Tent camping near Malone, Wisconsin provides access to the rolling hills and glacial features of the Kettle Moraine region. The landscape was formed during the last ice age, creating distinctive terrain with kettle depressions and moraine ridges that range between 800-1,100 feet in elevation. Most campgrounds in the area operate from late spring through fall, with freezing temperatures possible in April and October.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Camp Shin-Go-Beek offers tent campers proximity to several nature trails where visitors can observe local wildlife. "Incredibly peaceful with a ton of beautiful birds singing throughout the day, relatively private (even with fellow campers in the area), and a short walk to the private beach at the lake," notes one camper.
Bike trail connections: Wild Goose City Park serves as a connector to the regional bike trail system. "Wild Goose bike trail leads to this park in Juneau. It's a good place to stop and have a break. There's a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain. Plenty of space to spread out for a picnic when you're biking through," explains a visitor.
Swimming options: Many tent sites in the region provide access to lakes for summer swimming. A camper at Camp Shin-Go-Beek noted, "Being able to swim and float in the lake is an added bonus" to their camping experience.
What campers like
Spacious group sites: The Greenbush Group Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit attracts groups requiring multiple tent setups. Sites feature grassy areas with surrounding trees suitable for both ground tents and hammocks.
Affordability: Smaller county parks provide budget-friendly options. One visitor to Waubedonia County Park commented, "The campsites are inexpensive and comfortable, though there aren't as many amenities that a larger campground would have. Overall, a nice little getaway."
Privacy options: For tent campers seeking more seclusion than group sites provide, smaller campgrounds like Purplehaze Acres with nine tent sites or Little Turtle Lake with five sites offer alternatives with less foot traffic and noise.
What you should know
Seasonal water access: Water availability changes seasonally at many campgrounds. A camper at Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp shared, "Water is usually available, but more limited during the pandemic (spigot turned off by our campsite, but available near the parking lot at the entrance - a longer walk)."
Sound carries between sites: Noise management can be challenging in group camping areas. "The nine sites are visually separated, but not far enough away from each other to block louder noise - we could hear loud music from the site 4 late into the night," noted a camper at Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp.
Restroom facilities: Most tent sites around Malone offer basic sanitation. Typical facilities include pit toilets located at intervals around camping loops, with limited or no shower facilities at smaller locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sites near recreational facilities provide entertainment for children. At Wild Goose City Park, families appreciate that "There's a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain."
Storm shelter options: Weather safety considerations are important when tent camping with children. One camper at Camp Shin-Go-Beek appreciated that "Ian was a great host and even checked on us to offer shelter in the admin building before a storm rolled through."
Semi-primitive experience: Most family-friendly tent sites near Malone offer basic amenities without full facilities. Camp Shin-Go-Beek provides "a semi-primitive with pit toilets and a potable water spigot" that still accommodates families comfortably according to reviews.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookups: Tent campers looking for powered sites have limited options. Waubedonia County Park provides electrical hookups for those requiring power for medical devices or who prefer having electricity while tent camping.
Site dimensions: Smaller campgrounds have restrictions on vehicle size. While full RV hookups are scarce near Malone, tent campers with small trailers or vans can find appropriate sites at most established campgrounds in the region.
Seasonal availability: Most camping facilities near Malone operate seasonally. The Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp is typically open from April to November, with other smaller campgrounds following similar schedules based on Wisconsin's camping season.
