B
Bobbi S.
Scout
ScoutBaraboo RV Resort by Rjourney
Super campground!
Great location close to many things yet far enough to feel quiet and peaceful. Great owners always have fun stuff going on for everyone and our dog loves the dog park!
Dog-Friendly Camping near Highland, WI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Blackhawk Lake Recreational Area welcomes pets at both tent and RV sites with electric hookups, plus pet-friendly cabins situated near a clean beach area. Governor Dodge State Park offers two separate pet-friendly campgrounds—Cox Hollow and Twin Valley—both providing access to numerous hiking trails where leashed dogs can explore alongside their owners. Fireside Campground maintains level sites with full hookups for RVs and designated pet areas, while Blue Mound State Park Campground accommodates pets at tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. All campgrounds enforce standard leash policies, typically requiring dogs to be on leashes no longer than 8 feet when outside designated pet areas. Campground bathrooms and shower facilities remain clean throughout these locations, with several campers noting the well-maintained grounds make for comfortable stays with pets. Sites often include picnic tables and fire rings, allowing owners to relax with their dogs at campsites. Campground data and reviews near Highland, Wisconsin is regularly updated on The Dyrt.
Hiking trails through Governor Dodge State Park provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with multiple reviewers mentioning the waterfall trails as particularly enjoyable for pets that like water. The Twin Valley area features secluded walk-in sites (120 steps from parking) that offer more privacy for campers with potentially vocal dogs. Blackhawk Lake's beach area allows supervised pets, though owners should note the campground sits higher on a hill with a 5-minute hike down steep steps to reach the water. Summer weekends bring families with children to most campgrounds, creating potentially noisy environments that may disturb some pets. Cox Hollow campground offers sites 21, 24, and 26 near bluffs with extra space for dogs to settle comfortably, while designated quiet hours from 11pm to 6:30am help reduce disruptions for sensitive pets. Campers should pack extra towels for muddy paws after rain, as several trails can become waterlogged during wet weather.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Highland (112)
1. Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
"The sites on the "inside" of the loop are rather close to one another. 21 has a nice view of the lake, and you can walk back to the fence to look over the bluff 24 is quite private and very large 26,"
"I randomly picked this campground, after trying to book Devil's Lake with no luck. WE LOVED IT! Sites are very private, some in the woods, and some have sun/shade."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability2. Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
"Lakes, trails, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, fishing. Hidden gem of Wisconsin. The campsites are pretty private, nestled in trees. Some shaded, some have sun and shade."
"Site 271 was just enough of a walk to feel remote but not so far that I couldn't carry all my stuff."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability3. Blackhawk Lake Recreational Area
"The campground was higher up on the hill, it took a 5 minutes to hike down to the lake with lots of steep steps. Nice beach area. I spent two nights here with an RV. I had electric hookup."
4. Fireside Campground
"Dog friendly. Recommend if you are in the area and need a place to camp."
"Dog friendly. They have a big playground for kids, and activities."
5. Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park
"Lots of access to pit toilets and water fountains from primary camping sites!"
"Great hike threw out the state park. 2 main lakes with great fishing is a plus. Lots to do for the whole family"
from $25 / night
Check Availability6. Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
"This is a popular place in the area, the human beaches are full and the small pet beach area was well used by my husband, myself and our two dogs; Odinn & Frigga over Memorial Day."
"Tons of forest with cross country, equestrian, and hiking trails. One of the best lakes in Wisconsin for fishing along with a nice beach, and pet area. There is a free gun range."
from $18 - $110 / night
Check Availability7. Blue Mound State Park Campground
"Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water."
"This is another Wisconsin gym sitting in Southern West Wisconsin."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability8. Wisconsin Riverside Resort
"There is also a man-made lake with a beach for swimming and bigger kids to enjoy the large inflatable slides and swim platforms."
"The camp fire was located under a tree. We didn’t have a fire. It’s a little unusual location. I think the pull Thru are more fit for travel trailers not more 31 feet."
from $32 - $170 / night
Check Availability9. Avoca Lakeside Park & Campground
"A small shallow lake, very quiet small campground. No big town around but nice country."
10. Hickory Ridge Group Camp — Governor Dodge State Park
from $50 - $90 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 57 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 3 min from Madison, WI
- 1 hr 30 min from Janesville, WI
- 1 hr 45 min from La Crosse, WI
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Highland, WI
109 Photos of 112 Highland Campgrounds
Siobhan R.
Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
Catherine F.
Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
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Hickory Ridge Group Camp — Governor Dodge State Park
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Blue Mound State Park Campground
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Highland, WI
805 Reviews of 112 Highland Campgrounds
- Agapes D.
