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The area around Glendale, Wisconsin includes access to various types of camping and campgrounds within a short drive. Kettle Moraine State Forest, with its Northern and Southern Units, offers multiple established campgrounds including Mauthe Lake, Pike Lake, Ottawa Lake, and Pinewoods. These campgrounds accommodate tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups, and some cabin options. Wisconsin State Fair RV Park in nearby Milwaukee provides full-hookup RV camping with amenities like sewer, water, and 50-amp electrical service. County parks such as Menomonee Park by Waukesha County and Cliffside Park in Caledonia offer mixed-use campgrounds with both tent and RV sites. Private options include Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Caledonia, which features tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations.
"Mid to Late October is great Fall camping in Southern Wisconsin. Cool nights range from lower 30's to upper 40's. Day time temps can exceed 60," notes one camper about Pike Lake State Park. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, though some like Ottawa Lake Campground and Wisconsin State Fair RV Park remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The terrain throughout the region features glacial formations, lakes, and wooded areas characteristic of the Kettle Moraine landscape. Many campgrounds provide shower facilities and flush toilets during the main season, with more limited services during shoulder seasons. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may vary in more remote sections of the state forests.
Campers report high satisfaction with sites that offer privacy and natural settings. "The campsites are pretty secluded so if you enjoy your privacy I will love this place. Everything was clean and updated including the bathrooms," shared one visitor about Harrington Beach State Park. Water access is a common highlight, with several campgrounds situated on or near lakes that offer swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Trail systems connect many campgrounds to hiking routes, including segments of the Ice Age Trail that winds through Kettle Moraine State Forest. Sites with electric hookups tend to book first, especially during peak summer months. Campgrounds closer to Milwaukee and Lake Geneva experience higher usage rates, while those farther north in the Kettle Moraine system may offer more seclusion, particularly during weekdays and in early spring or late fall.
"So we just use that because no one was there. 1.7 miles on bike path to Brewer Baseball field. It was raining to we used Uber to the game and walked back for an afternoon game."
"They work with you every step of the way and show you around the area if you wanted! Plus they have a dump station and water fill up station even if you’re not staying here or book here."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."
"There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."
from $25 - $80 / night
Check Availability"We were also pleasantly surprise when found out about the close by trail - short trail beginner friendly ravine geography. Very beautiful view of the lake from the top of the cliff."
"Month Stayed: September Site: gravel and level Spacing: very close to others Cleanliness: very clean Surrounding: trees throughout, playgrounds, nice bathrooms Noise: some noise due to closeness Access"
from $32 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."
"Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa. The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."
from $26 - $41 / night
Check Availability"North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."
"A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."
from $26 - $41 / night
Check Availability"This location did not dissapoint. We have not gone to this location during the warmer months but looks to be a great campground"
"Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."
"I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in. This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."
from $25 - $80 / night
Check Availability"This was our first time camping in Wisconsin and we got to say we absolutely love this park. Most of the sites are pretty secluded so if you enjoy your privacy I will love this place."
"There is something deeply calming about waking up just steps from Lake Michigan at the Harrington Beach State Park Family Campground, where our little crew found the perfect balance of nature and comfort"
from $26 - $43 / night
Check Availability"It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake. Nearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "
"Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."
from $26 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Mauthe Lake Campground is located in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest in East/Centreal Wisconsin."
"Wonderful trail around the lake and a variety of different campsites. Plenty of space, very rural. Very wisconsin!"
from $26 - $41 / night
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TravelerThis park has always been a go to for me. As a full time RVer, I come here a lot. The scenery is beautiful, beach right next door, fishing holes not far from here. The people who come are all very friendly and the park rangers are very welcoming and always have firewood for the visitors. Highly recommend this spot for everyone.
TravelerFirst time RV’ing with my wife and we were able to navigate pretty easily in our rented 30’. Arrived on a Monday, and as posted, there was no one so we checked in online(they sent an email to check in). Simple camp site with tons of space(almost double our RV), a long wood picnic table and a fire pit. Everything was great until we left. Dumping was straight forward, but the person in front of me was taking a little while to dump. They had came up to my RV and let me know the dump tank was backing up, which I had also experienced when I tried dumping. I called to ask for assistance on Thursday and they said they would send a ranger out. 45 minutes of waiting and a couple other RV’s after us and we ended up giving up and going to another site closer to home to dump. Great experience otherwise.
