Best Campgrounds near Madison, WI

It might be surprising so close to the city, but near Madison, WI, are some of the best camping opportunities in the area. Enjoy walks in the Wisconsin woods and picnics at campsites with tables, outdoor grills, and plenty of space for a small or large family cookout. RV drivers also have options with all of the necessary amenities and hookups. Campers can also stay in a cabin or pitch a tent. Explore the trails during the day and watch the stars at night. Fishing and boating enthusiasts can find campgrounds in the Capital Springs Recreation Area which is nearly 2,500 acres.

Best Camping Sites Near Madison, Wisconsin (154)

    1. William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground (Dane County Park)

    17 Reviews
    Madison, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $18 - $28 / night

    "Good spot for a short stay in the Madison area. Nice area to walk around and close to food. Shower was closed. The one road can get congested when you are waiting for the dump station."

    "With the rain and the proliferation of mosquitoes, we were wandering around southern Wisconsin without a plan when we stumbled across this county park. 50 sites, many with electric and very reasonably"

    2. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    12 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."

    "Pleasant grounds around the campground. Many nice trails. Good birdlife with pewees, least, flycatcher, great crested flycatcher, yellow warbler, redstarts, rose-breasted grosbeaks and others."

    3. Mendota County Park

    10 Reviews
    Middleton, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $28 / night

    "Great location on the lake and short drive to downtown Madison. Bring you kayak and fishing poles. 30 amp hookups no water at the sites."

    "Like other reviewers have stated, be prepared to be close to others. We didn’t mind at all and found everyone to be super nice."

    4. Token Creek County Park

    11 Reviews
    Windsor, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    "Small campground, but you play disc golf and lovely trails! So close to get away from the city."

    "Near the highway and airport makes for quick access but it can get noisy. It can also get very quiet and peaceful. Lots of hiking trails and a boardwalk."

    5. Badgerland Campground

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

    $40 - $60 / 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."

    "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."

    6. Babcock County Park (Dane County Parks)

    5 Reviews
    Madison, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $28 / night

    "Nice trails in the area and good fishing. Convenience to everything you could need in Madison. You can walk or run down a couple of quiet streets and get to a river trail that goes for miles."

    7. Blue Mound State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Blue Mounds, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 947-2757

    $18 / night

    "Go to Blue Mounds Grocery on the way in. easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and running trails - including Military Ridge Trail.

    Camped here with 2 friends during a cross country road trip."

    "Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water."

    8. Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    46 Reviews
    Baraboo, WI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 947-2757

    "We love Devil's Lake! It has incredible views and is absolutely breathtaking in the fall. It is also wonderful in the summer to go swimming and hike around. "

    "this park has everything. beaches, bluffs, campIng, hikes, and phenomenal views. there is no wake in the lake and dogs are technically supposed to be on a leash."

    9. Lantern DeForest

    4 Reviews
    Windsor, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 342-1111

    $39 - $999 / night

    "They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.

    You are allowed to ride personal golf carts."

    "While the location is great for fast travels into Madison, or getting to great hiking areas."

    10. Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    43 Reviews
    Baraboo, WI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 356-8301

    "I did a 65 mile round trip by bike from Madison up to camp overnight at Devil's Lake. I stayed at the top of a large hill near the camp store."

    "Much to do at Devil's Lake and surrounding area. features multiple campgrounds and multiple areas for swimming. A beach at the North and South of the lake."

