110 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Lake Mills, Wisconsin range from state parks to private RV resorts, with over 157 camping options within a 20-mile radius. Sandhill Station State Campground in the Lake Mills Wildlife Area provides a semi-rustic 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."
"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."
"Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa. The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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!"
"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."
from $42 / night
Check Availability"We were located on the end of the row and had lots of grass to enjoy. Owner was very friendly and helpful"
"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."
from $18 - $70 / night
Check Availability"We camped on Site 9, which is at the front of the park near the entrance. The site was mostly level, with electric only hookups."
"Site had extra space around it, and we could canoe right from our site or use the boat launch by site 13."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake. Nearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "
"Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."
from $20 - $90 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $65 - $85 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis campground charges both a site reservation fee ($33 for a primitive mosquito infested tent site) AND an additional day use fee on top of that - a $16 fee on top of that! $49????? For a no hook up single tent site???? Of course the fees aren’t actually published anywhere so you have to reserve it to actually know what you’ll be paying. It’s nothing special so these fees aren’t actually warranted for this place. 👎
TravelerSmaller campground with decent sized campsites with picnic table and fire ring pit. Although my site and quite a bit of unleveled ground which made for limit options to pitch a tent. Pretty good cell service with T- mobile.
TravelerVery friendly and very clean. 1 swimming pond 2 fishing ponds volleyball courts and 2 off leash dog areas. Showers are free and they have a huge kid play area along with a seasonal swimming pool and hot tub.
ScoutCampground is small with only 18 car camping sites. Vault toilets, no showers. No electricity or dump station. Group camping sites and walk-in or bike-sites also available. I don't mind vault toilets but they were very low to the ground without any grab bar. I found it odd that this campground has many sites for cyclists using the sugar river bike trail and there isn't any showers. Being close to town is nice. There is a paved path that takes you right into New Glarus and past the New Glarus Brewery. After a day of cycling or hiking, one really needs a shower before heading into town!!
ScoutWe have been seasonal campers for many years! When we first started, everyone was very nice and we always had a great time. Each years the rules change a bit which is common.The last three years have been horrible! We have had nothing but issues that I brought up to the staff many times. I have had the workers ask me if I was f***in stupid, people stealing stuff off our lot, telling our guest we don’t camp there( even tho they knew they were coming for my daughters birthday party), and much more. They are extremely Strict on the 5 mph. They will scream at you if they see Gravel dust as you drive. The campground is not well maintained. I wish things would not have ended the way it has. I’m happy we found a better family friendly campground to be at where my kids are not scared to be playing in our lot!
TravelerThe beauty of this campground was to Madison venues. We stayed here twice recently and took Uber rides too and from Camp Randall. It’s a very clean and friendly campground ground. Very nice pavilion for events. I loved the walking path and benches along the lake.
GuideGreat place to stay had everything and price right.
ScoutThe park is beautiful. The water is beautiful. They say it's a gated community, but it's open to the public 9 to 5 daily. At twenty five dollars per person. And then on friday and saturday night, the locals that park here for the summer start their party central including karaoke at the camper next door, and several others. I've never had a camcround with that loud of parties. And it's a weekend event. I like hearing and seeing people having fun but when the manager extends the curfew for the parties she's at (they kind of party hop), it starts to affect the enjoyment of the park. If we had to stay, we'd stay in the S## sites in the back, where you don't hear so much of the partying. And then during the day, the rules began. Kind of like the soup nazi.
ScoutLOTS of acorns and walnuts dropping on the camper all day and night
Camping spots near Lake Mills, Wisconsin offer contrasting experiences from rustic tent sites to campgrounds with resort-style amenities. The area features glacial terrain with rolling hills and kettles formed during the last ice age approximately 10,000 years ago. Water access remains central to the region's appeal, with most campgrounds located within 5-10 miles of a lake, river, or spring.
