69 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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 $60 / 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 $20 - $38 / 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 $20 - $38 / 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 $23 - $40 / 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 $20 - $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 $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability
TravelerVery friendly and very clean. 1 swimming pond 2 fishing ponds volleyball courts and 2 off leash dog areas. Showers are free and they have a huge kid play area along with a seasonal swimming pool and hot tub.
ScoutWe have been seasonal campers for many years! When we first started, everyone was very nice and we always had a great time. Each years the rules change a bit which is common.The last three years have been horrible! We have had nothing but issues that I brought up to the staff many times. I have had the workers ask me if I was f***in stupid, people stealing stuff off our lot, telling our guest we don’t camp there( even tho they knew they were coming for my daughters birthday party), and much more. They are extremely Strict on the 5 mph. They will scream at you if they see Gravel dust as you drive. The campground is not well maintained. I wish things would not have ended the way it has. I’m happy we found a better family friendly campground to be at where my kids are not scared to be playing in our lot!
TravelerThere’s a lot of things to do out here. We did some hiking with our boy. The site we were at was maintained. It’s a nice place to go camping.
LegendThere’s something wonderfully EZ about camping where the kids can wander down toward the water and suddenly the whole weekend seems to slow down ... and that’s the entire charm of Honeysuckle Hollow. Here at Chain O’Lakes State Park, Honeysuckle Hollow is the largest and most wide open of the park’s camping areas, with electric sites geared particularly well toward RV families, although the tradeoff is noticeably less shade and almost zero privacy between nearly every campsite, compared with neighboring Fox Den, which offers up much more seclusion and shade. The greatest asset here is undoubtedly the direct access to Turner Lake (although you could also have direct access over at Turner Lake South), giving families an EZ place to fish, paddle or simply explore the shoreline, while electric hookups, picnic tables, grills and a nearby restroom/shower building keep the actual camping comfortably simple. We especially loved those unhurried moments when the boys could wander toward the lake while dinner was getting started and everyone seemed perfectly happy just being outside together. The shower facility here is convenient, although we found it just slightly more dilapidated conditions than the bathhouse located closer to Fox Den. From what we saw, I’d choose one of the better-spaced sites toward the Turner Lake side of the campground, where EZ water access helps compensate for Honeysuckle’s limited privacy. I’d recommend Honeysuckle for families who value electricity, lake access and a lively campground atmosphere, particularly if having Turner Lake practically in your backyard matters more than having your neighbors hidden behind the trees. One point to note is that the pier was in an advanced state of disrepair and so we were not able to fully maximize this particular amenity - so if accessing Turner Lake is important to you and your family, we would recommend calling ahead to verify the condition of the pier.
TravelerSimple campsite. We should have brought some leveling blocks, But otherwise my wife and I enjoyed the site for our rental RV. Short 10 minute walk to Lake Michigan. The camp store is fairly robust with friendly people working there. I appreciate that there are 2 lanes for dump/fill stations. My wife and I would absolutely stay here again.
GuideSites are large, well-spaced, many shaded by wonderful large trees. The woods are very open with little understory, and much of the area facing the road is graveled, so you will still see your neighbors. So many hiking options - the Ice Age Trail connects to the campground only a few minutes walk away. Many hiking options, the walk to the Powder Hill Lookout tower is a must. Picnic area and waterfront are a short drive away. Bathrooms were clean and showers free, hot, and strong. Some traffic noise from highway nearby but quiet at night.
GuideFor a primitive campground, this was a nice-enough experience.
Pros:
- The sites we stayed in and the others that we noticed seemed sizeable and had nice tree-cover
- Having access to the Ice Age Trail was really neat
- Lake access nearby
Cons:
- On the continuum of vault toilet quality, these were on the less-desirable end. We joked about whether it was scarier to visit them when they were dark or when the lights were on. If you love having fly friends keep you company when nature calls, then these are the bathrooms for you! The bathrooms did get cleaned on Sunday morning, but this didn't help the situation very much.
- No showers
TravelerIt’s a lot bigger than I expected it to be. Our site is great the bathrooms are well maintained. There’s plenty of things to do here. Getting wood is great and easy the only downside is paying $8 a bundle. Otherwise great campgrounds. Would definitely come back.
TravelerStayed in Sunrise campground. Minimal amenities available. Most sites seem geared towards tents and small units. Sunfall camp ground especially so.
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.
Keep Exploring
