Best Tent Camping near Ellison Bay, WI

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Ellison Bay? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Ellison Bay with tent camping. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Ellison Bay, Wisconsin's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Ellison Bay, Wisconsin (14)

    Adam S.'s photo of tent camping at Newport State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Newport State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Newport State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Newport State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Newport State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Newport State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI

    1. Newport State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    160 Photos
    196 Saves
    Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

    Newport's wilderness experience offers over 2,300 acres of forest on 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 30 miles of hiking trails, and backpack camping as a quiet alternative to bustling Door County. At the far end of the Door Peninsula, Newport is also designated as a Dark Sky Park, a perfect destination for stargazing.

    Newport State Park offers rustic, backpack camping for visitors. Camping is allowed in designated campsites only.

    Newport has 17 backpack (hike-in) campsites, including one group site. All sites can be reserved. Campers must hike or bike in all gear and supplies. There are no carts available at the park. There are a few amenities at the sites, including a pit toilet, fire ring with flip-up grill, a lock box for food and a bench or two. Water is available at the park office or at a solar pump near the picnic shelter by Lot 3 (seasonally). There are no shower facilities at the park. All garbage must be carried out of all campsites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $20 / night

    Shirwil L.'s photo of tent camping at Rock Island State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Rock Island State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Rock Island State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Rock Island State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Rock Island State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Rock Island State Park Campground near Ellison Bay, WI

    2. Rock Island State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    49 Photos
    84 Saves
    Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Rebecca B.'s photo of tent camping at Welcker's Point Campground — Peninsula State Park near Ephraim, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Welcker's Point Campground — Peninsula State Park near Ephraim, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Welcker's Point Campground — Peninsula State Park near Ephraim, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Welcker's Point Campground — Peninsula State Park near Ephraim, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Welcker's Point Campground — Peninsula State Park near Ephraim, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Welcker's Point Campground — Peninsula State Park near Ephraim, WI

    3. Welcker's Point Campground — Peninsula State Park

    9 Reviews
    33 Photos
    43 Saves
    Ephraim, Wisconsin
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $20 - $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Harbour Village Campground & Water Park near Egg Harbor, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Harbour Village Campground & Water Park near Egg Harbor, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Harbour Village Campground & Water Park near Egg Harbor, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Harbour Village Campground & Water Park near Egg Harbor, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Harbour Village Campground & Water Park near Egg Harbor, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Harbour Village Campground & Water Park near Egg Harbor, WI

    4. Harbour Village Campground & Water Park

    3 Reviews
    6 Photos
    10 Saves
    Egg Harbor, Wisconsin

    When you’re ready to beat the summer heat, and enjoy some family-friendly camping and outdoor fun, it’s time to head for Harbour Village. Just an hours’ drive northeast of Green Bay, this 300-acre resort features waterslides, swimming and fishing ponds, splash pad, sand beach, sports areas, putt-putt golf, an RC racetrack, and several playgrounds. There’s also plenty of fun for big kids (adults) as well, including disc golf, horseshoes, and shuffleboard, and an adults-only pool and hot tub. The resort also has nature trails for strolling through the woods and watching for local wildlife, and an outdoor theater that shows movies on weekends that can be enjoyed from your own picnic blanket. The campground at Harbor Village features 200 tent and RV campsites so you can settle in just how you like. Tent campers can choose from modern sites with water and electricity, or more secluded, primitive sites for “roughing it.” RV and trailer sites are available with back-in and pull-through pads, all with hookups. Sites are available in wooded and open areas, and all are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. Campground amenities include drinking water, bathhouses, laundry facilities, and recycling and dump stations. An onsite store sells groceries, ice, firewood, water toys, clothing and games. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed, and stay in designated areas. Seasonal campsite rates range from $28–$70/night; cabin rates $65–$190/night. If you want to double your fun at Harbour Village, plan your visit for one of their themed weekends. Pack your hats and boots for Cowboy Weekend, don your favorite Wisconsin sports team wear for Wisco Weekend, or come dressed as your favorite hero for Superhero Weekend—with a golf cart parade! For food and drink fun, plan to visit during Irish Fest or Oktoberfest. Join the festivities for Christmas in July, Summer Halloween, or the Pirate Pool Party Weekend. Come for scavenger hunts, craft sales, pet parades, community potlucks, and free, live entertainment. With so much fun to be enjoyed at Harbour Village, you may need to plan more than one vacation.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    Zachary J.'s photo of tent camping at River Park near Menominee, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at River Park near Menominee, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at River Park near Menominee, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at River Park near Menominee, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at River Park near Menominee, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at River Park near Menominee, MI

