K
Kelly M.
Traveler
TravelerBlackhawk Memorial Park
Beautiful Waterfront Site
Quiet Thursday night stay along the water. We saw so much wildlife and really enjoyed the songs of the many species of birds in the area.
Best Campgrounds near Janesville, WI
The Rock Cut State Park campground sits 30 miles south of Janesville, Wisconsin, while Milton KOA and Blackhawk Camping Resort are located within 10 miles of the city. These campgrounds offer various accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Several family-oriented campgrounds like Hickory Hills and Lakeland Camping Resort feature amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and access to lakes for fishing and boating activities. Mixed-use campgrounds supporting both tent and RV camping dominate the region.
Many campgrounds in the Janesville area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with a few remaining open year-round. Reservations are highly recommended during summer months when facilities reach capacity. "Unless you knew of Hickory Hills Campground, you wouldn't happen across this site by luck or accident," noted one visitor about finding less-visible camping locations in the area. Road conditions are generally good, with most developed campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Weather conditions vary significantly between seasons, with humid summers and cold winters affecting camping comfort. Most campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and toilet facilities, though amenities vary widely between locations.
Campers frequently mention lake access as a primary attraction at several campgrounds. At Blackhawk Camping Resort, Clear Lake provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and boating, though swimming may be restricted in certain areas. Several visitors observed that campgrounds with lake views tend to fill first during peak season. While some campgrounds offer secluded, wooded sites providing privacy, others feature more open layouts with minimal separation between camping spots. A reviewer commented that "the campground was filled with plenty of people in the first camping loop" when describing site density at one location. Proximity to hiking trails, such as those at nearby state parks, adds recreational value to the camping experience in the region. Road noise can be an issue at campgrounds located near highways, with reviewers often noting this in their feedback about specific developed campgrounds.
Best Camping Sites Near Janesville, Wisconsin (107)
1. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
79 ReviewsMachesney Park, IL22 milesWebsite+1 (815) 885-3311$12 - $50 / night
"The hiking/biking trails are many miles long. The fishing near t he dam is great and you can always find a spot near the edge of the lake. Bring bug spray."
"Rock cut is only about a 50 minute drive from the far burbs of Chicago. It’s situated a few miles outside of Rockford so if you’re into exploring old industrial river towns, this is a nice one."
2. Milton-Madison SE KOA
18 ReviewsEdgerton, WI10 milesWebsite+1 (608) 868-4141"No enclosed dog park but plenty of area to walk your dog!"
"Driving around, I really don't think there's a bad spot here. The staff is fantastic, friendly, and accommodating- as are the seasonal campers.
We'll be back again...and again... and again!"
3. Hickory Hills Campground
12 ReviewsEdgerton, WI15 milesWebsite+1 (608) 884-6327$42 / night
"Our site was nicely wooded and a decent size, but everyone was pretty close to each other. When we were there, the women's shower was freezing and the men's was almost uncomfortably hot."
"Hidden from site, the entire grounds are completely surrounded by a very thick wall of tall trees that barricades this place from most of civilization."
4. Lakeland Camping Resort
7 ReviewsMilton, WI10 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"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"
"We came to this area to do some genealogical work and needed to be situated between Madison and Beloit. Good location for that."
5. Blackhawk Camping Resort
5 ReviewsMilton, WI8 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-14776. Crazy Horse Campground
15 ReviewsEvansville, WI20 milesWebsite+1 (608) 897-2207"Being right in front of the jumping pillow people didn’t walk around. They would cut thru our site."
"We made this trip mid-May during the Covid social distancing. The camp ground was on point with their preparedness. Check in was simply pull into your site or a brief stop at registration."
7. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson
7 ReviewsFort Atkinson, WI14 miles8. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground
22 ReviewsStoughton, WI23 milesWebsite+1 (608) 873-9695"Just a quick 2 hour drive from our home in Chicago, with large wooded sites for privacy. Clean bathrooms."
"We didn’t have much time to explore the campground but we did have a nice walk around the outer loop of sites. This is near the main highway and a nice place to camp."
9. Sugar River Forest Preserve
10 ReviewsDurand, IL18 milesWebsite+1 (815) 877-6100"There are very tall trees around the entire campground giving you some respite from the sun and the heat. The bath house is easily within walking distance from anywhere in the campground. "
"Last time we camped in site 65, next to the path to the playground & walk-in site parking which was busy."
10. Creekview RV Park
6 ReviewsEdgerton, WI15 milesWebsite+1 (608) 921-8354"Right off i90, and next to fuel and food stops. Family run campground with 40 sites that have water and electric. They are cash or check only, with no online booking. Sites are snug."
Recent Camping Photos near Janesville, WI
289 Photos of 107 Janesville Campgrounds
The Dyrt
Blackhawk Camping Resort
Dan B.
Milton-Madison SE KOA
Annabelle G.
Lakeland Camping Resort
Stuart K.
Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar
Maria Mercedes M.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson
Stuart K.
Pearl Lake
Nicole T.
