Best Campgrounds near Kenosha, WI
Camping opportunities in the Kenosha, Wisconsin area span across both Wisconsin and nearby Illinois, with several mixed-use campgrounds accommodating various camping styles. Richard Bong State Recreation Area, located just west of Kenosha, features both Sunset and Sunrise Campgrounds with spacious sites for tents and RVs. Other notable options include Cliffside Park Campground in Caledonia and Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Illinois, approximately 10 miles south of Kenosha. Many campgrounds in this region maintain separate loops specifically designed for different camping preferences, with dedicated tent and RV sites throughout.
Reservations are strongly recommended at most campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly. "Prairie View campground is in the Chain O Lakes State Park series. This is the no services campground. We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site. Checking in was interesting. No online reservations were allowed and their phone systems were down," noted one camper about a nearby Illinois option. The camping season generally runs from April through October, with some facilities closing earlier depending on weather conditions. Most campgrounds offer electrical hookups, though availability varies by location. Water access points are typically dispersed throughout campground loops rather than at individual sites. Visitors should be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in wetland areas like Richard Bong State Recreation Area.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Kenosha region, with Lake Michigan shorelines and inland lakes providing popular recreation opportunities. Several campgrounds offer beach access, fishing piers, and boat launches. One visitor to Richard Bong State Recreation Area shared: "What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private." Campgrounds closer to Lake Geneva tend to be more crowded, especially during summer months. Many campground options feature family-friendly amenities including playgrounds, hiking trails, and nature centers. For those seeking more solitude, sites farther from waterfront areas or in the primitive camping sections typically offer greater privacy and a more wooded experience, though with fewer amenities.