    5. River Park

    3 Reviews
    25 Photos
    28 Saves
    Menominee, Michigan

    This Park offers a great swimming hole (no life guard on duty), A large Pavilion (with electric) for picnic lunches, Pitt Toilets, running water and of coarse great fishing on the Menominee River.

    Four sites are available for over night camping, non-electric sites only for $10 per night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $10 / night

    Steve D.'s photo of tent camping at North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI

    6. North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites

    6 Reviews
    132 Photos
    63 Saves
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

    Camping on North Manitou Island offers solitude and a wild beauty and nights listening to lapping waves. The small Village Campground contains eight designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground. Camping is allowed in the wilderness area, but open fires are prohibited. Use gas or alcohol stoves i the wilderness. Backcountry Camping Regulations are in effect on North Manitou Island. A backcountry permit and fee payment must be completed before camping. Permits are available on the island and on the mainland. Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Glen Arbor, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Glen Arbor, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Glen Arbor, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Glen Arbor, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Glen Arbor, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Glen Arbor, MI

    7. Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    5 Saves
    Glen Arbor, Michigan

    The Popple Campground is the furthest from the dock (about 3.5 miles), so you are likely to have fewer people camping there. The campground is close to the beach on the northern tip of the island. Bring water filtration equipment since there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 7 individual sites

    • Tents
    Jason H.'s photo of tent camping at Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    Camper-submitted photo at Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI

    8. Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    3 Reviews
    9 Photos
    25 Saves
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

    The Weather Station campground overlooks Lake Michigan on the island's south side, about a mile beyond the lighthouse. The campsites are located within a forested area and are pretty well secluded from each other. This location affords inspiring views of the Manitou Passage and Sleeping Bear Dunes on the mainland. The lighthouse, Lake Florence, the Morazan, and Giant Cedars are all within easy walking distance. Follow the signs to take a pleasant walk along a woodland path, past the lighthouse to this campsite, or follow Burdick Road, turning left at Ohio Road for a less scenic but more leisurely walk. Bring water filtration equipment because there is no source of purified drinking water.

    There are 20 individual sites (maximum of 4 people or two tents per site) and 3 group sites (maximum of 20 people or ten tents per site). There are several fire rings in the campground that can be shared by campers.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo at Pemene Falls Site — Menominee River State Recreation Area near Pembine, WI

    9. Pemene Falls Site — Menominee River State Recreation Area

    Be the first to review!
    Pembine, Wisconsin

    There are four canoe campsites available on the Wisconsin shore of the Menominee River. Signs with a canoe and tent symbol mark the campsites. These sites are for groups of six persons or less. On the Wisconsin side of the river, campsites are only available by reservation.

    At each site there is a fire ring, a cleared spot to pitch a tent, benches and a primitive latrine. No non-designated island camping is permitted on Wisconsin islands in the river.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Toilets

    $16 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Sturgeon Bend Faithorn Township Park near Pembine, MI

    10. Sturgeon Bend Faithorn Township Park

    Be the first to review!
    4 Saves
    Pembine, Wisconsin
    • Tents
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets

    $10 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

384 Reviews of 14 Ellison Bay Campgrounds


  • Emily M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gladstone Bay Campground
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Gladstone Bay Campground

    Good Site

    Nice tent site with a lovely view of the lake. The beach area is nice for wading, but the water was a little chilly in June. The bathrooms are clean and the showers are free! The people at the front desk are friendly and helpful.

