Lake Kegonsa State Park, located 14 miles east of Middleton, provides campers with wooded sites along the 3,200-acre Lake Kegonsa. The area features glacial terrain with rolling hills and several lakes within a 20-mile radius of Middleton. Winter camping options include heated yurts that maintain comfortable temperatures even when outside temperatures drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking at multiple difficulty levels: Lake Kegonsa State Park offers trails for all skill levels, from quick half-mile walks to longer loops. "There are tons of trails, all well groomed, meandering through woods, prairies and even down by the lake. Maybe take a map along, as I did get lost while geocaching," notes one visitor who found plenty of geocaches hidden throughout the park.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can enjoy multiple fishing spots within a 20-minute drive of Middleton. "We stopped at Kate's Bait and got a nice variety of worms for a reasonable price," mentions a camper who appreciated the ranger's suggestions for fishing spots at Governor Dodge State Park, which has two lakes for fishing.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with modern amenities. At Duck Creek Campground, "The kids loved the swim area. Caught some fish on the creek," shares one visitor. Multiple parks offer canoe and kayak rentals with calm waters suitable for beginners.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Bathrooms and shower buildings receive regular attention at most parks. "Bathrooms are fantastic and recently upgraded. Very nice playground, and pool area with hot tub. The pool area is well maintained with a waterfall feature," reports a camper at Milton-Madison SE KOA.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural separation between campsites. "Good sized wooded sites with trees providing reasonable privacy. Flat area for tents," notes a visitor to Governor Dodge State Park. Sites with natural buffers are common throughout the region.
Variety of accommodations: Beyond traditional tent and RV sites, the Middleton area offers diverse camping options. "My family and I love the yurts and the giant pool/pond. The park model rentals are nice now that my grandma is getting older," shares a guest at Merry Mac's Campground, highlighting the multi-generational appeal of alternative camping structures.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation essential: Bug protection is crucial, particularly in wooded areas. "Maybe take a mosquito spray and get extra adventurous, there are tons of trails. The mosquitos are oblivious to the bug spray," warns one Lake Kegonsa visitor who retreated to their tent after being overwhelmed by insects.
Highway noise at some locations: Traffic sounds can affect certain campgrounds. At Sandstone Ridge Campground, "The highway noise is loud and some military jets kept flying overhead," mentions one camper, though many find this becomes white noise after the first night.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife visitors at campsites. "The raccoons were brutal. They broke into our crates twice. Smart enough to figure out the clip mechanism," reports a Sandstone Ridge camper. Store food securely, especially at parks near lakes.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Choose parks with built-in entertainment for kids. "A great place for multiple families to camp! They always have more than just your average campground," shares a visitor to Smokey Hollow Campground, which offers numerous child-friendly amenities.
Yurt camping for beginners: First-time campers with children often prefer yurts near Middleton, Wisconsin for their solid structure and comfort. "We stayed in the yurts and the park model rentals. Great for transitioning non-camping family members to outdoor experiences," notes a frequent Merry Mac's visitor.
Accessibility considerations: Some parks offer ADA-compliant facilities and sites. "Cox Hollow Campground has handicap private rooms with toilet and shower bundled together," mentions a Lake Kegonsa visitor, noting that not all trails maintain the same accessibility standards.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers before booking. "The sites in the first loop are very tight and small, but have shade. The new area will be much nicer as the newly planted trees grow and fill out," advises an RVer who stayed at Fox Hill RV Park.
Utility connections: Water pressure and electrical service vary between campgrounds. "Water pressure was good, no power issues and the sewer connection was clean and accessible," reports an RV camper who appreciated the full hookups at Fox Hill, though they noted significant leveling was required at their particular site.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds near Middleton operate with reduced services in spring and fall. "We camped early June and they neglected to mention the pool was not filled," notes a camper at Sky High Camping Resort, emphasizing the importance of confirming amenity availability during shoulder seasons.