Scenic Ridge Campground
Abbe W.
Whitewater Lake Campground & Hickory Woods Group Camp — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
Melissa B.
Sugar River Forest Preserve
Marc W.
Crazy Horse Campground
Brittany H.
Sweet Minnihaha Campground
Tricia E.
Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
Recent Reviews near Janesville, WI
798 Reviews of 107 Janesville Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendThousand Trails Pine Country
Shaded, Family-Friendly Country Retreat
There’s something instantly calming about rolling into a campground wrapped in tall pines and soft breezes, and Pine Country had that peaceful, easy feeling that made all of us exhale before we even found our site. This campground is expansive and welcoming, with full-hookup spots laid out across wide loops, plenty of shade, clean bathrooms and a friendly mix of families settling in for weekends or longer stays. Our boys loved wandering between the fishing pond and the small recreation areas and we ended the evening sharing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that we made over an open fire on a Camp Chef black skillet munching them down at the picnic table while listening to the trees rustle above us. For families looking for a convenient home base near Rockford with lots of room to spread out, EZ access to town for supplies and a campground that really does feel safe and relaxed, Pine Country is an EZ pick. Highly recommended for young families seeking space, shade and a low-key, gentle setting to recharge.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Holiday Acres Camping Resort
Country Calm with a Dash of Classic Campground Fun
The moment we pulled into Holiday Acres, that cozy ‘old-school campground’ feeling washed over us, with tall trees, winding lanes and a big, friendly welcome from the office that instantly made the boys sit up and take notice. The campground is beautifully laid out with roomy sites, full hookups, a well-kept swimming pond, mini golf, a little camp store and restrooms that were impressively clean for a busy family spot. After a long drive, the boys made a beeline for the playground and the pedal carts, and later that night we all sat under the string lights eating ice cream sandwiches from the camp store while fireflies blinked and buzzed through the trees. If you’re a family looking for somewhere safe, shaded and EZ-going with just enough activities to keep the kids happily worn out, this place absolutely fits the bill. Highly recommended for its friendly atmosphere, great kid-focused amenities and peaceful, wooded setting.
Jinx C.
ScoutNew Glarus State Park Campground
Great Spot!
We stayed here as a large group and had an AWESOME time. It was gorgeous, campsites were spaced out great, and the woods were gorgeous. Nice fire pit, great amount of space, etc. Not super buggy either! It was just awesome. (Fair warning the raccoons are unafraid and WILL steal bags of food lol)
Denise B.TravelerSunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Happy Akers
Very enjoyable campground.
I don't remember the site number but the kids had a great time. Lots of things to do.
Scott W.TravelerBlue Mound State Park Campground
Depends on your site.
My wife and I tent camped here. We had never been here before.
We stayed at site 77 as the majority of the sites were booked.
77 is sloped, as well as gravel with hard packed earth. Some patches of grass, but for the most part it’s gravel. My wife and I sleep on mattresses, so it was not an issue for us.
If you’re tent camping, I highly recommend looking for a site with a leveled tent pad. We did not inspect any of them, but from a distance the pads look like packed sand or something of that nature.
The pit toilets are very well taken care of. The shower facilities were not open during our visit.
Here is where our problems lied (and this has little to do with the park itself)
there was no end-of-night patrol of any kind. The biggest issue we faced was the amount of noise. All of the sites surrounding us knew each other and partied together. People that partied until 1am, yelling and being loud as hell. Screaming at cars that drove by. quiet hours are listed online starting at 10pm.
We left our campsite to ask the Onsite host for help or to do something about it, but they chose not to come out of their camper. We called every line we could to get someone to come and shut them up, but alas, no park employees or hotlines were available. The wife and I certainly did not want to call the cops since we were surrounded by a group of drunk loud people and that can get out of hand fast.
Park staff came to our site the very next morning and talked to us. They warned all groups around us of the noise level. While this did calm down the partying our next night, it did not stop them from yelling things towards our campsite to try and scare us. Making animal noises and non-sense scare tactics to try and intimidate us.
Trashy and disrespectful, we walk away from our experience with an extremely negative stain.
This has nothing to do with the park itself, just the unfortunate circumstance that we were surrounded by terrible people that do not respect the rules of camping.
Harold H.ScoutLehmans Lakeside RV Resort
Location is ok but staff are not
The worst thing about this campground is that the well water contains rust that affects your entire trailers water system. Staff did not tell you beforehand that your trailer will be destroyed. I’ve stayed here seven months and have had my water repeatedly cut off without notice.
- CCindy P.
