Tom O.
Guide
GuideNew Glarus State Park Campground
Convenient to New Glarus
This is a small campground. Sites are a little overgrown and not very level. No hook ups. No dump station, but quiet and a good overnight stop
Best Campgrounds in Wisconsin
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Wisconsin state parks offer diverse camping experiences, from lakeside sites to forested retreats. Established campgrounds like Willow River State Park near Hudson provide amenities for both tent and RV campers, while High Cliff State Park in Sherwood features cabin options for those seeking more comfort. Kohler-Andrae State Park along Lake Michigan combines traditional camping with glamping opportunities. Many campgrounds throughout the state include electric hookups, drinking water, showers, and reservable sites, with most offering year-round access.
State park camping requires vehicle admission stickers in addition to campsite fees, with reservations strongly recommended during summer months. Most campgrounds feature a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Accessibility varies considerably, with some parks offering paved roads suitable for larger RVs while others have more rustic conditions. Wisconsin's weather can impact camping experiences significantly, with summer humidity and occasional storms, followed by spectacular fall colors and crisp temperatures. Winter camping is available at many locations for cold-weather enthusiasts. "The bathrooms, showers and sites were some of the most clean I've been to, not to mention the landscape and variety of trails is very beautiful and well cared for," noted one visitor about Governor Dodge State Park.
Waterfront camping opportunities abound throughout Wisconsin, with several state parks situated on lakes, rivers, and even Lake Michigan. Devils Lake State Park receives high marks despite occasional crowding, while the campgrounds at Kettle Moraine State Forest offer more secluded experiences with hiking and water activities nearby. Campers consistently praise the well-maintained facilities at locations like Copper Falls State Park and Peninsula State Park. A recent review highlighted that "Dexter Campgrounds was a delight to stay at. There was a private bathroom/shower room that made the experience feel luxurious. It is right next to a beautiful river and lake." Wildlife viewing opportunities are common across Wisconsin's campgrounds, with many visitors reporting sightings of deer, raccoons, and various bird species.
Best Camping Sites in Wisconsin (1,061)
1. Willow River State Park Campground
64 ReviewsHudson, WIWebsite+1 (715) 386-5931$25 - $90 / night
"There is a newly filled lake after the reconstruction of the dam. This is a non motorized lake for paddling, swimming and fishing."
"Fun to play in the water, go behind the waterfall and a good hike up 200 steps to view the falls from above!"
2. Wisconsin Ridge Campground — Wyalusing State Park
53 ReviewsPrairie du Chien, WIWebsite$23 - $40 / night
"Located on the far western edge of Wisconsin this state park offers a little of everything - hiking trails connected to the camp grounds, boat access to the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, overlook of"
"This is an amazing park on the Wisconsin/Iowa border, overlooking where the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers join. I usually try to get in at least 1 trip a year, if lucky enough 2-3."
3. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
52 ReviewsNorth Prairie, WIWebsite+1 (262) 594-6200$23 - $38 / night
"Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa. The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."
"Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."
4. High Cliff State Park Campground
49 ReviewsSherwood, WIWebsite+1 (920) 989-1106$25 - $50 / night
"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!"
5. Kohler-Andrae State Park
47 ReviewsOostburg, WIWebsite+1 (920) 451-4080$26 - $70 / night
"We were in route to visiting Green Bay Wisconsin and found this campground on Lake Michigan."
"Nice long stretch of soft sand beach and cool board walk hikes through sand dunes. The sites are pretty typical, nice, wooded, maybe a little squeezed together but over all not bad."
6. Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park
47 ReviewsBaraboo, WIWebsite+1 (888) 947-2757$28 - $53 / night
"There is something for everyone at Devils Lake State Park."
"One of the best in Wisconsin. Great place for swimming and hiking."
7. Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
46 ReviewsCampbellsport, WIWebsite+1 (262) 626-2116$23 - $38 / 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!"
8. Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park
43 ReviewsBaraboo, WIWebsite+1 (608) 356-8301$28 - $53 / night
"Much to do at Devil's Lake and surrounding area. features multiple campgrounds and multiple areas for swimming. A beach at the North and South of the lake."
"It is up and away from the rest of the park a bit and typically almost every site has full shade. This is important in the summer months."
