Top Tent Camping near Madison, WI
Looking for tent camping near Madison? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Madison with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Wisconsin camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Madison, WI (14)
1. New Glarus Woods State Park
16 Reviews•31 Photos•48 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$15 - $25 / night
2. Devils Lake State Park Group Campground — Devils Lake State Park
5 Reviews•29 Photos•20 SavesIf you’re traveling with a larger group, family, or organization, Devil’s Lake State Park has you covered with their Group Campsites located on the South Shore. There are 8 sites available that can accommodate 20 to 60 campers, depending on the site.
The park’s group camp facilities feature modern showers and restrooms, and the location is conveniently located about a 15-minute walk via the Group Camp Trail to the South Shore day-use area and beach. Climbing groups will also appreciate the location, which is situated at the head of the CCC trail.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
3. Sandhill Station State Campground
2 Reviews•37 Photos•26 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
4. Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park
4 Reviews•3 Photos•6 SavesThere are six backpack campsites near Hickory Ridge. All sites are about 0.5 miles from the parking lot. Water and pit toilets are near the parking lot. Please note that coordinates listed on The Dyrt are for the entry to the State Park. Please call to gather detailed instructions on how to access these walk-in sites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
6 Reviews•18 Photos•70 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
6. Hickory Ridge Group Camp — Governor Dodge State Park
2 Reviews•10 Photos•2 SavesThere are 8 campsites that can accommodate groups of 15 to 40 persons per site in the Hickory Ridge Group Camp. Only tents are allowed. Each group site has a tent area, picnic tables, a large fire ring and a set of pit toilets. Drinking water is available at the shower building located near group site B and across from the backpack sites parking lot near group sites E, F, G and H.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
7. Blackhawk Memorial Park
4 Reviews•4 Photos•17 Saves- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
8. Scheidegger Forest (Dane County Parks)
Be the first to review!•3 SavesScheidegger Forest is nearly 80 acres and offers a mile of loop of hiking trails, a reservable shelter, and restroom. The area has been restored from a former Dane County Sheriff shooting range to a managed forest of primarily oak and hickory. The shelter, kiosk, and bathroom were all built from wood harvested on-site. Water is not available at this site When this Group Camp is reserved, the Shelter is not available to be reserved by another party(and vice versa). Located~ 100 feet east of loop parking lot, just beyond the restroom No potable water at this time. Vault(pit) toilet. Campfire ring. No electricity. 20’ x 30’ shelter– picnic tables. Vehicle parking in parking lot * Reserve a campsite online here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html * Check opening and closing dates here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule * See campground rules here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$65 / night
9. Wild Goose City Park
1 Review•1 Save- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
10. KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site
1 ReviewDesignated backpack campsites are available by reservation at the following properties. These campsites may be several hundred yards to a few miles away from the nearest parking area and campers need to carry all gear in and out. Campsites typically feature a fire ring, seating, and a primitive privy or wilderness latrine, which may be shared with other campsites. There are also a limited number of opportunities for very primitive, remote camping on DNR lands.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Madison
804 Reviews of 14 Madison Campgrounds
Linda N.
Traveler
Milton-Madison SE KOA
cant wait to go back
I ended up here because I was going to a music festival in the area, and they turned me away because I have a service animal. I wasn't going to do all that work for nothing and just go home, so I decided to look up my nearest campground and it was KOA in Milton. they made me feel welcome. they understood my dilemma. it was a wonderful weekend. lots of amenities and I just absolutely can't wait to go back next year. I'm going to try to make it a couple times. so much fun, just me and my dog. And one last the thing, my fellow campers were more than hospitable and very nice and I appreciate that very much.
- Linda N.Traveler
Sweet Minnihaha Campground
music fest
I originally went to this campground a couple years ago for a music festival, but I discovered how much fun it was. the people were incredible. the staff was really awesome so I continue to make it back at least once a year
Jaime P.Traveler
Badgerland Campground
Great little campground
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.
Jenna R.
Scout
Blue Mound State Park Campground
Great for families
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.
Erin Z.Traveler
Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park
We will be back!!!
Great backpack base camp! Great views, plenty of privacy and an easy hike. We stayed at 806.
Renee R.
Guide
Brigham Park
Nice spot for summer camping.
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.
- Renee R.Guide
Tower Hill State Park
Cool spot, underwhelming experience.
I have stayed at this campground three times in the last decade or so.
Pros:
- Excellent location if you're looking to recreate on the Wisconsin River or visit the American Players Theater across the way.
- Interesting history about the Shot Tower on site.
- Nice little hiking trails.
Cons:
- Every time I've visited we've dealt with lots of mosquitos, but nothing comes close to our most recent visit! It was a mosquito massacre. So terrible that after coating ourselves in DEET and eating dinner there the first night, we actually booked another campsite about a half hour away (Brigham County Park - a gem!) and abandoned this site altogether.
- Vault toilets were fragrant.
- Christie B.Traveler
Blackhawk Memorial Park
Peaceful and serene!
Quiet , off the grid! Very pleasant !
Alex A.ScoutToms Campground
Great, friendly, affordable, convenient
We needed a place after visiting the House on the Rock and couldn't find anything with hookups nearby. We stumbled upon Tom's Campground hoping to find a site. We pulled in and Tom met us at our camper as soon as we got to the top of the hill and before we even got out. He was very friendly and informative. Showers were good enough but we aren't picky, 7 minutes for $0.25. The area was beautiful.
- Erin Z.Traveler
KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site
Remote backpacking Shelter 1
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.
- Erin Z.Traveler
Ottawa Lake Campground
Great Family Campground!
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.
