Best Campgrounds near Evansville, WI

Campgrounds near Evansville, Wisconsin provide a mix of state park, county park, and private camping facilities within a 30-mile radius. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground offers year-round access with tent and RV sites, while Crazy Horse Campground in Brodhead features cabin rentals alongside traditional camping options. The region includes several established campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV pads, with most facilities concentrated around the Madison area and along the Wisconsin River corridor.

Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, though amenities differ between locations. Terrain throughout the region is generally flat to gently rolling, making most campgrounds accessible without specialized vehicles. Weather conditions can impact camping experiences, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F during the day. A camper noted, "The campground is basically a mowed park field with some mature trees around it. No privacy from neighbors and the campground is on the roadside of the park instead of the lake side of the park."

Several visitors highlighted the proximity to water features as a key benefit when camping in this area. Hickory Hills Campground provides direct access to Rice Lake for fishing, while William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground offers sites near Lake Waubesa. Campers frequently mention the region's accessibility to Madison and other small towns as convenient for supplies or day trips. The camping experience varies significantly between the more developed sites closer to urban areas and the quieter, more wooded options in rural settings. One review described a nearby campground as "an unexpexted gem" with "spaces generous in size although no privacy between them." Road noise can be a factor at some locations, particularly those near highways or main roads, while others offer more secluded settings with greater privacy between sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Evansville, Wisconsin (103)

    1. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 873-9695

    "Just a quick 2 hour drive from our home in Chicago, with large wooded sites for privacy. Clean bathrooms."

    "We didn’t have much time to explore the campground but we did have a nice walk around the outer loop of sites. This is near the main highway and a nice place to camp."

    2. Crazy Horse Campground

    15 Reviews
    Evansville, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 897-2207

    "Being right in front of the jumping pillow people didn’t walk around. They would cut thru our site."

    "We made this trip mid-May during the Covid social distancing. The camp ground was on point with their preparedness. Check in was simply pull into your site or a brief stop at registration."

    3. Milton-Madison SE KOA

    18 Reviews
    Edgerton, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 868-4141

    "No enclosed dog park but plenty of area to walk your dog!"

    "Driving around, I really don't think there's a bad spot here.

    The staff is fantastic, friendly, and accommodating- as are the seasonal campers.

    We'll be back again...and again... and again!"

    4. New Glarus State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    New Glarus, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 527-2335

    $15 - $25 / night

    "New Glarus Woods is a small State Park tucked away in the Southern Wisconsin countryside. Drive-in sites come with nice amenities."

    "The park itself isn't that interesting, but it is worth noting that it is located across the road from New Glarus Brewery. The brewery is an easy walk or bike ride from the walk-in campsites."

    5. William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground (Dane County Park)

    17 Reviews
    Madison, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $18 - $28 / night

    "With the rain and the proliferation of mosquitoes, we were wandering around southern Wisconsin without a plan when we stumbled across this county park. 50 sites, many with electric and very reasonably"

    "No water on sites but spigots located throughout the park. Dump station right at the entrance but there's plenty of room to maneuver around there. Could get congested if busy."

    6. Hickory Hills Campground

    12 Reviews
    Edgerton, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 884-6327

    $42 / night

    "Our site was nicely wooded and a decent size, but everyone was pretty close to each other.

    When we were there, the women's shower was freezing and the men's was almost uncomfortably hot."

    "Hidden from site, the entire grounds are completely surrounded by a very thick wall of tall trees that barricades this place from most of civilization."

    7. Sweet Minnihaha Campground

    5 Reviews
    Evansville, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 862-3769

    $8 - $35 / night

    "Such a lovely camp ...the sites are fairly close together but you can pick the site you want so you don’t have to be directly next to another tent ...on our visit we saw lots of wildlife from chickens"

    "Easy access to on and off the river for tubing. Id say its more of an adult atmostphere."

    8. Badgerland Campground

    8 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 873-5800

    $40 - $60 / night

    "We booked in VIP 1, which is right next to the bath house. We wanted to be close to the showers (coin op). We figured since we’re at a sporting event that might be nice. Very quiet at night."

    "This is a small campground near Madison. Reasonable rates. Large VIP drive through sites. Small swimming area. Catch and release pond. Small office and bar. Clean bathrooms and showers."