    The only reason it is not 5 stars is because the tent sites were just lined up in a field. It wasn't bad, but made it a little less comfortable.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from J.W. Wells State Park Campground
    Aug. 10, 2019

    J.W. Wells State Park Campground

    Wonderful park

    It was a clean, busy park. We had a nice shaded site along the woods great for tent camping. The bathrooms are kept up nicely, the only downfall of the trip was the rain and our leaky tent!!

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Trail Campground
    May. 5, 2018

    Wagon Trail Campground

    One of the best tent sites ever

    This was one of the most beautiful campground tent sites ever. We had forget-me-nots on our site it was big enough for our extra large tent and we had the sound of frogs to serenade us at night.

  • Michael V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Welcker's Point Campground — Peninsula State Park
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Welcker's Point Campground — Peninsula State Park

    Nice tent campground, great location.

    This is in the middle of Door county, centrally located for exploring all Door County has to offer. We were tent camping and our site, I forget the number, as it was years ago, was perfect. Had shade for our tent, and sun as needed. Hung up our hammocks and read books as we listened to the waves crashing.

  • Joseph L.
    Camper-submitted photo from North Nicolet Bay Campground — Peninsula State Park
    Aug. 31, 2016

    North Nicolet Bay Campground — Peninsula State Park

    Crowded...crowded

    I wanted to give 2 out of 5 stars but felt that would be unfair since we only experienced one campsite area, South Nicollet area. Very crowded, basically all RV's with families, we were in ear shit of crying babies and dogs with small dog syndrome! If RV'ing is your thing, this might be 5 out of 5 but for tent camping it's incredibly loud and crowded. Virtually no privacy beside maybe a couple spots. I've heard Tennison bay campsites are more secluded? Maybe that's the way to go, so book in advance, and go for campsites in the outer circles of the areas! I'd recommend hitting up eagle trail early before it gets busy, very unique trail but bring ankle support lots of rocks. And rent a canoe/kayak lots of great views. I can def see coming back to PSP but only for a day pass. I'd pass on this one if you prefer tent camping.

  • Rachel
    Camper-submitted photo from Gladstone Bay Campground
    Aug. 10, 2020

    Gladstone Bay Campground

    Last resort for tent camping. Great showers though

    On a last minute camping trip to Michigan, we were looking for places that didn't require reservations, so I felt very lucky and happy to find tent sites available at this campground on a Sunday afternoon. Nearly every spot for RV camping was occupied. Of the eight or so tent sites available, only two were occupied. 

    We were given our choice of tent site and settled on site 5 because it was the furthest from all other sites. The grass was solid enough to drive our car across, but there were several questionable spots of swamp we had to be careful to avoid. Site 5 sits next to the playground, which looks like it hasn't been maintained in years. The foliage around the lake was too tall for us to be able to see the lake from our tent and too thick, plus the swampiness of the land, to be able to walk through to access the lake. 

    A nearby boardwalk was damaged and blocked off to foot traffic. The paved drive within the camp site was where everyone seemed to be spending their time, riding bicycles or roller bladeing in circles.

    Four or five showers are available on site, with separate flush toilets for men and women. Firewood was available for purchase, as well as ice and vending machines. 

    The showers were great to have. However, with no easy access to the lake, not much of a view, being very crowded and catered towards RVers, I would only stay here again if I had no other options, as a tent camper.

  • Nate G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Newport State Park Campground
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Newport State Park Campground

    Nice and peacful: National DARK SKY AREA

    Hike/bike in tent camping along the lake shore of Lake Michigan. Beautiful natural beaches with multiple parking areas for even just a day trip. The Door County Peninsula is full of activities and neat little shops/boutiques nearby. This is also a dark sky area with gatherings during lunar events without light pollution.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Dovetail Acres Campground
    May. 31, 2022

    Dovetail Acres Campground

    Best new campsite in Door County

    The best new campsite in Door County! The campsites themselves are picturesque and they have amenities galore from power, to wifi, to even a great dog walk. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an RV or tent site and will definitely be coming back again!

