Camping sites near Ellison Bay, Wisconsin sit on the northernmost section of the Door County peninsula, characterized by dense cedar forests and rugged limestone shorelines. The region's unique microclimate, influenced by its position between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, creates warmer autumn temperatures while summer daytime averages hover in the mid-70s. Most non-state park campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to harsh winter conditions that can bring over 40 inches of annual snowfall.
What to do
Dark sky stargazing: Newport State Park, 3 miles south of Ellison Bay, offers exceptional night sky viewing as Wisconsin's only designated Dark-sky preserve. "I could still hear the footsteps pacing further from the tent now but definitely still on the campsite," shares one camper about a memorable night at Newport State Park Campground, highlighting both the tranquility and wilderness experience.
Lighthouse exploration: The Eagle Bluff lighthouse near Fish Creek is temporarily closed for renovations as of August 2025, but Rock Island's Potowatomi lighthouse remains accessible. A visitor to Rock Island State Park Campground notes, "The island has a great history that can be explored by hiking to the Potowatomi lighthouse and poking around the boathouse by the ferry dock."
Water activities: Access to Green Bay and Lake Michigan shorelines provides multiple swimming and paddling options. At J.W. Wells State Park, 30 miles northwest of Ellison Bay, visitors enjoy "a trail leading to the picnic shelter and sandy swimming beach" with "stunning views, great trails (some moderate to difficult), fishing and paddling at water access."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campgrounds in the area maintain natural spacing between sites. A recent guest at Baileys Woods Campground explained, "For a private campground, the sites were large and wooded, overall the campground was clean and quiet. For a private campground, the sites were large and wooded, overall the campground was clean and quiet."
Clean facilities: Wagon Trail Campground consistently earns praise for immaculate bathrooms. One camper observed, "They are well-known for having the cleanest bathrooms/showers in the area and their bathrooms did not disappoint! They are air conditioned with individual, private stalls and hot water!"
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds feature playground equipment and recreational activities. At Tennison Bay Campground in Peninsula State Park, visitors appreciate the range of options: "Kayaking, horseback riding, and amazing hikes are some of the immediate activities. If that's not really your pace, you can head out to one of the many towns that surround the area."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season bookings at Peninsula State Park campgrounds should be made 11 months in advance. One visitor noted, "It fills up really quickly and unless you book almost 11 months out, you will likely only get a walk up site."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the peninsula. At Welcker's Point Campground, campers report, "Don't plan on having any cell phone reception with AT&T. 90% of the time I was at my campsite my phone was in SOS mode. You need to drive out to the park entrance to get reliable reception."
Wildlife awareness: Poison ivy is common throughout Door County woodland areas. A camper at Peninsula State Park warns, "Watch out for poison oak and the raccoons though! Great place to camp, but the water is cold so might not be best for swimming - go kayaking!"
Tips for camping with families
Pack layers for temperature swings: Door County experiences significant day-to-night temperature drops, especially on Rock Island where a camper warns, "The island gets very windy and cold at night. Be prepared and bring extra layers! On the plus side, bugs were very very minimal."
Consider walk-in campsites: For families seeking more privacy, Newport State Park offers walk-in sites close to parking. "This spot is a yearly favorite. It's probably retained its fresh quiet feel because all the campsites are walk-in... but you don't have to walk that far. Some are just half a mile in!"
Playground access: Hy-Land Court RV Park in Ellison Bay receives positive reviews despite limited child-specific amenities. A visitor notes it's "not so big, there is no playground for kids, bathrooms and showers are really clean that's a plus, there is also a laundry machine."
Tips from RVers
Water access considerations: Sites near water often provide the best experiences. At J.W. Wells State Park, "We stay at site 40 but all the spots along there are in the water. There is a tree line though and a small drop."
Facility quality varies: RVers at Wagon Trail Campground consistently praise the amenities: "Small camp store has all the basics. Playground for kids. Campsite was very clean. Tent sites have lots of mosquitoes, so be prepared. Cabins and yurts also available to rent."
Site surface types: Many private campgrounds feature gravel rather than grass surfaces. At Baileys Woods, "All roads and campsites are gravel, there is very little grass. If you are looking for grass to play on, they do have a large mowed area in along the road that is perfect."
