Looking for the ultimate pet-friendly camping experience near Lake Mills? Camping is an adventurous and unique way to escape the city—and you can bring along your furry friend. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Lake Mills's most popular destinations.
Ottawa Lake’s campground is located in the southern unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, situated within half an hour’s drive from Milwaukee. Wisconsin campers of all ages love these grounds thanks to lakefront sites, modern facilities, and access to trails for hikers of every experience level. South Kettle Moraine is also home to over 160 miles of trails, including 87 miles open to horse use. Connect to the Ice Age Scenic Trail and various others within the John Muir and Emma Carlin trail systems.
Don’t forget to bring your rods when camping at Ottawa Lake! You’ll want to take full advantage of the boat dock and fishing pier where you can catch panfish, walleye, muskie, trout, bass, and northern pike – then you can grill them up at your campsite. Keep in mind, motorboats are not permitted on this small lake, which allows for peaceful wading and quieter camping all around.
Though Ottawa Lake is open year-round, it is recommended to check the weather in Dousman and Whitewater before planning trips in the colder months, as freezing temperatures and snow are common. Cold-weather campers who are willing to brave the Wisconsin winter will enjoy snowmobile trails, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. No matter when you visit, Ottawa Lake will leave you satisfied.
$18 - $30 / night
$42 / night
The 328-acre park is a unit of the Capital Springs Recreation Area and has a campground, three shelter facilities, play equipment, barrier-free boat launch(with a fish cleaning facility), group camping area, wildlife pond, observation tower, hiking and cross-country ski trails.
The campground has 54 reservable sites(two fully accessible), including 39 electrical hook ups for RVs(50 amp), bathroom and shower facilities, wi-fi, and a sanitary dump station. Only 5 sites are pull through, all others are back in.
The campground opens in April and closes in October. You can check specific dates here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule
Reserve your site online here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html?InterfaceParameter=WebTrac
See campground rules here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules
$18 - $28 / night
We are a small to medium sized family run campground just outside of Stoughton Wisconsin. We are located about 2 miles off the interstate and are less than 20 minutes to downtown Madison. We cater to all types, including seasonal campers, overnighters, and monthly stay specials. Around here is Badger and Packer country, but don't worry we accept all fans. You might even see a few Bears flags flying on Sundays in the fall. We pride ourselves on giving our guests a camping experience to remember at our quaint campground that is clean, safe, and quiet. If you haven't camped at Badgerland in a while, come check us out as things are constantly changing and being upgraded based on what our guests want to see. We have many weekend events and wagon rides for the kids as well as a Bar on-site to keep those parents entertained while watching the game. Our swimming pond is spring fed and runs a constant 69 degrees year round, which makes for a great place to cool off in our Wisconsin summers. We are a mere 2.8 miles from the Lake Kegonsa public boat launch. And if you want to up your catch, try our on-site catch and release fishing pond which is stocked with Large Mouth Bass, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. Leave us a note or gives us a call if you want more information.
$40 - $60 / night
The 427-acre park is best known for its five shelter facilities and ample open space for large group picnics and outings. Recreational facilities include five volleyball courts, equestrian trails, miles of hiking and cross country ski trails, a 27-hole disc golf course and a 43-unit campground, plus a group camp area. Other popular features include an accessible fish pier, two dog parks(one for small dogs), two playgrounds and an elevated boardwalk through a sedge meadow marsh. The park also offers winter access to Dane County's 274 miles of snowmobile trails.
To make a reservation online go here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html (All reservations must be made online or by calling 608-224-3730
Find rules and regulations here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules
See Opening and Closing Dates Here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule
We booked a weekend here for a soccer tournament we had in Verona, so we didn’t spend a lot of time on the property. The staff was amazing! Very friendly and helpful for us new to camping people. We booked online and they were also friendly when I messed up my reservation so thanks for that too. 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. We did have a little time to go fishing at the fishing pond. We didn’t catch anything but we had fun. The fishing pond is a ways from our camping area though. It would have been a long walk so we drove. WiFi is for a fee but it was fine. The fee wasn’t expensive (less than $5). No sewer hook up but there is a dump site so no big deal. Overall good stay.
Great campground! Shaded or Sunny sites. Level sites. Friendly staff. Sandy Beach. Swimming. Playground. Kids Activities. Themed weekends. Bar. Restaurant. Great Food! Tiki Bar on Beach. Great Fishing. Laundry.
Pulled into the loop, and the host greeted us immediately. Confirmed our spot and backed in. Level spot with a fire ring and metal picnic table. Our spot was back by the road but was still nice. They have very clean bathrooms with showers. Volleyball net, swings, and spots for boats. Would definitely stay again and enjoy the lake a bit more.
This is a huge parking lot for the State Fair. Very nice staff. Nice facilities were average and clean. We didn’t know it, but our site was 15 amp. On the same pole were two 30 amps. So we just use that because no one was there. 1.7 miles on bike path to Brewer Baseball field. It was raining to we used Uber to the game and walked back for an afternoon game.