  • Jillian S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Trail Campground
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Wagon Trail Campground

    Perfect for car camping in Door County

    The customer service at this campground is impeccable. Bathrooms are always amazingly clean. 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. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.

  • Jillian S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Trail Campground
    Aug. 10, 2019

    Wagon Trail Campground

    Love Wagon Trail

    I have stayed in this campground twice now and have loved it both times. The campground staff is super friendly. Location is beautiful. Bathrooms are great and always clean. Mosquitoes can be annoying in the more secluded tent sites. Get up in the middle of the night, the stars are amazing here! I will keep coming back here.

  • Nina B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fish Creek Campground
    Jun. 27, 2020

    Fish Creek Campground

    Super Convenient

    We had a change of plans at the last minute and were in a pinch to find somewhere to stay. We got the last tent site at Fish Creek Campground and we are so pleased with how our plan B turned out. Super clean campground with great amenities/convenient shop and the staff is wonderful. If you’re looking for a laid back place to sit by the fire you’d love it here!

  • Gerald B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Newport State Park Campground
    Sep. 21, 2019

    Newport State Park Campground

    Great gem in Northeast Wisconsin

    Hikers rejoice. You’ll find the 16-17 rustic sites quite awesome at Newport State Park. Camp right next to the water even.

    We hiked just after a 3” rainfall, so unfortunately the trails were washed out. But we made do.

    It’s a beautiful park, and looks to be well kept. Close to Uncle Tom’s Candy Store and a short drive to Ellison Bay for supplies or a fish boil.

  • Deb M.
    Camper-submitted photo from HTR Door County
    Aug. 18, 2021

    HTR Door County

    Great private campgroun

    This is one of the nicest private campgrounds we’ve been to. There’s an abundance of sites to choose from - heavily to lightly wooded, pull thru, back-in, full or partial hookups, and tent sites are available. Although some sites are rather close together, the fact that they are so wooded makes it feel more like a state park. The facilities, although older, are clean and well kept. The location is central to most everything in Door County. We will definitely return when we come here next.

  • Ashley N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Trail Campground
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Wagon Trail Campground

    Its amazing

    Thee best camp ground ive been too to date!! The bathrooms are AMAZING compared to others, everything is new and well maintained. Theres a park, game room, adult lounge, amazing trails and all breed of dogs are welcomed! They have a dish washing area by the bathrooms and they make sure soap and cleaning supplies are there to use. We tent camped the first night but then a Yurt came up and we snagged that for the next 2 nights with the kiddos. Its fall so its wet out but the beauty of the surrounding area is something to enjoy while not at camp.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dovetail Acres Campground
    Oct. 28, 2021

    Dovetail Acres Campground

    Relatively New RV Campground

    Convenient to Sister Bay in Door County, Wisconsin. Off of WI Hwy 57. Large open field. 27 pull-through RV sites are equipped to handle the biggest RV’s by providing 34′ x 75′ sites. 33 back-in RV sites. 10 walk in tent sites. Pets welcome - $5/day pet fee. New restrooms & showers. No cell service, but very good free WiFi service. Clean campsites, well maintained. No privacy between sites. Gravel driveways. Picnic table. Fire ring. Convenience store & gas station on site - Dovetail Trading Company & Citgo gas station. Registration in store. Accepts reservations. Campground was still open on Oct 23, 2021, even though it's season ended on Oct 18. This is a good campground for RVs. I camped here when I couldn't find another campground that had available sites. I thought it was overpriced for camping in my camper van with no hookups needed, but it was okay in a pinch.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Tennison Bay Campground — Peninsula State Park
    Aug. 8, 2021

    Tennison Bay Campground — Peninsula State Park

    Beautiful views with variety of activities

    Beautiful state park with plenty of activities for all ages. We booked a same-day campsite over the weekend in August. That in itself in Wisconsin almost deserves five stars. Absolutely stunning views with miles and miles of hiking and biking trails, surrounded by beautiful lake Michigan coast line. Activities such as golf, plays and musicals at a rustic amphitheater, lighthouse lookout, gorgeous skywalk and a nice beach with incredibly large portions of ice cream for the kiddos.

