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Best Campgrounds near Friendship, WI

705 Reviews

Central Wisconsin's outdoor recreation hub of Friendship features several well-established campgrounds surrounded by forests, lakes, and geological formations. Roche A Cri State Park Campground sits minutes from downtown Friendship, providing tent and RV sites nestled among old-growth pines adjacent to the park's namesake rock formation. Nearby, Castle Rock County Park offers year-round camping with electric hookups, showers, and water access to Castle Rock Lake. The area includes a mix of state park facilities, county parks, and private campgrounds accommodating everything from primitive tent camping to full-hookup RV sites and cabin rentals.

Most campgrounds in the region remain open from late spring through early fall, though several operate year-round. A camper described Roche A Cri as "not very large so it's quiet and the sites are well spaced and wooded," noting that "proximity to the Dells and other parks make this an ideal home base to explore what Central Wisconsin has to offer." Weather patterns typically include warm summers and cold winters, with mosquitoes becoming problematic during summer months. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays, especially at popular campgrounds like Buckhorn State Park, where waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell coverage varies throughout the region but remains reliable near developed areas.

Campers consistently highlight the natural features around Friendship as standout experiences. The combination of lakes, geological formations, and hiking trails creates diverse recreation opportunities within short driving distances. One reviewer noted Buckhorn State Park as "a little piece of paradise" with a "miniature private beach" and "phenomenal view of the sunset over Castle Rock Lake." Many campgrounds provide access to water recreation, with fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities across multiple lakes and the Wisconsin River. Hikers can explore trails leading to unique features like the 303-step stairway to Roche A Cri's summit lookout. The area's relative proximity to Wisconsin Dells (about 20 miles south) makes it popular for travelers seeking natural settings while remaining close to additional attractions.

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Best Camping Sites Near Friendship, Wisconsin (177)

    1. Buckhorn State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Necedah, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 565-2789

    "If you’re looking for a campsite that transports you away from the usual Midwest fare, this is the place to be! The site we stayed at was beyond perfect."

    "Gorgeous campground in the middle of no where Wisconsin! Perfect place to camp if you like to climb at Necedah! There are a few lake entrances and at one of them we saw a couple large gorgeous cranes!"

    2. Roche A Cri State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Friendship, WI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 339-6881

    "There is a tall tower to climb to a splendid overview of Friendship-Adams, many playgrounds, a paved path, hiking trails through the woods, streams, and fascinating hieroglyphs which put Roch-a-Cri in"

    "Chill and relaxing camp ground in Roche A’ Cri Wisconsin State park. Sites surrounded by old growth pines and adjacent to park’s name sake, Roche A’ Cri mound."

    3. Petenwell Park

    11 Reviews
    Necedah, WI
    12 miles
    +1 (608) 564-7513

    "I have been going to this campground for years, walking around, going to the beaches, launching the family pontoon and fishing in Lake Petenwell. Everyone is always so friendly upon arrival."

    "Love camping right on the edge of the lake."

    4. Pineland Camping Park

    5 Reviews
    Friendship, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 564-7818

    "Good place for 4 wheeling, plenty of trails. Home made pizza and Bloody Mary's"

    5. Castle Rock County Park

    3 Reviews
    Adams, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 339-7713

    "Far drive to any nearby stores but a lot of bars and restaurants nearby. Carlson’s is the best! Had fun at the beach and down the road you can go tubing on the river nearby."

    "We had site A11, and just loved the location. The A loop is overlooking the lake and close to the beach."

    6. Buckhorn State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Necedah, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 565-2789

    "Some of the walk in campsites are a far walk from the parking. So, if you simply want car camping, make sure you pick an appropriate site!"

    "Enjoyed the beach and the trails. Lots of poison ivy so stay in the center of the trails and be aware."

    7. Wisconsin Dells KOA

    23 Reviews
    Wisconsin Dells, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 254-4177

    "My family and I stayed at this Wisconsin Dells KOA location for two nights (site 61) as the first stop on a 3+ week trip, and it fully met our expectations"

    "We stayed at KOA in Wisconsin dells, which was about a mile away from everything.  We called to RSVP. Which was a breeze."

    8. Wilderness Park (Juneau County)

    6 Reviews
    Necedah, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 565-7285

    $17 - $23 / night

    "A great campground with out of this world lake views. Most sites come with amazing lake views. Great for watching the sun rise up over the lake. Great swimming, fishing and playing."

    "Some sites with electric can be found with lake access.  Plenty of space between sites.  Very quiet campground with a play area, beaches and other nice features. "

    9. The Reel Inn RV Campground & Log Lodge Resort

    2 Reviews
    Necedah, WI
    13 miles
    Website

    "Definitely recommend for a seasonal home away from home"

    "Clean and Friendly Next to a huge restaurant and bar that have the lowest prices for above average food.  Definitely recommend.  Overnight sites easy to get into and large sites."

    10. Kennedy County Park

    7 Reviews
    Camp Douglas, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 847-9389

    $15 / night

    "So I’m driving back from a camping adventure and the wind picks up. After fighting it for awhile we start looking for a spot to stop for the night."

    "There's a shelter area and some nice little hiking trails. Just outside of New Lisbon if you need anything."

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Recent Camping Photos near Friendship, WI

328 Photos of 177 Friendship Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Friendship, WI

705 Reviews of 177 Friendship Campgrounds

  • P
    Oct. 11, 2025

    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.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    way overpriced and not worth it

    cost at end of september, sunday night was $76/night PLUS $16 parking fee so $92 for a night at a mediocre campground with no privacy. i rarely write negative reviews, but ive been camping for a while now, and never experienced this high of a cost for just a regular campground.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Kennedy County Park

    Great price for a little campground

    Not the most elaborate campground or the best I stayed at, but the price was right for what you get. The sites are large. You could add a tent or RV to any of them, but some are tighter to get into than others because of the road and how it turns.

