Tent campsites near Mazomanie, Wisconsin range from basic, primitive sites to more developed campgrounds with modern amenities. The area sits within Wisconsin's Driftless Region, characterized by rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and river valleys that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. Most camping locations maintain elevation between 800-1,100 feet above sea level, with temperatures typically ranging 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby Madison during summer nights.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites offers access to two main lakes with excellent fishing conditions. Campers can set up at sites like #806, which serves as a "great backpack base camp" according to reviewer Erin Z., then explore the various fishing spots throughout the park.
Historic exploration: The camping areas around Mazomanie provide access to several historical sites within short driving distance. Near New Glarus State Park Campground, visitors can explore the Swiss heritage of the town. As Phillip J. notes, "With direct access to the Sugar River Trail and the town of New Glarus, it is a great location as an overnight stop or home base to explore."
Watercraft activities: Many camping areas near Mazomanie offer water-based recreation. Some parks rent equipment directly on site. At Devils Lake State Park Group Campground, "you can rent paddle boards, Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats" at the beach area with a camp store and concession stand, according to Sarah F., though she notes the south shore store isn't always open.
What campers like
Trail connectivity: The camping regions around Mazomanie feature extensive trail networks that connect campgrounds to recreational pathways. Katie B. appreciates that New Glarus Woods is "on the Sugar River Trail so bring your bike!" This allows campers to access nearby attractions without driving.
Privacy levels: Despite being relatively close to roads and towns, many camping areas provide good site separation. At Blackhawk Memorial Park, campers enjoy a more primitive experience. One reviewer notes it's "Quiet, off the grid! Very pleasant!" while another describes it as "Great little off grid camping for people that aren't afraid of bugs!"
Group facilities: Several camping options cater specifically to larger gatherings. At Devils Lake State Park Group Campground, AC S. reports, "Campgrounds were clean and had easy access to water," making it suitable for organized group trips. Another camper, Jon D., mentioned their budget-friendly experience: "Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site."
What you should know
Seasonal factors: The camping experience varies significantly by season. At Sandhill Station State Campground, Tawnie T. warns about summer conditions: "We were there in mid-June on one of the hottest weekends of the year and we were massacred the second we walked into the site" by mosquitoes, but adds, "I do believe these would be lovely sites in the fall or Spring."
Bathroom facilities: Toilet access varies widely between campgrounds in the region. Jimmy P. notes that Sandhill Station has "showers/flush toilets at the nearby Glacial Drumlin office in Lake Mills, but none on site, only pit toilets." At New Glarus, Kate B. reports that "outhouses are in need of some TLC" and there are "no sinks."
Traffic noise: Road proximity affects camping experiences throughout the area. Katie K. warns about New Glarus Woods: "These sites are right next to the highway and (at least during the week) are subject to continuous, round the clock highway noise. The highway seems to be a regular truck route, with lots of semis driving by at all hours."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hickory Ridge Group Camp provides family-friendly facilities. Lesley R. calls it a "Nice family campground" that "has a lot of amenities including shower," while Matthew O. notes "spacious sites, lots of availability to swim and hike."
Activity planning: Several camping areas near Mazomanie offer family programming. Kay K. of New Glarus mentioned, "The playground was great. We spent the day exploring our Swiss heritage in New Glarus," showing how camps can serve as bases for cultural excursions.
Wildlife encounters: Family campers should prepare for wildlife interactions in the area. At Devils Lake Group Campground, Jon D. notes an interesting wildlife feature: "The birds near the group camp are cool, but can also sound like a large pack of dinosaurs squawking at each other...very loud," which could be exciting or disturbing for children depending on their temperament.
Tips for RVers
Site limitations: Most tent campsites near Mazomanie have restrictions for larger vehicles. Sarah W. notes about New Glarus Woods walk-in sites that "carts are available for transporting your gear which means you can bring more gear than you would bring backpacking," but these sites aren't suitable for RVs.
Access challenges: Many camping areas have limited RV accessibility due to terrain. At Governor Dodge State Park, the backpacking sites are "1/2-1 mile hike from parking lot" according to Nick C., making them unsuitable for RV camping.
Utility availability: Electric hookups are scarce at many primitive camping areas around Mazomanie. While some campgrounds like New Glarus Woods offer electric hookups in certain sections, most walk-in and primitive sites do not provide utilities for campers.