    2 star loss goes against the overhead trees not being groomed for a class A, plenty of tree knocks and scratches getting in and out of the camping area and even the main road. All the amenities restricted RV parking so as we were leaving the grounds we could not enjoy new discoveries found.

    I would give Peninsula state park a 4 because of the beauty and awesome amenities; maybe even a 5 if We were tent camping; however there was overwhelming evidence that our Class A was an after thought so a solid 3 is my final review.

  • Eric S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Bay De Noc
    Aug. 15, 2022

    Little Bay De Noc

    Geared towards R.V. Campers

    Went here on July the 4th weekend. Because another site I had booked fell through after arriving. Nice spacious sites and relatively quiet. It’s mostly geared towards R.V. Campers though. You can tent camp if you want. But be warned of the R.V. Campers and generators. First two nights my girlfriend and I stayed. Everything was good. Then came the guy with the trailer next door. Nice trailer but crappy jobsite type generator. Definitely not what you want for a campsite. The first day we figured he was just using it to setup. The second day he ran the generator and was nowhere to be seen until 10 at night. He shut it off just before the campsite host showed up. But the camper himself was nowhere to be seen. Overall it’s nice and you do hear some traffic from across the bay. Not overwhelming though.

  • Kim L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Door County KOA
    Jul. 5, 2020

    Door County KOA

    Great for an RV at the edge of Door County

    This campground recently became a KOA. Our site was wooded and spacious, but difficult to maneuver into. We had a W/E site that had a nice fire pit and well placed hook ups. The best part about this campground is the pool area. There are 3 pools- 2 large full sized pools and one kiddie pool and splash pad. Can’t forget about the big water slide too! We enjoyed hours in the pool followed by dinner at the patio seating poolside. A bar/pub restaurant and a well stocked camp store. There are a lot of seasonal sites here, and I didn’t see the tent sites. If you want Door County nature, head to the state parks. If you want a home base with a pool and really nice bathrooms, this place is great. Lots of bike riding, beaches, towns, etc. within a 30 min drive.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Trail Campground
    Oct. 26, 2022

    Wagon Trail Campground

    Greaet family campground

    General: Pride of ownership is evident throughout the campground and there are many different types of accommodations: tent, electric and water, (including some classified as prime), full hook-up, cabins, and yurts. There are also seasonal sites and travel trailer rentals. This campground was as busy as I would expect for Door County in the summer. We checked in at the well-staffed office (open until 9 pm) at which time our site was assigned. 

    Site Quality/Facilities: Since there are so many different kinds of sites, they vary greatly. Our non-hookup site (#104) had an L-shaped driveway which was just a bit awkward to back our campervan into but not impossible. This site would not have been suitable for a large RV. Some of the tent sites in this loop (#111-113) were called “hideaway” tent sites as they had very long driveways and more privacy. Many of the sites are wooded and there is varying separation between sites but more than adequate. The premium sites have the most privacy and many of these have no one behind them. 

    Bathhouse: There are two bathhouses, and each is closed for a two-hour period each day. They were immaculate (possibly the cleanest campground bathrooms I have ever seen!). The shower, while a bit on the small side, had nice hot water and plenty of hooks to hang clothes and toiletries. They were clean. 

    Activities/Amenities: The campground itself has much to offer: playground, recreation area with volleyball net, laundry, dishwashing station, fish cleaning station, recreation room with pool table and arcade games, lounge with fireplace, couches, and books, a camp store, and doggie stations. A couple of hiking trails lead from the campground, including one to Grandma’s Swedish Bakery (highly recommend at least one visit). Nearby kayak and SUP rentals. There is much to do in Door County for active and less active pursuits; this campground is located on the quiet side of the peninsula, but it does not take long to drive to other activities. 