Lots of playgrounds for kids age 2-10. Pit toilets smell- I’d avoid sites around them. Hot Showers by lot 30 and at pool. Pool is not heated as stated- definitely not 80 degrees. West tower is the best for sunsets. Site 75 was nice as it was a bit back from the road and you can’t see your neighbors.
I've visited this campground twice and it's been a hit both times.
Pros:
- Scenic overlook is gorgeous.
- The dense tree cover and near-constant slight breeze help to both keep this campground cool and the mosquitos at bay.
- Well-kept vault toilets.
- Close to a many points of interest.
Cons:
- Some of the sites are strangely graded and situated. One site near ours had the fire pit at the very edge, making sitting around it virtually impossible. 14 was a pretty site but had a large tree in the middle of it.
- Using the County website to reserve the site was clunky and time consuming.
Great backpack camp site. Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside. There is a fire pit, but we found our own wood around the site. (Bring a small axe). There is an outhouse, but I wouldn’t recommend using it. There is a picnic table and a bench. It’s very secluded for privacy :) we will definitely be back.
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. Electricity on site and water near by. Great trails close by.
Stayed one night (Friday) and really enjoyed the location. We were in the quiet loop, Loop 1, which actually was very quiet. Everyone was respectful of the rules. We did walk over to the other loops where there was more of a party atmosphere at some sites with larger groups, music, and kids.
The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain. Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight. The pit toilets are about 3 sites away, a short walk. There is room for two tents.
There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area. We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds.
Handful of sites, not very level. Lots of bugs, had raccoons fighting outside my tent. Was right across from the New Glarus brewery.
Nice quiet place no neighbors usually bothering you showers and toilets could be better but overall ok
Cedar Hills Campground has its own Fireworks show on 3 day weekends!
They have RV for sale or rent, large lots start at $2495 to $3495 for the yr.
You can plant a garden or flowers, build a deck and have a shed also on your lot starting $2995 to $ 3500 yr and you can leave your rv there in off season. Rent now they have RV for sale for just taking over the site? Call Dennis 608.795.2606
Very clean grounds, clean rentals, rentals start at $125 to $200,
Clothing optional campground. With Park Models furnished for rent. RV for sale on sites at wholesale prices, call me at 941.275.8000 James
Park Models rentals or Tent site rentals call Dennis
608.795.2606
We have extra large sites, with views, plant a garden or flowers if you like, make it your own? We have people here since it opened, it's the only Campground we're you get the freedom to enjoy your camping experience in a private gated community, we don't advertise or have nothing more then a street sign and where a 1/4 mile off of 78.
We will deliver firewood to your site and you get a Kings load for $25 & we will fill your cooler with ice for $5 or less? Bring quarters for showers $.50 hot water on demand. Plus a washer & dryer.
We stayed there for a while very pretty and the people very friendly bring wood to your camp they have trails you can walk and county pool and golf course sites are good size we will return it's close to town as well
We stayed there in July alot of activities for everyone pool was so nice bathrooms very clean everyone so nice Amish came sat morning selling there goodies we will return definitely
It was our first time visiting Ledge Park & we would absolutely go back! The sites are natural feeling and the park is very, very clean (including the bathrooms)… the views from “The Ledge” are hard to beat.
Stayed in campsite directly connected to Green Trail of the Scuppernong Trailhead. Campsite was clean and quite private for being near people.
Campsites are kept up and quite clean. Some have a beautiful view of lake. Some water fountains did not work, however sinks were always working. So many little trails all throughout the campsite. Family friendly (parks, beach, pet friendly)
The Good: Campsites along the river looked really nice. The Bad: We had a 3 day holiday weekend booked for tent camping.Unfortunately the weather did not hold up and our site was completely soaking wet- we could not even steak out our tent. The owner of the campground denied a refund due to policy. The amount of rules and regulations this camp ground has is absolutely absurd. The Ugly: When checking into our site, the woman working the desk was efficient but things took a bad turn really quick. 1. If you book on the Playful Goose website you will get charged a% service fee, which The Playful Goose Staff does not stand behind. 2. If you book on the Playful Goose website you must specify how many nights, adults and tents per site. Without too many logistics, we ended up paying over$220 for a weekend JUST TO CAMP IN HORICON. While trying to set up camp in the rain, a male(we were told he was the assistant manager) in a golf cart drove near our site yelling vulgar language, accusing our group of doing things to the grass(when the grass was a swamp to begin with due to weather) and lastly, as the man was driving away he continued to make harassing comments. The lack of professionalism, courtesy and respect from staff was unacceptable as a paying guest. Playful Goose Takeaway: I will never spend my hard earned money here. Again. And be sure to tell everyone I know to not spend their hard earned money here either. There are so many other beautiful camp grounds within a 100 mile radius and this one will be my last choice. Such a shame this wonderful campground I used to visit has gone down hill.
