Glamping options near Janesville, Wisconsin sit within the gently rolling landscape of southeastern Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine region, formed by glacial deposits during the last ice age. Located at approximately 850 feet above sea level, the area experiences warm, humid summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and moderately cold winters, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season. Seasonal campgrounds typically operate from mid-April through October, with many glamping sites offering both summer recreational activities and fall color viewing opportunities.
What to do
Kayaking on peaceful waters: At Crazy Horse Campground, paddlers enjoy complimentary kayak trips. "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 a reviewer. The campground spaces out shuttle departures to prevent overcrowding on the river.
Hiking varied terrain: Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground offers multiple well-maintained trails. "There are several geocaches in the park, which adds a little fun, but they are in the woods," notes one camper. The park features trails through woods, prairies and lakeside areas, with lengths ranging from quick half-mile treks to multi-mile loops.
Mini-golf and recreation: Family activities abound at many campgrounds. "They have a pool, petting zoo, kayaks, rocky beach, dog park, and a land pillow," shares a visitor about Crazy Horse Campground. Many sites include these amenities in their daily fees, though some charge additional activity fees.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention cleanliness as a priority. A visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground noted, "Shower house #2 was clean although a bit older (paint was peeling off the walls due to humidity) but the water pressure was fine and as hot as I needed it to be."
Water activities: Lake access ranks highly among glamping enthusiasts. "The beach and lake was incredibly clean (they had a triathlon there we weekend we stayed)," reports an Ottawa Lake visitor. Many campgrounds feature swimming areas, boat launches, and water sports facilities.
Campsite spacing: Site privacy receives frequent mention in reviews. At Lake Kegonsa, a camper appreciated that "The sites we were in were a little narrow to back in a 30ft camper. The pictures of the site did not show this." Researching site dimensions before booking helps avoid surprises upon arrival.
What you should know
Seasonal popularity: Summer weekends fill quickly at most glamping locations. "The park is pretty nice. The pedestrian beach is too rocky for my liking, but the dog beach is nice and sandy yet small," noted one Lake Kegonsa visitor. Weekdays typically offer more availability and quieter experiences.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant noise issues. At Pilgrim's Campground, a reviewer advised, "In the event that you don't like being awaken too early from all of the nearby roosters, then bring some ear plugs." Train noise affects other locations, particularly those near rail lines.
WiFi and cell coverage: Connection quality varies widely between campgrounds. "Cell coverage and WiFi is pretty horrific in these parts, so bring a booster or plan to leave civilization behind you," advised a Pilgrim's Campground visitor. Sites closer to Janesville typically offer better connectivity than those in more remote settings.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused sites: Choose campgrounds with built-in entertainment for children. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored," reports a parent visitor. Many campgrounds offer weekend programming specifically for children.
Beach selection: When glamping with kids, beach quality matters. "The beach area was very small but it was enough for the kids to enjoy or to get your paddle board or kayak out on the lake," notes a visitor to Lake Kegonsa. Some beaches feature shallow entry points ideal for younger children.
Bike-friendly options: Many campgrounds have roads suitable for young cyclists. "My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails," shares a parent about Pilgrim's Campground. Bringing bikes extends the range of exploration for families with older children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. A reviewer at Scenic Ridge Campground noted, "Our site was downhill so that presented quite the challenge to level out." Bringing additional leveling blocks helps address unexpected site conditions.
Power considerations: Electrical issues arise occasionally. "We were given a site that wasn't ready. Moved us to another site that the power was out on so they hooked us up to the other site," reports a visitor to Lakeland Camping Resort. Some older campgrounds may have limited electrical capacity or outdated hookups.
Dump station logistics: Plan for potential delays when departing. "Upon leaving, we were in line at the dump station for about 40 minutes which was frustrating, and the road up to the dump station did not allow for cross traffic," warned a Scenic Ridge visitor. Scheduling departures earlier or later than standard checkout times can reduce wait times.