    This is not our typical type of campground. We used to live within two hours of the northern part of the Door Peninsula, so we only took day trips here; camping here is new to us but we are enjoying exploring many different options.

  • Amanda K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fish Creek Campground
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Fish Creek Campground

    Nice Facilities & Friendly Staff

    We have a timeshare and stay in Door County every year during the off season. We decided to camp during the summer to check out some of the places that are only open in the summer. Door County, WI is one of the most beautiful places. We tent camped (2 adults & 4 kids). The staff are extremely friendly, small store has all necessary items ($6 wood bundles, $3 ice bags). Bathrooms are very clean, flushing toilets and nice showers. Playground great for the 10yrs and under crowd. Basketball, pickleball, gaga ball etc. Fun place to stay. Four stars because the sites are a bit close together. In downtown Fish Creek they have some awesome food and shopping. Pelletiers Fish Boil ($21 for a whole meal, two meals fed our whole family). Not Licked Yet frozen custard is a great place for adults to relax and kids to play on their large playgroud. Lots of cute stores as well. Our stay was cut short due to repeated thunderstorms. Would love to go back and stay for longer!

  • Emily M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Holtwood Campground
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Holtwood Campground

    Everything you need!

    A friend and I went on a month long bike tour, and this campground was my favorite! The staff was friendly and helped us pick out the best spot for our tent. The bathrooms were brand new and very clean. Showering only costed a quarter for 6 minutes. It felt like they just charged so that the water wouldn't be left on for too long.

    There were brand new laundry facilities too ($4 total to wash and dry -$2 wash, $2 dry) which is just what we needed on the bike tour. Our $25 tent site had an electric hook up. There was wifi and a camp shop. There is also a river to swim in with very cheap kayak, tube, and paddle board rentals. We were also informed that there was a pool and a basketball court near by. 

    Overall, it was a lovely experience and was well priced. I also noticed that they did an excellent job with ADA access when it came to the bathroom/laundry, camp store, and campsites.

  • Connor M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Island Campground
    Dec. 30, 2024

    Washington Island Campground

    Island living, fun, relaxing

    Washington Island is a fun family oriented island. There are beaches all around, a very unique limestone beach that only exists in a few parts of the world and several different activities geared towards families. Everything is on Island time, meaning, life seems to slow down. Chill, relax, lay in the sun on the beach, go for a swim, walk among the millions of lavender flowers, attend a church service on Sunday. Washington Island seems to have a little bit of everything, even some fossils!

    The campground available to us was just ok. The showers seemed a long walk, there are pit toilets near the camping spots but if you want running water you have to go to the club-house. The "mini-golf" course was in disarray, the "playground" was old and falling apart, and a lot of the camp ground spots were right on top of the other so do your research before reserving a spot. We stayed in site 12 and it felt like it was a little more private and larger.

    The weather was great at the end of Aug; not too hot and not chilly, very comfortable for tent camping. The Ferry ride over was an unforgettable experience that my 6 year old thoroughly enjoyed. I will say that we were able to pretty much do everything the Island has to offer in 3 days and I don't know if I can justify coming back here again, but we had fun slowing down and that's what matters.

  • Augy P.
    Camper-submitted photo from J.W. Wells State Park Campground
    Apr. 21, 2015

    J.W. Wells State Park Campground

    Michigan Upper Pensinsula/Lake Michigan Waterfront Camping

    We got our new Marmot Tungston 4P tent so I took the wife and kids on a quick weekend trip to J.W. Wells State Park campground in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to test it out. I found J.W. Wells by searching for waterfront camping along Lake Michigan. There are plenty of state and national parks along Lake Michigan but not many where you can pitch your tent right along the waters edge like J.W. Wells. It also happened to be the only site within 4 hours drive of Northbrook, IL (N. Suburb of Chicago) with such close proximity to the waters edge that I could find.