Went with an outdoor adventure class, views were beautiful, climbing was great! Campgrounds were clean and had easy access to water, got a visit from some local raccoons at night, overall experience was great!
It’s a family friendly and decent campground. Sites are not too secluded, but they’re clean and well taken care of, the facilities weren’t clean, they have volunteer hosts on site for any needs, the lake is beautiful during the sunset, sandy area and playground for kids, car noise is noticeable but not too loud (in the inner camp sites). Few trails around for hiking. They charge an extra $11 for each car’s entry at the gate but you can use the car pass for visiting all the state park’s trails around the area (you need permit for parking at the trailheads). It’s good for family with kids or beginner campers, but not if you’re looking for a relaxing or adventurous time.
Unfortunately, I can no longer say this is a great, affordable place to stay. The weekly rates increased by over $75 a week for the full hookup sites this season.
There was also a link to last years pricing still active until 4/16 that has since been deactivated when I asked to have my pricing adjusted to that amount. Seems deceptive to me, having 2 different prices in 2 different places on their site. They will not honor the price and told me if I don't like it I can find somewhere else to camp.
Also, they no longer offer kayaks, which was the big draw to the campground.
We may keep our reservation this year, but likely won't be back next season.
Paddle trip in early June 2023. From Prairie du Sac to Spring Green, about 21 miles? Went mid week, saw one Boy Scout troop but generally nobody else.
Campsite was beautiful with a fire pit and some left over wood from the previous group. BUT, even though you couldn’t see the road you could hear it. It’s a truck route so at 6:30am it was busy with trucks and noisy which definitely took away from the vibe of dispersed camping.
Water levels were good. Weather was beautiful.
Only camped one night. We rented the canoe and they ran the shuttle for us, which was very easy to arrange. Would do this again!
Unless you knew of Hickory Hills Campground, you wouldn’t happen across this site by luck or accident. While technically within the small itty bitty town of Edgerton, Hickory Hills is located far enough north and east for one to scratch their head in a bit of abject confusion. Located due east of the major highway of 39/90, as you are barreling north or south in the south-central area of Wisconsin, you would have to exit off State Highway 73, where you see signs for the small hamlet of Albion, from which you’ll head north a smidge, until you catch State Highway 106 east until you run into an intersection with Hillside Road, where you’ll head north for about a few miles until you come across Hickory Hills Campground on your right.
Directions aside, this campground will immediately feel to you as though it is certainly dated as you’ll discover that the buildings and overall infrastructure are a bit dilapidated and definitely in needed of repair. That said, the thickly wooded forest that encircles this campground creates a sense of peace and serenity that are unmatched. Plus, you are so far away from the major highway you likely just got off of, in addition to being so far away from any signs of civilization, you’ll feel completely burrowed away from all the noise, traffic and distractions you were eagerly trying to leave in the first place.
As for the campground itself, this is an update from my previous post, where I wanted to share an update as well as some additional photos. For the most part, despite 2+ years passing since writing my initial review, not much has changed here apart from brand new management, where you’ll still enjoy a smattering of overnight accommodations, whether that’s a cottage, bunk hose, smartly outfitted cabins, substantial number of back-in and pull-through RV slots (complete with the standard electric, water and sewage hook-ups) as well as primitive tent camping spots. Other amenities include: campground store, 172 acre spring-fed lake with its own beachhead, oversized inflatables, mini-golf, shuffleboard, fully-stocked snack bar, swimming pool, rowboat & canoe rentals, athletic field, basketball courts, sand volleyball court, dedicated fishing spots, shower & restroom facilities, horseshoe pits, Gaga pit, playgrounds, space ball, water wars and a massive jumping pillow.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking to get your fishing on, what’s great about Hickory Hills Campground is that they provide you direct access to Rice Lake, where you’ll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie; (2) Once you grow tired of conjuring up that next meal from your roto-molded Cordova cooler or onboard RV mini-fridge, I’ll be honest, you might be challenged as you are clear out in the middle of nowhere, but that said, if you don’t mind a short drive, head east where you’ll find Outpost, which sits right on Lake Koshkonong and offers up a stunning log cabin wooden bar offering a sublime selection of local, domestic and import beers on tap, a well-stocked liquor bar and a typical Wisconsin food-shilling restaurant offering up bites like duck bacon wontons, ultimate grilled cheese, where you’ll want to splurge and get it with bacon and tomato, as well as some decently smoked brisket; (3) If you’d like a nice slice of old school Americana while you are in these parts, head on over to Little Amerricka Amusement Park that will keep your kiddos entertained and off the smart phones for at least 2-3 hours as they will enjoy this retro-1950s amusement theme park; and (4) Should you elect to learn a bit of local history, head on over to either Milton House Museum or Stoughton Historical Museum, both of which will make you more educated on the place you happen to be in than most of the folks here.
Happy Camping!
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.
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
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Lake Mills, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lake Mills, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Lake Mills, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 103 dog-friendly camping locations near Lake Mills, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
