Campgrounds near Maribel, Wisconsin offer visitors access to unique geological features associated with the Niagara Escarpment, a limestone ridge that creates distinctive rock formations throughout the region. This area experiences cold winters with average January temperatures below 20°F and warm summers with July averages in the mid-70s. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 600-800 feet above sea level, creating moderate terrain for hiking and exploration.
What to do
Trail exploration: Devil's River Campground offers access to several nearby natural attractions. A camper noted that "the nearby Maribel Caves park is nice as well... if you are into caving, the Maribel caves are only a mile down the road." These caves are part of the Niagara Escarpment system and feature unique rock formations.
Beach activities: Point Beach State Forest provides Lake Michigan shoreline access with well-maintained beaches. A visitor mentioned "the beaches are very clean and great for walking at different points in the day," making this an ideal spot for those seeking water recreation beyond inland lakes.
Historical exploration: High Cliff State Park Campground features several historical sites within its boundaries. A camper explained, "Hike the trails to see pieces of Wisconsin history throughout. Some trails on the Ridgeline offer vista views and moderate inclines that add to the adventure." The park includes a restored lime kiln and other historical structures.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Scheffel's Hideaway Campground receives consistent praise for its maintenance. One camper described it as "immaculate" and noted that "it looks like everything is brand new." The campground has been operating for over a decade but maintains high standards.
Water recreation: Seagull Marina and Campground provides direct water access. A visitor highlighted it as having "great kayaking" opportunities and being "near to fishing, restaurants and the beach," creating multiple options for water-based activities.
Nature viewing: High Cliff State Park sits on Lake Winnebago and offers unique wildlife viewing. One camper mentioned appreciating "the lime kiln trail" which they described as "difficult but so worth it." The park's position on the Niagara Escarpment provides habitat for diverse plant and animal species.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Maribel area have limited seasons. Rainbow's End Campground operates from "April 12 to October 21," while Scheffel's Hideaway runs from "April 1 to December 1." Plan accordingly if visiting in early spring or late fall.
Water access: Devils River Campground features a swimming pond rather than a traditional pool. A visitor explained: "They removed the old small pool and put in a large chemically treated swimming pond. The swimming is pretty good and there is now plenty of space." This provides more room than standard campground pools.
Reservation requirements: During peak season, most campgrounds fill quickly, especially for weekend stays. For Devil's River, one camper noted, "We stayed here for 2 weeks in our 2021 Keystone Hideout 250BH. They don't have a ton of sites and they are reserve only."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Devils River Campground's swimming pond offers a different experience than standard pools. A camper described: "The swimming pond is full of clay at the bottom, with not much sand except for by the beach, so it isn't the best for walking, just swimming or floating."
Playground access: Apple Creek Campground features family-friendly amenities. A reviewer mentioned it has a "nice pool, well stocked fishing pond for catch and release," providing multiple activity options for children.
Beach proximity: Several campgrounds offer beach access for families. Village Inn on the Lake is "about 2 Miles from Neshotah Beach" according to one visitor, making it convenient for day trips to Lake Michigan.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When choosing an RV site, consider the layout carefully. At Village Inn on the Lake, one camper warned: "The RV sites are small.. if you have a neighbor with a slide out then you lose half of your green space."
Leveling considerations: Apple Creek Campground has varied terrain that can affect setup. A visitor in a large motorhome noted: "Even though we were on a hill the campsight was level. We had plenty of room for rv and tow."
Hookup availability: Among the best places to camp near Maribel, Wisconsin, hookup options vary significantly. At Devil's River Campground, a camper observed: "The sites are electric/water and they do have a dump station very close by." Some visitors noted they would prefer full hookups, with one mentioning "It would be nice if they had sewer at some weekend sites."
