Camping spots near Kimberly, Wisconsin span across wooded areas with elevations between 720-850 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season. Spring camping typically begins in mid-April when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 40°F, though many campground water systems remain winterized until May.
What to do
Hiking historic trails: At High Cliff State Park Campground, visitors can explore the limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. "Great place to explore with the fam. Hike the trails to see pieces of Wisconsin history throughout. Some trails on the Ridgeline offer vista views and moderate inclines that add to the adventure," noted Sam F. The park features both paved and natural surface trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.
Fishing opportunities: Calumet County Park provides shoreline fishing access along Lake Winnebago. "Located along the shores of Lake Winnebago the views are beautiful. There is no beach for swimming but plenty of areas for fishing. The park also has a marina/boat launch," according to Alex N. The park maintains a fishing pier accessible for visitors with mobility limitations.
Winter recreation: Several campgrounds maintain limited winter access for cold-weather activities. "Stayed here for 4 days in late October. Site 112 is nice pull through. Lovely state park. Hiking trails are short but nice. Lime kiln trail is difficult but so worth it," shared Nancy S. about High Cliff State Park. Winter camping requires additional preparation as water access points are typically shut off and only vault toilets remain open.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at certain campgrounds. At Calumet County Park, "Excellent county campground with some of the largest sites we've come across. Things we look for in a campground: space from neighbors, shade and quiet. This park checked all the boxes," reports Susannah B. Sites in the upper campground area (62-71) offer the most privacy and shade.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. "We stayed here Sept of 2016 for a week. We had a wonderful time, there is so much to do here you don't need to leave the park. The sites are good sized and clean. Bathrooms were clean and well taken care of, staff friendly and helpful," shared Karyn S. about High Cliff State Park.
Proximity to urban amenities: The location allows for convenient access to nearby towns. "Such a nice spot to spend a couple nights. One of the big perks of this park is it's close proximity to the Fox Valley, so dinner out or a show would be possible if you didn't feel like 'roughing it' for your whole trip," commented Sara S. Most campgrounds are within 20-30 minutes of restaurants and grocery stores.
What you should know
Limited water access early season: Water systems at many campgrounds have unpredictable springtime availability. At Hickory Oaks Campground, "Small lake with swimming area. Very clean with very nice hosts. We will stay here again," states Phillip T. However, most campgrounds don't turn on water until mid-May, regardless of weather conditions.
Booking requirements: Reservations are essential, particularly for weekend camping. "Really cool cliffs to climb/hike. There is also a lime kiln to hike to and see. There are two playgrounds for the kids as well. Beautiful views of Lake Winnebago from high points of the hike," shares Kaylyn C. Most campgrounds require booking 2-14 days in advance during peak season.
Variable cell service: Connectivity can be inconsistent throughout the region. "Low signal (only 1 bar on Verizon - 8 down, 3 up - AT&T was better 10 up/down) booster helped for work," noted one camper. Higher elevations at High Cliff State Park generally offer better reception than riverside camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy the abundant animal sightings. "Me and my 4-year-old love going to High Cliff. Between the beautiful scenery and multiple hiking trails I'd recommend it to anybody," says Steve C. Parents should teach children about keeping appropriate distance from wildlife, particularly raccoons which are common in the area.
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's play areas. Wolf River Campgrounds offers family-friendly amenities beyond just playground equipment. "We had an amazing time at Wolf River Trips and Campground! From start to finish, the entire experience was smooth and enjoyable," states a recent visitor. Most playgrounds are designed for children ages 5-12.
Swimming options: Water recreation varies significantly between locations. "The swimming is pretty good and there is now plenty of space. The only possible downside with small children, as there is no fence around the pond, and there are sites that border the pond," notes Jimmy P. about Devil's River Campground. Parents should check water quality reports, as algae blooms affect some lake swimming areas during late summer.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers recommend specific site locations for easier parking. At Devils River Campground, "Awesome campground! We stayed here for 2 weeks in our 2021 Keystone Hideout 250BH. They don't have a ton of sites and they are reserve only. The weekdays are extremely quiet but the weekends get a little busy due to the seasonal sites," shares a camper. Look for pull-through sites when available, especially for rigs over 30 feet.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections are common, but sewer hookups are limited. "It would be nice if they had sewer at some weekend sites," notes Rowland L. Most campgrounds offer 30-amp service, with 50-amp available at select locations like Calumet County Park and Hickory Oaks Campground.
Leveling requirements: Site terrain varies considerably across camping areas near Kimberly. "We stayed 6 nights in our 36 ft motor home with tow. Even though we were on a hill the campsite was level. We had plenty of room for rv and tow," reports Robert O. about Apple Creek Campground. Many sites in the region require leveling blocks, especially at older campgrounds.
