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Best Tent Camping near Middleton, WI

789 Reviews

Tent campsites near Middleton, Wisconsin range from established state park grounds to more secluded walk-in sites within a short drive. New Glarus State Park Campground offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with varying levels of privacy, while Governor Dodge State Park provides backpacking campsites that require a half-mile to one-mile hike from parking areas. Devils Lake State Park Group Campground, approximately 30 miles north of Middleton, features heavily wooded group sites suitable for tent camping.

Most tent camping areas provide basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. New Glarus Woods features vault toilets centrally located among its walk-in sites, with water spigots available but no showers. The walk-in tent sites require campers to transport gear from parking areas, with distances ranging from 40 to 1,000 feet at New Glarus. Sandhill Station State Campground offers a more primitive experience with carry-in only sites located 100-500 yards from the parking area. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly at New Glarus where highway traffic is audible from many campsites.

The wooded settings of most tent campgrounds provide natural shade and privacy between sites. At Devils Lake, group sites are well-spaced with pit toilets and full bathroom facilities within walking distance. Governor Dodge State Park's backpacking sites serve as excellent base camps for exploring the park's extensive trail system and two lakes. Sites at New Glarus Woods on the east side of the trail offer more seclusion but become less level the further you get from the parking lot. According to one visitor, "The sites on the west side of the trail are more level but closer to the trail, so you have less privacy from passers-by." Seasonal considerations affect the camping experience, with one camper noting that Sandhill Station's sites near stagnant water become mosquito-heavy during summer months.

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Best Tent Sites Near Middleton, Wisconsin (12)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Middleton, WI

12 Photos of 12 Middleton Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Middleton, WI

789 Reviews of 12 Middleton Campgrounds

  • Alex H.
    Sep. 26, 2022

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    No Flat Spots

    Very nice park. Well marked and maintained trails. A large lake with boat launch and beach area. Separate pet area.

    We spent the weekend at site 101, which is a tent site. I wouldn't recommend this site. based on a quick walkaround, it seemed a bit smaller than other sites. That's not really a deal-breaker, but it didn't really have any flat spots to pitch the tent. We ended up pitching it up on the parking area, but it was still a bit slanted and we could feel the tire divot a little through the air mattresses. Aside from that, it was great. The site had a picnic table and fire ring that we used a lot. It was secluded from the surrounding sites.

    We hiked the Windy Ridge trail and the Prairie Loop trail. both were well maintained and enjoyable trails. We also spent some time on the beach.

  • Cristina S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Blue Mound State Park Campground

    Clean and Modern

    Campsites, trails and facilities were immaculate. Staff was friendly. drive in and hike in sites available. great for families; trails have info markers to educate hikers on geology and flora of area. Drive in campsites had fire rings and picnic tables, vault toilets available.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    Def do not recommend for summer 2024!

    I wanted so badly to love this campground experience, but just didn't. Site 19 was an easy walk-in that theoretically had nearby vault toilets, parking, and water.

    Each site only had space for one car to park before walking in. Not a huge deal, but annoying as there were 2 of us who drove separate and we had to problem solve. When we got to the site I was shocked to see that what was labeled as a tent site had literally NO flat space to actually set up a tent. Spacious site, but fully sloped.

    Also, what I would have loved to know, is that the vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction to build something new in that space. Construction that starts loudly each day at 7am. Honestly every site from about #35 down was affected by the noise because the construction is happening in the middle of the loop (and actually blocking some of the one-way road as well).

    The park in general was okay. Per the usual, the pet areas were lacking. No beach at all, just grass covered in goose poop and one cut out on the raised shore between tall grasses and foliage where a dog could potentially jump in. Certainly nowhere for a human to enjoy the water with their pups unfortunately.

