Laurie A B.
Scout
ScoutCreekview RV Park
Winter camping
Fantastic! I called the day before and she got me right in an excellent spot. Very nice and helpful and so grateful they were open in Winter ❄️🥶
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 (104)
1. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground
23 ReviewsStoughton, WI14 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsEvansville, WI12 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsEdgerton, WI15 milesWebsite+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
19 ReviewsNew Glarus, WI17 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsMadison, WI17 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsEdgerton, WI15 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsEvansville, WI10 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsStoughton, WI14 milesWebsite+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
79 ReviewsMachesney Park, IL33 milesWebsite+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
6 ReviewsEdgerton, WI13 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Evansville, WI
272 Photos of 104 Evansville Campgrounds
Brittany H.
Sweet Minnihaha Campground
Marc W.
Crazy Horse Campground
Jenna R.
Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground
Dan B.
Milton-Madison SE KOA
Stuart K.
Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar
Annabelle G.
Lakeland Camping Resort
The Dyrt
Blackhawk Camping Resort
Sapphire J.
New Glarus State Park Campground
Lee D.
William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground (Dane County Park)
Maria Mercedes M.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson
Scott P.
Green County Fairgrounds
Brian O.
Sugar River Forest Preserve
Recent Reviews near Evansville, WI
746 Reviews of 104 Evansville Campgrounds
Aegon T.ScoutNew Glarus State Park Campground
Really enjoyed camping here
The park has a peaceful, natural atmosphere and the wooded sites give a nice sense of privacy compared to many larger campgrounds. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a quiet outdoor experience with simple amenities and access to scenic hiking and biking trails. Being close to the town of New Glarus is also a nice bonus if you want to explore the area during your stay.
speed run
Stuart K.
LegendRock Cut State Park - Hickory Hills Campground
Where Tent Camping Touches the Shore
Hickory Hills Campground is Rock Cut State Park’s more primitive, tent-only camping destination, distinct from the electric Class A and B camping areas. Located along the eastern edge near Pierce Lake, this campground offers non-electric Class B sites and are numbered from 1 to 60 and set along a wooded lake frontage small peninsula right on Lake Pierce with this CG spot making for a quieter, more rustic experience with the closest access to the lake of any of the 6 other campgrounds that exist here at Rock Cut SP.
Sites are modest and simpler than premium loops: you won’t find hookups here, but you will have nearby access to water hydrants and restrooms located just outside the loop. Central facilities cover essentials like showers, toilets and a dump station in the broader park; however, between November and April, water and dump services are unavailable, so plan accordingly.
Hickory Hills shines for its proximity to nature and lakeside access where you can cast a line, paddle around or hike the dozens of miles of forest trails. Still, be prepared for less privacy between sites as there’s virtually no ground shrubbery with many of the sites being sloped or closely spaced, so expect limited shade (in fact, you may want to bring your own shelter), and a more basic setup than other loops here.
Insider Tips? Let’s count to 5: (1) Make your reservation as EARLY as possible through ExploreMoreIL™ since Hickory Hills offers fewer, more highly desired tent-only sites that are either lakefront or lakeview; (2) Pack your shade as several sites are sloped or open wherein early setup and a sunshade or awning can help maintain comfort and / or privacy; (3) Move shiftable gear near the loop entrance as the facilities are outside the loop, so a wheeled cart or stroller comes in very handy; (4) For easier meal prep or last-minute snacks, stop at the central camp store between White Oak and Plum Grove campgrounds with this central store stocking basics like ice, firewood and snacks; and (5) Bring your kayak, canoe and / or fishing rod as Hickory Hills Campground puts you within easy reach of Pierce Lake’s quiet shore, which is great for paddle sessions or launching simple lake adventures.
Happy Camping!
- Lex G.
TravelerOttawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit
Nice and spread out
This is such a good spot, it’s not just an RV parking lot. Each site is its own little site just far enough from its neighbor to feel alone. Super nice and well kept
- PPatti M.Traveler
Sleepy Dragon Campground
Camping
In 2024 just before Memorial Day, I needed to leave the campground I was in and started calling around for openings at private campgrounds. I was getting worried that it was not possible for me to find a site. I remembered ( light bulb moment) that Sleepy Dragon Campground may have openings. I called and was shocked to hear they still had openings for that weekend. Drove to the campground and set my sights on a pull through site. I enjoyed it so much decided to stay permanently. My original site was 120, then moved to 114, it’s a corner site. Has shade and sun at different times of the day. Large to medium camp sites, grassy, concreted if that’s what you like, plus electric and water at each site. Sewer at selected sites. Personally I came here as a child, back in the later 60’s to early 70’s. Changed owners a couple of times, now it is veteran owned, upgrades are being completed as time allows.
Jessica T.
GuidePilgrims 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.ScoutOttawa 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.LegendPettits 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.Legend
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.
Guide to Evansville
Campgrounds near Evansville, Wisconsin range from state parks to private facilities in terrain that's predominantly flat to gently rolling. Most camping areas sit between 800-1,000 feet in elevation with temperatures averaging 45-55°F in spring and fall, dropping to 15-25°F in winter months. Access roads throughout the region are well-maintained, with most campgrounds requiring no specialized vehicles for entry even after moderate rainfall.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing: Sweet Minnihaha Campground offers direct access to Sugar River for water activities. "Easy access to on and off the river for tubing," notes one camper, while another highlights that "they provide at no charge kayaks and a shuttle to a drop-off point which you can kayak back down to the campground which takes about an hour and a half."
Golf nearby: Creekview RV Park sits adjacent to a par-3 golf course, making it convenient for campers who enjoy hitting the links. A visitor observed, "Behind this is a small golf course, so break out the nine irons and enjoy the links here while you can."
Hiking trails: New Glarus State Park Campground offers several walking paths through prairie and wooded areas. "There are some really shallow tent spots though, so make sure you reserve in advance," advises a camper, while another mentions "There are some nice short walking trails and very close to a good biking trail."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer generous camping spaces. At Badgerland Campground, "The sites were of decent size, some smaller than others and some very generous sites," and another camper noted "Large VIP drive through sites."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain their amenities well. A visitor to Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground reported "Clean facilities, friendly staff, and great trails. No bugs!" Another camper mentioned "My site was right next to camp hosts, and very near showers which were clean and lots of hot water."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access. At Hickory Hills Campground, campers can fish in Rice Lake where "you'll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. At Milton-Madison SE KOA, campers note "With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise. At Creekview RV Park, "The campground is very close to the freeway and there is a constant din of traffic noise that remind you how close you are to the highway."
Seasonal limitations: Many facilities have restricted operating seasons. Sweet Minnihaha Campground operates from April 15 to October 15, while Badgerland Campground runs from mid-April to the end of October.
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more secluded spots than others. A camper at New Glarus State Park noted, "The walk-in sites have a good amount of space between each site, however the sites on the east side of the bike trail get less level the further you get from the parking lot."
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground provides recreational options for kids. "There was a playground as well for the kids," reports a camper, with another noting "Adjacent to the shower house was a nice wooded picnic area with playground equipment for the kids."
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities. At Milton-Madison SE KOA, "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."
Weekend events: Many campgrounds schedule family activities. At Badgerland Campground, a visitor mentioned, "We liked the tractor ride through the campground for Halloween and have a blast at bingo!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and accessibility. At Lake Kegonsa State Park, a camper warns, "Major CAUTION for RVs: there is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend's fifth wheel. There is also a low hanging overpass and it took the roofs off TWO fifth wheels while we were staying there."
Utility connections: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Badgerland Campground, "The Dyrt lists them as having sewer hookups and they DO NOT have sewer at any site on the campground, though they do offer a pump-out service to come by and empty your tanks (for a fee…$15, I think)."
Access roads: Most campgrounds in the region have well-maintained entrance roads. At William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground, "We stayed in our 42 ft motor home with jeep tow... Several sites have 50 amp plus there are thirty amp And non electric/tent sites available."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Evansville, WI?
What camping is available near Evansville, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Evansville, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 104 campgrounds and RV parks near Evansville, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Evansville, WI?
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?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Evansville, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Evansville, WI.
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