Tent camping options near Jefferson, Wisconsin include primitive carry-in sites, backpacking locations, and walk-in campsites within 30 miles. Most sites require campers to transport gear distances ranging from 40 to 500 yards from parking areas. The southeastern Wisconsin landscape features oak savannas, wetlands, and forested areas where campers contend with limited amenities and seasonal mosquito activity, particularly at sites near water features.
What to do
Bike access to breweries: New Glarus State Park Campground connects directly to the Sugar River Trail, allowing campers to bike approximately 1.5 miles to New Glarus Brewery. "It's proximity to the brewery and the restaurants, shops, and bars of New Glarus, can't be beat. Also on the Sugar River Trail so bring your bike!" notes Kate B.
Historical exploration: Visit Aztalan State Park near Sandhill Station State Campground to explore Native American archaeological sites with prehistoric burial mounds. The nearby Aztalan Museum houses artifacts from local indigenous cultures alongside pioneer-era items for a $4 admission fee.
Trail connections: The Glacial Drumlin bike trail runs adjacent to campsites at Sandhill Station, offering over 52 miles of converted rail-trail. "Sandill Station is right outside Lake Mills, WI, right off the Glacial Drumlin bike trail," explains Jimmy P. The crushed limestone surface provides ideal terrain for family cycling through wetlands and farmland.
What campers like
Natural isolation: KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site offers true seclusion with a dedicated shelter structure. "Great backpack camp site. Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside," reports Erin Z. The site requires hikers to collect their own firewood from surrounding areas.
Walk-in privacy: New Glarus State Park Campground features walk-in sites with significant separation from neighbors. "The walk-in sites have a good amount of space between each site, however the sites on the east side of the bike trail get less level the further you get from the parking lot," explains Sarah W. Cart transportation is available for gear hauling to these sites.
Oak savanna setting: The unique ecosystem at Sandhill Station provides distinctive camping in an oak savanna habitat not commonly found in Wisconsin campgrounds. The mixed light filtering through mature oak trees creates ideal camping conditions during spring and fall when temperatures moderate.
What you should know
Highway noise challenges: Some campsites experience traffic noise despite natural settings. At New Glarus, Katie K. reports, "These sites are right next to the highway and are subject to continuous, round the clock highway noise. The highway seems to be a regular truck route, with lots of semis driving by at all hours."
Seasonal insect considerations: Early summer brings heavy mosquito pressure at wetland-adjacent sites. "We were there in mid-June on one of the hottest weekends of the year and we were massacred the second we walked into the site," warns Tawnie T. about Sandhill Station State Campground.
Bathroom limitations: Most primitive sites feature vault toilets without running water. "The only thing I cant get over is the vault toilets. I would have thought they updated these by now. Creaky wood doors, BRIGHT lights, and always buggy," notes Dana B. Pack hand sanitizer and toilet paper as backup supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose sites closer to parking areas when camping with children. At New Glarus, site 19 offers a good compromise: "It is the closest site to the parking lot on the east side of the trail, but you have to take a short foot-path off the main trail to get to the site and the site itself can't actually be seen from the trail," recommends Sarah W.
Playground access: Wild Goose City Park provides playground facilities with bathroom access. "There's a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain. Plenty of space to spread out for a picnic when you're biking through," notes Kim L. The park connects to the Wild Goose State Trail for family-friendly cycling.
Food storage concerns: Secure food supplies due to wildlife activity, especially at walk-in sites. "The campgrounds do have a lot of raccoons so it is nice to be within an easy walk of your vehicle if you would prefer to secure your food," advises a camper at New Glarus State Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Jefferson have minimal facilities for RVs. Purplehaze Acres offers 9 tent sites with drive-in access but lacks hookups or dump stations. RV campers need to arrive with water tanks filled and batteries charged.
Water availability: RV campers should plan to bring sufficient water supplies, as many sites have limited or seasonal water access. Some smaller campgrounds like Little Turtle Lake provide pit toilets but no water facilities, requiring self-contained camping strategies.
Weekend availability: Reserve sites well in advance for summer weekends. New Glarus State Park fills quickly, particularly sites with vehicle accessibility. Walk-in sites typically remain available longer than drive-up spots, though they require equipment transportation from parking areas.
