Best Campgrounds near Horicon, WI

The Horicon area of southeastern Wisconsin features a mix of county parks and private campgrounds, with Ledge County Park and The Playful Goose Campground providing direct access to the renowned Horicon Marsh wildlife area. Camping options within 30 miles include several sites in the Kettle Moraine State Forest system, where glacial terrain creates diverse landscapes for outdoor recreation. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of hookups and amenities. Ledge County Park offers spacious sites with views of the marsh, while nearby Waupun Park Campground provides more wooded privacy. The region's camping landscape reflects Wisconsin's commitment to outdoor recreation with a mix of state, county, and private facilities.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences near Horicon. Most private campgrounds like The Playful Goose operate from May through October, while some county parks remain open year-round. Wisconsin's variable weather requires preparation, particularly for spring camping when sites can become waterlogged. As one camper noted about Ledge County Park: "After leaving a flooded, soggy Blue Mounds State Park we decided to see if we could get a site here... These sites were so spacious." Fall brings spectacular colors to the Kettle Moraine areas, with temperatures ranging from the lower 30s at night to 60s during the day. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and fall color season, with many campgrounds offering online booking systems.

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank among the top experiences mentioned by campers in the Horicon area. The Horicon Marsh, a 33,000-acre wetland, provides exceptional bird watching, particularly during migration seasons. Campers at The Playful Goose report: "Bird watching was abundant! Great overnight stay." Sites at Ledge County Park are praised for their proximity to nature trails and marsh views. The Kettle Moraine State Forest campgrounds, though slightly farther from Horicon, offer more secluded camping with access to the Ice Age Trail system. Facility quality varies across the region, with most campgrounds providing basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms. Several reviewers mention the clean facilities at county parks, though some note that older campgrounds may have dated infrastructure.

Best Camping Sites Near Horicon, Wisconsin (117)

    1. Ledge County Park

    15 Reviews
    Horicon, WI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 387-5450

    "It is right next to the toilets/showers. The bathrooms were clean, the attendants were really nice, they borrowed us an extension cord so we could set up a bit further back."

    "Great place to take in views of Horicon marsh. The trails and play ground. Just a awesome place to get out and relax "

    2. The Playful Goose Campground

    5 Reviews
    Horicon, WI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (920) 485-4744

    "Great sites along the Rock River, just a few minutes from the Horicon Marsh. We stayed with them before their official camping season opened so we missed the amenities."

    "I really enjoyed the large lot we were on that backed up to a creek which you cannot hear or see but it is all forest behind you."

    3. Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit

    18 Reviews
    Slinger, WI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 670-3400

    "North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."

    "A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."

    4. Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit-Iansr

    43 Reviews
    Campbellsport, WI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $28 / night

    "Mauthe Lake Campground is located in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest in East/Centreal Wisconsin."

    "Mauthor Lake is a beautiful state park in Wisconsin. Good for biking, hiking, swimming and fishing. Sites are fairly wooded and private. Most of them seemed to be a decent size."

    5. Derge County Park

    5 Reviews
    Beaver Dam, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 887-0365

    "It right next to Beaver Lake. Witch is a great fishing lake. Or just to kayak. The boat launch is right across the park. There are not a lot of sites inside and out side bathroom with showers"

    "Several miles from highway. Place was quiet with large lots. Potable water and dump station available. Electric only on lots. Showers and restrooms available."

    6. Fairgrounds RV Park

    1 Review
    Beaver Dam, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 210-2085

    $30 - $45 / night

    "The site I'm at has plenty of space for them to run around my site without disturbing other campers. They have a camp host on site who is very helpful."

    7. Astico County Park

    8 Reviews
    Beaver Dam, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 623-5274

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Site had extra space around it, and we could canoe right from our site or use the boat launch by site 13."

    "My family and I enjoy the rural setting but its close proximity to several communities. With smaller children having resources available was nice."

    8. Waupun Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Waupun, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 960-4263

    "We enjoyed the fall colors and privacy for a long stop on our trip across the northern border."

