Camping sites near Green Bay offer access to Lake Michigan shoreline and inland forest settings within 30 miles of the city. The area features a mix of county and state park campgrounds with varied terrain from lakeside bluffs to wooded settings. Late spring through early October provides the most reliable camping conditions with occasional flooding issues during heavy rain periods.
What to do
Hiking the Niagara Escarpment: High Cliff State Park Campground features distinctive geological formations along the Niagara Escarpment with moderate inclines. "Great place to explore with the fam. Hike the trails to see pieces of Wisconsin history throughout. Some trails on the Ridgeline offer vista views and moderate inclines that add to the adventure," notes Sam F. at High Cliff State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Holtwood Campground sits directly on the Oconto River with easy fishing access. Valerie B. explains, "This campground is in the town of Oconto, on the Oconto river, with easy access to fishing and kayaking." The campground also offers affordable watercraft rentals for exploring the river.
Swimming options: Devils River Campground provides a treated swimming pond suitable for families. A visitor mentions, "They removed the old small pool and installed a large swimming pond. It is a treated pond, so it is murky water, but the open space is nice for a swim on a hot day." Their swimming area features inflatable climbing equipment during peak season.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bay Shore Park maintains well-maintained facilities even during peak occupancy. "Everything was very clean and even with the campground full it was nice and quiet. The spots are beautiful and shaded," reports Celeste D. at Bay Shore County Park.
Historical elements: Several campgrounds feature preserved historic structures. One camper at Devils River Campground notes, "Sometimes they also give a tour of the old mill that is on the grounds. There is a lot of history." The nearby Maribel Caves provide additional historical interest within a mile.
Fall camping season: Many campgrounds offer excellent autumn camping when crowds thin out. A visitor to Daisy Field Campground at Potawatomi State Park states, "Beautiful fall colors! The campsite was large and relatively private. We enjoyed hiking on the trails." Many sites report reduced mosquito activity after early September.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Sites can flood during rainfall at several area campgrounds. At Bay Shore County Park, a reviewer warns, "Rain does cause many of the spots to flood." Tent campers should select elevated sites when possible.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. At Brown County Reforestation Campground, a visitor notes, "Great place to stay! Big rig friendly! Gravel pads and each site comes with a picnic table and fire pit."
Campground noise levels: Train noise affects some campgrounds close to rail lines. A camper at Holtwood Campground mentions, "The train goes through town in the early morning hours and blows its horn multiple times." Sites farther from tracks provide quieter sleeping conditions.
Seasonal openings: Water systems at many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "Only gripe is the uncertain schedule they have for turning on water for the season. First week or two of may is a safe bet, but no promises. They have pit toilets open year round whatever the case," advises a camper about High Cliff State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Devils River Campground, Kristine M. says, "This is a great spot for kids..although there isnt swimming there are 2 playgrounds and lots of space to play frisbee or run around. We habe a great yime every time we go!"
Cave exploration: Maribel Caves near Devils River Campground offers unique exploration opportunities. "The New Hope Cave is only open to tour 1 weekend of the month. It is usually the 3rd Saturday of the month but there were scheduling conflicts," one reviewer explains. Rain creates temporary waterfalls but limits cave access.
Swimming safety: Some campgrounds have unfenced water features. A Devils River visitor cautions, "The only possible downside with small children, as there is no fence around the pond, and there are sites that border the pond." Direct supervision is required at all water features.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Some sites require creative positioning to reach utilities. At Bay Shore County Park, a reviewer notes, "The electric and water hookups were on opposite sides of the site, and we had to keep adjusting the travel trailer to get both to actually hook up."
Off-season value: Shoulder season camping provides better value and less crowding. Nancy S. from Kewaunee RV & Campground advises, "Stayed here for our daughters birthday weekend. The owners overheard us talking as we checked in and brought her campfire colors as a gift all wrapped. Sites were pretty level and just enough room for some privacy."
Extended stay options: Several campgrounds accommodate longer visits with laundry facilities. At Holtwood Campground, a visitor shares, "There were brand new laundry facilities too ($4 total to wash and dry -$2 wash, $2 dry) which is just what we needed on the bike tour. Our $25 tent site had an electric hook up."
