Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Greendale, WI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Wisconsin camping adventure.
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.
The campground in the southern unit at Illinois Beach provides 241 Class A Premium sites with electricity and access to showers and sanitary facilities. You must obtain a camping permit from the park staff, and must have a camping unit upon arrival.
The campground is open from April 1 through December 30. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance at ExploreMoreIL™. Reservations are only accepted from May 1 - September 30. Due to the high use of this area on holiday weekends, reservations are recommended. Campsites also are available on a first-come first-serve basis, but understand that the campgrounds fill up early on Fridays during the summer season. Six handicap accessible campsites are present in the campground near the accessible restrooms and a dump station.
$25 / night
Cliffside Campground is a family-friendly, 92-site campground located in Racine County, Wisconsin.
The campground is conveniently located between Milwaukee and Chicago. Access to Lake Michigan is less than 20 minutes away. (North Beach)
Tent campers and RVs are welcome on all sites. All sites are back-in only and accommodate up to a 45' RV with slide-outs.
$32 - $35 / night
There are two family (modern) campgrounds with a total of 217 campsites, 54 with electric hookups. Six group campsites can accommodate 225 campers. There is also a cabin designed specifically for people with disabilities.
The sunset campground offers electric and non-electric campsites as well as some sites accessible for people with disabilities. Campground amenities include a shower building, flush and vault toilets, dump station and a playground area.
$18 - $30 / night
There are two family (modern) campgrounds with a total of 217 campsites, 54 with electric hookups. Six group campsites can accommodate 225 campers. There is also a cabin designed specifically for people with disabilities.
The sunrise campground offers electric and non-electric campsites as well as some sites accessible for people with disabilities. Campground amenities include a shower building, flush and vault toilets, a dump station and a playground area.
Muskego Park spans 193 acres and was purchased in 1958 as the County’s first regional park. The State of Wisconsin Scientific Area Preservation Council named the 60 acres of Hardwoods that inhabit the park a State Scientific Area. This area is to preserve valuable plant communities, teach conservation practices and study the area’s natural history. In 2021, the hardwoods joined the Old-Growth Forest Network. Many trails wind through Muskego Park Hardwoods, offering a tranquil atmosphere and home to abundant wildlife. You will find woodpeckers and rose-breasted grosbeaks to name a few. Activities for all seasons await your arrival.
$25 - $80 / night
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.
The campground in the southern unit at Illinois Beach provides 241 Class A Premium sites with electricity and access to showers and sanitary facilities. You must obtain a camping permit from the park staff, and must have a camping unit upon arrival.
The campground is open from April 1 through December 30. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance at ExploreMoreIL™. Reservations are only accepted from May 1 - September 30. Due to the high use of this area on holiday weekends, reservations are recommended. Campsites also are available on a first-come first-serve basis, but understand that the campgrounds fill up early on Fridays during the summer season. Six handicap accessible campsites are present in the campground near the accessible restrooms and a dump station.
$25 / night
Cliffside Campground is a family-friendly, 92-site campground located in Racine County, Wisconsin.
The campground is conveniently located between Milwaukee and Chicago. Access to Lake Michigan is less than 20 minutes away. (North Beach)
Tent campers and RVs are welcome on all sites. All sites are back-in only and accommodate up to a 45' RV with slide-outs.
$32 - $35 / night
There are two family (modern) campgrounds with a total of 217 campsites, 54 with electric hookups. Six group campsites can accommodate 225 campers. There is also a cabin designed specifically for people with disabilities.
The sunset campground offers electric and non-electric campsites as well as some sites accessible for people with disabilities. Campground amenities include a shower building, flush and vault toilets, dump station and a playground area.
$18 - $30 / night
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.