    "We stayed there for a while very pretty and the people very friendly bring wood to your camp they have trails you can walk and county pool and golf course sites are good size we will return it's **close **"

    9. Wild Goose City Park

    1 Review
    Horicon, WI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 386-3705

    10. Fon du Lac County Waupun Park

    3 Reviews
    Waupun, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 929-3135

    "We stayed on site 22 which was a nine minute walk from the toilet and had a street light. There are water spigots throughout. Site 21 or 23 would be better."

    "Golf course right next-door so close you could walk to. Most of the sites were in a wooded area, which gives you some privacy."

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Recent Reviews near Horicon, WI

671 Reviews of 117 Horicon Campgrounds


  • Mark D.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    We had such an enjoyable time at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature at Ottawa Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this welcoming retreat offers lakeside fun, scenic hiking trails, the quiet beauty of a true Northwoods experience, all without a long drive.

    We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    https://youtu.be/xl4uAtNWclM

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Fon du Lac County Waupun Park

    Oak/hickory forest

    The campground is in a beautiful oak/hickory forest with many birds, chipmunks and skeeters(pack protection). We stayed on site 22 which was a nine minute walk from the toilet and had a street light. There are water spigots throughout. Site 21 or 23 would be better. The sites are large and the ones on the outside of the loop are very private. The campground was quiet, especially after dark! There is a train horn occasionally, but it’s distant. The showers were hot and clean. The playground was fun. There is a pickle ball court, so bring paddles. There is also a walking trail.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lakeland Camping Resort

    Lakefront Fun

    As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have an RV. The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick’s Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson

    Nostalgic Campground

    As a mom, I can honestly say that Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is one of those rare campgrounds where the kids are entertained from morning till night and parents can actually relax a little too. The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours. Our campsite was clean and level, with options for full hookups or cozy cabins if you’d rather skip the RV, and the bathhouses were spotless, which is something I always look for. What I appreciated most was the balance: the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored, while my husband and I enjoyed sitting by the campfire or joining in on family activities like outdoor 'movies under the stars.' The campground store was well-stocked with snacks, s’mores supplies, and those 'oops, we forgot it' supplies, which saved us more than once. And while there’s plenty to do onsite, being near Lake Koshkonong and Fort Atkinson means you can easily slip away for a day of fishing, boating, or exploring. For me, the best part was watching my kids’ faces light up during the evening hayride, sticky with marshmallow, waving at Yogi like he was a celebrity that felt like the kind of wholesome, memory-making trip I hope they’ll look back on for years.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fon du Lac County Waupun Park

    Peaceful wooded camping

    Quiet level throughout. Spots for a couple tents and a camper at each site. Disc golf and a small fishing area. Golf course right next-door so close you could walk to. Most of the sites were in a wooded area, which gives you some privacy. Only downfall for us was distance to the restroom as there’s only one so if you’re in the back of the campground, you gotta walk all the way upfront.


Guide to Horicon

Camping options near Horicon, Wisconsin reflect the region's glacial past, with numerous sites situated around kettle lakes and moraines. The area's elevation ranges from 860-1,050 feet, creating varied camping terrain from riverside flats to forested hills. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F while summer camping season brings highs in the 80s with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

What to do

Miniature golf access: Harnischfeger County Park offers a 9-hole mini golf course for $1 per person. "The campground has alot of great amenities. Theirs a mini gulf course that we had alot of fun with. Their is also a great hiking trail if you like that," notes Taylor C.

Ice Age Trail hiking: Pike Lake Campground provides direct access to the historic Ice Age Trail. "A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest... There are many trails, a observation tower with a view of Holy Hill and Pike Lake, and of course the Ice Age Scenic Trail," shares Steve M.

Water activities: Rock River access points allow for kayaking and canoeing without battling motorboat traffic. "Astico provides us the camping experience with access to amenities for a young family. It is one of our favorites for a quick get a way," explains Phillip J. The area's multiple lakes offer varied fishing opportunities within short driving distances.

What campers like

Secluded, wooded sites: Waupun Park Campground offers private camping spots beneath mature trees. "The deep spots offer gorgeous private, well wooded area that makes you feel like you're all alone in the woods. Fire rings and tables are there as well as bathrooms showers, a dump station and fresh water," writes Rita G.

