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Best Campgrounds near Lake Mills, WI

742 Reviews

Campgrounds near Lake Mills, Wisconsin range from established state parks to private RV resorts, with several options within a 20-mile radius. Sandhill Station State Campground in the Lake Mills Wildlife Area provides a semi-rustic camping experience with 15 walk-in sites in an oak savanna setting. Other nearby options include River Bend RV Resort in Watertown and Hickory Hills Campground in Edgerton, both offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. The region includes a mix of county parks, state forests, and privately-operated campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and natural settings.

Camping in the Lake Mills area typically runs from April through October, with most private campgrounds closing for winter while some state facilities remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when facilities often reach capacity. Many campgrounds feature electrical hookups, shower facilities, and drinking water, though amenities vary significantly between locations. The terrain around Lake Mills consists primarily of glacial features, lakes, and oak woodlands typical of southern Wisconsin. A visitor to Sandhill Station noted, "The campsite we were on was spacious, private, and beautiful. We had two large oak trees on either side of our site, giving us a good amount of mixed shade."

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Lake Mills region, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers. Ottawa Lake Campground in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit receives consistently positive reviews for its combination of wooded sites and lake access. Campers frequently mention the area's hiking opportunities, particularly along the Ice Age Trail which passes through several nearby parks. The proximity to Madison (approximately 30 miles) makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations for city residents seeking outdoor recreation. While some campgrounds like Sandhill Station offer a quieter, more natural experience, others provide more amenities and organized activities. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Sandill Station is right outside Lake Mills, WI, right off the Glacial Drumlin bike trail. What makes this campground a bit different is that all 15 standard sites are carry-in only."

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake Mills, Wisconsin (107)

    1. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 873-9695

    "Just a quick 2 hour drive from our home in Chicago, with large wooded sites for privacy. Clean bathrooms."

    "We didn’t have much time to explore the campground but we did have a nice walk around the outer loop of sites. This is near the main highway and a nice place to camp."

    2. River Bend RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Lake Mills, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 261-7505

    "Don’t forget the lake and floating obstacle course. Dog park, baseball field, the list goes on.

    The dump station lanes need some attention, more than gravel would be great."

    3. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    38 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."

    "Made my first visit to Ottawa Lake on a mid-March weekend. The facilities were still under their winter setup (only vault toilet, no shower available, pay in an envelope)."

    4. Hickory Hills Campground

    12 Reviews
    Edgerton, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 884-6327

    $42 / night

    "Our site was nicely wooded and a decent size, but everyone was pretty close to each other.

    When we were there, the women's shower was freezing and the men's was almost uncomfortably hot."

    "Hidden from site, the entire grounds are completely surrounded by a very thick wall of tall trees that barricades this place from most of civilization."

    5. Milton-Madison SE KOA

    17 Reviews
    Edgerton, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 868-4141

    "No enclosed dog park but plenty of area to walk your dog!"

    "Driving around, I really don't think there's a bad spot here.

    The staff is fantastic, friendly, and accommodating- as are the seasonal campers.

    We'll be back again...and again... and again!"

    6. Pilgrims Campground

    4 Reviews
    Fort Atkinson, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 563-8122

    "We were located on the end of the row and had lots of grass to enjoy. Owner was very friendly and helpful"

    7. Sandhill Station State Campground — Lake Mills Wildlife Area

    2 Reviews
    Lake Mills, WI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 648-8774

    "Sandill Station is right outside Lake Mills, WI, right off the Glacial Drumlin bike trail. It features 15 campsites and 1 group campsite in an oak savanna, with varying degrees of shade."

    8. Whistlestop Campground

    3 Reviews
    Marshall, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 655-3080

    $47 - $57 / night

    9. Valley View Recreation Club - Nudist

    2 Reviews
    Cambridge, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 770-8872

    $18 - $95 / night

    10. Badgerland Campground

    8 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 873-5800

    $40 - $60 / night

    "We booked in VIP 1, which is right next to the bath house. We wanted to be close to the showers (coin op). We figured since we’re at a sporting event that might be nice. Very quiet at night."

    "This is a small campground near Madison. Reasonable rates. Large VIP drive through sites. Small swimming area. Catch and release pond. Small office and bar. Clean bathrooms and showers."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Mills, WI

271 Photos of 107 Lake Mills Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Mills, WI

742 Reviews of 107 Lake Mills Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fon du Lac County Waupun Park

    Peaceful wooded camping

    Quiet level throughout. Spots for a couple tents and a camper at each site. Disc golf and a small fishing area. Golf course right next-door so close you could walk to. Most of the sites were in a wooded area, which gives you some privacy. Only downfall for us was distance to the restroom as there’s only one so if you’re in the back of the campground, you gotta walk all the way upfront.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Waupun Park Campground

    Waupun County Park WI - Campground

    Family friendly campground, playgrounds, pickle ball court, showers, clean bathrooms, fire rings, shared water spigots & power at camp site. There is an outdoor pavilion for groups, firewood for sale at host. Lamp posts light camp road but not overwhelming. Nice shaded sites with mature white oak trees. Enjoyed and recommend if looking for full service campsite.

