and (5) If you come bearing watercraft like canoe or kayak, while Lake Pierce is wonderful and great for fishing, if you want something a bit more challenging, then head due west to the Rock River, where you can drop in from a number of launch sites, however I strongly recommend Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve.
Happy Camping!
- KKevin D.Scout
Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground
This campground charges both a site reservation fee ($33 for a primitive mosquito infested tent site) AND an additional day use fee on top of that - a $16 fee on top of that! $49????? For a no hook up single tent site???? Of course the fees aren’t actually published anywhere so you have to reserve it to actually know what you’ll be paying. It’s nothing special so these fees aren’t actually warranted for this place. 👎
- GGladys L.Traveler
Plum Grove Campground - Rock Cut State Park
Rock Cut State Park in Rockford , Illinois
We got a campsite with a concrete pad. Electricity 30 amp site. There is a dump station close to the registration office. Boat ramp available for campers. One cabin for rental overlooking the Pierce Lake $50/night for Illinois resident. Beautiful setting. Wild turkeys roaming through our campground.
Sherry K.ScoutPearl Lake
Late night party central
The park is beautiful. The water is beautiful. They say it's a gated community, but it's open to the public 9 to 5 daily. At twenty five dollars per person. And then on friday and saturday night, the locals that park here for the summer start their party central including karaoke at the camper next door, and several others. I've never had a camcround with that loud of parties. And it's a weekend event. I like hearing and seeing people having fun but when the manager extends the curfew for the parties she's at (they kind of party hop), it starts to affect the enjoyment of the park. If we had to stay, we'd stay in the S## sites in the back, where you don't hear so much of the partying. And then during the day, the rules began. Kind of like the soup nazi.
kelsea D.TravelerPrairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park
A lot to do.
There’s a lot of things to do out here. We did some hiking with our boy. The site we were at was maintained. It’s a nice place to go camping.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendHoneysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Lively Little Campground Beside Turner Lake
There’s something wonderfully EZ about camping where the kids can wander down toward the water and suddenly the whole weekend seems to slow down ... and that’s the entire charm of Honeysuckle Hollow. Here at Chain O’Lakes State Park, Honeysuckle Hollow is the largest and most wide open of the park’s camping areas, with electric sites geared particularly well toward RV families, although the tradeoff is noticeably less shade and almost zero privacy between nearly every campsite, compared with neighboring Fox Den, which offers up much more seclusion and shade. The greatest asset here is undoubtedly the direct access to Turner Lake (although you could also have direct access over at Turner Lake South), giving families an EZ place to fish, paddle or simply explore the shoreline, while electric hookups, picnic tables, grills and a nearby restroom/shower building keep the actual camping comfortably simple. We especially loved those unhurried moments when the boys could wander toward the lake while dinner was getting started and everyone seemed perfectly happy just being outside together. The shower facility here is convenient, although we found it just slightly more dilapidated conditions than the bathhouse located closer to Fox Den. From what we saw, I’d choose one of the better-spaced sites toward the Turner Lake side of the campground, where EZ water access helps compensate for Honeysuckle’s limited privacy. I’d recommend Honeysuckle for families who value electricity, lake access and a lively campground atmosphere, particularly if having Turner Lake practically in your backyard matters more than having your neighbors hidden behind the trees. One point to note is that the pier was in an advanced state of disrepair and so we were not able to fully maximize this particular amenity - so if accessing Turner Lake is important to you and your family, we would recommend calling ahead to verify the condition of the pier.
- nnancy H.
GuideStaghorn Campground - Rock Cut State Park
Perfect for an overnight stop when travelling through I-90 & Rockford Ill
We are traveling mid week in September so did not make advanced reservations. The registration booth attendant assigned us site 506. (We were not permitted to drive through to pick our own location before registering). Our site was grassy and a bit muddy after some significant rains, but it was cozy with trees and tall brush on all sides. Pit toilets at each loop with a shower building just 5 minute walk away. You can hear the din of the highway about .5 miles away, but an easy place to stay if you are traveling through. Electricity on site, water spigots nearby and dump station near the entrance.
Guide to Elkhorn
Camping spots near Elkhorn, Wisconsin sit at approximately 1,000 feet above sea level within southern Wisconsin's glacially-formed terrain. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with July temperatures averaging 82°F during the day and dropping to 60°F at night. Winter camping options remain limited to select locations in Kettle Moraine State Forest where temperatures often fall below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: Pinewoods Campground offers direct access to scenic overlook trails with panoramic views. A visitor mentioned, "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion. The quiet Loop was a wonderful idea."
Water activities on Turtle Lake: Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming. One camper noted, "The property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake. The tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below."
Spring wildlife viewing: Richard Bong State Recreation Area has exceptional wildlife observation opportunities, particularly in spring. A visitor shared, "I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two."
