Best Campgrounds near Middleton, WI

Campgrounds near Middleton, Wisconsin range from county parks to state-managed properties, with most facilities offering a mix of tent and RV sites with electric hookups. Mendota County Park, located directly in Middleton, provides 29 sites along Lake Mendota with 30-amp electric service but no water hookups at individual sites. William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground, situated about 10 miles southeast in Madison, offers additional camping options with both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service. Both locations maintain shower facilities, restrooms, and picnic tables, though site spacing tends to be relatively close with limited privacy between campers.

Reservations are highly recommended during summer months when campgrounds in the Madison area frequently reach capacity, especially on weekends. A visitor commented, "Great location on the lake and short drive to downtown Madison. Bring your kayak and fishing poles." Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many closing between October and April. Token Creek County Park, for instance, operates only from May 1 to September 1, while Cedar Hills Campground runs from mid-April through mid-October. County parks typically charge between $28-38 per night including reservation fees. Road access is generally straightforward with paved entrances suitable for all vehicle types, though larger RVs may find some sites challenging due to tight spacing and limited maneuverability.

The lakefront location of several developed campgrounds represents a significant draw for visitors to the Middleton area. Lake Mendota and nearby waterways provide swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities directly accessible from camping areas. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "This is a lovely little campground with just 30 sites, though it feels like half that because it is so quiet." Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region connect to extensive trail networks, with the Capital City Trail linking Lake Farm Campground directly to downtown Madison via paved bike paths. Wildlife viewing opportunities include sandhill cranes and waterfowl in wetland areas near the camping zones. Most campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables, though some tent sites at certain parks have restrictions on ground fires, requiring visitors to check fire regulations before setting up camp.

Best Camping Sites Near Middleton, Wisconsin (153)

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

    17 Reviews
    Madison, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $18 - $28 / night

    "With the rain and the proliferation of mosquitoes, we were wandering around southern Wisconsin without a plan when we stumbled across this county park. 50 sites, many with electric and very reasonably"

    "No water on sites but spigots located throughout the park. Dump station right at the entrance but there's plenty of room to maneuver around there. Could get congested if busy."

    2. Mendota County Park

    10 Reviews
    Middleton, WI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $28 / night

    "Like other reviewers have stated, be prepared to be close to others. We didn’t mind at all and found everyone to be super nice."

    "Nice little campground right on Lake Mendota. 29 sites available with electric, but bring an extension cords!! Some sites electric is close by, others not so much!"

    3. Blue Mound State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Blue Mounds, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 947-2757

    $18 / night

    "Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water."

    "Go to Blue Mounds Grocery on the way in. easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and running trails - including Military Ridge Trail. Camped here with 2 friends during a cross country road trip."

    4. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 873-9695

    "Just a quick 2 hour drive from our home in Chicago, with large wooded sites for privacy. Clean bathrooms."

    "We didn’t have much time to explore the campground but we did have a nice walk around the outer loop of sites. This is near the main highway and a nice place to camp."

    5. Token Creek County Park

    11 Reviews
    Windsor, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    "Small campground, but you play disc golf and lovely trails! So close to get away from the city."

    "Near the highway and airport makes for quick access but it can get noisy. It can also get very quiet and peaceful. Lots of hiking trails and a boardwalk."

    6. Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    47 Reviews
    Baraboo, WI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 947-2757

    "There is something for everyone at Devils Lake State Park."

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

    7. Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    43 Reviews
    Baraboo, WI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 356-8301

    "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."

    "It is up and away from the rest of the park a bit and typically almost every site has full shade. This is important in the summer months."

    8. Cedar Hills Campground - Clothing Optional

    10 Reviews
    Sauk City, WI
    15 miles
    +1 (608) 795-2606

    "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!"

    9. Northern Lights Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    34 Reviews
    Baraboo, WI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 356-8301

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

    "Aside from some of the windy paths, this place is really nice and peaceful to stay. You can go to Devils Lake and kayak or canoe and swim. Overall a beautiful place in Wisconsin!"

    10. Brigham Park

    10 Reviews
    Blue Mounds, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    "It's up on a hill, so there's good views of the driftless area of Wisconsin. Plenty of open walk up camp sites, but it might be more full in the summer."

    "The dense tree cover and near-constant slight breeze help to both keep this campground cool and the mosquitos at bay.

    - Well-kept vault toilets.

    - Close to a many points of interest."

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Recent Reviews near Middleton, WI

864 Reviews of 153 Middleton Campgrounds


  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Derge County Park

    Beautiful mature oaks

    The campground is near Beaver Dam lake and you get a pass to the boat landing with the camping fee. The sites are clearly marked and level. Some have more shade than others, the descriptions at reservation are accurate. Site 4 has nice grass and plenty of trees along the back. The site sizes are adequate but there isn’t much room between sites. Overall the campground was quiet, except for a few RVs running things all night. It was not dark, the RVs keep their lights on all night and there isn’t enough foliage to block it. We are the only pop up here, there are no tents. The space certainly allows grass for tents, I think the culture is just a little different. The shower house is clean, but showers only have a curtain and a central drain in the building means the toilet stall floors get wet too. There is a small playground and a GaGa ball pit. Overall, this is a well kept campground and perfect for spending a night on the way to somewhere. There isn’t much draw for a longer stay.

