Family-friendly RV campgrounds near Janesville, Wisconsin offer options beyond basic hookups, with many featuring recreational facilities and lake access. The region sits within the Rock River Valley with elevations averaging 800-900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, making water activities particularly popular from June through August when campgrounds operate at peak capacity.
What to do
Fishing access: Clear Lake near Blackhawk Camping Resort provides multiple fishing opportunities. "Clear Lake, which is actually a combination of 3 different lakes: Mud Lake, Clear Lake and Duck Lake, which basically surrounds the entirety of Blackhawk Camping Resort and offers up endless fishing, kayaking and boating opportunities," notes one visitor.
Golf outings: Several campgrounds border golf courses for convenient play. "If you're a golfer, there's a par 3 golf course just adjacent to Creekview, which is a very nice distraction if you're looking for one," mentions a Creekview reviewer.
Water recreation: Snug Harbor Inn Campground offers multiple water-based activities. "The view was nice overlooking Turtle lake. Like the design of 3 levels so everyone gets a view," shares one camper, while another mentions that the campground "has a very clean bathroom and bathhouse, freshwater for campers... and rents boats."
What campers like
Organized activities: River Bend RV Resort schedules regular entertainment. "Riverbend has a lot for everyone. Nice swim pond, great pool, fishing…you name it, it's probably here," states one reviewer. Another adds, "Has everything I could want. Great pool with water slides. Plenty of amenities. Clean sites and lots of fun."
Beach amenities: Lake access at Lakeland Camping Resort receives positive feedback. "Beach was amazing!!" exclaims one reviewer, while another describes it as "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."
Quiet nature spots: Despite being developed campgrounds, some offer secluded areas. One visitor to Snug Harbor notes, "Snapper 4, 5, 6 and 7 would be nice for group camping because they are all very close to one another and a bit more private, set away from the rest of the campsites."
What you should know
Seasonal timing: Most campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Hickory Hills operates from May 1 to October 15, while Sugar Shores runs from April 15 to October 15.
Varying site quality: Campgrounds can differ significantly in site development. "Sites are a mix of grass and gravel," observes one reviewer about Hickory Hills Campground, noting "nice wooded sites, excellent fishing, amenities are good."
Flood potential: Water issues affect some campgrounds seasonally. "Half of camping sites closed due to flooding," reported one Lakeland camper, while others mentioned that some amenities could be affected by seasonal water conditions.
Highway noise: Proximity to major roads affects some locations. A reviewer at Creekview RV Park mentioned, "The campground is very close to the freeway and there is a constant din of traffic noise that remind you how close you are to the highway."
Tips for camping with families
Specific kid activities: Thousand Trails Pine Country offers family-friendly amenities. "So many cool activities definitely kid orientated! The sites close to the store are so nice!" reports one visitor, while another notes "nice pool, no jacuzzi, small play ground with a jumping pad. Pond for catch and release fishing."
Weekend planning: Book ahead for weekend stays during summer. "Quiet during week days with more folks coming in for weekend use. Assume it's very active in the summer," comments a Lakeland camper.
Beach alternatives: Some campgrounds offer both pool and beach access. At Hickory Hills, one visitor suggests, "Love that they have a sparkling clean (but cold!) pool and a lake with a beach!"
Weather contingencies: Spring camping can face challenging conditions. A camper at Hickory Hills recommends to "wait for later in the year when everything is up and running. Pool being closed made the beach crazy busy."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on specific needs. "Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet," advises one Lakeland visitor.
Big rig access: Larger motorhomes face varying access challenges. Sugar Shores RV Resort accommodates bigger rigs, with a visitor noting, "The pull throughs were really long."
Dump stations: Plan for waste management schedules. "We reserved a water/electric site and utilized the dump station on our way out. Lines were not too bad for the dump station which was good," shares a Blackhawk camper.
Local supplies: Stock up in nearby towns if needed. One camper at Blackhawk recommends: "Should you need to stock up on anything while staying at Blackhawk Camping Resort, you'll also find just about everything you need in nearby Milton where you'll have Beverage Mart, Dollar General, The Meat Market, Piggly Wiggly as well as Ace Hardware."
