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Dog-Friendly Camping near Merrimac, WI

135 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Merry Mac's Campground in Merrimac accommodates pets at all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, glamping units and yurts. Sites remain well-spaced with plenty of shade trees, providing comfortable areas for campers with dogs. The clean, maintained grounds receive consistently high ratings from campers with pets, earning a 4.8 out of 5 rating from visitors. Bathhouses and facilities stay clean throughout the camping season, which runs from April 15 to October 15. Several Devils Lake State Park campgrounds including Ice Age, Northern Lights, and Quartzite also welcome pets with proper leashing. Campers report the Devils Lake group sites are well-spaced from each other with adequate room for pets, though weekend crowds can create busier conditions.

    Devils Lake's extensive trail system provides numerous options for dog walks with varying difficulty levels. Many hikers specifically recommend the East Bluff trail for dog owners willing to tackle more challenging terrain, though the trail becomes crowded during peak summer months. The campgrounds feature water pumps where owners can collect fresh water for pets during hot weather. Campsite selection matters significantly for pet owners, as sites located near bathroom facilities or water sources experience heavier foot traffic throughout the day and evening. Cedar Hills Campground, approximately 20 minutes from Merrimac, allows pets and operates as a clothing-optional facility for those seeking alternative camping experiences. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to remain leashed at all times while outside the immediate campsite area.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Merrimac (135)

      1. Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park

      4.5(47)7mi from Merrimac109 sitesRVs, Tents

      "The new warden situation is interesting. Things have gotten a lot more strict in some areas (ex."

      "this park has everything. beaches, bluffs, campIng, hikes, and phenomenal views. there is no wake in the lake and dogs are technically supposed to be on a leash."

      from $28 - $53 / night

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      2. Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park

      4.3(43)6mi from Merrimac184 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Quiet, pet friendly spot with nice bathrooms and plenty of tree lined spots for some privacy. Great spot to spend a weekend."

      "Much to do at Devil's Lake and surrounding area. features multiple campgrounds and multiple areas for swimming. A beach at the North and South of the lake."

      from $28 - $53 / night

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      3. Northern Lights Campground — Devils Lake State Park

      4.4(34)6mi from Merrimac120 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Views like these are hard to beat in Wisconsin, or anywhere really. The cliffs on the side of the lake are phenomenal."

      "This is one if the busiest State Parks in Wisconsin because it has so much to offer! Great roomy sites, many with electric. Stunning lake surrounded by bluffs and beaches."

      from $28 - $53 / night

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      4. Skillet Creek Campground

      4.5(14)8mi from Merrimac1 siteRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This campground is nestled in 70 acres surrounded by the Baraboo, Wisconsin hills, Skillet Creek Campground offers a serene setting. "

      "Right next to Devils Lake and close to Baraboo events"

      from $43 - $136 / night

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      5. Bluewater Bay Campground — Mirror Lake State Park

      4.5(21)16mi from Merrimac64 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Echo Rock trail is a great hike around rock formation. I was disappointed when I realized how far away the shower/toilets are away from ever loop in the campground."

      "One group of younger people next to us that were pretty respectful with noise level. There is a dump and potable water fill for rvs between the entrance and this campground."

      from $25 - $50 / night

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      6. Sandstone Ridge Campground — Mirror Lake State Park

      4.3(21)16mi from Merrimac98 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This Wisconsin State Park has a several loops of campsites, a nice, though at times weedy lake and nice trails throughout."

      "The lake, when we went in late August/Early September had a lot of algae on it and wasn't really good to swim, but they do have boat rentals and fishing. It is generally a beautiful lake."

      from $25 - $40 / night

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      7. Devils Lake State Park Group Campground — Devils Lake State Park

      4.4(7)5mi from Merrimac9 sitesTents

      "This is a review for the group camp sites: The group sites are well spaced out from each other and offer pit toilets and full bathroom facilities with sinks, toilets and showers within walking distance"

      "Great location! I was in the upper ice age campground at site 416 and really enjoyed it. The sites are fairly close together, but in May the foliage is dense enough to block out most of the noise."

      from $90 - $130 / night

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      8. Merry Mac's Campground

      4.8(6)3mi from MerrimacRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It’s located right by Devils lake. Firewood for sale, great wifi, clean bathhouses/rooms"

      "Lake full of all kinds of floats the kids can climb and jump on. Clean pool to cool off in. Sand volleyball, ga ga ball, huge park. Has so many different accomadtions to choose from!"

      from $35 / night

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      9. Cedar Hills Campground - Clothing Optional

      5.0(10)12mi from MerrimacRVs, Cabins

      "Cedar hill Wisconsin is a clothing optional campground so I enjoy it very much. The entire campground is located at the top of a 1000 ft.high bluff."