  • P
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Sleepy Dragon Campground

    Camping

    In 2024 just before Memorial Day, I needed to leave the campground I was in and started calling around for openings at private campgrounds. I was getting worried that it was not possible for me to find a site. I remembered ( light bulb moment) that Sleepy Dragon Campground may have openings. I called and was shocked to hear they still had openings for that weekend. Drove to the campground and set my sights on a pull through site. I enjoyed it so much decided to stay permanently. My original site was 120, then moved to 114, it’s a corner site. Has shade and sun at different times of the day. Large to medium camp sites, grassy, concreted if that’s what you like, plus electric and water at each site. Sewer at selected sites. Personally I came here as a child, back in the later 60’s to early 70’s. Changed owners a couple of times, now it is veteran owned, upgrades are being completed as time allows.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Nice enough grounds, poorly maintained electric panels

    To be honest I thought this stay was going to be easy and the first couple days were. They didn’t have full hook up sites and we have a 50 amp rig… we used a dogbone to connect to the 30 amp site. It was fine for a bit but then we started to get surges. Our EMS protected the rig but ultimately we couldn’t use the power. Even with only running the fridge it continued to trip. We tried the one next to us and it gave us the reverse polarity code so we decided it would be best to just leave the following day. The grounds are well maintained and the owners are friendly… they mentioned some of their 30 amp sites will get converted to 50 next year so hopefully that helps but definitely frustrating to need to book another site and forfeit money on this one.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    way overpriced and not worth it

    cost at end of september, sunday night was $76/night PLUS $16 parking fee so $92 for a night at a mediocre campground with no privacy. i rarely write negative reviews, but ive been camping for a while now, and never experienced this high of a cost for just a regular campground.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lakeland Camping Resort

    Lakefront Fun

    As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have an RV. The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick’s Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson

    Nostalgic Campground

    As a mom, I can honestly say that Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is one of those rare campgrounds where the kids are entertained from morning till night and parents can actually relax a little too. The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours. Our campsite was clean and level, with options for full hookups or cozy cabins if you’d rather skip the RV, and the bathhouses were spotless, which is something I always look for. What I appreciated most was the balance: the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored, while my husband and I enjoyed sitting by the campfire or joining in on family activities like outdoor 'movies under the stars.' The campground store was well-stocked with snacks, s’mores supplies, and those 'oops, we forgot it' supplies, which saved us more than once. And while there’s plenty to do onsite, being near Lake Koshkonong and Fort Atkinson means you can easily slip away for a day of fishing, boating, or exploring. For me, the best part was watching my kids’ faces light up during the evening hayride, sticky with marshmallow, waving at Yogi like he was a celebrity that felt like the kind of wholesome, memory-making trip I hope they’ll look back on for years.


Guide to Middleton

Camping near Middleton, Wisconsin, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

What campers like:

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Wisconsin Dells KOA said, "Tight spots and narrow roads but convenient location."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A camper at Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park mentioned, "The site was in a wooded area so well shaded."
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Northern Lights Campground — Devils Lake State Park noted, "If you get a site by the main road entrance, know there’s trains that rumble through."

Camping around Middleton, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Middleton, WI?

While there aren't campgrounds directly in Middleton, several excellent options are nearby. Mendota County Park is close to Middleton and offers camping in a park-like setting with mature trees. The campground has convenient access to bathhouses and is located near the lake, though sites offer limited privacy. Another option is Token Creek County Park, which is a short drive away and provides drive-in and walk-in sites with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Both parks are convenient base camps for exploring the Middleton area while enjoying Wisconsin's natural beauty.

Can I find cabin rentals in the Middleton area?

While traditional cabins are limited in the immediate Middleton area, nearby state parks offer cabin accommodations. New Glarus State Park Campground is a short drive from Middleton and features cabin options in a serene woodland setting. For a different experience, Wisconsin Riverside Resort offers cabin rentals with more amenities and is within reasonable driving distance. If you're willing to travel a bit further, Devils Lake State Park has cabin options amid stunning natural surroundings with excellent recreational activities. Reservations are recommended well in advance, especially during peak season.

Are there tent camping options available near Middleton?

Tent campers near Middleton have several great options. William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground offers 50 sites, many with electric hookups, and is particularly tent-friendly with reasonable rates. For a more secluded tent camping experience, consider Sugar River Forest Preserve, a hidden gem run by the county. This preserve features tall trees surrounding the entire campground providing shade and privacy. The campsites accommodate tent setups nicely, and the natural setting offers a peaceful retreat while still being accessible from the Middleton area.

What camping options are available between Middleton and Madison?

The area between Middleton and Madison offers convenient camping options for visitors. Fox Hill RV Park & Campground provides full hookup sites with amenities including a pool, swimming pond, and on-site delivery of firewood and ice. Sites in the first loop are shaded but somewhat tight, while newer areas offer more space. Another excellent option is Lantern DeForest, which features full hookup gravel pull-through sites with shade trees. The campground has larger-sized lots with neighbors nearby but still maintains a comfortable camping experience. Both locations provide convenient access to both Middleton and Madison.