The Highland area's sandstone bluffs and hilly terrain create varied camping environments, with elevations ranging from 700-1200 feet throughout the region. Cabin accommodations in this area of southwestern Wisconsin provide visitors access to the Lower Wisconsin Riverway and several smaller lakes. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, affecting cabin availability.
What to do
Kayaking the Wisconsin River: Access the river directly from Wisconsin Riverside Resort where they provide shuttle services for river activities. "We spent two nights here with an RV. I had electric hookup," notes a visitor to Blackhawk Lake, where the beach area is accessible via a 5-minute hike with steep steps.
Mountain biking trails: Blue Mound State Park Campground maintains trails specifically designed for mountain bikers of various skill levels. "The park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water," reports one visitor who appreciates the trail system.
Winter cave exploration: Some cabins remain open during winter months for unique seasonal activities. A visitor to Eagle Cave Resort explains, "We only spent a night at the resort (actually slept in the cave). One thing to know for sure, bring a tarp or tent to cover yourself. We went in March, so with all the runoff from the snow it was a very wet experience."
What campers like
Security features: Multiple properties prioritize camper safety with controlled access. "The campground staff is friendly and helpful. It was nice that we were escorted to our site," notes a visitor to Fireside Campground, highlighting the personalized service that helps guests find their way around unfamiliar property layouts.
Year-round cabin options: While many cabins close during winter, several remain operational. "We only spent a night at the resort (actually slept in the cave)," reports a visitor to Eagle Cave Resort LLC, where winter access provides unique experiences, particularly popular with scout troops and church groups.
Property layouts: The arrangement of cabins relative to amenities matters to visitors. At Tom's Campground, "We needed a place after visiting the House on the Rock and couldn't find anything with hookups nearby. We stumbled upon Tom's Campground hoping to find a site. We pulled in and Tom met us at our camper as soon as we got to the top of the hill and before we even got out."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Highland area cabins book quickly during peak times. "We came in a group with multiple cars and tents, but the sites easily accommodated us," shares a Mirror Lake visitor, where larger group sites require advance planning to secure.
Shower facilities: Showers at many properties require quarters. "Showers were good enough but we aren't picky, 7 minutes for $0.25," reports a camper at Tom's Campground. Several properties have similar pay shower systems, so visitors should bring quarters.
Seasonal challenges: Weather conditions affect Highland cabins differently depending on location and elevation. "We ended up cutting our trip short because we weren't prepared for the weather and rain (we had a 4 month old and it was our first ever camping trip)," shares a visitor at Mirror Lake, emphasizing the importance of checking forecasts.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for wildlife, particularly after dark. "The raccoons were brutal. They broke into our crates twice. Smart enough to figure out the clip mechanism," warns a visitor at Mirror Lake State Park, recommending secure food storage even when staying in cabins.
Recreational amenities: Look for properties with dedicated children's facilities. "The splash pad is absolutely incredible. This is a great place to camp with little kids," reports a visitor to Blue Mound State Park, highlighting facilities beyond standard swimming areas.
Distance to attractions: Consider proximity to regional attractions when booking cabins. "This was a trip where very little of our time was spent at the campsite, and most of our time was on kayaks on the lake itself," notes a camper at Mirror Lake, describing how they used their cabin primarily as a basecamp.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Some properties have inconveniently placed hookups. "The staff member showed us where our electric hook up was; this was actually helpful because it was covered by trees. We would have hooked up to the wrong box," shares a camper at Fireside Campground, highlighting a common challenge.
Site selection strategy: When booking cabins or RV sites, research specific site numbers. "The campground was higher up on the hill, it took a 5 minutes to hike down to the lake with lots of steep steps," notes a visitor to Blackhawk Lake Recreational Area, where site location significantly impacts lake access.
Leveling requirements: Highland's hilly terrain affects site conditions. "We are in site 37 and didn't need to level at all. They range in size good for tents and a couple cars to larger RV. We are 50 feet with truck and camper and still have a good 15-20 feet to the road," reports a camper at Bluewater Bay Campground.
