Best Campgrounds near Kaukauna, WI
Campgrounds near Kaukauna, Wisconsin range from state parks to county facilities and private campgrounds, with most sites concentrated along Lake Winnebago and the Fox River. High Cliff State Park Campground in nearby Sherwood provides tent, RV, and cabin camping options with electric hookups and shower facilities. Calumet County Park in Hilbert, approximately 15 miles southeast of Kaukauna, offers seasonal camping from April through November with boat-in access and amenities for both tent and RV campers. Several private campgrounds like Apple Creek Campground in De Pere and Hickory Oaks Campground in Oshkosh expand lodging options with cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations.
The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closing for winter. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when lakeside sites fill quickly. Wisconsin state parks require both camping fees and daily or annual vehicle entrance permits for non-residents. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with humid summers and cold winters typical of the Upper Midwest. Spring camping often means dealing with muddy conditions and mosquitoes, while fall offers colorful foliage and fewer crowds. As one camper noted about High Cliff State Park, "Our site backed up to a trail along the cliff which was awesome for a family that loves to hike. I felt for a state park most of the sites were spacious."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with Lake Winnebago and smaller inland lakes providing swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Many campgrounds feature hiking trails that showcase the area's natural features, including limestone cliffs, wetlands, and mixed forests. Campers frequently mention the cleanliness of facilities and the family-friendly atmosphere at state parks. A visitor to Mauthe Lake Campground in the nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest described it as having "clean and well kept" grounds with "a lake great for swimming and a pier for fishing." Sites with electrical hookups tend to be more popular and should be booked well in advance, while more secluded non-electric sites often remain available for last-minute trips.
