Tent camping sites near Hartland, Wisconsin range from remote backcountry locations to lakefront settings within state forests and wildlife areas. The region offers several camping options within a 30-mile radius, making it accessible for weekend getaways from nearby urban centers. Seasonal variations affect site conditions, with spring bringing muddy terrain and summer requiring adequate shade and bug protection.
What to do
Biking access from campsite: The Wild Goose bike trail connects directly to Wild Goose City Park in Juneau, providing a convenient stop during cycling trips. "It's a good place to stop and have a break. There's a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain. Plenty of space to spread out for a picnic when you're biking through," notes reviewer Kim L.
Water activities on Turtle Lake: Snug Harbor Inn Campground offers lake access with boat rentals available on-site. "The campground sells ice, firewood and rents boats," according to Josh F. The tiered camping layout ensures most sites have views of the water.
Historical exploration: Visit nearby Aztalan State Park when staying at Sandhill Station State Campground. "The state park is beautiful grassland and prairie, and the Crawfish River flows along side the park. There are hiking trails as well as guide tour booklets," reports Jimmy P., who adds that the adjacent Aztalan museum contains "Native American artifacts as well as things from local residents and their ancestors."
River camping: Camping at Waubedonia County Park provides riverfront access in Fredonia. Kevin S. describes it as "a nice little campground near the river in Fredonia, WI. The campsites are inexpensive and comfortable." The park's location offers opportunities for fishing and paddling.
What campers like
Group camping space: Greenbush Group Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest features exceptionally large sites. Amber R. notes, "Sites 2 and 9 are the largest. Those can each fit over 20 backpacking tents at the same time. Grassy sites surrounded by trees (plenty for hammocks too)."
Multi-level camping experience: Snug Harbor Inn Campground uses the natural terrain to create a terraced camping experience. "Great three tiered camping spot. Full hookup, and great views. Has a pub/restaurant with good food," states Alix M. Another camper, Josh F., explains that "the property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake. The tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below."
Pandemic-friendly spacing: Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp provides well-separated sites. "The nine sites are visually separated, but not far enough away from each other to block louder noise," reports Hilary S., who adds that their "site could easily have accommodated more" than six tents.
True seclusion: Shelter 1 Backpack Site provides genuine isolation within Kettle Moraine State Forest. Erin Z. describes it as "a great backpack camp site" with "an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside," noting its remote access requires "a decent walk and terrain to get to the site."
What you should know
Water access challenges: Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. At Greenbush Group Campground, there's a "short walk to pit toilets and drinking water," according to Amber R. However, during the pandemic, Hilary S. found that water access was "more limited during the pandemic (spigot turned off by our campsite, but available near the parking lot at the entrance - a longer walk)."
Seasonal considerations: Timing your visit is crucial for comfort. At Sandhill Station, Tawnie T. cautions about summer conditions: "The sites are really near some stagnant water, though, so WAY too many mosquitoes, even with the really intense bug spray." Jimmy P. advises, "I wouldn't go in the middle of summer, due to the limited shade, but it was very nice in early fall."
Parking and site access: Many campgrounds require carrying equipment from parking areas to campsites. At Sandhill Station, "all 15 standard sites are carry-in only. The parking lot is anywhere from 100-500 yards from the campsite," explains Jimmy P., who also notes "there isn't anywhere to buy firewood, so buy from a local resident/gas station."
Bathroom facilities: Most campgrounds offer only basic facilities. Sandhill Station has "showers/flush toilets at the nearby Glacial Drumlin office in Lake Mills, but none on site, only pit toilets," according to Jimmy P. At Shelter 1, Erin Z. reports "there is an outhouse, but I wouldn't recommend using it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wild Goose City Park provides playground facilities along with picnic areas, making it suitable for day use with children. Kim L. mentions the park offers "a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain."
Bring your own entertainment: Waubedonia County Park offers basic amenities but limited structured activities. Kevin S. notes "there aren't as many amenities that a larger campground would have," suggesting families should plan their own recreation.
Tent placement strategy: At Snug Harbor Inn Campground, Josh F. recommends specific sites for families: "The Galapagos tent campsite is elevated and a short distance from the loop road, and has a nice view of the lake. The Box Turtle site is also a bit elevated above the main driveway." For larger family groups, "Snapper 4, 5, 6 and 7 would be nice for group camping because they are all very close to one another."
Tools for gathering wood: If camping at Shelter 1, Erin Z. advises to "bring a small axe" since you'll need to collect your own firewood from the surrounding area, noting "we found our own wood around the site."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Snug Harbor Inn Campground offers complete services for RVs. James W., a first-time RVer, reports: "Set up went well, didn't blow anything up! Yea! Staff was great, helped me back in." The campground provides "Full hookup, and great views," according to Alix M.
Staff assistance: Several RVers note the helpful staff at campgrounds. Carole X. recounts an incident at Snug Harbor: "My husband got stung twice when we went to plug-in our electric. But the staff came out immediately to spray and remove the nest."
Weather considerations: Weather can affect RV camping experiences significantly. Jeffery S. visited Snug Harbor during a busy holiday: "Full weekend but very quiet and relaxing." Carole X. adds, "Will come back again, hopefully no rain next time!"
On-site amenities: Snug Harbor provides additional conveniences beyond camping. Kevin C. notes they have "on site bathrooms and showers. Electric, water and sewer hookups," while Alix M. mentions "a pub/restaurant with good food."