Camping options near Hartford, Wisconsin range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks with hookups. This region of southeastern Wisconsin features glacial kettles, small lakes, and wooded terrain at elevations between 900-1,200 feet. Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, with limited year-round facilities available for winter camping.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Pike Lake Campground in the Kettle Moraine State Forest offers connections to the Ice Age Trail with interpretive astronomy paths. "A very nice, woodsy campground. Feels like you are further north than you really are!" notes reviewer Gina L. about the Pike Lake Campground.
Beach swimming options: Naga-Waukee Park provides lake access with designated swimming areas for families. "Nice quiet place to take kids to swim. Beach is clean and there are trees for shade and grills to cook," according to Sheri J. at Naga-Waukee Park.
Water recreation activities: Ledge County Park has access points to Horicon Marsh with wildlife viewing platforms. A reviewer mentions, "Great place to take in views of Horicon marsh. The trails and playground. Just a awesome place to get out and relax."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer separated camping areas. "Campground area is nice and wooded. Provides ample privacy from other campers," says Kyle B. about Naga-Waukee Park, who visited during a "Late Spring Visit."
Clean facilities: Fairgrounds RV Park in Horicon maintains well-kept restrooms and dump stations. Karen reports, "Nicest people ever. 20/30/50 amp service. Most sites have water hook-up. Restrooms. Dump station. Pet friendly," in her review of Fairgrounds RV Park.
Pet-friendly options: Many campgrounds accommodate dogs, including Ledge County Park which has pet-friendly campsites and trails. One visitor appreciated "the firepits are flush with the ground and have cooking grates" along with the "clean vault toilets."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Multiple campgrounds experience periodic flooding issues. At Blackhawk Camping Resort, Jamie M. observed "The field that they park the 'weekly' guests in has been flooded so long that a bazillion tadpoles swim in multiple campsites."
Traffic noise levels: Several campgrounds are located near highways or racetracks. At Lakeland Camping Resort, Annabelle G. warns "We were packed in like sardines. Barely enough space to use the fire pit. Not much for shade and the only separating you from your neighbors are driveways/roads."
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies significantly across the region. One reviewer noted about some campgrounds that "WiFi was great in some areas, non-existent in others" and that cell service can be unreliable in wooded areas.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: For families wanting planned activities, River Bend RV Resort offers structured programs. Michael T. reports, "Riverbend 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." at River Bend RV Resort.
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas near camping loops. Ross K. mentions that Naga-Waukee Park has "a beach on the shores of Lake Nagawicka [that] is well-groomed, clean, has a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot."
Weekend noise considerations: Many campgrounds get louder on weekends. One visitor at Blackhawk Camping Resort observed "at night all the kids drive around in golf carts with crazy light effects blaring rap music. And some adults as well."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At the Wisconsin State Fair RV Park, Mary G. notes, "Perfect campground for what it is! Big paved parking lot with full hookups. Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities." This park works well as a home base for exploring Milwaukee.
Utility challenges: RV campers should be aware of potential hookup limitations. One reviewer mentioned about Wisconsin State Fair RV Park that "The sewage system is strange at this park. We couldn't reach ours during our stay and a camper had blocked the dump station."
Reservation timing: RV campers should book well in advance, especially for premium sites. Anna and Michael G. shared their extended stay experience: "We stayed at State Fair RV Park in Milwaukee for two months while waiting to retire and work out bugs in our new RV. The park was all cement, it was clean and quiet."