    9. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    81 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 885-3311

    $12 - $50 / night

    "The hiking/biking trails are many miles long.  The fishing near t he dam is great and you can always find a spot near the edge of the lake.  Bring bug spray."

    "Rock cut is only about a 50 minute drive from the far burbs of Chicago. It’s situated a few miles outside of Rockford so if you’re into exploring old industrial river towns, this is a nice one."

    10. Creekview RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Edgerton, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 921-8354

    "Right off i90, and next to fuel and food stops. Family run campground with 40 sites that have water and electric. They are cash or check only, with no online booking. Sites are snug."

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Recent Reviews near Evansville, WI

741 Reviews of 103 Evansville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

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

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson

    Nostalgic Campground

    As a mom, I can honestly say that Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is one of those rare campgrounds where the kids are entertained from morning till night and parents can actually relax a little too. The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours. Our campsite was clean and level, with options for full hookups or cozy cabins if you’d rather skip the RV, and the bathhouses were spotless, which is something I always look for. What I appreciated most was the balance: the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored, while my husband and I enjoyed sitting by the campfire or joining in on family activities like outdoor 'movies under the stars.' The campground store was well-stocked with snacks, s’mores supplies, and those 'oops, we forgot it' supplies, which saved us more than once. And while there’s plenty to do onsite, being near Lake Koshkonong and Fort Atkinson means you can easily slip away for a day of fishing, boating, or exploring. For me, the best part was watching my kids’ faces light up during the evening hayride, sticky with marshmallow, waving at Yogi like he was a celebrity that felt like the kind of wholesome, memory-making trip I hope they’ll look back on for years.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Circle K Campground

    Horrid management, bad experience

    Management (owners Ed and Coleen) are two of the rudest people I have ever met, with Ed fabricating outrageous, completely inaccurate stories highlighting either his "heroics" (like when his personal fire truck he has was working people would call him before 911) but more often how he has been slighted because of other's inadequacies (local grocery store doesn't like him because "his campers buy all their food leaving none for the locals), and also falsities behind his rules (the U.S. Postmaster does not allow anyone else's packages/mail to be delivered to the campground).  They are completely intolerant of kids/teenagers (and, heresay from conversations with seasonal residents, special needs kids) - rules for use of the pool is that it is open after a certain time and if the air temp is above a certain level - we personally witnessed 3 young teens ask to get into the pool an hour after the pool should've been open and it was 5 degrees over Ed's stated temp, but no one else was using the pool and Ed turned them away - told them to swim in the cesspool... I mean, pond.

    Ed constantly creates new rules on a whim and is exceedingly selective (read: biased) for whom those rules are enforced. If you have a problem with the campsite (water, electricity, dead trees, ground hornets, you name it) - it is because YOU did something wrong, and if you disagree he will harass you to no end and may even kick you out. Some of the seasonal campers are nice, others (those "in" with the owners) are not. I would not recommend this campground to anyone unless/until it is under new ownership.


Guide to Evansville

Camping near Evansville, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have great trails. For instance, at Rock Cut State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season." You can explore various trails that cater to different skill levels.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park is a great spot. A visitor shared, "The best beach around, crystal clear, shallow water was perfect for our young kids to play in."
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have swimming areas. At Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park, one camper noted, "The lake area looked like fun and there are tons of trails."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Site Conditions: Some sites can be sloped or uneven. A camper at White Pines Forest State Park Campground warned, "Many of the campsites are sloped and some are sloped A LOT."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busy weekends, especially in popular parks. One visitor at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground noted, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for Governor Dodge State Park mentioned, "The vibe here wasn’t for us. Various sites had music playing loud enough for us to hear."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Quiet Sites: Look for sites that are away from playgrounds or busy areas. A family at Cox Hollow Campground found it noisy due to nearby activities.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities for kids. One parent at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "They have sites with electric and sites just for tents."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at Quartzite Campground enjoyed the nearby trails and mentioned, "Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A visitor at Northern Lights Campground — Devils Lake State Park noted, "Some sites have quite a bit of slant but it’s workable."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: RVers should expect busy campgrounds, especially during peak seasons. One camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Having extra supplies can save you a trip to the store. A reviewer at Ice Age Campground suggested, "I suggest buying firewood near the entrance before entering the park to save a little."

Camping near Evansville, WI, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Evansville, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Evansville, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 103 campgrounds and RV parks near Evansville, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Evansville, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Evansville, WI is Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Evansville, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Evansville, WI.