Green Bay camping areas sit on the western shore of Lake Michigan at around 600 feet elevation, where the Fox River flows into the bay. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F with higher humidity levels, while fall camping brings cooler temperatures between 45-65°F with dramatic foliage colors. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from early May through mid-October, with mosquitoes being most active during June and July evenings.
What to do
Fishing access: Bay Shore Park sits directly on Green Bay, making it ideal for shore fishing. "The sites are beautiful and shaded. Rain does cause many of the spots to flood," notes Celeste D. While no swimming is available at the park itself, fishing is popular along the rocky shoreline.
Winter hiking: High Cliff State Park Campground maintains year-round operations with several trails open for winter hiking. "Beautiful fall colors! The campsite was large and relatively private. We enjoyed hiking on the trails," reports Laura D. The park's trails along the Niagara Escarpment offer moderate difficulty with some elevation changes.
Canoe and boat rentals: Water activities are available at multiple locations, including Potawatomi State Park where "canoe and boat rentals also" are offered according to Denise L. The rental facilities typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, with hourly and daily rates.
What campers like
Large, level sites: Daisy Field Campground features spacious campsites with good drainage even after rain. "The site is awesome. It's heavily wooded with lots of space between sites," reports John B. Each site includes a standard fire ring and table setup.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms receive positive mentions across the region's campgrounds. At Holtwood Campground, "The bathrooms were brand new and very clean. Showering only costed a quarter for 6 minutes," according to Emily M., who appreciated the fair pricing structure.
Proximity to water: Many Green Bay area campgrounds offer water access. At Devils River Campground, campers appreciate the river setting: "It is fun to go down by the river and explore. One year we caught about 60 crayfish and cooked them on the campstove and ate them," shares Jimmy P.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Bay Shore Park experiences specific weather patterns that affect camping conditions. "It rained most of the time we were there so we didn't get to explore much. Tried to walk down to the lake from our site, but just got to the top of the cliffs on the lake," Ken G. mentions about his stay in the primitive area.
Site selection matters: When booking at Apple Creek Campground, "Site we got was not the best, but worked out OK. Site was behind the main y coming in to camp, so lots of traffic," notes Scott K. Research specific site locations before booking, especially during peak season.
Seasonal timing: Most campgrounds in the region operate from early May through mid-October. Several reviewers note late September as an ideal time with fewer crowds and moderate temperatures around 60-70°F during daytime hours.
Train noise: In town campgrounds may experience specific disturbances. At Holtwood Campground, "The train goes through town in the early morning hours and blows its horn multiple times," warns Valerie B., suggesting light sleepers choose sites further from the railroad.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Green Bay feature play areas for children. "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," reports Kristine M. about Bay Shore Park.
Swimming options: While not all parks offer swimming, Brown County Reforestation Campground provides alternatives. "LOTS of birds (that's our thing!), forested, so many trails for hiking and mountain biking. Bathrooms and showers were clean, site was spacious," notes Susan W. about the overall experience.
Activity planning: Devil's River Campground offers family-friendly experiences beyond the campsite. "Sometimes they also give a tour of the old mill that is on the grounds. There is a lot of history," shares Jimmy P., highlighting educational opportunities that complement outdoor activities.
Weather backup plans: Green Bay's variable weather can disrupt camping plans. "We only spent one night due to the rain," mentions Ken G. about his shortened stay at Bay Shore Park. Pack board games or download movies before arriving, as cellular service varies across campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Bay Shore Park presents specific RV setup challenges. "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," notes Nikki & Mike, suggesting bringing extra-long water and electrical cords.
Level sites: Most sites require minimal leveling, though gravel pads at different parks vary in quality. "Even though we were on a hill the campsight was level. We had plenty of room for rv and tow," Robert O. shares about Apple Creek Family Campground.
Dump station timing: During peak weekend periods, plan for morning wait times at campgrounds with dump stations. Most facilities report best times for quick service are weekday mornings before 9am or afternoons between 2-4pm when traffic is lightest.