    There's a little playground and lots of open space. Each site has a fire pit, but I don't believe there's firewood available for purchase. There are some vault toilets here.

    Cost is only $15 cash and it's first come first serve. No reservations.

    I believe that they raised the rate on April 1st. It's now $15, but in this day and age of price gouging that's actually a bargain for a campsite. It's primitive, but it's nicely kept.

    A little train noise from the distance, but if you like the sound of a train horn, it's very soothing.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Camp Shin-Go-Beek

    A lovely place to relax - Lower Bluff

    This campsite was great! Incredibly peaceful with a ton of beautiful birds singing throughout the day, relatively private (even with fellow campers in the area), and a short walk to the private beach at the lake. It’s a semi-primitive with pit toilets and a potable water spigot. Ian was a great host and even checked on us to offer shelter in the admin building before a storm rolled through. We loved this spot so much, we went back the following summer, and it was just as relaxing. Being able to swim and float in the lake is an added bonus.

  • Cynthia K.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Oakdale KOA

    Shady trees

    KOA Journey. We didn't feel like tackling Illinois at the end of the day, so we planned a stop here. 

    Check in was pleasant. We were in the back by the bathroom, which was my request. Lots of shady trees. This is a well established campground. As others have noted there is Interstate noise. It's easy on- easy off though.

     There's a Loves nearby.

  • Julia B.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Buckhorn State Park Campground

    West shore sites

    We usually stay at the east shore sites but tried the west shore this time. The shore was not as level as the east side sites but still sandy and shallow for swimming. We could hear the bar blaring music across the lake until 10 or 11pm . There are more trees now than the website pictures show so there is some privacy between sites. Mosquitos were the worst i have ever experienced. The second we got out of the car they were all over us. We used the heaviest deet possible nonstop.

  • Julia B.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Sandstone Ridge Campground — Mirror Lake State Park

    Beautiful lake

    The lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs. We only did 2 hiking trails but they were well maintained. The site was good. The 202 area has a parking lot for 4 sites and a very short walk to the sites. Fire pit and picnic table were in good shape. The highway noise is loud and some military jets kept flying overhead. The raccoons were brutal. They broke into our crates twice. Smart enough to figure out the clip mechanism. Overall good site but a little noisy.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Cottontail lane

    We hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies! The site was of good size, dark and quiet. The shower house was close and clean.

Guide to Friendship

Camping near Friendship, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Devils Lake State Park. One visitor mentioned, "The hikes were the nicest I’ve seen in the surrounding areas," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Swimming: Enjoy the beach at Quartzite Campground. A reviewer noted, "The best beach around, crystal clear, shallow water was perfect for our young kids to play in."
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Buckhorn State Park Campground for fishing and kayaking. One camper shared, "There is a bar and grill across the river with a live cover band on Friday night," adding to the fun atmosphere.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Ice Age Campground. A visitor said, "Some sites have quite a bit of slant but it’s workable. Ours was perfect."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-kept restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Northern Lights Campground mentioned, "Clean bathrooms and so much to do at Devils Lake."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Wisconsin Dells KOA are great for families. One parent noted, "The campground is kid-friendly, with a playground and a pool."

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Quartzite Campground mentioned, "Saturday got a bit too crowded, but otherwise it was a great stay."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Ice Age Campground noted, "The bathrooms could use more upkeep."
  • Reservation Fees: Be prepared for additional fees. A reviewer at Mirror Lake State Park mentioned, "The site cost was $35, but the Wisconsin DNR adds a ‘parking fee’ of $11."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Buckhorn State Park Campground. One family shared, "We had a walk to site on the water and it was very nice!"
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Wildcat Mountain State Park said, "The views from the overlooks, which are a short hike, are worth checking out."
  • Pack for Bugs: Be ready for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A visitor at Hartman Creek State Park warned, "We couldn't leave our tents until the sun went down because of the bugs."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure your site is level before setting up. A reviewer at Northern Lights Campground mentioned, "Some sites have quite a bit of slant but it’s workable."
  • Bring Extra Cords: If you need electricity, ensure your cords reach the hookups. A camper at Wisconsin Dells KOA noted, "There was no space to hang out as their camper took up the entire space."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. A visitor at Mirror Lake State Park said, "Close to downtown Baraboo and WI Dells to explore the city for a day."

Camping near Friendship, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Friendship, Wisconsin from Wisconsin Dells attractions?

Friendship, Wisconsin is approximately 30-35 minutes (about 25 miles) from Wisconsin Dells attractions. Rocky Arbor State Park Campground offers a quiet camping experience close to Wisconsin Dells parks while being far enough away from the traffic and noise. Wisconsin Dells KOA provides convenient access to the Dells' waterparks and attractions, though it can get crowded during peak summer season. For those wanting to enjoy both Friendship and Wisconsin Dells, the short drive makes it easy to visit attractions while staying in the more peaceful Friendship area.

Where is Friendship Campground located in Wisconsin?

Friendship is located in Adams County, Wisconsin. While there isn't a specific campground called "Friendship Campground," the area offers several excellent camping options. Roche A Cri State Park Campground is situated in the Friendship-Adams area and features spacious sites surrounded by old growth pines adjacent to the park's namesake rock formation. Castle Rock County Park is another nearby camping option in the Friendship vicinity, offering water access and reservable sites.

What camping is available near Friendship, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Friendship, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 177 campgrounds and RV parks near Friendship, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Friendship, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Friendship, WI is Buckhorn State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

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

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