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Circle K Campground

    Horrid management, bad experience

    Management (owners Ed and Coleen) are two of the rudest people I have ever met, with Ed fabricating outrageous, completely inaccurate stories highlighting either his "heroics" (like when his personal fire truck he has was working people would call him before 911) but more often how he has been slighted because of other's inadequacies (local grocery store doesn't like him because "his campers buy all their food leaving none for the locals), and also falsities behind his rules (the U.S. Postmaster does not allow anyone else's packages/mail to be delivered to the campground).  They are completely intolerant of kids/teenagers (and, heresay from conversations with seasonal residents, special needs kids) - rules for use of the pool is that it is open after a certain time and if the air temp is above a certain level - we personally witnessed 3 young teens ask to get into the pool an hour after the pool should've been open and it was 5 degrees over Ed's stated temp, but no one else was using the pool and Ed turned them away - told them to swim in the cesspool... I mean, pond.

    Ed constantly creates new rules on a whim and is exceedingly selective (read: biased) for whom those rules are enforced. If you have a problem with the campsite (water, electricity, dead trees, ground hornets, you name it) - it is because YOU did something wrong, and if you disagree he will harass you to no end and may even kick you out. Some of the seasonal campers are nice, others (those "in" with the owners) are not. I would not recommend this campground to anyone unless/until it is under new ownership.

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

    Pros, cons, and Caution!

    PROS: large private sites with good space between them in a lovely wooded setting. Very nice hiking trails right from campground. Lake & pet swim area.

    CONS: no water, mosquitos. And… major CAUTION for RVs: there is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend’s fifth wheel. There is also a low hanging overpass and it took the roofs off TWO fifth wheels while we were staying there. Major damage on roof and internally - the RV had to be totaled and replaced. Terrible signage in park does not indicate height of bridge or warn about the oak tree. Our friends reported that the camp host said the park knows about these hazards but hasn’t taken care of them so she will “remind them” for their task list in November.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    New Glarus State Park Campground

    Spring on our site

    There was a spring on our site! We hiked in a bit to a wooded quiet site. The toilets were clean. The playground was great. We spent the day exploring our Swiss heritage in New Glarus.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Astico County Park

    Artesian well

    We enjoyed the song of frogs and the artesian well.

  • Abby T.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Pride of America Camping Resort

    Local Favorite

    We just purchased our fifth wheel last month, and a week after we took our first trip to POA. During that weekend, we booked our next trip for a full week. We loved the sites in the back (800s), amenities and the staff. We definitely plan to be back often!

Guide to Lake Mills

Camping near Lake Mills, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the many trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the scenic views, especially during the fall. One reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season" at Rock Cut State Park Campground.
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy fishing or swimming at nearby lakes. A camper at Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park said, "The best beach around, crystal clear, shallow water was perfect for our young kids to play in."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor noted, "You’ve hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, and raccoons" at Rock Cut State Park Campground.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park mentioned, "Bathrooms could use more upkeep. Lots are on the smaller side. - WORTH THE HIKE!!"
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest said, "Awesome views and tons of sites to pick from."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Wisconsin Dells KOA are great for families, with activities for kids. A visitor shared, "Nightly and daily planned activities. Again, great for the kiddos."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. Campers at Wisconsin Dells KOA enjoyed the "playground and a pool."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check for nearby dining options. One camper at Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park suggested, "If you are on the prowl to see some of the most amazing animals... keep your domesticated pets on a leash."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and pillows for a cozy stay. A visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "We had to rent a motel for the night because we couldn't even pull out the slide or anything."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Wisconsin Dells KOA said, "Tight spots and narrow roads but convenient location."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A reviewer at Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park noted, "There is a camp store for wood, ice, and other things that makes it very convenient."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest mentioned, "There is a shower house but we made use of the more convenient vault toilets."

Camping near Lake Mills, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Lake Mills, Wisconsin?

The Lake Mills area offers several camping options. Sandhill Station State Campground is located right outside Lake Mills in the Wildlife Area. This unique campground features 15 carry-in only campsites and one group campsite set in a beautiful oak savanna with varying degrees of shade. The campground is conveniently situated right off the Glacial Drumlin bike trail. Other options within driving distance include New Glarus State Park Campground, a small state park tucked in the Southern Wisconsin countryside with both drive-in sites and walk-in sites for those seeking more solitude.

What amenities are offered at Lake Mills campgrounds?

Campgrounds in the Lake Mills area offer varying amenities. Mendota County Park features a bath house within a short walking distance of the camping area, though the campground itself is primarily a mowed field with mature trees around it. The park provides lake access for recreation. At William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground, you'll find 50 sites, many with electric hookups at reasonable prices. The sites are generously sized, making it comfortable for various camping setups. Other area campgrounds typically offer basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, and water access, with specific features varying by location.

Are there RV-friendly camping options in Lake Mills?

While Sandhill Station State Campground in Lake Mills itself is primarily carry-in tent camping, several RV-friendly options exist nearby. River Bend RV Resort near Watertown offers drive-in sites suitable for RVs with amenities including water and toilets. It's also big-rig-friendly. Whistlestop Campground near Marshall is another good option for RV camping with reservable sites, water, toilets, and accommodation for larger RVs. Both locations are within a reasonable drive from Lake Mills and provide comfortable options for RV campers.

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