GuideYellowstone Lake State Park Campground
Wonderful hiking!-May 2018
This is a popular place in the area, the human beaches are full and the small pet beach area was well used by my husband, myself and our two dogs; Odinn & Frigga over Memorial Day. The hiking is amazing , particularly the Oakgrove trail, plenty to see with beautiful views. There is boating, canoeing, etc. Bring the strongest mosquito repellent you can get, Wisconsin in summer can be rough. We tried our Black Diamond poles and Thule day bags and we got to try cooling vests for the dogs from Ruffwear. It was so much fun. Note that there are sites to camp, cabins nearby and plenty of Hipcamp sites near. Strongly recommend Riverview Bottoms, which sits in a 500 acre property and is 10 min away.
Lee D.
LegendRustic Barn Campground RV Park
Very clean and well-maintained
General: 58 sites with various amenities. Some are long pull-throughs, some are back-in, some have 30 amp with or without a patio, and some have 50-amp electric with or without a patio. Tents are NOT allowed. We were greeted immediately upon arrival and asked to sign a waiver and given a welcome packet. The rules are extensive, but most are common sense/courtesy and not at all unreasonable.
Site Quality: All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park. Our site had a patio and decent-sized picnic table but it was chilly when we were there so we ate inside.
Bathhouse: Very clean as were the showers.
Activities/Amenities: There are many activities offered, including a dog park, basketball, horseshoes, games (cornhole, large checkerboard, and others), a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles, and a pool table. Coffee is available after 9 am. There is also a small chapel available 24/7 and a laundry room. WiFi is also available. There is a camp store with ice, ice cream, some camping supplies, clothing, crafts, and more. We were told several restaurants will deliver to the campground.
We don’t typically prefer to stay in RV-style campgrounds, but it was conveniently located with easy access off Route 151 just over the Wisconsin border from Iowa, we were warmly welcomed, and enjoyed our short stay passing through. Pride of ownership was evident throughout.
- Jarrett G.
TravelerWildcat Mountain State Park Campground
Sweet place
Very cool secluded walk in sites, pet friendly, awesome trails.
- Ted W.Traveler
Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
One of our favorites
We spend quite a bit of time here. We hunt here and camp here year round. Tons of forest with cross country, equestrian, and hiking trails. One of the best lakes in Wisconsin for fishing along with a nice beach, and pet area. There is a free gun range. Hunt anything from pheasent to deer. There is also a nice bar and grill just down the street. Along with dairy bar as part of the park. Showers and bathrooms are always clean.
- LLon L.Scout
Country Roads Motorhome & RV Park
adult campground prime location
Quiet, all drive-thrus, reasonable rates, very close to the dells, clean bathhouse.
We enjoyed our stay close to everything. Walmart and major shopping within a half a mile. pet friendly. I would recommend this campground
- Jamie M.Scout
Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park
Big, clean sites, nice trails, water access
There aren't signs within the park directing you to the campsite. I found it eventually but I'm glad I wasn't towing a camper because there was a lot of turning around. Some of the sites are able to be reserved. We went Memorial Day weekend so there were quite a few people but it wasn't full so even without a reservation you'd likely find a space. The sites a nice and big. We chose 2 sites that were connected and even then they were a good distance from one another. The sites were also removed from the road so when people walk or drive by it doesnt feel like they're walking through your campsite. There is some nice water access to wade with shallows so kids or pets can play. Nice trails.
Josh F.LegendNew Glarus State Park Campground
Small, close to 2 busy roads - there are nicer options in Southern Wis.
Throughout the summer of 2020, I camped at a number of Wisconsin state parks in the southern part of the state but hadn't gotten to camp at this one yet. While driving through the area I visited the park in December- photos won't show its summertime beauty but my walk through the park identified some ideal spots for camping.
The state park is open year-round, camping open May - October. The first thing I visited were the walk-in campsites. There is a loading zone parking lot with limited time parking. Access to the 14 walk-in sites is via a single trail with campsites on either side of the trail. There is a decrepit but functional pit toilet. All the walk-in sites have a picnic table and each is tucked off the trail into the woods.
The downside to the walk-in sites is their proximity to a major highway. While walking through the campground I could easily hear the road noise. If I were looking to get away from civilization, or at least pretend to be far away from it all, that road noise would be a constant reminder that I wasn't. The further down the walk-in site trail I got, the closer I got to the highway and in fact, car headlights showed right up the trail as I was approaching the last set of campsites.
When looking at a map and choosing a site, the walk-in campsites on the same side of the trail as the toilet are a little more private and secluded, and back up to expansive woods. The sites on the other side of the trail are nice but they are a little closer to the freeway and don't have as much forest coverage behind the campsites. The furthest walk-in site is at least a 4-minute (slightly downhill) walk from the parking lot. The centrally-located restroom is no more than 2 minutes from any of the walk-in campsites. Sites are between 40 and 1,000 feet from the walk-in loading zone.
If walking to your campsite isn't your thing there is also a family campground with 17 drive-in (not drive through) sites located along a typical one-way paved road system. Unfortunately, this side of the state park is bordered by a different and only slightly less traveled road than the walk-in sites. Some campsites are sandwiched between the loop road and the main road, are lit by nighttime traffic headlights lights. As the campground road continues toward the group campground it veers away from the main road and offers a bit more privacy. These are the sites I'd select if I were to camp here.
