Best Campgrounds near Menomonee Falls, WI

The Kettle Moraine State Forest serves as the primary camping destination near Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, with several units providing developed campground options within a 30-minute drive. Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks offers 37 tent and RV sites just minutes from town, while Pike Lake Campground in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit provides a more secluded forest setting with mixed-use camping accommodations. Most established campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities including drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. The camping landscape ranges from county-managed parks with modest facilities to more comprehensive state forest campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations.

Camping is generally available from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Sites at popular locations like Pike Lake and Ottawa Lake campgrounds often require reservations well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays. According to one visitor, "Mid to Late October is great for Fall camping in Southern Wisconsin. Cool nights range from lower 30's to upper 40's. Day time temps can exceed 60." The terrain throughout the Kettle Moraine region features glacial topography with rolling hills, kettle depressions, and mixed hardwood forests. Cell service varies but is generally reliable near the more developed campgrounds. Road access to all established sites is well-maintained and suitable for standard vehicles, with no high-clearance requirements.

Campers consistently praise the privacy and natural settings of sites within the Kettle Moraine State Forest system. While campgrounds like Menomonee Park provide convenience for those wanting proximity to urban amenities, the more secluded forest campgrounds receive higher ratings for their wooded privacy and access to recreational trails. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The campsites are about a mile or two from Lake Michigan but it is an easy drive or hike as there are many trails that go through the park." Water activities are a major draw, with several campgrounds offering access to small lakes for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. Most developed campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, though electrical sites are limited and tend to book quickly during peak season. Hiking opportunities abound with connections to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which winds through much of the Kettle Moraine system.

Best Camping Sites Near Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin (84)

    1. Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit

    18 Reviews
    Slinger, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 670-3400

    "North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."

    "A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."

    2. Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    7 Reviews
    Menomonee Falls, WI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."

    "There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."

    3. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    38 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "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."

    "Made my first visit to Ottawa Lake on a mid-March weekend. The facilities were still under their winter setup (only vault toilet, no shower available, pay in an envelope)."

    4. Wisconsin State Fair RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Wauwatosa, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (414) 266-7035

    $55 / night

    "So we just use that because no one was there. 1.7 miles on bike path to Brewer Baseball field. It was raining to we used Uber to the game and walked back for an afternoon game."

    "Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient."

    5. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    22 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    21 miles
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $30 / night

    "It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa LakeNearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "

    "Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."

    6. Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Delafield, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Nestled in the heart of lake country (Waukesha County) and accessible from the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail, this county park is perfect for those just passing through or families looking for a"

    "Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it’s a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access."

    7. Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Muskego, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."

    "I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in.

    This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."

    8. Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit-Iansr

    43 Reviews
    Campbellsport, WI
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $28 / night

    "Mauthe Lake Campground is located in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest in East/Centreal Wisconsin."

    "Mauthor Lake is a beautiful state park in Wisconsin. Good for biking, hiking, swimming and fishing. Sites are fairly wooded and private. Most of them seemed to be a decent size."

    9. Kettle Moraine Southern Unit — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    10 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    21 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "You can walk over to an area that has hiking trails right out of the campsite. State park mountain biking trails are also close by, but you would need to drive to them."

    "Reservable backpacking sites about 45-60min away from nearest parking.

    Fire pit, shelter, and picnic table at site.

    Really enjoyed the hike through forest to get to this site."

    10. Cliffside Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Caledonia, WI
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 886-8440

    $32 - $35 / night

    "We were also pleasantly surprise when found out about the close by trail - short trail beginner friendly ravine geography. Very beautiful view of the lake from the top of the cliff."

    "Month Stayed: September Site: gravel and level Spacing: very close to others Cleanliness: very clean Surrounding: trees throughout, playgrounds, nice bathrooms Noise: some noise due to closeness Access"

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Recent Reviews near Menomonee Falls, WI

599 Reviews of 84 Menomonee Falls Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fon du Lac County Waupun Park

    Peaceful wooded camping

    Quiet level throughout. Spots for a couple tents and a camper at each site. Disc golf and a small fishing area. Golf course right next-door so close you could walk to. Most of the sites were in a wooded area, which gives you some privacy. Only downfall for us was distance to the restroom as there’s only one so if you’re in the back of the campground, you gotta walk all the way upfront.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Waupun Park Campground

    Waupun County Park WI - Campground

    Family friendly campground, playgrounds, pickle ball court, showers, clean bathrooms, fire rings, shared water spigots & power at camp site. There is an outdoor pavilion for groups, firewood for sale at host. Lamp posts light camp road but not overwhelming. Nice shaded sites with mature white oak trees. Enjoyed and recommend if looking for full service campsite.

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Circle K Campground

    Horrid management, bad experience

    Management (owners Ed and Coleen) are two of the rudest people I have ever met, with Ed fabricating outrageous, completely inaccurate stories highlighting either his "heroics" (like when his personal fire truck he has was working people would call him before 911) but more often how he has been slighted because of other's inadequacies (local grocery store doesn't like him because "his campers buy all their food leaving none for the locals), and also falsities behind his rules (the U.S. Postmaster does not allow anyone else's packages/mail to be delivered to the campground).  They are completely intolerant of kids/teenagers (and, heresay from conversations with seasonal residents, special needs kids) - rules for use of the pool is that it is open after a certain time and if the air temp is above a certain level - we personally witnessed 3 young teens ask to get into the pool an hour after the pool should've been open and it was 5 degrees over Ed's stated temp, but no one else was using the pool and Ed turned them away - told them to swim in the cesspool... I mean, pond.