      "River right behind our campsite. Some sites were a bit small but we managed to reserve one big enough for a trailer and a tent. Somewhat closed in with a lot of vegetation. Kids loved the river!"

      10. Fox Hill RV Park & Campground

      4.1(13)13mi from MerrimacRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Only neighbors to the sides and woods behind. This park has some nature trails, disc golf, and a good size dog run. It’s well kept and maintained."

      "We had full hook up, a picnic table & fire pit, our friends camped next to us in #5. The store had supplies, and firewood they deliver it to your site."

      from $45 - $85 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Merrimac, WI

    907 Reviews of 135 Merrimac Campgrounds


    • B
      May. 27, 2019

      Baraboo RV Resort by Rjourney

      Super campground!

      Great location close to many things yet far enough to feel quiet and peaceful. Great owners always have fun stuff going on for everyone and our dog loves the dog park!

    • Debbi S.
      Aug. 26, 2018

      Wisconsin Dells KOA

      Good campground for families with kids

      A central playground and pool are the biggest draws for families with kids. There's also a prospecting 'sluice' that you can buy for the kids to look for 'fossils' and interesting rocks.

      The campground is located just north of the main attractions of Wisconsin Dells.

      Campsites are not overly generous in size -- typical KOA, where some are 'stacked like cordwood'. Don't go there if you want any privacy from your neighbors.

      Cabins are available for those wanting to 'camp' without a camper.

      Very small dog park area.

      Friendly check in staff. However, we were given a map with our campsite noted and told to wait for a person driving a golf cart to escort us and help us get situated. We waited...and waited...and waited...golf carts came and went, but passed us by. We finally gave up waiting and found out site by ourselves.

    • Pat M.
      Jun. 12, 2019

      Milton-Madison SE KOA

      Great stay

      Just became KOA met local campers that love this park! Good sites, trash pickup at side! They even have a snack bar and deliver to your campsite! No enclosed dog park but plenty of area to walk your dog!

    • Lori H.
      Aug. 1, 2018

      Indian Trails Campground

      Lots of wholesome family fun

      Pond, pool, snack shop, kayak rentals, fishing pond, family bicycle course with helmets, dog park, lots of activities/themes, reasonably priced, and clean!

    • A
      Jun. 19, 2023

      Glacier Valley Campground

      Fun place

      Nice, clean, well maintained campground with something for everyone. Swimming pond is huge with toys for everyone. You can bring your own pool toys. Sites are decently spacious and decently level with some gravel and some grass. Bathhouse is nice & clean. Office/store has some logo goodies as well as any necessities you may need. They had a beer tasting going on, live music at the pavilion- both on a Saturday during our stay. A couple trails around for walks with dogs & a dog park. Lively campground during the day but nice & quiet at night with quiet hours being 11pm-8am.

    • Diana R.
      May. 29, 2026

      Ho-Chunk RV Resort & Campground

      Convenient RV Stay Near the Dells

      Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells RV Park is a nice option if you want an easy RV stay close to the casino and Wisconsin Dells attractions. I like that it feels convenient and low-hassle, with full hook-up sites, Wi-Fi, showers, laundry, a playground, pet area, and access to some hotel/casino amenities.

      Pros: great location, full hook-ups, convenient amenities, close to entertainment.

      Cons: it is more practical than scenic, and it is RV-only, so no tent camping.

      Overall, it’s a good pick if you want a comfortable RV base near the Dells instead of a rustic campground.

    • Agapes D.
      Jun. 12, 2018

      Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

      Wonderful hiking!-May 2018

      This is a popular place in the area, the human beaches are full and the small pet beach area was well used by my husband, myself and our two dogs; Odinn & Frigga over Memorial Day. The hiking is amazing , particularly the Oakgrove trail, plenty to see with beautiful views. There is boating, canoeing, etc. Bring the strongest mosquito repellent you can get, Wisconsin in summer can be rough. We tried our Black Diamond poles and Thule day bags and we got to try cooling vests for the dogs from Ruffwear. It was so much fun. Note that there are sites to camp, cabins nearby and plenty of Hipcamp sites near. Strongly recommend Riverview Bottoms, which sits in a 500 acre property and is 10 min away.

    • D
      Aug. 8, 2025

      Lantern DeForest

      nice clean quiet

      My first time at a campsite and new to the rv life. This campground is nice and so are the employees grass gets cut every week, the pool is clean, so is the dog park, my husband likes going to the camp bathroom for a hot shower because our rv only has 10 gallons of hot water. We did 3 months at the camp!

    • Debra M.
      Jul. 29, 2021

      William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground (Dane County Park)

      So Much to Do Worth a Second Visit

      We enjoyed this park so much we have already been here twice and have a third trip planned for this coming September.   There are very wide bike/hiking paths that are paved or stone. 