Swimming in clean lakes: At Ottawa Lake Campground, the beach and lake are "incredibly clean" according to campers who noted "they had a triathlon there the weekend we stayed." The small but well-maintained swimming area provides relief during hot summer days.
Water activities on floating obstacle courses: River Bend RV Resort features a pond with "blow up floating slides and climbing activities" plus canoes for paddling. One camper noted it's "a young kids heaven" with "tons of activities all included with admission."
Fishing for multiple species: Several campgrounds maintain fishing ponds or lake access. At Hickory Hills Campground, anglers have "direct access to Rice Lake, where you'll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie."
Spring water exploration: Near Ottawa Lake Campground, "Scuppernong Springs was a treat for the kiddos" with one visitor recommending "planning for a solid 2 mile hike if you're with kids." Visitors can see natural springs and even sample fresh spring water.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the layout of Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground, noting "large private sites with good space between them in a lovely wooded setting." Another visitor mentioned "sites are nice and neat with bathrooms close by."
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention the condition of bathrooms and shower facilities across campgrounds. One camper at Milton-Madison SE KOA reported "bathrooms are fantastic and recently upgraded" while another noted the "nice pool area with hot tub" that is "well maintained with a waterfall feature."
Weekend activities and entertainment: Many campgrounds schedule regular events. Hickory Hills Campground "usually have some activities and music on the weekends" while River Bend RV Resort features "live music some weekends" along with organized crafts and sports.
Oak savanna landscape: The natural setting at Sandhill Station State Campground provides "a nice, quiet semi-rustic camping experience" with sites spread through an oak savanna offering "varying degrees of shade." Campers appreciate that the sites are "spacious, private, and beautiful."
Walk-in camping limitations: Some campgrounds require gear to be carried in from parking areas. At Sandhill Station, "all 15 standard sites are carry-in only. The parking lot is anywhere from 100-500 yards from the campsite." No carts are provided, so campers should "pack light."
Seasonal considerations: Ottawa Lake Campground offers "no showers in winter" according to one winter camper, though they still rated it "awesome" for cold-weather camping. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with some facilities reduced during shoulder seasons.
Road and rail noise: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. Kegonsa State Park has "some traffic noise but relatively quiet by night time" though campers report freight trains that "came through around midnight and then again at 2 am" with horns that could disturb light sleepers.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially in early summer. One camper at Sandhill Station noted they "were massacred the second we walked into the site" during a June heat wave, recommending fall or spring visits instead.
Pool and water feature availability: Families appreciate water amenities during hot weather. Badgerland Campground offers "a swim pond with a huge bouncy float" while River Bend features "a great pool with water slides" and a swimming pond.
Dedicated kid zones: Many campgrounds maintain playgrounds and activity centers. Milton KOA offers "two playgrounds, a nice pool, games and activities for the kids over weekends" with one family noting "we had a great time bringing our three boys."
Campsite selection for families: Consider proximity to facilities. At Lake Kegonsa, sites near "camp hosts, and very near showers" provide convenience for families. One camper recommended viewing online maps carefully, noting "they do allow you to pick your site if you're willing to pay $10 extra" at Milton KOA.
Weekday vs. weekend stays: For quieter family experiences, consider timing. One visitor to Lake Kegonsa described "beautiful sites super quiet" during weekday camping, while weekends see higher occupancy and more activities.
Height restrictions: RVers should be aware of low clearances. One Lake Kegonsa visitor warned of "an oak tree near entry with low branches" that "took the AC off our friend's fifth wheel" and a "low hanging overpass" that damaged two other RVs during their stay.
Full hookup availability: Hookup options vary significantly. Badgerland Campground has "no sewer hookups" but offers "a dump site" and a pump-out service for a fee (approximately $15). Meanwhile, Milton KOA provides "full hook up" sites with water, electric, and sewer connections.
Site leveling considerations: Most campgrounds have reasonably level sites. At Milton KOA, one RVer found their "pull through space was level and allowed staying hooked up to truck" which was "nice for the last stop before parking til next trip."
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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