Guide
These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There’s some small trails around as well that are beginner. There was electricity, however those sites are $25/night. Bathrooms could’ve been cleaner but we were grateful for the facility which doubled as a storm shelter. There’s indoor showers and bathrooms. There are also cabins at this campsite, not sure on pricing tho
LegendWe stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites. Fox den and Prairie view loops are nice as well with mostly primitive sites. Be aware that the map on www.ExloreMoreIL,com(where you make your reservations) doesn't show where the restrooms are. In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61. Facilities are clean and well lit. Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill. This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate, and it's a drive to the main boat launch at Maple Grove, where you have access to the Fox River and Grass lake. This location has a huge parking lot for boat trailers, a very well stocked general store with fishing supplies, a cafe, boat rentals and good firewood. To get away from the crowd if you're a canoeist or kayaker it's nicer to leave the park and go back in at Oak Point picnic area and boat launch at the northern border. This will put you on the Fox river with developments to the north(including a bar& grill) or to the south which is all nature. I think the distance by boat between the two launches is 4-5 miles, but I'm not sure, Halfway there you'll meet up with the Goldfinch trail which is the shortest loop and the most diverse in term of flora. There are horse/ snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground. Chain o' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season. We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October, so I can't tell you how crowded, but the vast number of picnic areas must be there for a reason. An odd thing is that you can hear a Steam Train whistle quite often, this is from Richardson's Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. We don't have kids so we went to Stade's Farm& Orchard(which is also large and kid friendly) because they have an orchard and vegetable market. One last thing, the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark:)
Scout
So this place is much less dog friendly than is advertised. Dogs aren’t allowed in large swaths of the park nor on the (tiny tiny, bordered by loud highway) beach. Lake Geneva is very pretty, but the area is obviously very wealthy and obviously geared toward retirees without dogs or with tiny dogs they leave at the RV (to bark, constantly, at their next site neighbors. Until the owners get back.)
Guide
Sites are large and well spaced out. The campground is clean and well kept. The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested. There are pit toilets in the camp area, but there are flush toilets, running water, and showers in the picnic area near the entrance. There are a couple of hiking trails as well. Great landscape and wildlife. We were lucky enough to have a couple of Sandhill Cranes walk through our camp early one morning.
Guide
The campground was clean and quiet. We were in the East Loop. The on-site host was super friendly and helpful with firewood and ice. Pit toilets, no showers. Easy access to Ice Age Trail from the campground. Nice hike to Rice Lake.
Guide
It was hot and crowded but we had a decent campsite with plenty of shade so we were happy enough. Showers were nice. We spent most of our time fishing at Long Lake, which we liked much better. If you go, make sure to get fresh cinnamon rolls delivered to your site!
Guide
This is a huge parking lot for the State Fair. Very nice staff. Nice facilities were average and clean. We didn’t know it, but our site was 15 amp. On the same pole were two 30 amps. 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.
Traveler
Great backpack camp site. Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside. There is a fire pit, but we found our own wood around the site. (Bring a small axe). There is an outhouse, but I wouldn’t recommend using it. There is a picnic table and a bench. It’s very secluded for privacy :) we will definitely be back.
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.
TravelerThe campsites are kinda small but not on top of each other. Had some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car. The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by. This loop is best for tent camping. The other loops are basically all rvs. The boat launch to the fox river was nice too but it does get busy.
Guide
Stayed one night (Friday) and really enjoyed the location. We were in the quiet loop, Loop 1, which actually was very quiet. Everyone was respectful of the rules. We did walk over to the other loops where there was more of a party atmosphere at some sites with larger groups, music, and kids.
The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain. Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight. The pit toilets are about 3 sites away, a short walk. There is room for two tents.
There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area. We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds.
Scout
Tried to stay here. Called several times. Left several messages. We were heading that way and decided to stop in and see if they had availability. Pulled in and there was a lady inside the office and it was locked. She gave me an evil look then ignored me. Called twice from the parking lot from inside my rig while staring at the woman. She ignored the call.
Guide
My husband and I spent 4 days here, midweek. Mostly RV’s, but we used a tent. The sites were clean, grass was trimmed, plenty of trees for shade. The bathhouse, there are 2, was spotless. Showers with hot water. And surprisingly, the toilet paper was not the typical one ply. It was soft and thick. The campground does not have a store, but sells fire wood. There is a sewage dump for RV’s. Racine is a short drive away for any last minute needs. The campground was quiet. Short 1 mile hike to Lake Michigan. We will visit again.
Scout
It was our first time visiting Ledge Park & we would absolutely go back! The sites are natural feeling and the park is very, very clean (including the bathrooms)… the views from “The Ledge” are hard to beat.
GuideStayed in campsite directly connected to Green Trail of the Scuppernong Trailhead. Campsite was clean and quite private for being near people.
