Glamping in Milwaukee, Wisconsin balances comfort with natural surroundings. With sites ranging from basic tents to full-service cabins, camping options exist within 45 miles of downtown Milwaukee where summer temperatures typically reach 80°F during peak season. Winter camping remains available at select locations where temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Beach activities: Ottawa Lake: The lake at Ottawa Lake Campground has clean swimming areas suitable for families. "The lake was very clean and the sites are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!" notes Neysha R.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds near Milwaukee operate year-round. At Ottawa Lake Campground in Kettle Moraine, winter camping continues despite reduced services. "No showers in winter but awesome," says David H., highlighting the opportunity for off-season experiences.
Horseback riding trails: Chain O' Lakes State Park provides extensive horse trails for equestrians. "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," reports Matt N. about Menomonee Park.
What campers like
Large, wooded sites at Menomonee Park: Located in Menomonee Falls, this county park features forested camping areas. "I would say sites are average size for a county park. All sorts are mostly wooded and offer good shade," explains Matt N., who appreciates the natural setting just 20 miles from Milwaukee.
Lake access for paddling: Multiple camping areas offer water recreation opportunities. At Turner Lake South, paddlers find good conditions for kayaking. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery," reports Cora M.
Budget-friendly options: For those seeking affordable luxury camping near Milwaukee, some sites offer basic amenities at lower costs. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly," states Addison G. about Turner Lake South.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: When searching for glamping options near Milwaukee, consider site placement and spacing. At Lazy Days, "Extremely friendly, affordable and clean. Very easy to pull or back in camper or trailer. Lots of room," reports Josh M.
Wildlife encounters: Expect wildlife interactions at most camping areas. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," warns Meg about Honeysuckle Hollow.
Winter availability limited: While some sites operate year-round, most luxury camping facilities near Milwaukee close seasonally. According to Kyle B., "Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike."
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility features: Some locations provide enhanced accessibility for families with mobility needs. At Chain O' Lakes State Park, "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms," explains Meg, noting site selection considerations for families with young children.
Tick prevention essential: Prepare for insects, especially with small children. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," cautions Meg about Honeysuckle Hollow, recommending screen houses for protection.
Special events for children: Some campgrounds host seasonal activities specifically for families. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "We booked a site here for Halloween and had a great time. My kids love Halloween Weekend camping at the various JellyStone Campgrounds," reports Marc W.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Pay attention to power source placement when selecting sites. According to Debra M., "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance."
Concrete pad availability: Some luxury camping sites near Milwaukee feature improved parking surfaces. At Kohler-Andrae State Park, "Really nice state park with pretty good space in between sites. Some easy, limited elevation hikes around the campground, and a nice mix of pine trees/marsh/open space," notes Justin F.
Park access restrictions: Security measures at some parks may limit after-hours entry. Brian O. reports about Chain O' Lakes, "The gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark."