  • Josh F.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Blue Mound State Park Campground

    Close to Madison, near Military Ridge Trail, Some sites are Far, Far Away

    I spent two nights in the campground at Blue Mound State Park. Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water. Both tent and RV/camper sites are on a typical one-way road pattern with a couple of loops there are plenty of sites with and without electricity. At the time I was there, the camp host sold high-quality hard wood for $5/bundle from a trailer on the honor system, so if you run out in the middle of the night, wood was easy to replenish. One of the park's highlights are lookout towers with views above the treetops, Unfortunately in 2020 both were closed, presumably because it would be difficult to keep a safe distance from others when on the stairs or while at the top. Pity, it'll be a reason to return. Still, there are several observation areas that are maintained well enough to keep the undergrowth from blocking the view of the Wisconsin River Valley nearly 15 miles to the north. This is where the "Blue Mound" name must come from, the hills at that distance did have a bluish cast to them.

    If you've read any of my other reviews you know what's next, my list of the best campsites. While I've visited several parks now that have "walk in" sites, with cars parked a minute or two from the campsite, about a dozen sites in Blue Mound State Park take "walk in" to a new level. Cars can drive to a barrier across the road, and the sites are a 10-15 minute walk downhill, The park provides ONE medium-sized cart (250 lb weight limit, 20-minute use limit) that I guess would be in high demand during load in and load out. (NOTE TO SELF, camp Thursday through Monday if going here, or arrive EARLY to get a cart). Most of these sites are quite sunny; 105 is nice and shady and private, 106 slightly shaded 109 and 110 are shaded, very close to one another and would be good for a group camp setup 111 is quite shady. There's water and toilets in the walk-in camp ground. You'd want to sip wood for campfires and cooking, the nearest source is a 15-minute walk uphill and back, and then if using the cart, you have to return it for another round trip.

    Back in the family campground where mortals and RVs park, I think the following are the nicest in terms of shade, level, size and privacy.

    42, 45, 47, 51, 64, 66, 69, 71, 73

  • Josh F.
    Dec. 29, 2020

    New Glarus State Park Campground

    Small, close to 2 busy roads - there are nicer options in Southern Wis.

    Throughout the summer of 2020, I camped at a number of Wisconsin state parks in the southern part of the state but hadn't gotten to camp at this one yet. While driving through the area I visited the park in December- photos won't show its summertime beauty but my walk through the park identified some ideal spots for camping. 

    The state park is open year-round, camping open May - October. The first thing I visited were the walk-in campsites. There is a loading zone parking lot with limited time parking. Access to the 14 walk-in sites is via a single trail with campsites on either side of the trail. There is a decrepit but functional pit toilet. All the walk-in sites have a picnic table and each is tucked off the trail into the woods.

    The downside to the walk-in sites is their proximity to a major highway. While walking through the campground I could easily hear the road noise. If I were looking to get away from civilization, or at least pretend to be far away from it all, that road noise would be a constant reminder that I wasn't. The further down the walk-in site trail I got, the closer I got to the highway and in fact, car headlights showed right up the trail as I was approaching the last set of campsites.

    When looking at a map and choosing a site, the walk-in campsites on the same side of the trail as the toilet are a little more private and secluded, and back up to expansive woods. The sites on the other side of the trail are nice but they are a little closer to the freeway and don't have as much forest coverage behind the campsites. The furthest walk-in site is at least a 4-minute (slightly downhill) walk from the parking lot. The centrally-located restroom is no more than 2 minutes from any of the walk-in campsites. Sites are between 40 and 1,000 feet from the walk-in loading zone.

    If walking to your campsite isn't your thing there is also a family campground with 17 drive-in (not drive through) sites located along a typical one-way paved road system. Unfortunately, this side of the state park is bordered by a different and only slightly less traveled road than the walk-in sites. Some campsites are sandwiched between the loop road and the main road, are lit by nighttime traffic headlights lights. As the campground road continues toward the group campground it veers away from the main road and offers a bit more privacy. These are the sites I'd select if I were to camp here.

    Of the group campsites, 55 and 56 are in a nicely wooded area with shade. 52 53 and 54 are in an open area with no shade. The family campground is serviced by two pit toilets centrally located to the campsites.

