The eastern Wisconsin landscape surrounding Malone features a mix of state forests, county parks, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Columbia County Park in Malone provides tent and RV sites with full hookups from May through October, while the nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest offers more extensive camping options at Mauthe Lake and Long Lake campgrounds. These state forest sites, located about 20 miles southeast of Malone, provide a more immersive natural experience with wooded sites and lake access. High Cliff State Park, situated on Lake Winnebago's eastern shore near Sherwood, offers year-round camping with sites that range from secluded forest settings to areas with limestone cliff views.
Wisconsin state parks and forests in this region typically require vehicle admission stickers in addition to camping fees, with prices ranging from $8-15 daily or $28-38 annually. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, though some like High Cliff remain open year-round with limited winter facilities. As one camper noted, "Mid to late October is great for fall camping in southern Wisconsin with cool nights ranging from lower 30s to upper 40s and daytime temps that can exceed 60." Spring camping often means dealing with muddy conditions, particularly in low-lying areas. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near Fond du Lac and spottier reception in the more remote forest areas.
Many campers highlight the privacy of sites as a key feature of the region's campgrounds. According to one visitor to Mauthe Lake, "Upper loop campsites are a little more secluded. Lakeside sites are also available but a little more crowded." Water recreation opportunities abound, with fishing, swimming, and boating available at most state park and forest campgrounds. The Lake-to-Lake bike trail connects Long Lake and Mauthe Lake campgrounds, offering an 8-mile route through varied landscapes. Wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the area, though campers should be prepared for "loud frogs when attempting to sleep" as one reviewer mentioned. Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months, particularly in areas with standing water between campsites.
$18 - $28 / night
"Mauthe Lake Campground is located in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest in East/Centreal Wisconsin."
"Wonderful trail around the lake and a variety of different campsites. Plenty of space, very rural. Very wisconsin!"
$20 - $30 / night
"A little better than the average Wisconsin state campground."
"We loved just walking around the paths to and from the lake to our site."
"This was my first time camping in a Wisconsin state park and I thought it was great! Our site backed up to a trail along the cliff which was awesome for a family that loves to hike."
"Another spacious Wisconsin State Park site. #2 is level and listed as full shade but we had enough sun to recharge our Jackery everyday. It helps that it was blue skies each day!"
"On lake Winnebago w boat landing, can canoe or kayak shoreline if not too windy, hiking trails, kids play area, close to town. No entrance fee."
"Very spacious campsites close to or on the water. There is a marina if you have a boat, and the fishing is supposedly excellent. Expensive playground areas with picnic, grills, and fire pits."
$25 - $30 / night
"Well it’s like most county parks in Wisconsin. 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."
"On the edge of the city and close to everything."
"All the other campgrounds in OshKosh are near the airport, which makes sense since the biggest event each year is the EVAA air show. None of them have trees."
"We were in route to visiting Green Bay Wisconsin and found this campground on Lake Michigan."
"About 20 minutes from Sheboygan, WI and 2 hours from Chicago, IL, Kohler-Andrae State Park Campground, is a few minutes drive or walk from Lake Michigan."
"Close to the surrounding cities."
"Lots of open space for our kids to play and a beautiful lake view and beach with lots of lake shells and birds to see. Friendly and helpful hosts as well."
"Water is usually available, but more limited during the pandemic (spigot turned off by our campsite, but available near the parking lot at the entrance - a longer walk)."
"Grassy sites surrounded by trees (plenty for hammocks too). Short walk to pit toilets and drinking water."
ScoutThis State Park is located along the Niagara Escarpment. The campground is near the bluff and gives a great view of Lake Winnebago. The vault bathrooms are open year-round as is half the campground. During the summer, the store at the marina offers camping gear and there is a restaurant near the golf course outside the park. I camp here regularly, rock climb, and run the trails.
LegendThe Group Campground at Harrington Beach State Park brings a completely different energy, offering an expansive, open setting that feels made for large family reunions, scout troops, family birthday party overnighters and lively gatherings that stretch long into the evening. Unlike the more intimate family sites, this area is designed for scale, with wide communal spaces, larger fire rings and plenty of room for picnic tables, shared meals and kid-filled games of tag and flag football. We passed through and couldn’t help but smile watching a group roast marshmallows together while another set of kids played flashlight hide-and-seek across the open field. While it is less private and more bustling, this locale creates a joyful sense of togetherness that feels perfect for celebrations and group bonding. While the restroom and shower facilities were mediocre (at best), they were functional and clean. But the real star here is the close proximity to Lake Michigan. I’d recommend this Group Campground for larger parties who want space to spread out, EZ beach access and the freedom to make memories together in a beautiful lakeside setting.
LegendThere is something deeply calming about waking up just steps from Lake Michigan at the Harrington Beach State Park Family Campground, where our little crew found the perfect balance of nature and comfort in a setting that feels both scenic and safe. The campground is well-organized with clearly defined family-sized sites, clean restrooms and EZ access to walking trails and the beach, making it especially friendly for parents juggling gear and excited boys. One of our favorite moments was sitting around the campfire as we tried to stay warm from an early first wave of the winter to come while the sun melted into the lake in soft pink streaks. We loved that everything felt thoughtfully laid out without feeling crowded or chaotic. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families looking for a peaceful getaway with just enough adventure, thanks to its natural beauty, clean facilities, lakefront access and gentle, welcoming atmosphere.
LegendThere is something wonderfully grounding about settling into the Family Campground at Kohler-Andrae State Park, where our little crew felt instantly wrapped in the gentle rhythm of Lake Michigan and the whispering grasses of the sandy dunes that our boys loved to explore. The campground is very well laid out with 137 clearly defined family-sized sites (52 of which have electrical hookups), exceptionally clean restrooms and perfectly manicured pathways leading to the boardwalk and shoreline, making every moment of exploration feeling manageable and peaceful. One of our favorite moments was walking down the wooden boardwalk as the boys raced ahead to spot driftwood treasures and tiny shore birds along the beach. Everything here feels calm, safe and naturally beautiful without being overly rugged. And while you can bring everything you will need to enjoy camping here, in case you forget anything, nearby Sheboygan has you covered for just about any supply you could think of (except for firewood, which you can buy either at the park office or from one of the campground hosts). I would absolutely recommend this campground for families seeking a soothing lakeside escape with a perfect mix of nature, comfort, and gentle adventure.
ScoutThis is a nice getaway for camping, picnics, hiking, fishing and in the summer swimming! They only offer swimming with lifeguards in the summer months. They have great open spaces for group camping.
TravelerThis park is pretty much the perfect blend of forest, marsh, beach, dunes, and hills. It's got breathtaking views year round. Not all sites are created equal- there's functionally three different types of campsite. The southernmost are wooded and fairly private. There's a longer walk to the showers. Feels more primitive, although the roads are well maintained and bathrooms clean. The campsites in the middle of the park have few trees and little privacy. These are more like crash pads if you want to spend the day swimming, hiking, or fishing. The north end of the park offers denser woods and more established sites. These are close to the water and the park exit. Winter camping is peaceful and quiet. Spring is exciting, but can be wet. Summer is cool near the lake and usually busier. Fall is crisp and colorful.
TravelerNovember 7th-8th. Site 91. 25-30 degrees. Near cliff above Lake Winnebago. Windy as expected. Beautiful site. Clean primitive toilet.
GuideAwesome campground in the north unit of Kettle Moraine. Wonderful trail around the lake and a variety of different campsites. Plenty of space, very rural. Very wisconsin!
LegendThe 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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Malone, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Malone, WI is Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit with a 4.4-star rating from 45 reviews.
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