Best Campgrounds near Genoa City, WI

Genoa City, Wisconsin provides access to several established campgrounds within a short drive, including Big Foot Beach State Park and Richard Bong State Recreation Area. These areas feature a mix of tent sites, RV camping, and cabin accommodations across both Wisconsin and Illinois state lands. The Lake Geneva region, approximately 5 miles north of Genoa City, serves as a popular destination offering water-based recreation alongside camping opportunities. Most developed camping areas provide electric hookups, while several sites also accommodate larger RVs and feature amenities like showers, toilets, and picnic tables.

Reservations are strongly recommended for camping in the area, particularly during the peak season from May through October. Many campgrounds fill quickly on summer weekends, with electric sites being especially sought after. Big Foot Beach State Park offers approximately 100 total sites with only 30 featuring electrical service, creating competition for these amenities. The Chain O' Lakes State Park area in nearby Illinois presents additional camping options with multiple campground loops. Weather conditions remain mild during the primary camping season, though spring can bring occasional heavy rainfall. A visitor commented, "We love private campsites, far enough away from other campers, yet close enough to amenities."

Families frequently mention the convenience of facilities at these established campgrounds. Several visitors highlighted the improved bathroom and shower facilities at Big Foot Beach State Park, with one noting the "lovely new bathhouse" as a significant upgrade. The proximity to Lake Geneva allows campers to enjoy both natural settings and access to town amenities within a short distance. Sites vary considerably in privacy and shade coverage, with campers reporting that locations further from bathhouses often provide more seclusion. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly in Chain O' Lakes State Park, though reviews note that raccoons can be problematic after dusk, requiring careful food storage. Ticks represent another consideration in wooded areas, especially during spring and early summer camping trips.

Best Camping Sites Near Genoa City, Wisconsin (79)

    1. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lake Geneva, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 248-2528

    "We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."

    "This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits."

    2. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    14 miles
    Website

    "I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"

    "Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots. Has a winery and cool dive bars all within 10 min. Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."

    3. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    8 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "*** 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"

    "Campsite is nice, we're pretty close to our neighbors but not as bad as other places I've been. Walking distance to a fishing dock!"

    4. Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    14 miles
    Website

    "Rocket launch (bring your own,) atv (no rentals-bring your own), water fowl hunting (during season), fishing, wildlife watching, swimming at the beach, playground for kids, and my favorite- nice trails"

    "the property is HUGE and most things are about a 10 to 15 min walk from the campsites. lots of hiking, boating, swimming fishing and more! a great place for anyone!"

    5. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    8 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."

    "You can hear whatever highway is nearby pretty clearly and constantly.

    But if you’re not looking for something super remote then it’s fine!"

    6. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "

    "However there is plenty of space around to find a spot on your own.

    The campsites are a nice size and have electric hookups. Water was at central locations and a dump is on the way out."

    7. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    8 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    8 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "Prairie View campground is in the Chain O Lakes State Park series. This is the no services campground. We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site. Checking in was interesting."

    "You could barely see the neighbors because of how overgrown the edges of the site were. We felt like we were in our own little bubble."

    8. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    66 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    "We didn't have problems finding a spot and set up late at night as close to the lake as we could. The lake really can't be seen from any site but it's a 2 minute walk on a path to the lake."

    9. Mud Lake East — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    7 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    $12 / night

    "This State Park isn't too far off the beaten path which is nice. Fairly close to gas stations, convenience stores, etc. The park is clean, and has the bathrooms and utilities that would be needed."

    "There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views. Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground."

    10. Happy Acres Kampground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 857-7373

    "we’ve been RV camping here for 2 months now and love it. the bathrooms are older but still nice and cleaned daily. the pool is fantastic, lots of fun playgrounds around, and there’s a neat walking trail"

    "Petting zoo, camp store, pool, lake/pond for swimming and fishing. Cell signal for ATT just one bar. No internet. Lots of full time residents. Lots of activities for kids. Pet friendly."

