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Best Tent Camping near Franklin, WI

489 Reviews

Several tent campgrounds surround the Franklin, Wisconsin area, offering varying levels of amenities and proximity to nature. KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site provides a secluded backcountry tent camping experience with walk-in access. Waubedonia County Park offers more accessible drive-in tent sites with basic amenities, while Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake provides lakefront tent camping with additional services.

Tent sites in the region range from primitive to moderately developed. KMSF Shelter 1 features a shelter structure where campers can place tents, along with fire pits, picnic tables, and outhouses. Most walk-in tent sites require campers to carry gear a considerable distance from parking areas, with Sandhill Station sites located 100-500 yards from the nearest parking. Many primitive tent areas allow fires but require campers to gather their own wood or purchase it from nearby stores. Alcohol is permitted at most sites, though campers should verify specific rules before arrival.

The backcountry tent camping experience near Franklin offers privacy and immersion in nature. Sites farther from urban areas provide greater seclusion and wildlife viewing opportunities. Walk-in tent sites at Sandhill Station State Campground are situated in oak savanna habitat, offering varying degrees of shade throughout the seasons. Many tent-only areas become quite buggy during summer months, making spring and fall preferable for camping. Areas close to lakes provide scenic views and water recreation opportunities. According to one visitor, "Great backpack camp site. Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside. It's very secluded for privacy."

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Best Tent Sites Near Franklin, Wisconsin (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Franklin, WI

2 Photos of 8 Franklin Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Franklin, WI

489 Reviews of 8 Franklin Campgrounds

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2020

    Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Well maintained and clean

    Very impressed with this state park! It was huge, almost 3 miles just to our site! The showers were clean. The spots were large and wooded with nice fire ring set ups. The staff was very helpful answering any questions and giving recommendations. We stayed on a primitive/wilderness site for $12 with no electric. They will allow anyone on these sites-we even saw huge RV'S and 5th wheels on primitive sites.

    There are amazing trails through park for people to hike, bike, or ride horse on.

    Spring Grove is a tiny town nearby with a little corner bar called “The Grove”. They serve amazing food with great service. Very clean! I recommend checking it out if you’re looking for some good food.

  • Josh F.
    Dec. 3, 2020

    Hebron Campground

    Small, Tidy with Lots of Waterworks

    This is a relatively small, private campground mostly for RVs though there are some very nice sites that would be lovely for tents. There are a dozen tent sites that back up to a very charming river, each one has a picnic table and fire pit. The view of the river from these sites is lovely. Adding to the waterworks, there is a cute pond with a charming fountain in the center of the RV sites, and a nice horseshoes pit. There are a number of RV sites with full hookups. 

    I spoke with the owner and they did not have tent camping in 2020. They were worried about people in too close proximity in the restroom. In 2020 they only allowed RVs that had their own restroom facilities. The owner told me that maybe there will be tent camping in 2021.

  • Meg
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Good For families, a few downsides

    *** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) we chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren’t very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best.

    Pros- easy pull in sites and lots of walk-in availability. Sites are almost all flat thankfully, so no weird slopes to sleep on and easy for babies/toddlers to stay safe. Also seemed pretty respectful in the evenings with people toning down the noise.

    Lots of electric sites, deep enough for 2 tents, 2 cars (although close to neighbors and no trees between sites), picnic table and fire pit.

    Bathroom shower houses were decent (we usually just have toddler use her travel potty, but this one was fine).

    Multiple playgrounds, access to launch sites for kayaks, little store to buy ice cream or snacks.

    Cons - SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick, but they literally fall out of the trees into people! Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair.

    Also - the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it’s dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s’mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down.

  • Renee R.
    May. 9, 2025

    Ledge County Park

    Great park, decent camping

    The park is very pretty.  Walking along the trails, you can see where it gets its name!  Lots of cool ledges and rock outcrops.  We saw a moderate amount of birds and heard a bunch of critters (owls, a fox (?!)) one night.

    We camped at non-electric site J.  It was nice and big.  We originally were to be at site G but it was way too small to fit our cars, tents, etc.

    Pros:

    - Quiet and decently spaced sites.

    - Clean vault toilets.  Did not use the shower house/other facilities.  

    - The firepits are flush with the ground and have cooking grates.

    - Easy access to trails.

    Cons:

    - I'm not a trailer camper, but if I were I would not appreciate the vibes of the electric sites.  The sites are very close together and walking through it felt like going through a festival or circus more than a campground.