Of the group campsites, 55 and 56 are in a nicely wooded area with shade. 52 53 and 54 are in an open area with no shade. The family campground is serviced by two pit toilets centrally located to the campsites.
Due to the very small size of this state park, lack of much to do except one hiking trail through it, and proximity to two main roads, I would not recommend the state park. There are many others in southern Wisconsin that have far more to offer.
Seriously, if you're looking for a Wisconsin state park in this neck of the woods, check out Yellowstone Lake or Blue Mound State Park instead. See my review of the latter for specific spots that would be awesome for tent camping.
Robyn H.TravelerIce Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park
Dog friendly, tent friendly spot
Quiet, pet friendly spot with nice bathrooms and plenty of tree lined spots for some privacy. Great spot to spend a weekend.
Guide to Highland
Governor Dodge State Park encompasses over 5,000 acres of rolling hills and valleys in southwestern Wisconsin, just 15 minutes from Highland. The park's two artificial lakes, Cox Hollow and Twin Valley, were created in the 1950s and now serve as recreational hubs for campers. Winter camping is available year-round with snowfall typically accumulating from late November through March.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: Governor Dodge State Park features both challenging and family-friendly trails. "We spent quite a bit of time walking around and looking behind the falls, then continued down the canyon trail enjoying the beauty," reports Siobhan R., who particularly recommends the Stevens Falls and Canyon Trails for their natural beauty.
Winter camping excursions: Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground stays open through November, offering late-season camping opportunities. "Beautiful wooded campground with easy access to fishing & swimming. Lots of hiking trails and nature programs for all ages," notes Jeanne M., who recommends exploring nearby attractions including "local breweries, winery's and museums."
River activities: Tubing and kayaking along the Wisconsin River provide refreshing summer recreation. "The river felt amazing on a 95 degree day. If you have a kayak we suggest bringing it to get to the sandbar to hang out," advises Juliana R., though she cautions: "If your not a strong swimmer don't attempt if the river if running fast."
What campers like
Secluded walk-in sites: Twin Valley Campground offers walk-in sites that provide more privacy than standard campgrounds. "Site 271 was just enough of a walk to feel remote but not so far that I couldn't carry all my stuff," explains Mary M., who adds that "the trails behind the hike-in campsites also lead to some cliffs with some really amazing views."
Fall color viewing: September and October transform the region with vibrant foliage. "I recommend going in the Fall to see some great Fall colors!" suggests Elise M., who visits regularly. The elevated terrain of the driftless area creates dramatic valley views when leaves change.
Pool and beach access: Several campgrounds maintain swimming facilities for hot summer days. "This campground has a nice playground, hiking trails both short and longer and bike trails. The pool is very nice and very clean. There is a pool section and a splash section," reports Debra M., who appreciated the availability of "chairs and lounges around both and shade awnings."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Blue Mound State Park Campground has active wildlife. "The raccoons are a bit gutsier than most," warns Mallory M. Campers should store food securely, as reinforced by Sarah R.: "Keep your food and garbage locked up and away from your site. The raccoons here and insanely bold."
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature significant elevation changes. "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 SmallRVLifestyle V. at Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area.
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends book quickly at most area campgrounds. "Peak season reservations are a definite (weeks to months in advance for weekends)," advises Jen L., highlighting the need for advance planning, especially for pet friendly camping near Highland.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly beaches: Blackhawk Lake Recreational Area offers swimming for both humans and pets. "Nice beach area," notes SmallRVLifestyle V., making this an excellent option for pet friendly camping trips near Highland, Wisconsin.
Spacious group sites: For larger family gatherings, consider group camping options. "Had 2 different group sites and both were awesome! A lot of space and not close to other group sites so it was nice to not have to worry about surrounding people!" shares Amanda J., who appreciates that sites are "nice and spaced apart" for noisier groups.
Kid-friendly amenities: "Perfect for a family get away - showers, flush toilets, lots of hiking (but trails aren't very challenging), swimming area and boat launch, playground," summarizes Jen L., who appreciates the variety of activities available for different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Fireside Campground offers full hookup sites but careful selection is important. "Our site was also kind of small for our trailer," reports Sonja R., while Juliana R. advises: "I think the pull thru are more fit for travel trailers not more 31 feet. We had 5th wheel 40 feet it felt tight to get into to. They have more spacious campsites near the lagoon for bigger rigs."
Level site considerations: Many area campgrounds feature rolling terrain that affects RV placement. "Not all 'driveways' are level which, unfortunately, we discovered in site 33. We slept with our heads lower than our feet in our camper van," shares Lee D., suggesting campers check site details when booking.
Hookup availability: Electric service is available at most campgrounds, but water and sewer connections vary. "Level sites. Full hook ups available," notes Alison at Fireside Campground, making it a preferred option for many RVers seeking pet-friendly camping near Highland.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Highland, WI?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Highland, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Highland, WI is Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 27 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Highland, WI?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Highland, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 112 dog-friendly camping locations near Highland, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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