RV camping near Ellison Bay, Wisconsin positions visitors at the northernmost tip of Door County peninsula, where inland forest meets 250 miles of Lake Michigan coastline. Most campgrounds in this area maintain seasonal operations from May through mid-October due to Wisconsin's cold winters, with some sites closing as late as November 1. Campsite availability becomes extremely limited during peak leaf color season in October, when visitors flock to the area for spectacular fall foliage.
What to do
Lighthouse exploration: 3 minutes from Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort, visitors can explore nearby Potawatomi State Park. "Located right next door to Potowatami State Park we were able to ride bike out of campground and directly only to state park trail," explains one camper, noting the convenience for cyclists.
Cherry picking: 2-minute drive from Hy-Land Court RV Park, a cherry orchard offers seasonal fruit. A visitor noted, "Great spot to explore Door County! Just north of sister bay and right next door to a cherry orchard this campground was great!"
Water activities: 20 minutes from most Ellison Bay campgrounds, visitors find swimming beaches, kayak rentals, and fishing spots. A camper at CAMP Door County mentioned, "Wow, centrally located to EVERYTHING! The staff was so friendly and helpful."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Wagon Trail Campground consistently receives praise for spacious, wooded sites. "The sites are large and secluded. When going to visit different towns it is located in a great location to easily get around," writes one reviewer, highlighting the balance between seclusion and convenience.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean facilities. A Wagon Trail visitor noted, "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!"
Quiet atmosphere: The northern Door County area maintains a peaceful camping environment. At Hy-Land Court, one camper observed, "Hey-land court is not a party campground. This place is quiet almost all the time," making it ideal for those seeking tranquility.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds have spotty cellular coverage. HTR Door County (formerly Egg Harbor Campground) provides a central location with amenities to compensate. "They are uniquely situated just outside of Egg Harbor, with plenty of the local attractions within minutes of the park," notes a camper.
Reservation requirements: Advance bookings are essential, especially for summer weekends. One Wagon Trail visitor shared, "We go here every labor day. We bank from 6-8 sites next to each other," indicating the necessity of planning ahead for group camping.
Site variations: Terrain and amenities differ significantly between campgrounds and even within the same property. A camper at HTR Door County observed, "There's an abundance of sites to choose from - heavily to lightly wooded, pull thru, back-in, full or partial hookups."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: CAMP Door County offers facilities specifically designed for children. A visitor noted, "Lots of tent and car campers in addition to bigger rigs. If you're planning on going to Door County, there's no better place than Camp Door County."
Recreation options: Several campgrounds feature organized activities and game rooms. At Tranquil Timbers, one camper described, "It has a pool for kids both older and small. I loved that they have a social gathering spot with movies and djs."
Nearby attractions: Family-friendly destinations surround Ellison Bay. A visitor to Tranquil Timbers commented, "This campground's location was great! It was easy to bike into sturgeon bay and awesome to be able to bike in the potowatomi state forest."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Countryside Motel & RV Sites provides basic services at affordable rates. A camper cautions, "Water and electric only. NO DUMP STATION AT ALL," highlighting the need to plan waste management accordingly.
Site selection: Large rigs require careful site selection. At HTR Door County, a reviewer suggested, "Although some sites are rather close together, the fact that they are so wooded makes it feel more like a state park."
Seasonal differences: Weather impacts RV camping conditions significantly. A visitor to Hy-Land Court advised, "We have stayed here twice and plan to return again this year. Owners are amazing and accommodating. The park has open areas and more secluded areas as well."
