Tent camping near Sheboygan, Wisconsin centers around the glaciated landscapes of eastern Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine region. The area features a mix of wooded campsites situated between 700-1,000 feet in elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping isn't permitted at most locations, with camping season typically running April through November at established sites.
What to do
Hiking along the Ice Age Trail: The Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit features multiple access points to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. At Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp, campers appreciate the trail proximity. "We booked this for a coronavirus-safe camping trip, and it did not disappoint," notes one visitor who used the campground as a base for hiking.
Fishing opportunities: The Milwaukee River provides fishing access for campers staying at Waubedonia County Park. "A nice little campground near the river in Fredonia, WI," reports one camper. The river contains smallmouth bass, northern pike, and various panfish species according to visitors.
Wildlife observation: The woodland settings around Sheboygan camping areas support diverse wildlife. Campers frequently report seeing white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various woodland birds. Little Turtle Lake offers viewing platforms where campers can observe wetland birds and amphibians during warmer months.
What campers like
Spacious group sites: The camping areas west of Sheboygan excel at accommodating larger groups. "We had six tents, but the site could easily have accommodated more," reports a camper about Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp. The generous dimensions allow for comfortable spacing between tents.
Accessible location: Proximity to population centers makes the best tent camping near Sheboygan, Wisconsin convenient for weekend trips. One visitor noted Northern Unit Greenbush is "Easily accessible from Milwaukee," making it popular for quick getaways without extensive travel time.
Basic but functional facilities: Little Turtle Lake provides simple camping with minimal amenities. The five available sites feature basic toilet facilities and firewood availability. While primitive, this setup appeals to campers seeking less developed camping experiences within driving distance of Sheboygan.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Sheboygan area require advance booking. At Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp, reservations can be made through the Wisconsin DNR system up to 11 months in advance, with weekend dates filling quickly during summer months.
Noise considerations: Sound carries between sites at some campgrounds. At Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp, one camper reported, "The nine sites are visually separated, but not far enough away from each other to block louder noise." Consider midweek visits for quieter experiences.
Water access variations: Water availability differs between campgrounds and sometimes changes seasonally. At Purplehaze Acres, drinking water is available from central spigots but not at individual sites. During pandemic restrictions, Northern Unit Greenbush had limited water access: "Water is usually available, but more limited during the pandemic (spigot turned off by our campsite, but available near the parking lot at the entrance - a longer walk)."
Tips for camping with families
Consider site location: When camping with children at Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp, sites closer to toilet facilities minimize nighttime walks. Sites 2 and 9 provide the most space for families with multiple tents.
Simple site options: Families seeking straightforward camping find Waubedonia County Park suitable. One visitor described it as "inexpensive and comfortable, though there aren't as many amenities that a larger campground would have." The smaller scale makes it manageable for families with younger children.
Day trip opportunities: Greenbush Group Campground serves as an excellent base for family excursions. "Large sites great for groups," notes one camper. The nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest Visitor Center offers educational programs for children during summer months, approximately 10 minutes by car from the campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Sheboygan offer minimal accommodations for RVs. Waubedonia County Park provides the most RV-friendly option with electric hookups and water connections, though sites remain relatively small.
Accessibility considerations: Access roads to many Kettle Moraine camping areas feature narrow, winding segments that challenge larger vehicles. RVs over 25 feet may encounter difficulty at most tent-focused campgrounds in the region.
Alternative RV options: For RVers seeking more amenities while still accessing the Sheboygan area, commercial campgrounds along Lake Michigan offer full hookups approximately 15-20 miles east of the state forest campgrounds mentioned.
