Cabin camping is an amazing way to experience Grafton, while still enjoying a little rustic luxury. Finding a place to cabin camp in Wisconsin is easier than ever. Search nearby cabins or find top-rated spots from other campers.
When you’re relaxing on the warm, sandy beaches at Kohler–Andrae State Park, gazing across the watery expanse of Lake Michigan, you’re not likely contemplating the area’s nearly two-million-year history. This is when Ice Age glaciers carved out the lake basin and rising and falling water levels dramatically changed the landscape. Soon after, the first Paleo-Indians began inhabiting the area, who hunted mammoths and giant musk ox around the northeastern regions. Moving into the Christian Era, the Hopewell, Chippewa, Potowatomi, and Sauk took turns residing here. Then came European settlers in the 19th century, who had no interest in beachfront property, as it couldn’t be farmed. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that Americans started to value outdoor recreation as a form of relaxation and entertainment. Today, you can enjoy this 1000 acres of sandy beaches, rolling dunes and mixed woods, where you’re more likely to be contemplating the cool breeze what to barbecue for dinner.
For grilling up your tasty burgers, be they beef, beet, or anything in between, Kohler–Andrae State Park offers a large campground with fire rings and picnic tables in each site. There are more than 130 tent and RV sites to choose from, some with electrical hookups. There is also two group tent sites. The campground provides flush restrooms with showers, picnic areas and shelters, a playground, amphitheater, and laundry facilities; a dump station is located nearby. The campground is open year-round, but some amenities may not be available in winter months. Dogs are permitted in the campground and on some trails, but must remain leashed. Campers can access the beach through the picnic area or via a short nature trail. There is also an ADA accessible cabin available to rent. Campsite reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance; seasonal rates are $15–$40/night.
While soaking up the sun and splashing in the lake are the main draw to Kohler–Andrae State Park, there’s much to do. Visit the Sanderling Nature Center at the north end of the park where you can explore interactive exhibits about the area’s natural history, and native flora and fauna. Kids can become Wisconsin Explorers and earn a patch for completing activities. For some paddling fun, you can launch your kayak or paddleboard right from the beach, or for fishing, head over to the fishing pond on the Ancient Shores Trail. And speaking of trails, the park has 8.5 miles of nature paths and hiking trails to explore, many of which are barrier-free. A walk on the aforementioned Ancient Shores Trail reveals where the lakeshore existed more than 5,000 year ago; the Marsh Trail along the Black River is a good place for bird and wildlife watching; and the Dunes Cordwalk explores the park’s dunes, wetlands and white pine forest.
Harrington Beach State Park has more than a mile of beach along Lake Michigan. This 715-acre park also features a white cedar and hardwood swamp, old field grasslands with restored wetland ponds and a scenic limestone quarry lake. Camp, sunbathe, picnic, hike, bird watch, fish or practice astronomy at one of the observatory's monthly public viewings.
Harrington Beach State Park has a family campground, with five walk-in sites, a group campsite, an accessible cabin for people with disabilities and a kayak site.
The park has a 69-unit family campground, including 31 sites with electrical hookups. Each campsite has a campfire ring and a picnic table.
Ottawa Lake’s campground is located in the southern unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, situated within half an hour’s drive from Milwaukee. Wisconsin campers of all ages love these grounds thanks to lakefront sites, modern facilities, and access to trails for hikers of every experience level. South Kettle Moraine is also home to over 160 miles of trails, including 87 miles open to horse use. Connect to the Ice Age Scenic Trail and various others within the John Muir and Emma Carlin trail systems.
Don’t forget to bring your rods when camping at Ottawa Lake! You’ll want to take full advantage of the boat dock and fishing pier where you can catch panfish, walleye, muskie, trout, bass, and northern pike – then you can grill them up at your campsite. Keep in mind, motorboats are not permitted on this small lake, which allows for peaceful wading and quieter camping all around.