    - The firewood was a bit pricey compared to other parks.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2023

    Pilgrims Campground

    Hillside Tent Camping & RV Bliss

    Conveniently located next to absolutely nothing just due northwest of Fort Atkinson, you’ll love Pilgrim’s Campground for its successful delivery of (capital letters) P&Q! What I love most about this location is how they keep all the RV campers penned in up against the slight diagonal embankment, which actually provides some pretty phenomenal views of the surrounding areas (if not your next door neighbors) as well as excellent drainage and subsequently separated from the primitive TV campsites. These latter sites are placed just due southwest of the grounds and are pitched perfectly in a tree-lined meadow, encircled by freshly cut corn fields, where you’ll find no shortage of amazing animals coming to graze throughout the day (and night) from deer, raccoons, opossums and endless tag teams of squirrels. 

    Because there isn’t so much around, be prepared to bring everything with you (save ice and wood, which is sold on-site). While the bathroom / shower facilities are just passable, what you are giving up in terms of creature comforts is more than made up for in the sheer proximity to all of nature. During the warm summer months, there’s a small in-ground pool on-site, which sits right in front of the main office. All of the standard camping surround-sound elements are here from fire rings and picnic tables to water, electrical (50 / 30 / 20 / 15 amp) and sewer hook-ups. In all, there’s about 100 sites here at Pilgrims Campground, with the lion’s share of this pet-friendly property dedicated to overnight and seasonal RV / 5th Wheelers offering both back-in and pull-through sites. 

    Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you don’t mind some rough hiking, there’s fantastic ‘spazierengehen’ to be had just wandering around the countryside in the bountiful corn and bean fields or head over to nearby Dorothy Carnes County Park for some decent trails to explore; (2) In the event that you don’t like being awaken too early from all of the nearby roosters, then bring some ear plugs; (3) When you grow tired of having to forage through either your on-board RV mini-fridge or bear-proof Cordova roto-molded cooler, then look no further than ‘What’s the Point’ (no, seriously, that's the name of the restaurant!) for traditional Midwestern comfort food like corned beef & cabbage, fried fish, BBQ ribs and prime rib; (4) Should you come bearing watercraft and looking for a decent spot to dip your kayak or canoe at, then check out Rose Lake State Natural Area, which BTW is quite small, but very convenient, or try out much larger Red Cedar Lake or Lake Ripley; and (5) Cell coverage and WiFi is pretty horrific in these parts, so bring a booster or plan to leave civilization behind you. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Mel C.
    Jul. 9, 2019

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

    Great lake and hiking

    We had a great time swimming and hiking At Pike Lake State Park. There is a nice observation tower with beautiful views of Holy Hill. The beach is large and there is a designated area for dogs, which we loved. Our campsite was large and grassy and had good privacy. The only issue we had was that our site was in a divot and had lots of low spots and therefore flooded badly, like 3 inches in our tent bad. Overall great camping, just watch for low sites in the non-electric area.

  • N
    May. 30, 2022

    Harrington Beach State Park Campground

    Pros and Cons Here

    We mostly enjoyed our trip here over Memorial Day Weekend. It’s not too far away from our home and a nice gear testing first trip.

    Pros: Spacious grassy site. This one even had an attached smaller clearing perfect for our 7 year old to use for her own space where we set up a hammock for her.

    The campsites feel very private with a thick brush between each site. It’s not a huge campground.

    Bathrooms and showers are very cleans and actually closed from 11am-noon each day for complete cleaning.

    Gorgeous magnificent trails and right on Lake Michigan. Also a beautiful quarry lake with a trail all the way around and a cute pond full of turtles!

    Very nice, completely cleaned fire pits.

    Cheap bundle yourself firewood. Cons:

    Gorgeous hikes, but short. We prefer more distance.

    Maybe because of its proximity to the lake and Milwaukee or perhaps the holiday weekend but this was a louder campground. More of a party vibe than we really look for in state parks. A particular group was extremely loud and kept us up until 4 am the first night. No park ranger on duty. It’s nice when quiet hours are observed.

    No trees really on the campground and it is built on and surrounded by wetlands that are actively in restoration. At the height of summer this place is going to be sweltering and full of bugs. The mosquitoes will be especially terrible.

    Overall we have and love this park for a day trip but probably won’t return to camp.

  • Robert K.
    Mar. 21, 2018

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Cold night, but a pleasant park

    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). It was a very nice campsite that I stayed at. The grounds were quiet, however there were only a handful of people staying there at the time. The sites look to have enough space between the to make you feel a little more spread out and not sitting on top of each other. It got cold (cloudless late winter nights in Wisconsin can do that), but nothing you can’t prepare for. The proximity to the Ice Age Trail is a bonus, because it made for an easy activity without much fuss. Will visit again when warmer.

  • Josh F.
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake

    RV campground with lake access

    I did not stay here, but I spend some time walking through to get a feel for the place.

    This is primarily an RV/mobile home campground, but there are some nicely tucked away tent camp sites that I'll recommend later in this review. Gravel roads connect the three loops and the landscaping is well kept and maintained. The campground sells ice, firewood and rents boats.

