Camping near Genoa City, Wisconsin spans across state lines with options in both Wisconsin and Illinois. The southern Wisconsin landscape features a mix of glacial terrain with moraines and kettles, creating diverse camping environments from wooded sites to open prairie views. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring camping often requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
What to Do
Hiking trail variety: At Richard Bong State Recreation Area, trails accommodate different skill levels with both paved and unpaved options. According to one visitor, "There are amazing trails through park for people to hike, bike, or ride horse on," while another mentioned that despite the recreation area's size, they "seldom passed anyone when we went hiking on it" showing how spacious the trails can be.
Fishing opportunities: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers multiple fishing locations with rental equipment available. "There is a boat launch with rentals and a bunch of hiking trails closer to the entrance," notes one camper, while another points out that "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy."
Paddling the Chain: Chain O' Lakes State Park provides access to multiple connected lakes via small tributaries. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill," explains a visitor. For those without equipment, "There is a boat ramp and a small store and restaurant. It allows dogs and the rangers keep the site relatively quiet."
What Campers Like
Private campsites: Turner Lake South offers more secluded sites compared to other campgrounds in the area. A camper notes, "The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East. The campsites are a little bigger in Turner Lake South, I feel, but both have campsites circled by woods with a level place to pitch a tent."
Wildlife viewing: Bong Recreation Area provides abundant wildlife sightings. "We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once," writes one camper, but they balance this with the positive: "But back to the fun part...I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two."
Improved facilities: Big Foot Beach State Park offers upgraded bathroom facilities. One visitor commented on the "nice campsite with newer bathrooms and showers" while another mentioned they were "Much improved with the new bathrooms." Campers appreciate these upgrades when spending multiple days in the area.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Peak season reservations are necessary, especially for electric sites. "We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site. Checking in was interesting. No online reservations were allowed and their phone systems were down but we only found a few sites that were available," explains a camper at Prairie View campground.
Wildlife challenges: Prairie View Camping Area has specific wildlife concerns that require planning. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," warns one family. Another points out "the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched."
Site variations: Big Foot Beach State Park has inconsistent site layouts. "More of a yard style, open camping. No privacy. Lots of kids everywhere," notes one camper, while another explains "Spaces are not consistent, some very large and shaded and some smaller and crowded." Research specific site numbers before booking.
Tips for Camping with Families
Screen house necessity: For families with small children, bring a screen enclosure. "With a baby/toddler camp family on the go...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!"
Playground access: Fox Den Campground provides family-friendly facilities. "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms," shares a parent. Another mentions, "Multiple playgrounds, access to launch sites for kayaks, little store to buy ice cream or snacks."
Kid-friendly activities: Bong Recreation Area offers structured programs for children. "The Weekend we were here they had a free Kids fishing weekend and John the naturalist was amazing!! There is a ton to do at this park the nature center has activities all weekend long," reports one family.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Sunrise Campground at Bong Recreation Area has specific electric site locations. "RV sites electric are at sunrise, not sunset, with the exception of the handicapped site," advises one RVer, which is important information since the recreation area has multiple camping loops.
Dump station timing: Holiday weekends create congestion at service areas. "They needed someone to control the traffic that comes from two different directions going to the dual dump stations. There's no honor system, especially on a holiday weekend," warns one RVer, suggesting early morning or non-peak departures are best.
Site selection: Chain O' Lakes Fox Den loop offers better RV sites than other loops. "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees."
