Wisconsin's oak savanna landscape around Lake Mills creates ideal habitat for wildlife with its mix of grasslands and scattered oak trees. Situated at around 860 feet elevation, the area experiences moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, though humidity can be high. Camping in this region offers access to the Glacial Drumlin State Trail, a 52-mile converted rail corridor connecting Cottage Grove and Waukesha.
What to do
Hike the Ice Age Trail: The Scuppernong section near Ottawa Lake Campground provides scenic hiking through kettle moraine terrain. "We intended hiking the Scuppernong section of the Ice Age Trail. It's absolutely gorgeous and will be why we come back again," notes Linda N.
Visit Little Amerricka Amusement Park: Located near Marshall, this vintage amusement park offers affordable family fun. Campers at Whistlestop Campground enjoy easy access. "The train comes through every hour during the day to pick you up and take you to the next door amusement park which was a lot of fun we spent the entire day there. And the amusement park itself was not too expensive," shares David H.
Explore natural springs: The region features several freshwater springs worth visiting. "Hiking to see the natural springs which is the coolest!! Drank fresh spring water!" says Autumn S. about her experience near Ottawa Lake.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes offer fishing for various species. "Rice Lake provides direct access where you'll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie," according to Stuart K. who stayed at Hickory Hills.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lake Kegonsa State Park receives high marks for maintenance. "Clean facilities, friendly staff, and great trails. No bugs!" reports Brendan E., while Matt N. adds, "Clean bathrooms with showers. Good sized site with nice privacy."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer water recreation. "Nice swim pond, great pool, fishing...you name it, it's probably here," Michael T. shares about his stay at River Bend RV Resort. The nearby beaches provide relief during hot summer days.
Spacious campsites: Campers appreciate the ample room at Badgerland Campground, where "very generous spaces, nice features (swim pond with a huge bouncy float, etc)" impressed Stephen C., who also noted the campground is "well laid out, well-maintained."
Event weekends: Seasonal activities keep campers entertained. "Every weekend there are activities planned from wine tasting to Halloween trick or treating," mentions Margo S. about Hickory Hills Campground.
What you should know
Road noise varies by location: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. "The road noise is absolutely noticeable. It was incredibly loud when we drove through the loop closest to the highway and was significantly better even just one section over," Linda N. warns about Ottawa Lake Campground.
Low-clearance hazards: RV owners should watch for obstacles. At Milton-Madison SE KOA, campers report "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," cautions Kathy L.
Limited shower facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal bathroom amenities. At Badgerland, "There are exactly TWO unisex showers and FOUR unisex 'restrooms' (sink and toilet), with one shower and two restrooms currently 'closed,'" notes Stephen C.
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer better conditions for camping with pets. "These would be lovely sites in the fall or Spring," Tawnie T. recommends about Sandhill Station, noting summer mosquitoes can be overwhelming.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: River Bend RV Resort offers numerous family amenities. "So much good about this campground! Great management, really great food at the bar & grill. Clean sites, friendly people. Holiday weekends get a little crazy, in both good and bad ways," writes J T S., who appreciates the "swim pond with a huge bouncy float."
Consider off-peak timing: Weekdays offer a quieter experience. "Beautiful sites super quiet," Heather H. shares about her weekday stay at Lake Kegonsa State Park.
Reserve spots near amenities: Strategic site selection enhances convenience. "We booked in VIP 1, which is right next to the bath house. We wanted to be close to the showers," explains Jaime P. from Badgerland Campground.
Bring bicycles: Paved loops make for kid-friendly riding areas. "My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails," shares Maria Mercedes M. about her pet-friendly camping experience at Pilgrim's Campground.
Tips from RVers
Watch site sizes: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "Campsites are nice and neat with bathrooms close by!" David Q. says about Lake Kegonsa State Park, though others note size limitations at some locations.
Consider full hookup availability: Services vary by campground. "Large VIP drive through sites. Small swimming area. Catch and release pond. Clean bathrooms and showers," Lori S. summarizes her experience at Badgerland, noting "No sewer hook up but there is a dump site."
Check seasonal site options: Many campgrounds offer longer stays. "We've been seasonal campers here for over 30 years," mentions Chrystal B. about Hickory Hills, highlighting the popularity of extended stays in the area.
Verify Wi-Fi availability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "WiFi was great in some areas, non-existent in others. No cell carrier works well here at all," warns J T S. about River Bend RV Resort.