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)
Scout
The Good: Campsites along the river looked really nice. The Bad: We had a 3 day holiday weekend booked for tent camping.Unfortunately the weather did not hold up and our site was completely soaking wet- we could not even steak out our tent. The owner of the campground denied a refund due to policy. The amount of rules and regulations this camp ground has is absolutely absurd. The Ugly: When checking into our site, the woman working the desk was efficient but things took a bad turn really quick. 1. If you book on the Playful Goose website you will get charged a% service fee, which The Playful Goose Staff does not stand behind. 2. If you book on the Playful Goose website you must specify how many nights, adults and tents per site. Without too many logistics, we ended up paying over$220 for a weekend JUST TO CAMP IN HORICON. While trying to set up camp in the rain, a male(we were told he was the assistant manager) in a golf cart drove near our site yelling vulgar language, accusing our group of doing things to the grass(when the grass was a swamp to begin with due to weather) and lastly, as the man was driving away he continued to make harassing comments. The lack of professionalism, courtesy and respect from staff was unacceptable as a paying guest. Playful Goose Takeaway: I will never spend my hard earned money here. Again. And be sure to tell everyone I know to not spend their hard earned money here either. There are so many other beautiful camp grounds within a 100 mile radius and this one will be my last choice. Such a shame this wonderful campground I used to visit has gone down hill.
Guide
We stayed in Honeysuckle Hollow for a night. Not many people were there that night, as it thunder stormed. However site was well kept and concession stand available by the boat dock with everything you might need.
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.
ScoutClean, family friendly and basic ammenities available
ScoutThe owner of this campground is an absolute scammer. I paid for 2 months of full service camping (Sewer, water, electric) 3 weeks prior to my arrival. Aware that I wasn't going to arrive until another 3 weeks, the owner said that my 2 months started from when I paid. The day before I drove down the owner said I needed to go to a temporary spot until a full service site was ready. So he charged me for the site even though one wasn't even available.. I sat over a week at a spot with no sewer even though I paid for it. I was staying at this campground for work, so after working 12 hour days I would have to hook my camper up to the truck, bring it to dump, and re-set it up and level it back into place. The icing on the cake was when he told me my time was up even though I had only been there 5 weeks out of the 2 months I paid for(4 weeks of an actual full service site). When I would call Tom Jurasinski the owner, he would screen my phone call everytime and text me back "I'm in a meeting buddy". He assured me he would call me back. He must be in meetings 24/7 as he never called me back once after I repeatedly tried to call him. The only reason I was able to stay the extra week (making it 6 weeks) to finish the work at my jobsite, was to threaten him with my lawyer (Via text of course because he wouldn't answer the phone). When you arrive onsite he takes a deposit of $300. Don't expect to get that back. I've tried contacting him about it many times but I haven't received it. Tom Jurasinski is a thief. For anyone that camps there, I recommend before you leave to dump your black tank right in the site you left from, that way he can at least earn the $300 he is stealing from you. Tom Jurasinski is an absolute coward of a man, and I feel bad for his parents knowing they raised a little weasel like him. John L.
Traveler
We booked a week here in 2022 and ended up staying for two summers as camp hosts. The park is quiet, family orientated, and the park caretaker John is a national treasure. He’s been with the park since before it was county owned and knows every nook and cranny, critter and creature, and appreciates each and every guest who comes to the park. His one rule is to enjoy the park and let the staff know if you have any ideas to help to “keep it fresh”. Sites with letters are tent sites without water or electric, sites with numbers have water and 30 amp service, though there are plans to upgrade the sites to all have water and 50 amp service in the future. The last weekend of September is FallFest and often books a year in advance.
GuideWe love private campsites, far enough away from other campers, yet close enough to amenities. We chose a walk in site #16 which was nice but I wish we chose one a bit further in. Bathrooms where very clean. Trails are great. Pet friendly - we brought our small, quiet dogs. Dog friendly restaurant right next to the camp site.
Legend
Conveniently located next to absolutely nothing just due northwest of Fort Atkinson, you’ll love Pilgrim’s Campground for its successful delivery of (capital letters) P&Q! What I love most about this location is how they keep all the RV campers penned in up against the slight diagonal embankment, which actually provides some pretty phenomenal views of the surrounding areas (if not your next door neighbors) as well as excellent drainage and subsequently separated from the primitive TV campsites. These latter sites are placed just due southwest of the grounds and are pitched perfectly in a tree-lined meadow, encircled by freshly cut corn fields, where you’ll find no shortage of amazing animals coming to graze throughout the day (and night) from deer, raccoons, opossums and endless tag teams of squirrels.