TravelerI love staying here from time to time. As a full time RVer, I book here frequently. Not only do they have all types of hookups stays, but they full men and women’s locker rooms with showers, and restrooms, including a laundry facility on site, shop is inside the office and ice available. The customer service is by far the best! They work with you every step of the way and show you around the area if you wanted! Plus they have a dump station and water fill up station even if you’re not staying here or book here. I recommend this site to anyone and everyone!
ScoutFriendly camp hosts. Nice large sites with even and level grass. There are padded FHU sites available. Immaculate bathrooms and showers. Fresh, clean water at hookups. Very quiet despite being on major roadway. Good value. Would stop again.
TravelerLove this quaint smaller campground, close to home although you feel like you're way up north! Clean restrooms showers! Walking trails with preservation.
TravelerVery enjoyable campground.
I don't remember the site number but the kids had a great time. Lots of things to do.
LegendThe Group Campground at Harrington Beach State Park brings a completely different energy, offering an expansive, open setting that feels made for large family reunions, scout troops, family birthday party overnighters and lively gatherings that stretch long into the evening. Unlike the more intimate family sites, this area is designed for scale, with wide communal spaces, larger fire rings and plenty of room for picnic tables, shared meals and kid-filled games of tag and flag football. We passed through and couldn’t help but smile watching a group roast marshmallows together while another set of kids played flashlight hide-and-seek across the open field. While it is less private and more bustling, this locale creates a joyful sense of togetherness that feels perfect for celebrations and group bonding. While the restroom and shower facilities were mediocre (at best), they were functional and clean. But the real star here is the close proximity to Lake Michigan. I’d recommend this Group Campground for larger parties who want space to spread out, EZ beach access and the freedom to make memories together in a beautiful lakeside setting.
LegendThere is something deeply calming about waking up just steps from Lake Michigan at the Harrington Beach State Park Family Campground, where our little crew found the perfect balance of nature and comfort in a setting that feels both scenic and safe. The campground is well-organized with clearly defined family-sized sites, clean restrooms and EZ access to walking trails and the beach, making it especially friendly for parents juggling gear and excited boys. One of our favorite moments was sitting around the campfire as we tried to stay warm from an early first wave of the winter to come while the sun melted into the lake in soft pink streaks. We loved that everything felt thoughtfully laid out without feeling crowded or chaotic. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families looking for a peaceful getaway with just enough adventure, thanks to its natural beauty, clean facilities, lakefront access and gentle, welcoming atmosphere.
LegendThere is something wonderfully grounding about settling into the Family Campground at Kohler-Andrae State Park, where our little crew felt instantly wrapped in the gentle rhythm of Lake Michigan and the whispering grasses of the sandy dunes that our boys loved to explore. The campground is very well laid out with 137 clearly defined family-sized sites (52 of which have electrical hookups), exceptionally clean restrooms and perfectly manicured pathways leading to the boardwalk and shoreline, making every moment of exploration feeling manageable and peaceful. One of our favorite moments was walking down the wooden boardwalk as the boys raced ahead to spot driftwood treasures and tiny shore birds along the beach. Everything here feels calm, safe and naturally beautiful without being overly rugged. And while you can bring everything you will need to enjoy camping here, in case you forget anything, nearby Sheboygan has you covered for just about any supply you could think of (except for firewood, which you can buy either at the park office or from one of the campground hosts). I would absolutely recommend this campground for families seeking a soothing lakeside escape with a perfect mix of nature, comfort, and gentle adventure.
Campsites near Glendale, Wisconsin lie within the glacially-formed Kettle Moraine region characterized by small lakes, rolling hills, and distinctive terrain formed during the last ice age. The area sits at elevations ranging from 580 to 1,050 feet, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F during day and cooling to 50-65°F at night. Fall camping extends into late October with overnight temperatures that can drop into the 30s, requiring proper sleeping gear and insulation.
Hiking trails with lake views: At Pike Lake Campground, campers can access the Ice Age Trail directly from the remote sites. "There are many hiking trails of varying lengths, and all are very well maintained. They are even updating the path of the trails to help stop erosion on the hills, which is impressive if you are interested in conservation and natural resource management," notes one visitor. The campground features an observation tower offering panoramic views of Holy Hill and Pike Lake.