Winter camping experiences: Ottawa Lake Campground remains open year-round with modified services during colder months. A camper stated, "No showers in winter but awesome" when describing their off-season experience.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the site layout at Kettle Moraine South Camping, with one visitor noting, "The sites were very nice with some decent foliage between sites. The space was generous so we didn't feel crowded."
Accessibility to nearby towns: Elkhorn Campgrounds receives praise for its central location. A camper mentioned, "Within walking distance to downtown Elkhorn, EAHS, and the horse arena. You might even be able to catch a show or two on site at the fair grounds, depending on the time of year."
Fall foliage: Autumn camping offers spectacular colors throughout the region. According to one camper at Richard Bong State Recreation Area, "We left the rain fly off of the tent and just enjoyed the stars and the satellites streaking across the sky."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor to Sunrise Campground noted, "They have on site bathrooms and showers. Electric, water and sewer hookups. They also have tent sites."
What you should know
Highway noise impacts: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to major roads. A visitor to Big Foot Beach State Park Campground shared, "The road noise is absolutely noticeable. It was incredibly loud when we drove through the loop closest to the highway and was significantly better even just one section over."
Beach limitations: Beaches in the area vary significantly in size and quality. One camper noted, "There's a beach across a busy street that is about 5 feet long that's right against the road. The campsites themselves are okay."
Weekend crowding: Summer weekends see high visitation rates at most campgrounds. A visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground observed, "The lake is very clean and the site are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!"
Mosquito prevalence: The wetland areas throughout the region support significant mosquito populations. One camper warned, "It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go."
Tips for camping with families
Nature center activities: Sunrise Campground offers educational programming. A visitor shared, "The Weekend we were here they had a free Kids fishing weekend and John the naturalist was amazing!! There is a ton to do at this park the nature center has activities all weekend long."
Water play options: Several campgrounds feature water features specifically designed for children. A camper at Snug Harbor mentioned, "Great three tiered camping spot. Full hookup, and great views. Has a pub/restaurant with good food. Lots to do!"
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds maintain playground equipment for younger visitors. According to one camper, "There is a nice children's play area. There is a nice general store with a small restaurant for take out. They have activities on Holidays."
Educational hiking trails: Self-guided nature trails suitable for children exist throughout the region. One visitor noted, "Pick Up the activity book for kids it is a great adventure lots to do at the lake!!!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking at Pinewoods Campground, choose sites carefully. A camper advised, "We stayed in loop 3 site 273 as we were camping in the early season and loops 1-2 were closed. The site was well wooded and very spacious!"
Power considerations: Rock Cut State Park offers both 30-amp and 50-amp sites. According to one RVer, "The sites begin with #500 and as you circumnavigate the simple circular loop, you will pass by about 2 dozen or so slots that are nice flat paved slots perfect sized for just about any RV or 5th Wheel."
Service availability: Water and electrical hookups vary between campgrounds. A camper at Scenic Ridge Campground noted, "There is a very clean bathroom and bathhouse, freshwater for campers, and some electric tent campsites."
Seasonal options: Several campgrounds feature year-round accessibility for RVs. One visitor shared, "We camp here at least 5 times a year. It's only 8 miles from our home. Many trails and not too expensive. They have sites with electric and sites just for tents."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV camping facilities in Elkhorn, Wisconsin?
Are there RV camping facilities in Elkhorn, Wisconsin?
Yes, RV camping is available in and around Elkhorn. Pearl Lake offers RV sites with lakeside camping, providing a refreshing option during hot summer months. For RV camping directly in Elkhorn, the Walworth County fairgrounds hosts Elkhorn Campgrounds with hookups and fire pits available. Just a short drive away, Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area provides big-rig friendly sites. Other nearby options include Prairie View at Chain O' Lakes State Park, which offers no-hookup sites with water available to fill tanks, and Hickory Hills Campground, which accommodates RVs in a more secluded setting.
What campgrounds are available near Elkhorn, WI?
What campgrounds are available near Elkhorn, WI?
Elkhorn offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Elkhorn Campgrounds is located at the Walworth County fairgrounds, providing a quiet setting within walking distance to downtown. For a state park experience, Big Foot Beach State Park Campground in nearby Lake Geneva offers shaded sites and is one of Wisconsin's most popular camping destinations. Other options within driving distance include Pinewoods Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, which provides access to hiking and mountain biking trails, and Hickory Hills Campground near Edgerton, which offers a more secluded experience.
Is boondocking or free camping available around Elkhorn, WI?
Is boondocking or free camping available around Elkhorn, WI?
Free camping or boondocking options are limited around Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Most camping in the area requires fees, including the county and state parks. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit offers more rustic camping opportunities, though permits are still required. William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground provides reasonably priced county park camping with generous sites. For true boondocking, you may need to venture further from Elkhorn, as Wisconsin generally has limited free dispersed camping options compared to western states. Always check with local land management agencies for current regulations.
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