    Due to the very small size of this state park, lack of much to do except one hiking trail through it, and proximity to two main roads, I would not recommend the state park. There are many others in southern Wisconsin that have far more to offer. 

    Seriously, if you're looking for a Wisconsin state park in this neck of the woods, check out Yellowstone Lake or Blue Mound State Park instead. See my review of the latter for specific spots that would be awesome for tent camping.

  • Alex S.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Red Oak Campgrounds

    Great for car camping!

    This is our favorite campground for when we want to take trips to Devil’s Lake State Park! The campgrounds all vary in size, and many have a good amount of tree cover so you have some privacy from your neighbors. Every campsite has at least one picnic table and fire-pit. You can pull your car right up to the campsite. There is a store where you check in and you can buy fire wood and little odds and ends like bug spray or tent stakes. There is a pool that is really clean along with bathrooms and showers.

  • Sarah W.
    Nov. 26, 2018

    New Glarus State Park Campground

    Nice weekend in the woods near Madison

    Note - this review is for the walk-up sites only This is our go-to campground when we decide we want to go camping with short notice. The park itself is neither very popular nor very interesting, so there are usually still sites available for reservation only a few days before your intended camping trip. The park itself isn't that interesting, but it is worth noting that it is located across the road from New Glarus Brewery. The brewery is an easy walk or bike ride from the walk-in campsites.

    We have camped at several of the walk-in sites. The sites are all located along the bike trail, and carts are available for transporting your gear which means you can bring more gear than you would bring backpacking. The walk-in sites have a good amount of space between each site, however the sites on the east side of the bike trail get less level the further you get from the parking lot. All sites are shaded and have fire pits and picnic tables. The sites on the west side of the trail are more level but closer to the trail, so you have less privacy from passers-by. Our personal favorite site is #19. It is the closest site to the parking lot on the east side of the trail, but you have to take a short foot-path off the main trail to get to the site and the site itself can't actually be seen from the trail or the parking lot. This makes it very quiet and private, but still not too far from your car. The campgrounds do have a lot of raccoons so it is nice to be within an easy walk of your vehicle if you would prefer to secure your food. Site 19 is also very level and spacious, with plenty of room for at least two good sized tents. You can hear some road noise in all of the walk-in sites due to the highway being near by, but it's buffered a bit by the woods so it is more of a white noise.

    The walk-ins have a vault toilet centrally located along the trail, and it has always been clean whenever we've camped there. A water spigot is also located centrally among the walk-in sites. You can take a short hike to the park's ampitheater from the walk-in sites, but they do not have programs very often.

  • Meg S.
    Aug. 1, 2015

    Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    Great Campground in Wisconsin

    Great state park for a family camping vacation, tons of stuff to do. Lakes, trails, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, fishing. Hidden gem of Wisconsin. The campsites are pretty private, nestled in trees. Some shaded, some have sun and shade. They even have horse sites, so you can bring your horse, and stroll through the park horseback riding. Vault toilets, and regular toilets with ok showers. Water faucets scattered around for easy water access. Twin Valley has tent sites and RV/electric sites.

  • Meg S.
    Aug. 1, 2015

    Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    Hidden Gem of Wisconsin

    I randomly picked this campground, after trying to book Devil's Lake with no luck. WE LOVED IT! Sites are very private, some in the woods, and some have sun/shade. Few double sites to fit a family, or two. I believe all sites have no electricity, water faucets are scattered around for easy water access. Vault toilets and regular bathrooms with decent showers. Campground is walking distance to the Cox Hallow Lake (no wake), where you can rent a kayak, canoe, row boat, or float on tubes all day long. There is also a dog beach, where we hang out majority of the time. Tons of trees with shade for the four legged family members. State Park offers tons of great trails, and decent views. Some trails are even more than 5 miles long, perfect for a morning stroll. We will be going back next year for a family vacation.