9. Copper Falls State Park Campground
37 ReviewsMellen, WIWebsite+1 (715) 274-5123$25 - $90 / night
"If your from Wisconsin this sits at the very north of the State. If your looking for areas to visit while camping here you may have a little bit of a drive."
"Wow, Copper Falls has quickly jumped to my number one state park experience in Wisconsin. I’ve lived in Wisconsin my whole life and did not expect such beauty in this northern part of the state."
10. Perrot State Park Campground
37 ReviewsTrempealeau, WIWebsite+1 (608) 534-6409$18 - $110 / night
"Located among driftless Wisconsin, Perrot SP is a great place to camp. The highlight of this park are the hiking trails created by the CCC."
"There is a rail line that runs along between the Mississippi and the park edge, campsites are away from this but still can be heard as well as motor boats on the River."
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Recent Reviews in Wisconsin
3961 Reviews of 1061 Wisconsin Campgrounds
Ryan Y.
ScoutRustic Timbers Door County Camping
Very nice
Very nice campground lots to offer quiet relaxing with stuff to do to keep kiddos very busy everything is well up kept and clean
- kkelsea D.Scout
Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Amazing place
It’s a lot bigger than I expected it to be. Our site is great the bathrooms are well maintained. There’s plenty of things to do here. Getting wood is great and easy the only downside is paying $8 a bundle. Otherwise great campgrounds. Would definitely come back.
JP Master B.ScoutHoffman City Park
A sleepless night
I picked this site for the proximity to the golf course that I’m playing in the morning. A lot of people, a lot of noise being next to the highway but, I can’t sleep in my own house let alone being outside. When I came in and set up at the RV spot instead of the tent. Kurt was kind enough to help me relocate to the correct location. Kudos!
- Jeff K.Scout
Tranquil Timbers
Nice campground and location
This is our first time here and we love it and will be coming back, however there are some definite downsides. The biggest downside is the limited number of campsites with sewer hookups. We are in a field next to a building with full plumbing. It seems like it would be relatively easy to put in sewer connections when the sites are so close to a building with sewer. It seems like almost all of the very few sewer sites are reserved for seasonals. The other downside is there are lots of narrow passages through the woods with low hanging branches. The grounds are beautiful but they really need to do a lot of pruning work along the roads.
Cee C.ScoutTennison Bay Campground — Peninsula State Park
Expensive, crowded, dirty facilities & unmaintained sites
We spent almost $200 on three nights of camping here. They charge $28 a night + $15 a night if you're out of state. On top of that you have reservation fees, tax and have to purchase a sticker for $55. For this price we expected clean and modern facilities, but they were dirty and dated.
We found our campsite to be the smallest we've ever camped in and it was covered in invasive vines and poison ivy. It was more of a summer camp for kids and families than a quiet, peaceful getaway.
If you have a family and want to ride your bike around and eat ice cream at the beach then this park is for you. They have a huge golf course too, not exactly a shining example of forest preservation.
Melody J.GuideAfterhours Meadow
Easy to get to
We stayed here for 2 nights. A Saturday and Sunday night in August and we had the place to ourselves. The large open field is big enough to accommodate multiple groups though and we had no problem getting our 30 ft long rig back there. The grass was very long so it made it hard to see if the ground would be level or if there were rocks hiding on the ground. Loved our stay!
Jessy M.
TravelerHowell Landing
Got kicked out
Big open gravel lot for parking and grassy area for tent camping near the river. I stayed in the gravel lot in my van. However, a ranger came the next day and said it wasn't allowed. I could only stay if I pitched a tent so I left.
Brook D.ScoutWillow River State Park Campground
Well maintained state park
Very clean and level sites. Small park close to lovely historic towns. Sites feel very private . There is road noise and possibly a shooting range near by so it is not quiet in the day.
Guide to Wisconsin
Camping in Wisconsin offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in the Badger State.
What to do
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Buckhorn State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, “Plenty of hiking, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities inside the park.”
- Fishing and Water Activities: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Coon Fork Campground, are perfect for fishing. A reviewer noted, “Nice beaches and walking trails throughout!!”
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Hartman Creek State Park Campground shared, “The beauty of this trail is amazing!”
What campers like
- Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites. A review from Big Eau Pleine Park Campground said, “Sites were large and private.”
- Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds have well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Council Grounds State Park Campground mentioned, “Decent bathrooms. Nice little beach area.”
- Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often feel welcomed. One reviewer at Pigeon Creek Campground stated, “Great overall space! New jungle gym for the kids.”
What you should know
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Buckhorn State Park Campground warned, “The only reason I gave this 4/5 stars is because the mosquitoes!!!”
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Jordan Park noted, “They had leaf blowers going at 7 am and came right next to our tents.”
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Roche A Cri State Park Campground mentioned, “Nothing too fancy, but it is worth the trip!”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One camper at Fremont RV Campground said, “Plenty of activities for the kids, nice staff, and friendly campers.”
- Pack for Bugs: Bring bug spray to keep the mosquitoes at bay. A family at Pigeon Creek Campground mentioned, “Bugs were sometimes bad but it was June in the woods in Wisconsin.”
- Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can be loud, so have a backup plan for quiet activities. A visitor at Council Grounds State Park Campground shared, “Quiet. Sites were spaced nicely.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Hartman Creek State Park Campground noted, “If you want to be surrounded by hammock-able trees, I suggest sites 94-99.”
- Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric sites. A camper at Petenwell Park mentioned, “They also have put in new bathrooms and shower houses around their campground.”
- Plan for Dump Stations: Not all campgrounds have sewer hookups. A visitor at Coon Fork Campground said, “Some loops better suited for tents, some for large RVs.”
Camping in Wisconsin is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tent camping locations in Wisconsin?
What are the best tent camping locations in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin offers exceptional tent camping experiences, particularly at Newport State Park Campground with its hike-in sites that combine outdoor adventure with nearby attractions like wine tastings and drive-in theaters. For a secluded experience, Harrington Beach State Park Campground provides private, wooded sites with clean facilities and easy access to Lake Michigan. Other excellent tent camping options include Wyalusing State Park with its scenic river views, and Sailor Lake NF Campground in the national forest with dedicated waterside tent sites. For those seeking a more rustic experience, the walk-in sites at Kettle Moraine State Forest provide a genuine woodland immersion with basic amenities.
Where can I find campgrounds with cabins in northern Wisconsin?
Where can I find campgrounds with cabins in northern Wisconsin?
Northern Wisconsin offers several cabin options for campers. Lake of the Pines Campground in Flambeau River State Forest provides a rustic cabin experience in a remote, wooded setting near a beautiful lake. North Trout Lake Campground in the Northern Highland State Forest also offers cabin accommodations with excellent lake access. Several private campgrounds in the Minocqua and Eagle River areas provide more amenity-rich cabin options with electricity and running water. Many northern Wisconsin cabins require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months, and typically range from rustic one-room shelters to fully-equipped cabins with kitchenettes and multiple bedrooms.
What are the best family-friendly campgrounds in Wisconsin?
What are the best family-friendly campgrounds in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin boasts numerous family-friendly campgrounds with amenities perfect for children. Wyalusing State Park Campground offers a complete package with hiking trails, river access, playgrounds, and educational opportunities where the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers meet. Rocky Arbor State Park Campground provides a quiet retreat close to Wisconsin Dells attractions while escaping the tourist crowds. Devil's Lake State Park features swimming beaches, gentle hiking trails, and interpretive programs ideal for children. Kohler-Andrae State Park offers dune exploration and Lake Michigan swimming. Many family-friendly campgrounds in Wisconsin include modern bathrooms with showers, accessible playgrounds, ranger-led programs, and spacious sites that accommodate multiple tents, making them perfect for families with children of all ages.
How much does camping typically cost in Wisconsin?
How much does camping typically cost in Wisconsin?
Camping costs in Wisconsin vary based on location, amenities, and residency status. State parks like New Glarus State Park Campground charge approximately $15-30 per night for Wisconsin residents and slightly more for non-residents, plus a required vehicle admission sticker ($8-11 daily or $28-38 annual). County parks such as Mendota County Park typically range from $15-25 per night. Private campgrounds like Fox Hill RV Park have higher rates, often $30-50 for tent sites and $40-70 for full hookup RV sites. National Forest campgrounds offer more affordable options, typically $15-20 per night. Most reservable sites also include a $7.75-10 reservation fee. Discounts are often available for seniors and disabled visitors at public campgrounds.
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