Swimming beaches with amenities: Mauthe Lake Campground offers a clean swimming area with a sandy beach where families can cool off during summer months. "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids. Also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July," reports one camper. The swimming area has no motorized boats allowed, creating a quieter environment for swimmers and paddlers.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes provide fishing access within a short distance of campsites. According to visitors at Menomonee Park, the park offers "great park with swimming beach, trails, dog park, and archery range." Another adds, "The quarry and the beach area were great, and there were a ton of picnic spots overlooking the lake."
Well-spaced, private sites: Harrington Beach State Park earns praise for its site layout. "Most of the sites are pretty secluded so if you enjoy your privacy I will love this place. Everything was clean and updated including the bathrooms," writes one reviewer. The campground features both electric and non-electric sites set among trees for natural screening between neighbors.
Clean facilities: Ottawa Lake Campground maintains high standards for bathrooms and shower facilities. "The site was spacious and clean, complete with the basics (fire ring, flushing toilets, showers, drinking water). Shower house #2 was clean although a bit older (paint was peeling off the walls due to humidity) but the water pressure was fine and as hot as I needed it to be," notes a visitor. Many campgrounds in the area provide both vault toilets and shower buildings with flush toilets.
Natural settings close to urban areas: The short driving distance from Milwaukee appeals to weekend campers seeking quick getaways. "A beautiful campground that caters to families. There are hiking trails incorporated into the campground with access to the kettle morraine Forrest. Bringing bikes is a great idea for getting around to bathrooms/the camp store," explains a visitor to Pinewoods Campground. Most sites in the area provide fire rings and picnic tables.
Weekend reservations fill quickly: Most state park campgrounds in the region book up months in advance for summer weekends. For weekday camping or last-minute trips, Cliffside Park Campground provides flexibility: "The campground takes reservations 7 days out or drive up. We saw a lot of bigger rigs but so much space between sites it didn't feel like we were crowded."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations. "Mid to Late October is great Fall camping in Southern Wisconsin. Cool nights range from lower 30's to upper 40's. Day time temps can exceed 60," notes one visitor. Spring camping may involve muddy conditions as frost leaves the ground.
Noise levels vary by location: Sites closest to highways experience more road noise. At Pinewoods Campground, "The quiet Loop was a wonderful idea however, the campsite next to us was blasting music and at 11:30 pm someone randomly started playing a flute?" Consider site location carefully when booking, especially at Wisconsin State Fair RV Park where it's described as "really a parking lot for RV camping off an interstate. very loud and not family place but good for over night."
Look for campgrounds with swimming options: Kids appreciate cooling off during hot summer days, and several area campgrounds offer water access. At Muskego Park, "This place had it all. A spring fed pond for swimming and fishing. Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area." The park also features "a little sand area, and a small pier to jump off of."
Consider county parks for amenities: Menomonee Park provides family-friendly facilities beyond just camping. "The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards," writes one visitor. Another adds, "Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."
Pack for insects: Bug protection is essential, particularly in wooded areas and during evening hours. "Definitely make sure to bring your bug spray for this location!" advises a visitor to Pinewoods Campground. County parks like Muskego tend to have fewer mosquitoes in open, grassy campsites compared to heavily wooded state forest campgrounds.
Limited full-hookup options: Most state park campgrounds offer electric only, with water available at central spigots. "All sites are the same having 50/30/20 amp electric, water, gravel pads, a grassy patio, picnic table, and a fire pit but no sewer," notes a Cliffside Park visitor. Each site has water but "in order to reach some of the spigots you would need more than a 50' water hose so choose your site with that in mind."
Milwaukee metro access: The Wisconsin State Fair RV Park serves as the primary full-service option within Milwaukee city limits. "Perfect campground for what it is! Big paved parking lot with full hookups. Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient," reports a visitor. Another shares: "We stayed at State Fair RV Park in Milwaukee for two months while waiting to retire and work out bugs in our new RV. The park was all cement, it was clean and quiet."
Site selection matters: When booking RV sites, consider the specific needs of your rig. At Pike Lake, "Each of the 32 sites is unique in their own way. Some are large and flat perfect for a class A (#2 #4, #29 #31 is okay, but smaller), some incorporate the geography into the site (#23 & #17 - very much tent sites, #15 great for a small trailer, #7NE, #9NE). There is a TIGHT turn in the campground loop near site #17 to be aware of with longer trailers."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Glendale, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Glendale, WI is Wisconsin State Fair RV Park with a 3.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
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