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 (153)

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

    16 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

    21 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

    10 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. 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."

    7. Babcock County Park (Dane County Parks)

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

    $28 / night

    8. Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    45 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. 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."

    10. Madison Campground

    3 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 153 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Madison, WI

904 Reviews of 153 Madison Campgrounds



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 153 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 16 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.

What parks are near Madison, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Madison, WI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.