Guide to Middleton

Tent camping near Middleton, Wisconsin ranges from primitive hike-in sites to established grounds within county and state parks. This southern Wisconsin region features glacial terrain with rolling hills, oak savanna, and numerous lakes and streams. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during day, dropping to 50-65°F at night, creating variable camping conditions depending on season.

What to do

Hiking trail access: Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites offer an excellent base for hiking adventures. Sites are a half-mile to one-mile hike from parking areas, providing immediate access to extensive trails. According to one camper: "Great hike to spot, small spot on rough ground not to level for tents but still feaseable. Great hiking. We did the lost canyon trail which is just stunning with bluffs, small water fall."

Biking opportunities: New Glarus State Park Campground connects directly to regional bike paths. A camper notes: "It is a smaller state park camping wise. There is hiking and mountain bike trails available. 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."

Water recreation: At Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake, campers can enjoy lake activities minutes from their sites. The campground "sells ice, firewood and rents boats" according to visitor reviews. Another camper mentioned the "beautiful views overlooking Turtle Lake" with a "great three tiered camping" layout ensuring good lake views from many sites.

What campers like

Privacy in walk-in sites: Walk-in tent sites at many parks provide more seclusion than drive-up areas. At New Glarus, "The sites are all located along the bike trail, and carts are available for transporting your gear which means you can bring more gear than you would bring backpacking." One camper recommends: "Our personal favorite site is #19. It is the closest site to the parking lot on the east side of the trail, but you have to take a short foot-path off the main trail to get to the site and the site itself can't actually be seen from the trail or the parking lot."

Unique natural features: Sandhill Station State Campground offers primitive camping in oak savanna habitat. "The campsite we were on was spacious, private, and beautiful. We had two large oak trees on either side of our site, giving us a good amount of mixed shade," reported one visitor who appreciated the natural setting.

Group camping options: Devils Lake State Park Group Campground provides spacious sites for larger gatherings. "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 from all sites. You can even drive to the bathrooms as there is a small parking area next to them," notes one camper.

What you should know

Site accessibility varies: Distances from parking to tent sites differ significantly between campgrounds. At Sandhill Station, sites are "carry-in only. The parking lot is anywhere from 100-500 yards from the campsite, depending on which one you choose."

Seasonal considerations: Blackhawk Memorial Park offers economical camping but conditions vary by season. One camper noted: "The lake water is like green paint and the river is now brackish, but moving." Similarly, at Sandhill Station: "The sites are really near some stagnant water, though, so WAY too many mosquitoes, even with the really intense bug spray... I do believe these would be lovely sites in the fall or Spring, though."

Road noise impacts: Highway proximity affects some of the best tent camping near Middleton. At New Glarus, "These sites are right next to the highway and (at least during the week) are subject to continuous, round the clock highway noise... Since the campground is in a hill, you get to hear the trucks revving up for a climb, then engine-breaking on the way down."

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Governor Dodge State Park offers chances to see native wildlife. "Great backpacking sites are 1/2- 1 mile hike from parking lot. Great hike threw out the state park. 2 main lakes with great fishing is a plus. Lots to do for the whole family," notes one family camper.

Kid-friendly facilities: Some campgrounds offer features specifically for younger campers. At New Glarus Woods, "The playground was great. We spent the day exploring our Swiss heritage in New Glarus," reported one family.

Budget camping options: Devils Lake offers affordable group camping. One camper shared: "Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site. We had a great time and will definitely return. The birds near the group camp are cool, but can also sound like a large pack of dinosaurs squawking at each other...very loud."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: RV campers should check site conditions before booking. At New Glarus, tent sites "on the east side of the bike trail get less level the further you get from the parking lot." Similar terrain issues exist at other area campgrounds.

Hookup availability: Snug Harbor offers full-service sites for RVs. "Great three tiered camping spot. Full hookup, and great views. Has a pub/restaurant with good food," reports one RV camper. Another notes: "They gave on site bathrooms and showers. Electric, water and sewer hookups."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Middleton, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Middleton, WI is New Glarus State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 18 reviews.

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