      The huge lake has boating opportunities and you can rent a boat in McFarland that is a short drive or bike ride.  We rented a boat to fish and then drove across the lake to eat at a restaurant with boat parking.

      The nature center is across the street from the campground and has a small snack bar/restaurant.  There are cranes walking all around and the park is so big it has different types of plants to explore.  There is an observation tower and in the picnic area a playground.  The best part is the boardwalk that extents over the lake and you are walking/riding on water.

      About a half a mile away is a very nice dog park that you receive admission to if you have a campsite.

      Dane County has many parks in their system and we have stayed at several and all are great.


    Guide to Merrimac

    Camping options near Merrimac, Wisconsin sit within the Baraboo Hills region, characterized by quartzite bluffs rising 500 feet above the surrounding landscape. The area's camping season typically runs from mid-April through mid-October with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime hours. Weather patterns can change rapidly, with thunderstorms common during summer afternoons in this region of central Wisconsin.

    What to do

    Kayaking on Mirror Lake: Visitors to Mirror Lake State Park enjoy paddling the calm waters surrounded by sandstone formations. "The lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs," notes Julia B., who adds that "the hiking trails were well maintained" during her stay.

    Rock climbing opportunities: Quartzite Campground provides access to popular climbing locations. "Devils lake state park is a busy place. Over 2 million visitors a year! Climbing is popular and there are people to help teach you," explains Mike T., highlighting the availability of climbing instruction for beginners.

    Winter activities: Some campgrounds in the Merrimac area remain open for seasonal activities. While most shut down by mid-October, winter visitors can access park trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking when conditions allow. The frozen lake surfaces sometimes permit ice fishing depending on thickness and safety conditions.

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Skillet Creek Campground receives high marks for site layout. "Management is very vigilant, and very strict with the rules. They've been known to kick out loud groups no shame," reports Kari L., noting that "this is a very quiet and upkept campground."

    Clean facilities: Many campers mention the well-maintained bathrooms throughout campgrounds in the region. "Bathrooms are very clean. Hot showers are free, although they only have an on and off, no temperature control," reports Melissa K. about Skillet Creek's facilities.

    Swimming options: Fox Hill RV Park offers diverse water recreation. "The kids loved the blow ups in the pond. The pool was nice, but a bit colder than the pond. It's heated with a solar cover," explains Joan, who appreciated having multiple swimming options at a single location.

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Due to high visitation, advance booking is essential. "This park gets really busy peak season but the views are just beautiful, the access to hiking is ideal, and the facilities are great," warns Shelby N. about Northern Lights Campground.

    Highway noise: Some campsites experience traffic sounds, particularly at Mirror Lake State Park. "The highway noise is loud and some military jets kept flying overhead," reports Julia B., though she still rated her experience positively despite the noise factor.

    Raccoon activity: Wildlife interactions require proper food storage. "The raccoons were brutal. They broke into our crates twice. Smart enough to figure out the clip mechanism," warns one Mirror Lake camper, highlighting the importance of secure storage containers.

    Tips for camping with families

    Kid-friendly amenities: Merry Mac's Campground specializes in family entertainment. "Super fun campground with so much to do! Lots of games for all up by lodge. DJ dance party on the deck at night. Lake full of all kinds of floats the kids can climb and jump on," reports Tracy C., detailing the range of activities available.

    Group camping options: For multi-family trips, specific sites accommodate larger parties. "We wanted to see Devil's Lake State Park however were unable to get a campsite at the park. Called Wheeler's and they had availability," explains Kendra R., finding Skillet Creek a good alternative with "large sites with fire pit and picnic table."

    Pool temperature considerations: When camping with small children, note that pool temperatures vary. Some campgrounds maintain heated pools, while others use solar covers that may not warm water sufficiently during cooler weather periods.

    Tips from RVers

    Site leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Our site was very unlevel side to side. It took two 2x6 and a 1x6 under the camp side to be level," warns Jeff G. about Fox Hill RV Park, noting that "water pressure was good, no power issues."

    Passport America discounts: Budget-conscious RVers can save at certain dog friendly campgrounds near Merrimac. "This campground takes Passport America to discount by 50%! Full hookup sites are nice," shares Brenda A. about Fox Hill RV Park, which offers significant savings for membership holders.

    Specific site requests: Many pet-friendly campgrounds will accommodate site preference requests, especially during weekdays. "They accommodated a move for us to a requested spot as it was during the week," notes Joan about Fox Hill, suggesting flexibility for those traveling mid-week with specific site needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Merrimac, WI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Merrimac, WI is Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 47 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Merrimac, WI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 135 dog-friendly camping locations near Merrimac, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.