    There is a very clean bathroom and bathhouse, freshwater for campers, and some electric tent campsites. The property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake. The tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below (and the RVs). 

    The Galapagos tent campsite is elevated and a short distance from the loop road, and has a nice view of the lake. The Box Turtle site is also a bit elevated above the main driveway as is Snapper 7, though I am not sure where you are supposed to put your tent in that site.

    Now, Snapper 4, 5,6 and 7 would be nice for group camping because they are all very close to one another and a bit more private, set away from the rest of the campsites. There are lots of electrical sites for campers and RVs, most of which look like they are quite permanently in place.

Guide to Franklin

Tent camping opportunities near Franklin, Wisconsin span multiple habitat types from oak savanna to lakefront settings. Most primitive sites in this region require visitors to walk 100-500 yards from parking areas to reach their campsites. Fall camping offers fewer insects and more comfortable temperatures compared to the high humidity experienced during summer months.

What to do

Lakefront recreation: Turtle Lake provides opportunities for boating and fishing at Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake. "I did not stay here, but I spend some time walking through to get a feel for the place... The campground sells ice, firewood and rents boats," notes Josh F.

Cycling access: Campers at Sandhill Station State Campground can connect directly to the Glacial Drumlin bike trail. "Sandill Station is right outside Lake Mills, WI, right off the Glacial Drumlin bike trail," reports Jimmy P., making it ideal for cyclists wanting to combine camping with trail riding.

History exploration: Visit nearby Aztalan State Park from Sandhill Station for historical insights. "Also nearby is Aztalan State Park and Aztalan museum. The state park is beautiful grassland and prairie, and the Crawfish River flows along side the park. There are hiking trails as well as guide tour booklets," according to Jimmy P.

What campers like

Privacy level: The carry-in tent sites at Sandhill Station create a more secluded experience. "The campsite we were on was spacious, private, and beautiful. We had two large oak trees on either side of our site, giving us a good amount of mixed shade," shares Jimmy P.

Affordability: Waubedonia County Park offers budget-friendly tent camping near Franklin. "The campsites are inexpensive and comfortable, though there aren't as many amenities that a larger campground would have. Overall, a nice little getaway," writes Kevin S.

Campsite layouts: At Snug Harbor, certain areas work well for group camping arrangements. "Snapper 4, 5, 6 and 7 would be nice for group camping because they are all very close to one another and a bit more private, set away from the rest of the campsites," observes Josh F.

What you should know

Bug conditions: Timing your visit is crucial for comfort at certain campgrounds. "The sites are really near some stagnant water, though, so WAY too many mosquitoes, even with the really intense bug spray. We were there in mid-June on one of the hottest weekends of the year and we were massacred the second we walked into the site," warns Tawnie T. about Sandhill Station State Campground.

Firewood availability: Plan ahead for campfires as availability varies. At KMSF Shelter 1, "There is a fire pit, but we found our own wood around the site. (Bring a small axe)," advises Erin Z. Similarly, at Sandhill Station, "There isn't anywhere to buy firewood, so buy from a local resident/gas station," notes Jimmy P.

Bathroom facilities: Facilities range from primitive to basic across the region. KMSF Shelter 1 features an outhouse, but one camper notes, "There is an outhouse, but I wouldn't recommend using it." Sandhill Station provides only "pit toilets," though "There are showers/flush toilets at the nearby Glacial Drumlin office in Lake Mills, but none on site."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: For families at Snug Harbor, consider location carefully. "The Galapagos tent campsite is elevated and a short distance from the loop road, and has a nice view of the lake. The Box Turtle site is also a bit elevated above the main driveway," recommends Josh F.

Weather planning: Consider shoulder seasons for more comfortable family camping. "I wouldn't go in the middle of summer, due to the limited shade, but it was very nice in early fall," notes Jimmy P. about Sandhill Station State Campground.

Packing strategy: For walk-in sites with children, pack efficiently. "The sites are all very remote; no onsite rangers or anything like that. Beautiful walk in sites, no carts to haul gear so pack light!" advises Tawnie T.

Tips from RVers

Three-tiered camping: Snug Harbor Inn Campground offers a unique terraced layout. "Great three tiered camping spot. Full hookup, and great views. Has a pub/restaurant with good food. Lots to do! Definitely a do again!" reports Alix M.

Campground hospitality: Staff assistance can be especially helpful for new RVers. "Wanted someplace close to home. Familiar with the Delavan area so was excited to find Snug Harbor. Set up went well, didn't blow anything up! Yea! Staff was great, helped me back in," shares James W., adding "Met 2 nice couples which helped with any questions."

RV hookup options: Several full-service RV sites are available at Snug Harbor. "They have on site bathrooms and showers. Electric, water and sewer hookups. They also have tent sites," notes Kevin C., mentioning the convenience of having all necessary services available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Franklin, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Franklin, WI is KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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