Tent camping near Kimberly, Wisconsin presents opportunities in the glacier-shaped landscape of the Fox Valley region. The area features rolling hills and remnant kettle formations from the last ice age, creating distinct camping environments with varying elevations between 700-900 feet. Seasonal temperatures range from summer highs around 80°F to autumn lows in the 40s, affecting campground availability and visitor experiences.
What to do
Water activities: Access to lakes provides opportunities for swimming and fishing at several campgrounds. At Camp Wilderness, campers can enjoy the on-site lake for various activities. One visitor notes that there's "a lake, an obstacle course and more right nearby," making it excellent for adventurous campers.
Hiking: Explore forest trails throughout the region, particularly in the Kettle Moraine area. The terrain offers varying difficulty levels suitable for different hiking abilities. At Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp, campers appreciate the accessibility, with one reviewer mentioning it's "Easily accessible from Milwaukee" while still offering natural surroundings.
Skill building: Learn outdoor techniques at specialized campgrounds. Several locations near Kimberly offer educational opportunities for developing camping and survival skills. Camp Wilderness is specifically designed for youth development, with a reviewer explaining the camp "is primarily used for a program similar to Boy Scouts called Royal Rangers" where children can "learn fun skills."
What campers like
Spacious group sites: The Kettle Moraine campgrounds feature exceptionally large areas for group camping. Greenbush Group Campground receives particular praise for its expansiveness, with hammock-friendly trees surrounding grassy clearings. Campers appreciate the "short walk to pit toilets and drinking water" from these spacious sites.
Visual separation between sites: Despite proximity, many campgrounds provide vegetative barriers between sites. At Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp, campers note the "nine sites are visually separated," creating a sense of privacy while still being within a managed campground environment.
Convenient facilities: Basic amenities like pit toilets and water access points make tent camping comfortable without feeling overdeveloped. Northern Unit Greenbush typically provides water access, though during certain periods there may be limitations, with one camper noting "Water is usually available, but more limited during the pandemic (spigot turned off by our campsite, but available near the parking lot at the entrance)."
What you should know
Site capacity considerations: Group sites near Kimberly can accommodate varying numbers of tents. At Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp, one visitor mentioned, "We had six tents, but the site could easily have accommodated more," indicating the generous sizing of some locations.
Noise carries between sites: Despite visual barriers, sound travels easily through most campgrounds. Campers should prepare for potential noise disruption, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Northern Unit Greenbush noted they "could hear loud music from the site 4 late into the night" despite the visual separation between sites.
Seasonal availability: Most tent camping options near Kimberly operate seasonally rather than year-round. Oakwood Campsites Bar and Grill represents an exception with year-round operation, though amenities may vary by season.
Tips for camping with families
Youth-focused programming: Several campgrounds offer specialized activities for children. Camp Wilderness stands out as "a good place to initiate your kids with the outdoors and teach them fun skills," according to one parent visitor who "look[s] forward to the day when my kids are old enough to fully engage."
Adventure activities: Seek out campgrounds with built-in entertainment options for younger campers. Locations with obstacle courses, structured activities, or educational components keep children engaged. One parent recommends Camp Wilderness specifically for "kids looking for adventure," noting all the activities available right on site.
Consider noise levels: When camping with children who need consistent sleep schedules, research quieter campground sections. Some campsites experience more nighttime activity than others, potentially disrupting family camping routines.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Kimberly offer minimal or no RV hookups. Travelers requiring full electrical, water, or sewer connections should research alternatives to the primarily tent-oriented sites in this region.
Access road considerations: Many campgrounds in the Kettle Moraine region have access roads unsuitable for larger rigs. Tent campers with small vehicles will find navigation easier than those with large RVs or trailers. Roads may narrow and become more difficult to navigate deeper into the forest areas.