Dark sky viewing: Minimal light pollution at some Horicon area campgrounds enables exceptional stargazing. "The sites are a decent size and well maintained. We easily backed in and leveled our pop up. The shower house is clean. The campground is busy this weekend, but was quite at dark. It was dark enough to see the Milky Way," notes Kay K. about Astico County Park.

Wildlife encounters: Numerous campers mention the abundant bird watching opportunities. "This is an older family Campground, lots of seasonal campers. Great sites along the Rock River, just a few minutes from the Horicon Marsh. We stayed with them before their official camping season opened so we missed the amenities. Staff was friendly and helpful. Bird watching was abundant! Great overnight stay," reports Rachelle W. about The Playful Goose Campground.

What you should know

Campsite selection matters: Not all sites offer the same experience or amenities. "I'm not a trailer camper, but if I were I would not appreciate the vibes of the electric sites. The sites are very close together and walking through it felt like going through a festival or circus more than a campground," advises Renee R. about Ledge County Park.

Seasonal differences: Lake conditions change throughout the year. "We've been camping here for years and love the beautiful lake for swimming and watersports. No motor boats so nice and quiet. :) Also great trail running opportunities on the Ice Age," shares Sarah L. about Mauthe Lake Campground.

Highway noise: Some campsites experience road noise due to proximity to highways. "We stayed at campsite 1, which is right in the little river. Site had extra space around it, and we could canoe right from our site or use the boat launch by site 13. Plenty of tent and a few electric sites, I'd highly recommend for rvs and tents if you stay further from the highway," suggests Kim L.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Nice, clean & family-type park! Hiking, observation deck, playground & volleyball!" says Cher & Walter P. about Ledge County Park.

Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas suitable for families with children. "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids. Also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July," mentions Kaylyn C.

Educational opportunities: History-focused activities abound near camping areas. "There is a small cemetery at the top of the hill to explore and learn more about the people in the area," notes Kay K., highlighting how families can incorporate learning into their camping experience.

Tips from RVers

Electrical considerations: Derge County Park provides electric-only hookups with specific access to water. "Stayed at park while traveling through the area. Needed an overnight place to stay. Several miles from highway. Place was quiet with large lots. Potable water and dump station available. Electric only on lots. Showers and restrooms available," shares Rick.

Site sizing variations: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. "You can see where they are making some sites bigger for the modern large campers. Electric only but fill up with potable water at the entrance. Showers clean and hot," advises Jeffrey Z.

Dump station access: "I camped here for a month in July and now a week in Sept. Nicest people ever. 20/30/50 amp service. Most sites have water hook-up. Restrooms. Dump station. Campfires in above ground fire pits supplied by you. Pet friendly," describes karen about Fairgrounds RV Park, noting the extended-stay potential for RVers seeking a campsite near Horicon, Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping near Horicon Marsh?

Ledge County Park is one of the best options for camping near Horicon Marsh, offering great views of the marsh and multiple camping areas including group camping sites. Another excellent choice is The Playful Goose Campground, located just minutes from Horicon Marsh along the Rock River. For additional options within a short drive, consider Derge County Park near Beaver Dam or Wild Goose City Park near Juneau, both providing convenient access to the marsh and its renowned wildlife viewing opportunities.

What amenities does Horicon Campground offer?

Waupun Park Campground offers well-wooded, private sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The facilities include clean bathrooms, showers, a dump station, and fresh water access. For RV travelers, Fairgrounds RV Park provides drive-in access with water hookups, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly with reservable sites. Many campgrounds in the area maintain clean, updated facilities with attentive staff to ensure a comfortable stay while exploring the Horicon region.

What activities can I do while camping near Horicon?

The Horicon area offers abundant bird watching opportunities, particularly at Harrington Beach State Park Campground where you can enjoy Lake Michigan shoreline and secluded camping. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails at Pike Lake Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest, which features glacial terrain suitable for various skill levels. The region provides excellent wildlife viewing, nature photography, kayaking, canoeing in the marsh, fishing in nearby rivers, and exploring the Ice Age Trail segments. Seasonal activities include fall color viewing, spring migration watching, and winter cross-country skiing.