Though Ottawa Lake is open year-round, it is recommended to check the weather in Dousman and Whitewater before planning trips in the colder months, as freezing temperatures and snow are common. Cold-weather campers who are willing to brave the Wisconsin winter will enjoy snowmobile trails, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. No matter when you visit, Ottawa Lake will leave you satisfied.
$28 / night
Just 1 hour north of Milwaukee, and 20 minutes east of Lake Michigan, Plymouth Rock Campground offers RV and tent camping near the Kettle Moraine State Forest and Little Elkhart Lake. This large resort features nearly 700 campsites, including full- and partial-hookup RV sites, group camping sites, and primitive tent sites. There are also standard and deluxe cabins that can accommodate up to eight guests. Most sites are open and sunny, and are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. There are restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and recycling stations available. Wifi and cable TV service is available, and golf carts are available to rent. Dogs are welcome, but must remain leashed. Seasonal campsites rates range from $28–$55/night; cabin rates range from $64–$214/night. There is no shortage of fun to be enjoyed at Plymouth Rock, without even leaving the resort. Guests have access to picnic and barbecue areas, playgrounds, swimming pools, game rooms, nature trails, bike paths, sports courts, a dance hall, and mini golf. On weekends, visitors can pick up supplies at the resort’s country store and dine at the onsite restaurant, or enjoy outdoor movies and live entertainment. Boat and canoe rentals are also available on weekends for paddling and fishing on Little Elkhart Lake. The resort also hosts group and family activities, as well as seasonal events including costume parades, charity auctions, and Christmas in July. Nearby attractions include the resort and beaches on Little Elkhart Lake, the Road America Race Track, and hiking in Kettle Moraine State Forest.
On our campground near Fond du Lac, WI we offer you a chance to get away from the city without driving a long distance! We have a beautiful pond, lots of activities for the kids, and options when it comes to how you want to camp! Located just a short distance from Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay. We invite your family and friends to our clean, quiet, safe, family-owned campground.
Legend
Recently camped here while visiting some family in the Racine area. Was nice and close to them and was a nice place to stay!
Lost of campsites between the two campgrounds. Sunset offered electric or non-electric sites. Shower building, flush toilets, vault toilets, dump station, playground. Firewood sold at the visitor center via a vending machine, card only.
Traveler
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. Electricity on site and water near by. Great trails close by.
Traveler
Great location. It was very quiet, with lots of greenery. The amenities were very clean and well taken care of. The level of seclusion and privacy varied depending on the camp sites.
GuideCampsites are kept up and quite clean. Some have a beautiful view of lake. Some water fountains did not work, however sinks were always working. So many little trails all throughout the campsite. Family friendly (parks, beach, pet friendly)
TravelerIt’s a family friendly and decent campground. Sites are not too secluded, but they’re clean and well taken care of, the facilities weren’t clean, they have volunteer hosts on site for any needs, the lake is beautiful during the sunset, sandy area and playground for kids, car noise is noticeable but not too loud (in the inner camp sites). Few trails around for hiking. They charge an extra $11 for each car’s entry at the gate but you can use the car pass for visiting all the state park’s trails around the area (you need permit for parking at the trailheads). It’s good for family with kids or beginner campers, but not if you’re looking for a relaxing or adventurous time.
LegendAnother beautiful Wisconsin State Park. We’ve stayed in several of these now, and have found them to be consistently well maintained, clean, free showers (this one has a handle where you can actually adjust the temperature), with dumpsters, recycling, and a dump station and water fill.
We paid $40/night for an electric (30amp) site because we needed to run the a/c, but otherwise that’s far too expensive and we’d much rather pay $25 for a non-power site. There’s also the $13/day or $38 annual state park fee (residents pay a few dollars less), which we’re seeing more and more of at state parks now.
Rangers and hosts are super friendly and helpful as well. There are nice trails around the campground, and some of them even allow dogs. Only a portion of the beach allows dogs, so watch for that. Sites vary in levelness and amount of privacy from your neighbor.
There’s also laundry here, such a nice perk for full timers like us! Laundry day at the laundromat is such an unpleasant chore.
ATT had good service and Verizon had weak service.
