Camping sites near Elm Grove, Wisconsin offer access to the glacial landscape of the Kettle Moraine region, characterized by distinctive hills, kettles, and moraines formed during the last ice age. The area features elevation changes of 200-300 feet within short distances, creating diverse camping environments from wooded ridges to prairie lowlands. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping often requires layered clothing for temperature swings of 30+ degrees within a single day.
What to do
Hiking observation trails: At Pike Lake Campground, visitors can take advantage of trails with significant elevation changes. "There is a lookout tower that offers stunning views of the surrounding area," notes one reviewer who appreciated the park's conservation efforts updating trail paths "to help stop erosion on the hills." Another camper recommends: "Be sure to check out the interpretive astronomy trail and take the walk up Powder Hill to the tower!"
Swimming in spring-fed waters: The quarry at Menomonee Park provides clean swimming options without the lake crowds. One camper mentions, "The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards." Another visitor adds that "the pond has a great beach for kids" making it particularly family-friendly. Campers should note swimming areas are typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Mountain biking: The Kettle Moraine Southern Unit features extensive single-track mountain bike trails. A reviewer describes it as an "awesome single-track mountain bike trails" system covering multiple difficulty levels. Another visitor mentioned being able to access the "great Kettle Moraine biking trails" that are "a 20 minute drive" from Ottawa Lake Campground. Trails are maintained year-round, though spring conditions can be muddy.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: The Pine Woods area of Kettle Moraine Southern Unit offers secluded camping experiences. One visitor specifically noted the quiet loop advantages: "No radios or pets allowed... it was a beautiful site and wonderfully quiet for the long weekend over the 4th of July." Another camper detailed the benefits: "Generally, the inner ring is electric (except #23) and the outer ring is non-electric. Flush bathrooms and clean showers."
Family activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park provides comprehensive entertainment options for families. A visitor listed the extensive amenities: "There are a ton of activities here to include two bouncy pillows, three play grounds, a pool, water slides, a kids water activity area, beach, water obstacle course, inflatable slide, RC car track, laser tag, mini golf, giant chess." Families appreciate that "most sites are nice and big, older sites are bigger than the newer Bear Paw area."
Winter camping options: Dog friendly campgrounds near Elm Grove remain accessible year-round at select locations. As one winter camper at Ottawa Lake noted, "No showers in winter but awesome." Another visitor shared their off-season experience: "You can camp year around in this campground. Most recent 2 times were winter camping. No host so buying wood is an issue, but pick a site on the edge and there is more than enough free. Bring a saw."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience varying noise levels. At Wisconsin State Fair RV Park, campers describe it as "really a parking lot for RV camping off an interstate. Very loud and not family place but good for overnight." Other reviewers confirm it's "basically a large parking lot with a band of grass on the far right as you enter."
Seasonal bug activity: Insect populations vary across pet-friendly campgrounds near Elm Grove. For Naga-Waukee Park, a visitor warns to "bring bug spray for this location!" While at Ottawa Lake, another camper advises "Bring bug spray" as it gets "busy in the summer." The mosquito season typically peaks from late June through August.
Road access limitations: Access varies significantly between campgrounds. Cliffside Park offers convenient sites, but one camper cautions that "Roads were narrow and a little hard to navigate with a big RV." At Pike Lake, another visitor notes: "There is a TIGHT turn in the campground loop near site #17 to be aware of with longer trailers."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access ranking: Muskego Park offers family-friendly water amenities. A visitor describes it as having "a small man made pond. I believe it's stocked with fish and offers a very family friendly swimming area. There's a nice little concessions stand, a little sand area, and a small pier to jump off of." Another camper confirms the "beach was really nice and sandy."
Playground proximity: When selecting sites at dog friendly campgrounds near Elm Grove, consider proximity to play areas. At Pike Lake, a visitor noted "restroom facilities have flush toilets & showers, and are clean" with a playground located "right next to them as well." Naga-Waukee Park similarly offers playgrounds "within earshot" of camping areas.
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, Muskego Park provides designated group areas. A visitor mentioned, "We did a group camp and had a great site. There were 3 families and had plenty of room." Another camper detailed that "group site 19 is probably one of the shadiest areas" when considering summer heat.
Tips from RVers
Electric-only options: Cliffside Park Campground provides affordable water and electric sites for RVs. A reviewer explained, "The price when we stayed there was $28/night, but if you make an online reservation, a $12 processing fee is assessed. All sites are the same having 50/30/20 amp electric, water, gravel pads, a grassy patio, picnic table, and a fire pit but no sewer." Another visitor confirmed "level sites with electric and water at each site."
Extended stay locations: For longer visits, Wisconsin State Fair RV Park accommodates extended stays. One couple shared: "We stayed at State Fair RV Park in Milwaukee for two months while waiting to retire and work out bugs in our new RV. The park was all cement, it was clean and quiet. Laundry and shower facilities were kept very clean as well."
Winter hookup availability: When camping in colder months, plan for limited services. At Kettle Moraine Southern Unit, a winter visitor noted services are reduced: "No host so buying wood is an issue" and "bring a saw" if staying in boundary sites. Pike Lake maintains some electric sites year-round with a visitor mentioning that "Each of the 32 sites is unique in their own way. Some are large and flat perfect for a class A (#2 #4, #29 #31 is okay, but smaller)."
