The landscape surrounding Malone, Wisconsin includes small lakes, marshes, and mixed deciduous forests that create varied camping environments across Fond du Lac and Calumet counties. Camping options range from sandy lakeshore sites to forested inland plots, with the region typically experiencing warm summers with highs in the 80s and cooler spring and fall seasons. Ground conditions can vary significantly after rainfall, particularly at campgrounds with clay soil bases.
What to do
Beach swimming and water recreation: Mauthe Lake Campground offers a maintained beach area with calm waters ideal for families. According to one visitor, "Nice clean swimming and lots of hiking and biking options," while another adds that there's a "nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids."
Dune hiking and boardwalks: Kohler-Andrae State Park features unique dune landscapes along Lake Michigan. A camper notes, "Hiking trails are great, especially the ones through the dunes," while another recommends the "dune boardwalk trail that is good that runs parallel to Lake Michigan shoreline."
Lake-to-Lake biking: Take advantage of the 8-mile crushed gravel trail that connects camping areas. As one reviewer at Long Lake Campground shares, "Great quiet spot, huge biking trail that's about 7 miles long one way, good beaches and great lake." Another visitor mentions, "Decent biking trail system to beach and bike trail that connects to Maithe Lake."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer good fishing access with varying catch types. A visitor to Mauthe Lake noted, "lots to do at mauthe lake. big campsites. not too close to neighbors, good fishing!" The fishing ponds at some smaller campgrounds are catch-and-release only.
What campers like
Spacious, private campsites: Many campgrounds feature well-separated sites that provide privacy. A camper at Long Lake Campground observed, "Very nice campground. Sites are decent sized for tenting or small camper. Almost all the sites are surround by trees and small brush so it gives a private feel."
Clean, updated facilities: Calumet County Park receives praise for its maintenance. One reviewer noted, "Pit toilets are within a short walk and are among the cleanest I've seen anywhere," while another mentioned, "showers & bathrooms are very clean."
Sunrise and sunset views: Lakefront camping provides spectacular daily views. According to a visitor at Calumet County Park, "The park is on the shores of Lake Winnebago and the sunsets are fabulous!" Another camper at Mauthe Lake shared, "Sunset on the lake is ridiculously beautiful!"
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse bird and animal populations. At Hickory Oaks Campground, a visitor observed, "We saw so much wildlife! Chipmunks, ducks, a great horned owl, and countless birds to name a few."
What you should know
Site location matters: At High Cliff State Park, "Site 112 is nice pull through," according to one camper, while another mentioned, "Site 105 was large and relatively private." Study campground maps before booking to find the best fit.
Seasonal water availability: Early season campers should verify facilities. One camper notes, "Only gripe is the uncertain schedule they have for turning on water for the season. First week or two of may is a safe bet, but no promises."
Weather considerations: Fall camping offers specific advantages. A visitor to High Cliff State Park reported, "Beautiful fall colors! The campsite was large and relatively private. We enjoyed hiking on the trails," while another mentioned, "Stayed here for 4 days in late October. Site 112 is nice pull through."
Wildlife challenges: Be prepared for local wildlife encounters. One camper at High Cliff State Park warned, "Raccoons can be a pest and beg for food!" While insects vary by season, they're typically most active in summer months after rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. A visitor to Mauthe Lake mentioned, "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids," making it easier to keep children entertained.
Educational opportunities: Columbia County Park offers learning experiences. According to a reviewer, "It has both pit and flush bathrooms, shower, firewood, even ice. It is right by a boat launch with sis a nice one fees are free with camping. There is a cool look out Tower."
Local treats: Plan an outing for special treats. A Long Lake Campground visitor suggested, "Took a ride over to the town of Dundee and checked out Hamburger Haus for some HUGE ice cream cones."
Varied activities: Multiple recreation options keep kids engaged. As one Mauthe Lake camper noted, "Great clean sites and fishing. Many hiking trails. Historical attractions. Wisconsin does their parks and forests right."
Tips from RVers
Electric options: Verify amperage before booking. At Breezy Hill Campground, sites offer "electric-hookups, fifty-amp-hookups," but other campgrounds may only have 30-amp service or no hookups.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds restrict vehicle parking. A Hickory Oaks Campground visitor warned, "You can't park at your site unless you have have a site with a gravel pad. Even if you have a woven mesh mat outside your camper they don't like you to have it out."
Leveling considerations: Terrain varies across campgrounds. For sites at Kohler-Andrae State Park, one RVer noted the campground is "big-rig-friendly" but added that some sites require significant leveling due to the sandy soil base.
Dump station availability: Most campgrounds in the region offer sanitary dump stations, but timing matters. Columbia County Park has a "sanitary-dump" that can get congested on Sunday mornings during peak season.