ScoutExcelent
Scout
The owner will pinch every cent out of you that he can
Legend
Hiking trails are easy but limited, the views are exquisite with clear blue turquoise water. The attraction is Quarry Lake, no swimming in the quarry but swimming at the beach. Great for families, older folks, excellent hike and camp combo. Recommended.
Legend
A local favorite to hike during the weekend, relax and get back in touch with nature. All seasons have their own beauty and especially here. If you enjoy ooing and ahhing over fall color leaves, mushrooms, native plants and the wonders of nature, hiking here won’t disappoint.
RangerThe campsite itself was nice and peaceful. There is a lot of nature and the recreation area itself is massive. Definitely a nice getaway. The only issue was that generators aren't allowed, so we were kind of suffering in the oppressive heat with no reprieve of the AC in our camper. There aren't many electrical hookups so it's hard to get one of those spots. Apparently no state park in Wisconsin allows generators at any time unless you have a medical need. Kind of a bummer.
TravelerBreathtaking
Scout
So much good about this campground! Great management, really great food at the bar & grill. Clean sites, friendly people, great mix of full and part time residents. Holiday weekends get a little crazy, in both good and bad ways. WiFi was great in some areas, Non-existent in others. No cell carrier works well here at all, so non-functional WiFi areas can be a deal-breaker for connected campers unless you get a spot where WiFi is really good. There are several areas of great coverage, the dead spots just need some work. Starlink works in many areas, though the heavily wooded sites will need an elevated “dishy” to make it work. So many amenities. Horseshoes, bags pavilion, craft areas, fantastic pool and water slides, outdoor bar and ice cream shop. Don’t forget the lake and floating obstacle course. Dog park, baseball field, the list goes on.
The dump station lanes need some attention, more than gravel would be great. Andy being honest, there needs to be a few longer term sites with sewer hookups or a reasonable pump out service option.
For the list of pluses at this campground, the nits seem trivial. But those few details would put this location from 4 to 5 stars in a heartbeat if addressed.
GuideI've stayed at Ottawa Lake campground a few times now. Every time I've been here, I've been pleasantly surprised by how well the grounds are maintained despite having relatively high traffic. In addition to having restrooms and showers, they also have laundry facilities. And, they do sell ice cream and marshmallows at the park office.
During warm summer days, you'll find the beach packed with people. At sunset, however, you just might have that beach all to yourself. While there are few trails in the park, you can walk across ZZ to Scuppernong Nature Trail. Or, hop in the car and drive over to Scuppernong Trails, Brady's Rocks, or Paradise Springs.
As for my campsite, I recently stayed in site 377. This site offers a peek-a-boo view of the lake. I was also delighted to find a trail running from the back of the campsite and along the lake. While I was there, I experienced heavy rain for much of the night. I'm happy to report that this site is on high ground with decent drainage. So, no flooding to speak of.
You'll notice I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 for this campground. This is primarily due to noise. On the upside, you'll hear a symphony of crickets at night. On the downside, you'll also hear road noise, slamming car doors, and those few folks who are just a little too loud after dark.
LegendVery nice campground on Lake MI. This campground has it all-wooded sites, sites in the full sun, Teepee, and large ADA cabin. Laundry, nice nature center. Couple of complaints: 1) bathrooms were cleaned/closed daily from 10 am—11:30- which is the strangest and busiest time for use. Very inconvenient. 2) Both DNR and camp hosts seemed to be over the top policing only 2 cars per site, had to park with at least 2 tires on the asphalt, and they even hassled us about a truck with a tent in the back they considered a “camping unit”-they only allowed 1 “unit” per campsite (we had a small pull behind). In 6 days, we experienced at least 4 visits complaining about a different thing each day. Due to this-4 stars instead of 5. Beach beautiful and sunrises over lake fantastic.
GuideThis is a nice park with very friendly staff and 50 amp power. No water or sewer but does have a dump station. The sites are gravel but very unlevel. To level my 35 foot motor home my rear tires had to come off the ground by at least 6 inches. The sites are bordered by natural grasses and foliage. That provides a feeling of isolation. If not for the unlevel sites I could easily give it 5 stars.