    Ed constantly creates new rules on a whim and is exceedingly selective (read: biased) for whom those rules are enforced. If you have a problem with the campsite (water, electricity, dead trees, ground hornets, you name it) - it is because YOU did something wrong, and if you disagree he will harass you to no end and may even kick you out. Some of the seasonal campers are nice, others (those "in" with the owners) are not. I would not recommend this campground to anyone unless/until it is under new ownership.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Astico County Park

    Artesian well

    We enjoyed the song of frogs and the artesian well.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Astico County Park

    Dark enough to see the Milky Way

    The sites are a decent size and well maintained. We easily backed in and leveled our pop up. The shower house is clean. The campground is busy this weekend, but was quite at dark. It was dark enough to see the Milky Way. The toilet is quite a walk, but they are adding more. There is a big playground at the top of the hill. On other trips we’ve enjoyed the swings nearer the river and the artesian wells. The hiking trails are nice and there is a restored rail bridge. We’ve also fished and rented kayaks on previous visits. There is a small cemetery at the top of the hill to explore and learn more about the people in the area.

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Private sites, lots of wildlife ... and mosquitoes

    It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go. 

    We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable. I will say this though, even with there being more mosquitoes constantly attacking, I did not have the reactions to them like I do the mosquitoes back in Alabama and Mississippi. I wasn't itching much at all.

    But back to the fun part. It was pretty hot a couple days while we were there and to take a break from the heat, we enjoyed the ac in the car and drove around the recreation area and the campgrounds. I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two. 

    What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private. This was a nice feature given that many other campgrounds you are stacked in like cord wood.

    Our first night there, we left the rain fly off of the tent and just enjoyed the stars and the satellites streaking across the sky.

    Overall, it was a rather enjoyable week. The shower/bathrooms were nice and clean, though I will admit the shower got too hot even for my wife. It is an easy drive from the recreation area to Kenosha or other points of interest and Lake Michigan is worth a visit if you aren't from the area.

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    The Playful Goose Campground

    Spacious lots, nice staff

    Indoor pool great for kids. Bath house was a bit dated but okay. Coin operated showers, 25 cent for several minutes. Pay attention to reservation online or call….they have multiple types of sites. We accidentally got one without sewer, but they have dump tank on property so no issue. They have fire pits on the sites as well as picnic tables. Nice trails within different areas of campground.


Guide to Menomonee Falls

Camping near Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin offers access to the glacial topography of southeastern Wisconsin, where elevations range from 700-1,200 feet. The area experiences warm summers with daytime highs averaging 75-85°F from June through August, while spring and fall camping provides milder temperatures and colorful seasonal changes. Most campgrounds in this region open in mid-April when overnight temperatures typically rise above freezing.

What to do

Hiking observation towers: 2-mile round-trip at Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit offers excellent views. "Many trails, a observation tower with a view of Holy Hill and Pike Lake, and of course the Ice Age Scenic Trail," notes Steve M. The trails are actively maintained for erosion control.

Swimming in quarry waters: Menomonee Park features a clean swimming quarry with lifeguards during summer months. A camper reports, "The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards."

Spring water exploration: At Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, take a short hike to Scuppernong Springs. "Scuppernong Springs was also a treat for the kiddos although I highly recommended planning for a solid 2 mile hike if you're with kids," advises Linda N. The natural springs provide an educational opportunity to see groundwater emerging at the surface.

Archery practice: Both Menomonee Park and Muskego Park have archery ranges open to campers. "The park has a lot of amenities including a beachy pond area and an archery area where you can practice shooting from a blind above - great for hunters looking to brush up skills before the season starts," explains one visitor to Muskego Park.

What campers like

Pine forest camping sites: Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit offers heavily wooded sites with pine needle floors. "Sites 22 and 23, 24, 25 and 26 are very cool. The campsites are in the midst of a pine forest. It would be sweet to tent camp there and listen to the wind in those trees," shares a camper who explored the grounds.

Winter camping options: Unlike many area campgrounds, Ottawa Lake remains open year-round. "No showers in winter but awesome," reports David H., who enjoyed off-season camping there. Winter camping provides solitude and different recreational opportunities.

Dog-friendly areas: Several campgrounds accommodate pets with designated areas. "Dog friendly, even a dog swimming area," mentions a visitor to Naga-Waukee Park. Pike Lake Campground also features a designated dog beach area, though campers note it's "very small, with no beach at all (just a place for your dog to go take a swim)."

Backpacking shelters: The Kettle Moraine Southern Unit offers reservable backpacking shelters along the Ice Age Trail. "The shelter is basically a barn without a front door. It comes with a fire ring, table, and an outhouse!" explains Chuck W. These shelters provide a transitional option between tent camping and cabin stays.