    The site itself is tucked right along the Green Bay coastline about 1 hour drive north of Green Bay, Wisconsin. There is a main campground for tent and RV but we chose to stay at 1 of 3 rustic tent sites a little north of the main campground. The campground was well maintained with picnic tables for each site, firepit, and a nice well groomed plot of grass for us to pitch our tent and setup camp. The main campground has showers and a playground right in the middle.

    The view from our site was majestic, especially watching the sun rise over the horizon of Lake Michigan. The sunrise was the pinnacle moment of this trip. And that's really the only reason why I gave it 3 stars. The campground itself and the views are incredible, it's just that there isn't much to do around these parts. There are a couple short trails for hiking or ATV's and the Cedar River about a mile north of the site which I assume has some fishing and boating, but that was about it. The only other activity we found was to drive 30 mins north to check the small harbor town of Escanaba. Really not much to see or do there either.

    I probably wouldn't recommend this campground for families or persons looking for lots of activities or places to see and visit while camping. It's great for a simple quick getaway with a great view to just sit around camp and relax.

  • Kim L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Door County KOA
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Door County KOA

    Good, but needs some work

    This is a great campground for families with RVs. We stayed in summer of ‘20 and loved it, came back in ‘21 and enjoyed it. Biggest attraction of 3 pools and a water slide were down to 1 pool and the splash pad, which meant crowded pool. Like many things during COVID, delays or back ordered repair supplies are impacting the campground. That said, this is still a great KOA with some full hookups and some w/e. Showers and laundry $$ facilities available. The full hook up pull through are awesome sites- easy in and out, but there are only 6 so book early. We stayed in site 198 last year, and it was a nice wooded site but right on top of neighbors. This year we had 49, which had more open space and some shade for one big tree. This is a very dog friendly campground with a big fenced in dog run and lots of rooms for walks. There’s a bar and restaurant, but with so many great places to go in Door Co I’d skip eating there and enjoy the area. They have 2 tent sites, but these are in an open field with no privacy. I’d pass on sites 95-98 and 133-136 as they back up to the pavilion and offer no privacy. If you’re looking for wooded sites with privacy stick to the sites north of the pools. If you’re looking for open sites for a group of campers, the south part of the campground should suit you.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Vagabond Resort and Campground
    Oct. 7, 2023

    Vagabond Resort and Campground

    $10 early check in fee

    We wanted to stay here on a rainy stormy day, do some laundry, take hot showers, dump and fill, etc. They are in the Passport America program, so rates are discounted 50%, but they’re actually a few dollars higher than what’s listed in Passport America. A FHU site would be $20 with the discount, so $40 full price. 

    I’d recommend calling them ahead of time and not the morning of the day you’re looking to stay, like we did (and always do). We had a really hard time getting a hold of someone, but I think they had something going on that day so I don’t want to say that’s the norm. We drove to the campground hoping to just talk to someone in the office, but that didn’t work either. The husband finally called us back but by then we were in the mindset to just leave and go stay at Walmart in Escanaba for free. 

    The campground is really nice and low key, lots of trees, definitely nothing fancy, it’s dumpy in places, but it’s fine for us. You can get a FHU site or electric only (there is a dump station and water fill). There are also tent sites and cabins. 

    We had good Verizon service there and ok ATT service. There’s lake access from the campground with a $5 fee, not sure if that’s just for putting in boats though. 

    Note- check in is 3pm and they are really into their policy of charging $10 for an “early check-in.” There are several signs in the office stating this, and the husband made sure he told us over the phone as well, even though it would have been just an hour early.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Trail Park & Campground
    Sep. 18, 2017

    Pioneer Trail Park & Campground

    Nice County Park

    When we pulled into this campground we couldn’t believe how empty it was. Compared to all the other campgrounds we had been to in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and seeing as it was still the busy summer camping season we were shocked. We were wondering what was “wrong” but nothing really surfaced. It could just have been that we were there during the week and the weekend rush hadn’t come yet. 

