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Best Tent Camping near Grafton, WI

446 Reviews

Tent campers in Grafton, Wisconsin have access to several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, primarily in the Kettle Moraine State Forest system. Waubedonia County Park in nearby Fredonia offers basic tent sites along the Milwaukee River with drive-in access. Kettle Moraine State Forest's Northern Unit features the Greenbush Group Campground, which provides larger, grassy sites specifically designed for tent camping groups, with sites 2 and 9 accommodating over 20 backpacking tents each.

Most tent campsites in the area feature basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to pit toilets. Drinking water is available at several locations but may be limited to central spigots rather than at individual sites. Waubedonia County Park provides electric hookups for tent campers who desire power, while other locations like KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site offer more primitive experiences with no electricity or running water. Campers should note that site privacy varies significantly, with group campgrounds offering visual separation between sites but little sound isolation. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with some locations like Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp operating April through November.

The backpacking tent site at KMSF Shelter 1 provides a more secluded experience for tent campers seeking privacy. This walk-in site requires a decent hike over varied terrain to access but rewards campers with significant separation from other visitors. Little Turtle Lake and Purplehaze Acres offer additional options for tent camping with varying levels of amenities. For tent campers who prefer group settings, the Greenbush sites accommodate multiple tents with plenty of trees suitable for hammocks as well as traditional ground setups. A visitor at KMSF Shelter 1 commented that "it's very secluded for privacy" and noted the site includes "an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside."

Best Tent Sites Near Grafton, Wisconsin (8)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Grafton, WI

446 Reviews of 8 Grafton Campgrounds

  • Sara S.
    May. 27, 2019

    Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit-Iansr

    GREAT beach!

    The campground and campsites are pretty standard.  Nice amount of space and privacy. 101 Walk in site was quite nice. Level ground, nice tree cover so it didnt feel too open. 

    Loved being close to the beach and playground area! The kids really appreciated it :) The beach was very clean and even though it was a warm, busy day we didnt feel like it was too crowded.  The earlier you arrive the better chances you have of getting a picnic table in the shade ;)  

    Enjoyed the walk around the lake, some parts are still a bit muddy, but overall it was a nice walk and the kids actually made it without too many complaints ;)  Nice variety of scenery!  Even caught a couple frogs.

    Definitely a place to visit again! 

    *checked out some of the trails near by which were really great as well!

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2022

    Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit-Iansr

    Kettle moraine trail access here

    Mauthe lake is in the Kettle Moraine Northern Unit. It feels remote but we drove through a bunch of rural houses on the way in. The rustic roads made for good cycling. We passed quite a few pedaling up and down the hills.

    The campground itself sprawls along one side of the lake. With the loops for each group peeling off, it is easy to lose your way. The signs mark the direction well so go slow. It helps to know your site number.

    There was nobody at the entrance office. I’m not sure if it’s just today but make online reservations. It seems to be the 2022 way.

    There is a shower house but we made use of the more convenient vault toilets. Water is available in different ways - even a drinking fountain. There seems to be only one garbage collection site on the way out. This was less convenient since we have dog droppings to deal with.

    There is a nature trail that goes around the lake. By the beach and picnic area it’s paved. The rest is gravel or dirt. With recent rains we found a few puddles to walk through and mud to avoid. Our dog loved having the trail so close. Most of the trail is in the sun so bring water on hot days.

    Swimming isn’t allowed due to a blue algae bloom. This left plenty of empty space for us to sit with our dog under the trees. Folks did make good use of the fishing pier and playground. We also saw kayaks and stand up paddle boards on the lake.

  • Denise N.
    Jun. 28, 2018

    Kettle Moraine State Forest Long Lake Campground

    Long Lake Fun

    We've camped at Long Lake twice - both times with kids, and thoroughly enjoyed. The sites are spacious and clean. Each site comes with a fire pit, grate and picnic table. We have camped in the 800s but hope to get back for more variety in the future.

    Long Lake has two separate beaches and we much prefer the South Shore beach. North Shore is a little less populated, but the hike/stairs down into the beach area can be annoying with kids, toys, camp chairs, and a cooler full of food and beer. South Shore has a boat launch, clean restrooms and a picnic cabana that can be reserved. Both beaches are large and ample. We spread out with a pop-up canopy and did not feel crowded in or like we were imposing on others.

    Long Lake is big, so motorcraft are allowed. It's fun to sunbathe and watch waterskiiers and tubers fly by off in the distance.

  • Josh F.