Sarah B.Guide
Yellowstone Lake State Park
Def do not recommend for summer 2024!
I wanted so badly to love this campground experience, but just didn't. Site 19 was an easy walk-in that theoretically had nearby vault toilets, parking, and water.
Each site only had space for one car to park before walking in. Not a huge deal, but annoying as there were 2 of us who drove separate and we had to problem solve. When we got to the site I was shocked to see that what was labeled as a tent site had literally NO flat space to actually set up a tent. Spacious site, but fully sloped.
Also, what I would have loved to know, is that the vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction to build something new in that space. Construction that starts loudly each day at 7am. Honestly every site from about #35 down was affected by the noise because the construction is happening in the middle of the loop (and actually blocking some of the one-way road as well).
The park in general was okay. Per the usual, the pet areas were lacking. No beach at all, just grass covered in goose poop and one cut out on the raised shore between tall grasses and foliage where a dog could potentially jump in. Certainly nowhere for a human to enjoy the water with their pups unfortunately.
- Jarrett G.Traveler
New Glarus Woods State Park
Cramped
Handful of sites, not very level. Lots of bugs, had raccoons fighting outside my tent. Was right across from the New Glarus brewery.
Erica L.Traveler
Wisconsin Dells KOA
TIGHT, bad customer service!
We actually stayed in a deluxe cabin at this campground, while our friends were in a camper. The deluxe cabins were $300 a night, very poor air circulation and constantly felt wet. Toilets were impossible to flush and were backing up every time a shower was taken.
Our friends have a 40' camper and could barely fit in the space provided. There was no space to hang out as their camper took up the entire space. If we wanted to start a fire, we couldn't because their fire pit (more like a rusted out ring) was directly under a tree.
Customer service was horrible - manager basically told us it wasn't their problem and wouldn't help the situation. We will not return.
- Christie B.Traveler
Green County Fairgrounds
Ok but you have to work around the events going on because you have to leave when they are going on!
Nice quiet place no neighbors usually bothering you showers and toilets could be better but overall ok
- JJulia H.
Ranger
Madison Campground
Cute campground - near Madison
We were in Site# B1. We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-thru. We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site. My jeep though did not fit. The site was easy to level.
Our site was shaded with lots of trees. This was a larger sized lot with our neighbors not too close (but we did choose a premium site with a patio and paid extra to be on the end).
This specific lot comes with a concrete patio The lot comes with a picnic table and fire hole in the ground.
They have a community Outdoor kitchen-y area with picnic tables.
They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. There is really not a need to have a Golf cart because it is a smaller campground.
They do have a Swimming pool.
There is a Playground. They also offer horseshoes and a volleyball court.They have a great general store.
The streets are gravel so not great for riding bikes but there are great places to ride bikes outside of campground, especially around Middleton and Madison.
They have cabins for rent and tent areas.
They have one shower house. The shower house has the typical stalls. These are kept mostly clean.
There is a laundry facility. It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine.
They have a fenced in dog park and many grassy areas to walk dogs.
There were no trails to hike in the campground.
Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the Saturday Farmer’s Market in Madison and multitude of bike trails.
- kkelly B.Scout
Mirror Lake State Park - Sandstone Ridge Campground
Nice but traffic noise
Beautiful facility but the traffic noise was atrocious.
- LLarry A.Guide
Cliffwood Campground — Mirror Lake State Park
Bring ear plugs
The campground is really nice. The facilities are excellent. However it's really close to the interstate and the road noise is awful.
- JamesScout
Cedar Hills Campground
Cedar Hills Campground
They have RV for sale or rent, large lots start at $2495 to $3495 for the yr.
- ttony K.Traveler
Madison Campground
Basic
While the location is great for fast travels into Madison, or getting to great hiking areas. My only complaint is that not every pull through is provided with a fire ring to burn wood (they almost seem random) and that the check in building is a bit bare. Otherwise, great location, great (partial) amenities, and good customer service.
Kim J.Traveler
Grand Valley Campground
Great campgrounds
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
- TTaylor B.Scout
Ledge County Park
Great Park!!
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.
- Jaime P.Traveler
Fox Hill RV Park & Campground
Stopped for one night but will come back again
We rented a pull thru site for the evening since we came into the Dells for a wedding. The campground offered a variety of activities for kids which was something that would draw us back to the campground again. The sites for RVs are spaced nicely so you don’t feel like you’re right on top of another RV. Good sized sites too. Grounds appeared well taken care of. Staff was very friendly upon arrival. Will definitely come back again. Only draw back is the price, but everything is pricey in the Dells. WiFi is spotty and Verzion cell service isn’t “good” as stated.
Steve D.Ranger
Bluewater Bay Campground — Mirror Lake State Park
So peaceful
Pretty secluded. Trees EVERYWHERE which we like. Bathrooms are a little rough but not too bad.
Addison G.Guide
Pinewoods Campground
Great access to Scuppernong Hikes
Stayed in campsite directly connected to Green Trail of the Scuppernong Trailhead. Campsite was clean and quite private for being near people.
- Addison G.Guide
Ottawa Lake Campground
Great spot for hiking Kettle Moraine
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)
- HHannah K.Scout
The Playful Goose Campground
Insert Terrible Adjective
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.
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:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest stated, "Bathrooms and showers were clean."
- Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. One visitor at Northern Lights Campground — Devils Lake State Park mentioned, "Sites are large and open, clean bathrooms and so much to do at Devils Lake."
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park are great for families. A reviewer said, "The stars were glorious," highlighting the peaceful nights.
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Madison, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Madison, WI is New Glarus Woods State Park with a 3.6-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Madison, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Madison, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.