Best Campgrounds near Elm Grove, WI

Campgrounds near Elm Grove, Wisconsin include a mix of county parks and state forest sites primarily within a 30-mile radius. The Kettle Moraine State Forest offers multiple developed camping areas, including Ottawa Lake and Pinewoods campgrounds, while the Wisconsin State Fair RV Park provides the only RV-specific option within Milwaukee's city limits. Most facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations like Jellystone Park in Caledonia and Kettle Moraine Southern Unit also offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional amenities.

Seasonal availability varies significantly throughout the area, with many county parks operating only from April through November. "The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing," noted one visitor about Menomonee Park. Weather conditions in southeastern Wisconsin transition dramatically between seasons, with warm summers suitable for swimming at park beaches and cold winters limiting camping options to a few year-round facilities. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when local sites fill quickly. Electric hookups are available at select sites, though availability differs between locations, with some county parks offering more primitive accommodations than state-managed areas.

Campers consistently mention the appeal of water-based recreation at local campgrounds. Muskego Park receives positive feedback for its spring-fed pond and diverse trail system. "This place had it all. A spring fed pond for swimming and fishing. Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view," observed one camper. Several reviews highlight the family-friendly nature of Waukesha County parks, which typically feature swimming beaches, hiking trails, and occasional programming. Sites with more privacy can be found in pine forest sections of parks like Muskego, while more open sites predominate in other areas. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with Wisconsin State Fair RV Park described as convenient but noisy due to its urban setting, while more remote forest sites offer greater quiet and seclusion.

Best Camping Sites Near Elm Grove, Wisconsin (80)

    1. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    39 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "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."

    "Made my first visit to Ottawa Lake on a mid-March weekend. The facilities were still under their winter setup (only vault toilet, no shower available, pay in an envelope)."

    2. Wisconsin State Fair RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Wauwatosa, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (414) 266-7035

    $55 / night

    "So we just use that because no one was there. 1.7 miles on bike path to Brewer Baseball field. It was raining to we used Uber to the game and walked back for an afternoon game."

    "Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient."

    3. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    22 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    19 miles
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $30 / night

    "It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa LakeNearby 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."

    4. Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    7 Reviews
    Menomonee Falls, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."

    "There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."

    5. Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Muskego, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."

    "I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in. This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."

    6. Cliffside Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Caledonia, WI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 886-8440

    $32 - $35 / night

    "We were also pleasantly surprise when found out about the close by trail - short trail beginner friendly ravine geography. Very beautiful view of the lake from the top of the cliff."

    "Month Stayed: September Site: gravel and level Spacing: very close to others Cleanliness: very clean Surrounding: trees throughout, playgrounds, nice bathrooms Noise: some noise due to closeness Access"

    7. Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    9 Reviews
    Delafield, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Nestled in the heart of lake country (Waukesha County) and accessible from the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail, this county park is perfect for those just passing through or families looking for a"

    "Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it’s a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access."

    8. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort at Caledonia

    12 Reviews
    Oak Creek, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 835-2565

    "This location did not dissapoint. We have not gone to this location during the warmer months but looks to be a great campground"

    9. Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit

    18 Reviews
    Slinger, WI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 670-3400

    "North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."

    "A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."

    10. Kettle Moraine Southern Unit — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    10 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    19 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "You can walk over to an area that has hiking trails right out of the campsite. State park mountain biking trails are also close by, but you would need to drive to them."

    "Reservable backpacking sites about 45-60min away from nearest parking. Fire pit, shelter, and picnic table at site.

    Really enjoyed the hike through forest to get to this site."

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Recent Reviews near Elm Grove, WI

679 Reviews of 80 Elm Grove Campgrounds


  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    Nagawaukee County Park

    Site was clean and flat enough for my two person tent. Restrooms were porta-johns, but very clean. Plenty of free wood available for the fire.

  • MarkDaShark99
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Long Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit-Iansr

    Beach test positive for ecoli 2x this year.

    If you stay here do not swim.  They have 2 beaches, they test one for ecoli and close it but leave the other one open because they don't have to test both. It's 50 feet away.  If you don't test, it can't be bad.  How stupid.  They rake goose dumplings into the sand.  Who is managing this place? Camping is fine.  Stay off the beach it's not safe.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Nice enough grounds, poorly maintained electric panels

    To be honest I thought this stay was going to be easy and the first couple days were. They didn’t have full hook up sites and we have a 50 amp rig… we used a dogbone to connect to the 30 amp site. It was fine for a bit but then we started to get surges. Our EMS protected the rig but ultimately we couldn’t use the power. Even with only running the fridge it continued to trip. We tried the one next to us and it gave us the reverse polarity code so we decided it would be best to just leave the following day. The grounds are well maintained and the owners are friendly… they mentioned some of their 30 amp sites will get converted to 50 next year so hopefully that helps but definitely frustrating to need to book another site and forfeit money on this one.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • Mark D.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    We had such an enjoyable time at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature at Ottawa Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this welcoming retreat offers lakeside fun, scenic hiking trails, the quiet beauty of a true Northwoods experience, all without a long drive.

    We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    https://youtu.be/xl4uAtNWclM

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lakeland Camping Resort

    Lakefront Fun

    As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have an RV. The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick’s Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.


Guide to Elm Grove

Camping near Elm Grove, Wisconsin, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Kohler-Andrae State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "There are nice trails around the campground, and some of them even allow dogs."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Mauthe Lake Campground. A camper shared, "Great fishing and day-camping experiences too."
  • Beach Activities: Spend a day at the beach at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park. One visitor noted, "I brought my dog to an animal-friendly area of the beach, which was small and secluded."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. A review for Kohler-Andrae State Park stated, "The amenities were very clean and well taken care of."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Ottawa Lake Campground. One camper mentioned, "Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Harrington Beach State Park said, "This is a nice park with very friendly staff."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park noted, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Limited Water Access: At Mauthe Lake Campground, swimming isn’t allowed due to blue algae blooms, which can limit water activities.
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel crowded during peak times. A camper at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pinewoods mentioned, "The sites are crowded and close together."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Kohler-Andrae State Park, which has amenities for kids. One parent shared, "There’s a nice lake and a dock for fishing, which we loved!"
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Lake Kegonsa State Park mentioned, "The walking trails are nice and there’s a volleyball net and little playground too."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Harrington Beach State Park noted, "Gorgeous magnificent trails and right on Lake Michigan."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake mentioned, "Sites vary in levelness and amount of privacy from your neighbor."
  • Use Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Lake Kegonsa State Park, which offers 50 amp hookups. A visitor shared, "The bathrooms were clean and the showers were warm."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure you know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Mauthe Lake Campground mentioned, "The dump station was closed."

Camping near Elm Grove, Wisconsin, provides a mix of nature, fun, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, there’s a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Elm Grove, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elm Grove, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 39 reviews.