Camping options near Kewaunee, Wisconsin include both developed campgrounds and waterfront sites along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 584 feet above sea level and experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Frost can occur as late as May or as early as October, creating a defined camping season for visitors planning outdoor stays in this region.
What to do
Beach exploration at Point Beach State Forest: Visitors can walk along sand-ridged beaches and view the historic lighthouse. "The campground is situated across from Lake Michigan, with access to trails, sand-ridged beaches and a lighthouse (the lighthouse cannot be toured, but can be admired from the outside)," notes one camper at Point Beach State Forest.
Visit local caves at Devils River: Just a short drive from Kewaunee, the area offers interesting geological features. "There are several things to do - hiking, biking, caves, Lake Michigan, etc. The New Hope Cave is only open to tour 1 weekend of the month. It is usually the 3rd Saturday of the month," according to a visitor at Devils River Campground.
Fishing and water recreation: The region provides excellent access to fishing spots. "The draw here is the fishing and it was perfect. Not too many crazy boaters so kayaking was perfect to do. Hiked a few trails and and saw loads of bikes so maybe next time," reports a camper about the nearby lakes and rivers.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the maintenance standards at local campgrounds. "Everything was very clean and even with the campground full it was nice and quiet. The spots are beautiful and shaded," remarks a visitor at Bay Shore Park.
Hospitality and personal touches: Many campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere at smaller campgrounds. "Stayed there for our daughters birthday weekend. The owners overheard us talking as we checked in and brought her campfire colors as a gift all wrapped. Sites were pretty level and just enough room for some privacy," shares one camper about their experience.
Swimming options: Various water facilities enhance the camping experience. At Big Lake Campground, a visitor notes, "Clean bathrooms. Not overly fancy, but lots of sites and the two families that run this resort are super nice and accommodating. We felt welcomed like family and had multiple interactions with them. Within a minute of Lake Michigan."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly in the area. "The sites are open but enough space for privacy as well, if you do the end sites. The middle sites are pretty open so there isn't a ton of room for privacy," advises a camper at Kewaunee RV & Campground.
Weather impacts: Rain can affect camping conditions. "Rain does cause many of the spots to flood," cautions a visitor about some local sites, highlighting the importance of site selection during wet periods.
Internet connectivity: Digital access varies widely between campgrounds. "WiFi is too slow to stream. We used our T-Mobile hot spot instead. Old but clean and quiet campground. Owner is personable," reports one camper, suggesting visitors should plan accordingly for connectivity needs.
Reservation timing: The automated booking systems at some parks may have specific policies. "The automated pay system insisted we pay for 2 nights since they considered Thursday to be a weekend night. This is just silly. Thursday is NOT a weekend night," notes one camper about a local park's reservation system.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. "This is a great spot for kids. Although there isn't swimming there are 2 playgrounds and lots of space to play frisbee or run around. We have a great time every time we go!" shares a family who visited Scheffel's Hideaway Campground.
Swimming and water activities: Look for campgrounds with safe water access for children. "For families in warmer weather, we did not see a pool or playground but that is not something we look for in September in northern Wisconsin on Lake Michigan," notes a visitor, highlighting the seasonal nature of family amenities.
Nature exploration opportunities: The area offers educational experiences for young visitors. "The area has some interesting natural features, including some wetland-prone areas with frogs, salamanders, etc.," reports a camper about the natural attractions that can engage children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should be prepared for varying terrain. "We have a 30 foot camper and the site we were on, let's just say we had a hell of a time backing up and smashed one of our back windows in the truck that's how tight it was," warns a camper about navigating larger rigs.
Hookup placement: Some sites have unusual utility configurations. "The electric and water hookups were on opposite sides of the site, and we had to keep adjusting the travel trailer to get both to actually hook up," shares one RV camper at Potawatomi State Park.
Dump station timing: Plan accordingly for end-of-stay services. "The dump station gets really backed up at the end of the weekend, so heads up," advises an experienced camper, suggesting mid-week or off-peak departure times when possible.