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Recent Reviews near Genoa City, WI

692 Reviews of 79 Genoa City Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • 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.

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!

  • Ron D.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Pearl Lake

    Low Class Trailer Trashy Park

    Horrible customer service from the start. We registered online with a 35" 5th wheel for 2 nights. On checking in, we wouldn't fit in the site so the girl at the desk put us in a different site saying she couldn't escort us to our site. This was our first time being there and her excuse was they were short staffed. The street signage was very small and hard to read. Site numbers were said to be on every pedestal but they were not visible from any drive. After only a few minutes of driving around, we were astonished by all the trash and junky trailers on site. Note that if your camper is more than 10 years old, they want to first see a picture of it so as to keep their place classy. Not the case here once you have paid and are here. We call back to the office for assistance finding our site and the girl said she would have to lock the office and was hesitant about doing so but she would come out to hep us find our place. We simply asked for a refund saying we were very disappointed with the situation so far. When she told us they don't give refunds, we asked for a manager to call us back. At this point we left to find another place which we did and were at in about 30 minutes. The manager called us back offering us drinks at the bar, a premium site, tickets for kids in the bounce house, and free water craft but I and the wife were only there for 2 nights. We were not going back to that dump. She said she would have to speak with the owners about a refund but never called us back. Five days later I called several times to speak with the manager again but no call back. She did however text us saying they will not issue a refund saying the girl in the office could not leave the desk because her coworker was using the restroom. Then why did she say she couldn't leave because they were short handed? Long story short, think long and hard before you visit this trashy place. Showers were dark and dingy and smelled. The beach looked more like gravel and not pleasing. Just walking around, I couldn't get away from the awful smell of people smoking and vaping and a strong smell of pot smokers everywhere. Not at all the place we would take our grand kids ever.

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Private sites, lots of wildlife ... and mosquitoes

    It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go. 

    We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable. I will say this though, even with there being more mosquitoes constantly attacking, I did not have the reactions to them like I do the mosquitoes back in Alabama and Mississippi. I wasn't itching much at all.

    But back to the fun part. It was pretty hot a couple days while we were there and to take a break from the heat, we enjoyed the ac in the car and drove around the recreation area and the campgrounds. 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. 

    What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private. This was a nice feature given that many other campgrounds you are stacked in like cord wood.

    Our first night there, we left the rain fly off of the tent and just enjoyed the stars and the satellites streaking across the sky.

    Overall, it was a rather enjoyable week. The shower/bathrooms were nice and clean, though I will admit the shower got too hot even for my wife. It is an easy drive from the recreation area to Kenosha or other points of interest and Lake Michigan is worth a visit if you aren't from the area.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

  • Kaitlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Relaxing but no water hook up

    We love camping here. It truly feels rural. Small shower house but water pressure is amazing. It’s always quiet and the view is beautiful. Bugs were awful this stay. They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly.


Guide to Genoa City

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

What to do

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake said, "Bathrooms and showers were clean."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Camp Bullfrog Lake. One camper remarked, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground offer activities for kids. A parent shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."

What you should know

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper noted, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."
  • Limited Water Access: At Rock Cut State Park Campground, there are no water hookups at the sites. One visitor mentioned, "The only negative is no drinkable water."
  • Busy Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded on weekends. A reviewer at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park that have playgrounds and swimming areas. A camper mentioned, "There is a beach, if that's your thing, but it's covered in pebbles."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake enjoyed the beach and trails, saying, "Great trails close by."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The restroom and showrooms are very clean as well."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area advised, "During the summer months especially, this place fills up."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t forget to check out local dining options. One camper at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake suggested, "If you’re tired of fixing beans and franks, head out of the park where you will find a handful of dining options."

Camping near Genoa City, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Genoa City, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Genoa City, WI is Big Foot Beach State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 24 reviews.