What you should know

Loop selection matters: At Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, campground loops have different characteristics. "Each of the 32 sites is unique in their own way. Some are large and flat perfect for a class A (#2 #4, #29 #31 is okay, but smaller), some incorporate the geography into the site (#23 & #17 - very much tent sites, #15 great for a small trailer)," explains a regular visitor.

Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds have sites near highways. At Ottawa Lake, "The road noise is absolutely noticeable. It was incredibly loud when we drove through the loop closest to the highway and was significantly better even just one section over."

Reservation timing: Most campgrounds book quickly for summer weekends. "The campsite was completely booked. We were able to grab a nonelectric site and transfer to an electric site when one cancelled last minute," explains one Ottawa Lake visitor. For prime sites during peak season, book 3-6 months in advance.

Winter camping preparation: If camping October through April, prepare for temperatures ranging from 20-50°F. "Mid to Late October is great for Fall camping in Southern Wisconsin. Cool nights range from lower 30's to upper 40's. Day time temps can exceed 60."

Tips for camping with families

Best swimming beaches: Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks features a well-maintained beach on Lake Nagawicka. "The beach on the shores of Lake Nagawicka is well-groomed, clean, has a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot," notes one visitor. The combination of swimming and playground access makes this ideal for families with younger children.

Quiet loops for families: Many campgrounds offer designated quiet areas. Pinewoods Campground has "three separate loops, 1 quiet zone, one group, one family," shares Teresa D. These quiet zones enforce stricter noise regulations, beneficial for families with early bedtimes.

Motor-free lakes: For safer family paddling, consider Mauthe Lake. "Beautiful lake for swimming and watersports. No motor boats so nice and quiet," reports Sarah L. This creates a more controlled environment for children learning water activities.

Astronomy opportunities: Pike Lake features an interpretive astronomy trail accessible to all ages. "Be sure to check out the interpretive astronomy trail and take the walk up Powder Hill to the tower!" recommends Susan S. This educational feature provides a science learning opportunity during camping trips.

Tips from RVers

RV site selection: At Wisconsin State Fair RV Park, "Full hookup sites are all blacktop. Not a place for recreation, but good as a base for Milwaukee attractions," notes Paul Y. This urban option provides convenient access to city amenities while camping.

Electrical considerations: Campgrounds vary in power availability. "We noticed it, but our site was 15 amp. On the same pole were two 30 amps. So we just use that because no one was there," shares an RVer at State Fair RV Park. Always confirm amperage before booking.

Tight turns in campgrounds: Some loops present challenges for larger rigs. At Mauthe Lake, "There is a TIGHT turn in the campground loop near site #17 to be aware of with longer trailers." Scout campground maps before arrival to identify potential navigation issues.

Dump station positioning: RVers should note unusual setups at some parks. "The sewage system is strange at this park... The pipe is highly elevated, making the process more hands-on than one would like," reports an RVer about State Fair RV Park's facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds near Menomonee Falls, WI?

Several quality campgrounds are located within driving distance of Menomonee Falls. Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks is the closest option, offering reservable sites with water and toilets. For a state park experience, Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit is nearby, featuring excellent hiking trails through glacial terrain with cool nights in fall (30s-40s) and daytime temperatures reaching 60°F. Other nearby options include Muskego Park and Naga-Waukee Park in Waukesha County. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during peak summer months, and offer a mix of tent and RV sites with various amenities.

Can you camp at Menomonee Park, and what amenities are available?

Yes, camping is available at Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks. This Waukesha County park offers reservable drive-in campsites with basic amenities including water access and toilet facilities. The park provides a convenient camping option for those wanting to stay close to Menomonee Falls without traveling far. For a different experience nearby, Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks offers both drive-in and walk-in sites with similar amenities. Menomonee Park requires reservations, which should be made in advance, especially during summer months when local camping areas fill quickly. The park's location makes it an excellent base for exploring the Menomonee Falls area while enjoying outdoor recreation.

Are there lakeside camping options near Menomonee Falls?

Several lakeside camping options exist within driving distance of Menomonee Falls. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit offers camping near the water and is a short drive from the Pinewoods Campground area. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground on Lake Geneva provides lakeside camping with swimming access, though it's extremely popular in summer and requires advance reservations. This park is the only state park within town limits and offers large, private shaded sites. Other options include Chain O' Lakes State Park with multiple campground loops near water, including Turner Lake South which features nice, private sites. These lakeside options typically fill quickly during summer months, so early reservations are recommended.

What RV camping facilities are available near Menomonee Falls?

RV campers near Menomonee Falls have several good options. Wisconsin State Fair RV Park is relatively close to Menomonee Falls and offers reservable sites that accommodate big rigs. For those seeking a more natural setting, The Playful Goose Campground offers large RV lots that back up to forested areas, providing privacy and wildlife viewing opportunities. Hickory Hills Campground is another option within reasonable driving distance, though it's somewhat secluded. Most RV parks in the region offer water hookups and dump stations, with varying levels of electrical service. Some parks have full hookups while others provide more basic amenities. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak camping season from late spring through early fall.