Scout
I bought a new rooftop camper. Thought this would be a good place to try things out. It's only 20 minutes from my house and it was a nice site. The campground is clean, well organized. The restrooms are just fine for a state park. Nothing special. There's a small lake with a beach. Lots of places to have a picnic. When I was there there were quite a few families having large family gatherings in the park. But the campgrounds were your typical state park campground. Not very loud. We will behaving themselves for the most part. Each site seems to be pretty secluded from one another. Wood is available at the front gate as well as ice.
TravelerRiverbend has a lot for everyone. Nice swim pond, great pool, fishing…you name it, it’s probably here. If you want to have fun, this is the place. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing type of place, this isn’t. Know it’s fun and people have fun. So enjoy!
TravelerAll of the campsites were full so it was busy but we liked that each spot still felt separated by trees. We would recommend staying further from the road as there is some road noise but it didn’t really bother us at all. The facilities were well maintained.
Pros: Clean Private Camp Site Good playgrounds Hiking Trails
Cons: Road noise if you’re in the first row
GuideWe mostly enjoyed our trip here over Memorial Day Weekend. It’s not too far away from our home and a nice gear testing first trip.
Pros: Spacious grassy site. This one even had an attached smaller clearing perfect for our 7 year old to use for her own space where we set up a hammock for her.
The campsites feel very private with a thick brush between each site. It’s not a huge campground.
Bathrooms and showers are very cleans and actually closed from 11am-noon each day for complete cleaning.
Gorgeous magnificent trails and right on Lake Michigan. Also a beautiful quarry lake with a trail all the way around and a cute pond full of turtles!
Very nice, completely cleaned fire pits.
Cheap bundle yourself firewood. Cons:
Gorgeous hikes, but short. We prefer more distance.
Maybe because of its proximity to the lake and Milwaukee or perhaps the holiday weekend but this was a louder campground. More of a party vibe than we really look for in state parks. A particular group was extremely loud and kept us up until 4 am the first night. No park ranger on duty. It’s nice when quiet hours are observed.
No trees really on the campground and it is built on and surrounded by wetlands that are actively in restoration. At the height of summer this place is going to be sweltering and full of bugs. The mosquitoes will be especially terrible.
Overall we have and love this park for a day trip but probably won’t return to camp.
GuideFriendly place. Alot of seasonal campers
GuideLots of beautiful things to see
GuideGreat campground! We camped at the Whitewater Lake Campground and it was well maintained. It was very quiet and peaceful. There were two areas we went swimming; one was a river where there were more boats and the other was more for recreational swimming. Bathroom and shower facilities were well maintained! Our campsite had a table and fire pit.
GuideGreat campground! It was my first time camping with my friends and we all enjoyed our stay here. Campsites were spacious and well maintained. Came with a table and a fire pit. There were clean bathrooms with shower facilities. In comparison to Chicago's Lake Michigan, the water up here was a lot cleaner so we didn't feel gross after swimming. There was a nice lake and a dock for fishing, which we loved!
GuideSpent a night here. Wish I had more time. Took a wonderful hike to Lake Michigan saw a lot of wildlife including deer.
Traveler
This pretty nice park is obviously aimed at kids and kids at heart. It has a lot of amenities that were not available when we were there. They have their hand out for everything which can make your stay rather expensive. The sit itself is pretty nice with level sites and good water and electric. The bath house was a little disappointing as there was no hot water and we were told that it had been that way all week. Wifi is purchased and not the best even though there were hardly anyone else in the park.
We stayed here because it was close to people we wanted to see and our other choices were not available.
ScoutNice quiet place to get away to. Sights are large. Good size lake for fishing or Kayaking. Large beach area for kids. Graded shallow so they can go a good distance into the water. Scuppernong trail is less than 5 minutes down hwyZZ.
Cabin camping near Grafton, Wisconsin offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, making it an ideal getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Grafton, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Grafton, WI is Kohler-Andrae State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Grafton, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 cabin camping locations near Grafton, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