Because there isn’t so much around, be prepared to bring everything with you (save ice and wood, which is sold on-site). While the bathroom / shower facilities are just passable, what you are giving up in terms of creature comforts is more than made up for in the sheer proximity to all of nature. During the warm summer months, there’s a small in-ground pool on-site, which sits right in front of the main office. All of the standard camping surround-sound elements are here from fire rings and picnic tables to water, electrical (50 / 30 / 20 / 15 amp) and sewer hook-ups. In all, there’s about 100 sites here at Pilgrims Campground, with the lion’s share of this pet-friendly property dedicated to overnight and seasonal RV / 5th Wheelers offering both back-in and pull-through sites.
Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you don’t mind some rough hiking, there’s fantastic ‘spazierengehen’ to be had just wandering around the countryside in the bountiful corn and bean fields or head over to nearby Dorothy Carnes County Park for some decent trails to explore; (2) In the event that you don’t like being awaken too early from all of the nearby roosters, then bring some ear plugs; (3) When you grow tired of having to forage through either your on-board RV mini-fridge or bear-proof Cordova roto-molded cooler, then look no further than ‘What’s the Point’ (no, seriously, that's the name of the restaurant!) for traditional Midwestern comfort food like corned beef & cabbage, fried fish, BBQ ribs and prime rib; (4) Should you come bearing watercraft and looking for a decent spot to dip your kayak or canoe at, then check out Rose Lake State Natural Area, which BTW is quite small, but very convenient, or try out much larger Red Cedar Lake or Lake Ripley; and (5) Cell coverage and WiFi is pretty horrific in these parts, so bring a booster or plan to leave civilization behind you.
Happy Camping!
Legend
Remember Yogi Bear? Yeah, my kids don't either. Well, for those of us that do, that’s just about how old (and outdated) this place is – and it’s obvious from the wear and tear of this campground, that it is in desperate need of a major refurbishment. From the weathered signs and fading mini golf course to the 70’s era bathroom amenities, you’ll find peeling paint, cracked sidewalks amidst this jungle-like maze chock full of RV’s (many of which look like they’ve enjoyed the cartoon fun so much that they’re digging in for the much anticipated sequels to show up someday soon!).
Apart from the dilapidated conditions of the place, if you’re a parent, have young kids and want some quick, easy and cheap fun for the family, then this isn’t such a bad spot to check out. True to the Yogi Bear campground theme, you’ll find a bunch of kid-friendly activities and distractions, including two really good sized heated in-ground pools, water slides, splash pools, foam parties, aforementioned mini-golf, jumping pillow, fishing, dunk tank, ceramics & craft-making, wagon rides, skate park and all of the various cartoon character meet & greets along with 3 different playgrounds. Of course, each week has a theme and there are particular over-the-top celebrations planned for the more notable holiday weekends (4th of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc.). Sites come equipped with all of the typical 30 / 50 electrical amp, water and sewage lines, fire rings and you’ll find plenty of campfire pits and picnic tables.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) There’s a super cool, very well-maintained covered bridge that you can access on a long hike just do east of the Yogi Bear campgrounds – so after eating all the camp-side hot dogs and beans for the evening, head for a healthy 3 mile hike to this spot. You’ll be richly rewarded for encountering some real life entertainment in case the cartoons get too much for you; (2) When you get tired of foraging for your next meal out of the depths of your on-board mini-fridge or Cordova roto-molded cooler, then head on over to Stagecoach Inn where they offer up some not so fresh, but still very delectable crab leg and lobster and some great grilled steaks; (3) Should you come towing a canoe or kayak behind you and looking to make a splash, then look no further than Lake Koshkonong, which is simply fantastic and large, where you’ll have no shortage of great deltas and peninsulas to explore; and (4) If you are looking to get on the links and looking for a good place to smash some golf balls, then head on over to Koshkonong Mounds Country Club, which is near this cartoon-infested campground.
Happy Camping!
Scout
Unfortunate ownership of what could be a great campground.
NO WIFI.......at all!!!!!
I would not stay there again since there are so many much nicer and more user friendly campgrounds in the surrounding area.
Rude attitudes along with made to feel like an imposition and outsider if you don't take part in their whatever you want to call it.
Can't count on your tanks being cleared by their in-house "service" allegedly on Monday and Thursday or maybe Tues or maybe Friday......you get the drift.
The constant speeding of golf carts but yet there is reprimands for going a little faster than 5mph all the way in from the outer access road along with inconsistencies to dogs being on leads.
To me......Lake Random or any of the other RV campgrounds will be my pick next year.
Camping near Greendale, Wisconsin, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful lakes to well-maintained campgrounds, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Camping near Greendale, Wisconsin, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Greendale, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Greendale, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.
What parks are near Greendale, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Greendale, WI that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.