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Recent Reviews near Madison, WI

950 Reviews of 154 Madison Campgrounds


  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lakeland Camping Resort

    Lakefront Fun

    As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have an RV. The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick’s Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson

    Nostalgic Campground

    As a mom, I can honestly say that Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is one of those rare campgrounds where the kids are entertained from morning till night and parents can actually relax a little too. The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours. Our campsite was clean and level, with options for full hookups or cozy cabins if you’d rather skip the RV, and the bathhouses were spotless, which is something I always look for. What I appreciated most was the balance: the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored, while my husband and I enjoyed sitting by the campfire or joining in on family activities like outdoor 'movies under the stars.' The campground store was well-stocked with snacks, s’mores supplies, and those 'oops, we forgot it' supplies, which saved us more than once. And while there’s plenty to do onsite, being near Lake Koshkonong and Fort Atkinson means you can easily slip away for a day of fishing, boating, or exploring. For me, the best part was watching my kids’ faces light up during the evening hayride, sticky with marshmallow, waving at Yogi like he was a celebrity that felt like the kind of wholesome, memory-making trip I hope they’ll look back on for years.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    Solid KOA Experience

    The Milton-Madison KOA is one of the larger campgrounds in the KOA network, offering over 200 sites with a mix of full hookups and water/electric-only hookups, along with a selection of pull-through and back-in options, gravel or concrete pads, and some upgraded patio sites. While primarily catering to RVs and fifth wheels, the campground also has about a dozen tent sites and half a dozen cabins. Amenities are extensive, ranging from an in-ground heated pool with a waterfall and two-story patio deck, hot tub, clubhouse, market store, snack shack, arcade, meeting and TV rooms, multiple restroom and shower facilities, laundromat and Wi-Fi, to a wide variety of recreation such as basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, baseball, disc golf, playgrounds, gaga ball, hayrack rides, barrel rides, train rides, and nature trails. Guests will also find a Kamp K9 dog area, golf cart and bike rentals, propane refill station, firewood, and plenty of seating throughout the grounds. Just minutes away, Lake Koshkonong offers excellent kayaking, canoeing and fishing. For dining, nearby Milton serves up hearty Midwestern fare, from Mary’s Café’s biscuits and gravy to Paul Revere’s homemade pies and the upscale Frederick’s Supper Club, known for its prime rib bites and Diablo pasta. Insider tips include enjoying the warm hospitality of the Riggio family hosts, taking a short drive to Madison for big-city attractions, noting that tent sites - though equipped with water and electric - feel basic and pricey, and being aware that cabin rentals also run higher than average. Thankfully, Milton’s local shops, grocery stores, and hardware options make resupplying convenient, rounding out a destination that’s both activity-packed and well-situated for Wisconsin adventures.  Overall, my family and I really enjoyed this place and would definitely come back!

  • Julia B.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Sandstone Ridge Campground — Mirror Lake State Park

    Beautiful lake

    The lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs. We only did 2 hiking trails but they were well maintained. The site was good. The 202 area has a parking lot for 4 sites and a very short walk to the sites. Fire pit and picnic table were in good shape. The highway noise is loud and some military jets kept flying overhead. The raccoons were brutal. They broke into our crates twice. Smart enough to figure out the clip mechanism. Overall good site but a little noisy.

  • 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. 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.


Guide to Madison

Camping near Madison, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy fishing or kayaking at Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park. A visitor shared, "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 at Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park. One camper noted, "You’ve hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, and raccoons."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. One camper at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "There are numerous pit toilets to use."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A review for Wisconsin Dells KOA advised, "Reservations are hard to get."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One reviewer at Blue Mound State Park Campground said, "This campground has a nice playground, hiking trails both short and longer."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Cox Hollow Campground mentioned, "There are lots of trails to explore."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One camper at Quartzite Campground noted, "The park itself is beautiful and look forward to coming back."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Wisconsin Dells KOA mentioned, "Tight spots and narrow roads but convenient location."
  • Bring Extra Cords: Some sites may have limited access to power. A camper at Northern Lights Campground said, "We could barely plug into the electrical pedestal."
  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: Choose campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. One visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "Big rig friendly."

Camping around Madison, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Madison, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Madison, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 154 campgrounds and RV parks near Madison, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Madison, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Madison, WI is William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground (Dane County Park) with a 3.8-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Madison, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Madison, WI.