Tent camping options near Elroy, Wisconsin center around a network of recreational trails and state forests within the Driftless Region. The area sits 1,100-1,300 feet above sea level with rolling terrain characterized by bluffs, ridges and valleys unaffected by glaciation. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler temperatures and less crowding at most campgrounds.
What to do
Disc golf at resort property: Justin Trails Resort offers disc golf courses popular with both beginners and experienced players. "Beautiful place, tent camping is available. Great breakfast and romantic setting for our anniversary. They sell wine and food in the store. Host is amazing and friendly. Disc golf is busy here, in winter they have sledding hills," notes visitor Michael V.
Hiking woodland trails: Hickory Ridge Group Camp provides access to extensive hiking networks. "Spacious sites, lots of availability to swim and hike. Will definitely come back," shares Matthew O. The campground connects to Governor Dodge State Park's 5,000+ acres with over 40 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging.
Swimming in clear waters: Wazee Lake Recreation Area offers swimming in Wisconsin's clearest and deepest inland lake. "The water is so clear, the trout fishing is great and so is the beach! They do not have showers or plumbing but if you're desperate for a shower kwiktrip has showers!" says Luc S. The lake prohibits motorized watercraft, maintaining water clarity and tranquility.
What campers like
Large group sites: Devils Lake State Park Group Campground provides spacious areas for multiple families or groups. "Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site," reports Jon D. The group sites accommodate 6-20 campers with separate areas from the main campground loops.
Trail access for cycling: Sparta Campground on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail offers dedicated cyclist camping. "This is a walk-in campground intended for very light camping, particularly for those biking the Elroy-Sparta or Lacrosse Trails, as it is right on the Elroy-Sparta trail and only a 10 minute bike ride into the town of Sparta," explains Jamee H. Sites typically remain available even when regional campgrounds fill during peak season.
Budget-friendly options: Municipal parks in nearby towns provide free or low-cost alternatives. "I made reservations at the Village of Norwalk and the town of Hillsboro instead. Both have City parks with free tent camping. Norwalk even has showers and RV spots," shares Mike L., noting these lesser-known options within 20-30 minutes of Elroy.
What you should know
Site accessibility limitations: Many campgrounds require walking to reach sites. At Sparta Campground, "We had site 3 (103 on the DNR campground map), which was about a 600 yard hike in from the parking lot, down a trail that can get quite muddy, especially during rain," explains Jamee H. This distance makes multiple trips necessary when setting up camp.
Primitive canoe-access sites: Black River State Forest offers remote tent camping. "Only two sites, one is much nicer than the other. Canoe/kayak in only with a steep bank up to the sites. No water, no facilities. Just two fire rings and two picnic tables about 100 ft apart. But the grass is mowed and well kept," reports Brian O. These sites require paddling equipment and wilderness camping skills.
Traffic noise concerns: Interstate proximity affects some campgrounds. "The most disappointing factor for me was the highway noise. I had read about that from another reviewer, and it was indeed bad, all weekend long. I had to wear noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the noise in order to sleep," notes a Sparta Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife observation opportunities: Devils Lake offers unexpected wildlife encounters. "We got a visit from some local raccoons at night," mentions AC S. The area also features interpretive programs during summer months focusing on local ecology and wildlife.
Dutch oven cooking works well: Group sites accommodate larger cooking setups. "Camp life was awesome, we ate very well since we brought two Dutch ovens. We are Cowboy Casserole, Mountain Man breakfast, peach cobbler, 7 can soup, hobo dinner and apple sausage casserole," shares Charles M. about their Devils Lake group site experience.
Consider campground busyness: Some locations get crowded seasonally. "Weekends are pack with campers. The beaches have hard pebbles and rocks," notes Dawn D. about Devils Lake State Park. Midweek camping provides significantly less crowded experiences, particularly for beach access and trail use.
Tips from RVers
Limited electric sites available: Most primitive tent campgrounds lack hookups, but some parks offer limited electrical service. "Adequate size site with a tent pad, shade and privacy. Trees for a hammock. Clean shower house. Lovely hiking. Decent cell reception," mentions Kay K. about Devils Lake, where electric sites typically require reservation 11 months in advance.
Consider rental cabins for comfort: For those seeking amenities without RV equipment, cabin options exist. "We stayed in one of the cabins. Beautiful place, tent camping is available. Great breakfast and romantic setting for our anniversary," notes Michael V. about Justin Trails Resort, where cabins include basic amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere.
