Lake Delton camping sites range from densely wooded state park options to family-oriented commercial facilities, all situated within Wisconsin's Driftless Area characterized by unique sandstone formations and mature forests. The region features over 250 campsites across multiple developed campgrounds, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Interstate 90/94 creates convenient access while introducing ambient noise to certain camping areas.
What to do
Kayaking on Mirror Lake: The calm waters make Mirror Lake State Park perfect for paddling, with kayaks and canoes available for rent. "You can use your own boat or rent for very reasonable prices. There is a beach to swim and trails all over," notes one visitor to Cliffwood Campground.
Hiking the Ice Age Trail: This notable trail system passes directly through several campgrounds in the area. At Ice Age Campground, one camper shared, "We followed it out and back after setting up camp. The ranger said the east and west bluff trails are the most popular. We headed out early on Monday and did an 8 mile loop right from our campsite."
Outdoor games and activities: Many commercial campgrounds offer structured recreation. Fox Hill RV Park features "a playground with a basketball court and tennis and still plenty of space to play your own game, like frisbee." Another camper mentioned, "There are well kept large outdoor games like chess, connect 4, and checkers."
What campers like
Diverse camping environments: Sites range from open fields to densely wooded areas. At Quartzite Campground, one visitor noted, "Three campgrounds, rv and tenting. Setup was easy, but I needed an additional 16 dollars to enjoy the park for 24 hrs. Large spaces. We drycamped at the quartzite campground and enjoyed our stay."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathhouses. A camper at Sandstone Ridge Campground reported, "Private sites with lots of woods. Shower and toilets are clean... staff is great. Firewood is also high quality.. $7/bundle or 3 for $20."
Swimming options: The region offers diverse water recreation. At Wisconsin Dells KOA, "There is a decent pool (cold) as well as a swimming pond (dyed blue). Firewood and ice is delivered to your site." KOA features "a heated pool with some little attractions attached for the kids" according to another camper.
What you should know
Highway noise affects certain sites: Interstate proximity creates ambient noise at some campgrounds. At Bluewater Bay Campground, a visitor observed, "Campsite was great, the only downside was its proximity to the freeway, meaning that you could hear traffic at almost all times."
Reservation requirements vary: State parks have different booking systems than commercial campgrounds. "You need to book the 11 months in advance, especially for holiday weekends," advised one Devils Lake camper, while another mentioned finding "great campground with lots of availability on a hot July night" at Mirror Lake.
Wildlife encounters: The area has active nocturnal animals. "The raccoons were brutal. They broke into our crates twice. Smart enough to figure out the clip mechanism," reported one camper at Mirror Lake. Another visitor warned, "Bugs were definitely annoying too, but they make a spray for that."
Tips for camping with families
Consider campground activity options: Each location offers different amenities for children. At Yogi Bear Camp-Resort, "There is TONS OF STUFF for kids to do here!!! It was Halloween theme weekend so there was trick or treating, a haunted house, dance party... lots of stuff."
Choose sites away from highway: Road noise can disrupt family sleep. A Rocky Arbor State Park visitor recommended, "If you're going to this park avoid the highway spots at all costs!" Another camper suggested, "Most sites are quiet, with only the slightest hum of the interstate in the background."
Pack for varied weather: Wisconsin summers can bring sudden temperature shifts. "We ended up cutting our trip short because we weren't prepared for the weather and rain (we had a 4 month old and it was our first ever camping trip)," shared a camper at Mirror Lake, highlighting the importance of proper preparation with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose carefully based on your rig size and level requirements. At Fox Hill RV Park, "Our site was very unlevel side to side. It took two 2x6 and a 1x6 under the camp side to be level. That made the first step into the coach extremely high off the ground."
Hookup configurations vary: Different campgrounds offer various utility setups. "Full hookup sites are nice. Laundry room is good. Showers and bathrooms clean," notes one Fox Hill camper. At KOA, "Water pressure was good, no power issues and the sewer connection was clean and accessible."
Campground navigation challenges: Some areas have tight roads for larger rigs. At Wisconsin Dells KOA, a visitor reported it was "Really frustrating to navigate, but all the good more private spots are in the back." Another noted the roads are "wide enough, but very narrow" with "navigating around parked cars was a challenge."