GuidePlum Grove at Rock Cut State Park
Tired old park
Not a level site in sight. Holes and washout channels throughout the campground. The pit toilets available offseason are run down and shabby at best. At least there’s TP. I’ve been coming here for 50 years and while some improvements have been made, and the concession area is nice, the campground makes me sad.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
River Road Camping & Marina
Lively Riverside Stay Where Kids Run Free
Here on the Rock River just north of Oregon, there’s something about the gentle bend of the river that makes you exhale a little deeper the moment you arrive, like you’ve stepped into a slower, more playful rhythm of summer. River Road Camping & Marina is a larger, activity-filled campground stretched along the river with a mix of seasonal and transient sites, offering gravel pads, full hookups and open, EZ-to-navigate loops that feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. The amenities lean heavily into family fun, with a pool, playground, volleyball courts, boat launch and clean bathhouses, plus plenty of space for kids to roam safely while parents keep a watchful eye from nearby campsites. One evening, we found ourselves down by the riverbank as the boys skipped rocks and laughed uncontrollably every time one actually bounced that turned into one of those simple, perfect moments you wish you could bottle up. From what we saw, the best campsites are along the riverfront edge because of the peaceful views, cooler breezes, and easy access for early morning fishing or kayaking. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families, especially those who enjoy a social, activity-rich atmosphere, EZ water access and plenty of space for kids to play.
Guide to Janesville
Campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Janesville, Wisconsin offer diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The region sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level with rolling terrain characterized by glacial features. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall can see overnight lows dropping into the 40s, affecting camping comfort and preparation needs.
What to Do
Paddling on clear waters: Rock Cut State Park features a sizeable lake perfect for kayaking. "Great boating. Beautiful nature. Not something you would expect near Rockford," notes Melissa B. The lake provides a welcome escape with multiple water-based recreation options.
River tubing excursions: At Crazy Horse Campground, the Sugar River offers excellent floating opportunities. "They provide at no charge kayaks and a shuttle to a drop-off point which you can kayak back down to the campground which takes about an hour and a half," explains David H., who appreciates the well-spaced shuttles that prevent overcrowding on the river.
Bird watching sessions: Lake Kegonsa State Park provides habitat for numerous bird species. "Got bird watching on your mind? Well, you're in luck, because here at Rock Cut SP you can spot an amazing array of foul including bald eagles, American robins, northern cardinals, barn owls, mourning doves," lists Stuart K., highlighting the diverse avian population in the area.
What Campers Like
Waterfront access: Pettit's Lakeview Campground & Bar offers extensive shoreline. "While this isn't the most amazing RV parking lot you'll come across, it does have some of the absolute most amazing waterfront real estate with 850 feet of sweeping views of nearby Rock River (to the west) and Lake Koshkonong (to the east)," Stuart K. observes about this lakeside destination.
Spacious campsites: Several campgrounds offer well-sized sites. At Sugar River Forest Preserve, "The sites are large and well maintained, the hosts were great, and it is less than two hours from home!" Ron L. comments on the generous campsite dimensions that provide adequate space for setup.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and amenities receive consistent maintenance at many locations. "The bathroom house is easily within walking distance from anywhere in the campground," Christopher R. notes about Sugar River Forest Preserve, adding that the "bath house is pretty basic but clean."
What You Should Know
Seasonal operation: Most campsites near Janesville have limited seasons, typically mid-April through October. "We visited in Early June this time, and this time had a campsite on the East side under the very, very tall pine trees," Brian O. mentions about Sugar River Forest Preserve, highlighting the timing of their visit.
Flooding concerns: Some campgrounds experience periodic flooding. At Blackhawk Camping Resort, Marc W. notes the conditions can vary: "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. Sites were of decent size and fairly quiet."
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking is essential, especially for waterfront sites. "They get very busy on weekends and holidays you have to book in advance," Marc W. advises about Crazy Horse Campground, indicating the high demand during peak times.
Tips for Camping with Families
Themed activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers structured entertainment for children. "My husband and I plus our 3 kids stayed in a rustic cabin. The cabin was exactly how it was described and thankfully so! Since it had air-conditioning we all slept great," reports Tricia E., who appreciated the amenities after active days.
Playground access: Multiple facilities feature designated play areas. "They have a nice playground and four sand volleyball courts. Staying in the campground allows for easy lake access," Josh F. observes about Pettit's Lakeview Campground, noting the recreational options beyond swimming.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with beaches or pools. "There's 2 key areas here, and both have a combination of RV'ers that have parked their mobile for a long time, while there's a number of open sites that you can book on a daily or weekly basis," Stuart K. reports about Blackhawk Camping Resort, which features water access and swimming areas.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on specific needs. "Sites also come in either grass or gravel, so be sure to ask when booking," Stuart K. advises about Blackhawk Camping Resort, emphasizing the importance of understanding surface types when selecting an RV site.
Hookup variations: Electric and water availability differs between campgrounds. "We were in sites#13 and couldn't be happier with our choice. I had done a drive through before reserving the site on the state camping website so I knew which ones would work for us," Lisa S. explains about her methodical approach to site selection at Lake Kegonsa State Park.
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "The campground is huge, over 400 seasonal sites. For weekend camping, I would only recommend if you want to bring a pontoon and party on the lake," Kim L. notes about Lakeland Camping Resort, highlighting both the size and primary purpose of the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Janesville, WI?
Which is the most popular campground near Janesville, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Janesville, WI is Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground with a 4-star rating from 79 reviews.
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