    There are 96 campsites that sit on 74 acres so there was plenty of room for us to walk our dog and not feel like we were going in circles. Campsites are the usual mix of pull thrus and back-ins, rustic tent and water/electric. None of the sites have sewer but some have 20/30/50 amp electric with water and others are rustic tent sites. The electric and water sites long enough for any size RV but leveling may be difficult in some of the sites (which are grass). Picnic tables and fire pits accompany every sites. Some sites have their fire pits located at the back of the sites which makes for a big line of fire pits which was kind of weird. There are some large pine trees that provide some shade but this is not a wooded campground by any means. 

    For a county-run park there are plenty of amenities including WiFi which was slow and depends on where you are located in the park.  The showers and flush toilets were clean but a little on the old side. A store sells ice, firewood, soda, snacks and ice cream. There is a really nice picnic pavilion that would be great if you had a lot of people in your group. It is covered with a “kitchen” area and lots of picnic tables. Since the park is on the Escanaba River there is a boat launch (albeit not really suitable for large boats with deep draft) and you can fish from the bank. Disco golf fans will love the 27-hole course that winds through the woods and property. For the kids, a playground area is large with lots of things for them to climb and play on. 

    The park is located off HWY 2 so access is easy but there is a bit of road noise. Plus, when we visited there was road construction going on that produced traffic backups and more noise. But the real problem is the train tracks that runs alongside the campground and seemed busy 24/7. It is not so bad in the front of the park but back where the tent section is must be pretty bad if you are in a tent.

  • Lucas  M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tennison Bay Campground — Peninsula State Park
    Aug. 23, 2020

    Tennison Bay Campground — Peninsula State Park

    Welcome to Valhalla

    Seriously, I've died and went to heaven…at least a heaven filled with Vikings, beer, grassy rooftops, a beautiful, freeways lined with flowers, and campsites with shower stalls that are better than yours. 

    I feel that the description above, although precise, still does not describe the beauty of this place. Surrounded by small quaint towns, Peninsula State Park is nothing less than a Mecca for all sorts of camping enthusiasts. 

    The grounds are manicured to a T with plenty of bathrooms AND shower stalls, 100s of camping sites, some of the best fire rings I've ever used, near a beach in Lake Michigan, and with plenty of activities. This location will certainly please even the most,"roughing it is not having room service" people. 

    The outskirts of the park is lined with incredible vistas, beaches, and a golf course. 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 and that will open up infinite possibilities, including:

    1. Scuba diving

    2. Cliff jumping

    3. More hiking

    4. Kayaking tours

    5. Sailing and/or Parasailing 

    Of course, after doing all of the above, you'll need to eat. Don't fret as this piece of heaven on earth has some of the best food on the planet, seriously! 

    My number one recommendation is the Wickman House in Ellison Bay. Prices may vary BUT, my buddy and I had:

    1. 1 Old Fashioned(each)

    2. 1 bottle of wine

    3. Oysters

    4. Corn salad

    5. Brisket

    6. Dessert(the best I've ever had in a restaurant, Golden Beets Pannacotta, with cubed red beats, caramelized orange rinds and mint of the side) 

    All of that costed us around$120, TOTAL. The place is open from 1700-2100, Friday through Monday. Please DO NOT wait and try to walk in. Get there between 1500-1600 and make a reservation for the night, trust me. 

    Another fun spot is Fred and Fuzzy's. A bar on the edge of Lake Michigan serving great local foods and drinks. Oh, you want to make this fun? Okay…Go to the beach in Sister Bay, rent a kayak, and paddle there. It’s a quick trip, just make sure to go left when you get going. 

    And this is all I can mustard. There are so many things to do here. One trip will not be enough to truly experience this amazing place. 

    Pro tip: At a time of COVID, you can reserve a spot for around$700 and stay for a month…it's all about that telecommuting perk!


Guide to Ellison Bay

Tent camping near Ellison Bay, Wisconsin offers a serene escape into nature, with beautiful landscapes and a variety of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience.

Explore the Rugged Shorelines and Trails

Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities

Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ellison Bay, WI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ellison Bay, WI is Newport State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 32 reviews.

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