Montello, Wisconsin sits at an elevation of 800 feet above sea level at the edge of the Fox River watershed. The area features a mix of oak and pine woodlands interspersed with glacial lakes and marshes. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F while spring and fall camping seasons experience cooler nights that often drop below 50°F, requiring proper insulation for overnight stays.
What to do
Kayaking at Mirror Lake State Park: The calm waters and unique sandstone formations make this a premier paddling destination. Rentals available on-site for exploring the lake's scenic shoreline. "The lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs," notes a visitor from Sandstone Ridge Campground.
Amish community tours: Visit local Amish greenhouses, bakeries and woodworking shops within short driving distance. "A lot of Amish in the area with greenhouses—we got all of our summer flowers from them. A few bakeries—go early! Wood working stores, buggy shops and etc. Search Amish greenhouses on the web, you can print a map of all Amish in the area," advises a camper from Buffalo Lake Camping Resort.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the region offer varied fishing experiences. Access points available at most campgrounds with shoreline areas. "The fishing here is okay but if you rent a kayak or paddle boat I'm sure it would be better in the middle and away from the swimming," reports a visitor at Pride of America Camping Resort.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept washrooms and shower buildings throughout the season. "The bathrooms were nice for what I saw of them. I just wish the bathrooms were warmer as they were not much warmer than outside," mentions a camper at Sandstone Ridge Campground.
Outdoor recreation variety: Beyond water activities, many campgrounds feature volleyball courts, horseshoes, hiking trails and organized events. A reviewer from Indian Trails Campground states, "There's the newly renovated outdoor pool area, the swimming lake with an inflatable playground, a pond to fish, kayak/canoe/paddle boat on, basketball courts, mini golf, a video game barn, several hiking trails and playgrounds all over the campground."
Seasonal events: Weekend-specific activities provide additional entertainment options throughout camping season. "We have come for the countless event weekends. Halloween, chocolate craziness, wet n wild, pirates weekend, poker run! Our personal favorite, wet n wild. A huge water fight between the whole campground and they even drive a fire truck through," shares an enthusiast from Pride of America Camping Resort.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature fluctuations. "We ended up cutting our trip short because we weren't prepared for the weather and rain (we had a 4 month old and it was our first ever camping trip)," cautions a visitor to Sandstone Ridge Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Take precautions with food storage at night. "The raccoons were brutal. They broke into our crates twice. Smart enough to figure out the clip mechanism," warns a camper from Sandstone Ridge Campground.
Site selection matters: Research specific sites before booking, especially for tent camping. "We had originally booked site 95 and on the video, he said it was quite the slope and it didn't look big enough for our campsite. I then switched our site to number 62. Wow, it is in a perfect spot!" advises a tent camper from Mirror Lake State Park.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience traffic or aircraft noise. "The highway noise is loud and some military jets kept flying overhead," reports a Sandstone Ridge visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Most campgrounds offer dedicated play areas and water features. "Plenty of amenities! Enjoyed a week there. They even have a general store and events almost every day and night to keep you engaged," notes a visitor to Lake Arrowhead Campground.
Choose sites near bathrooms: For families with young children, strategic site selection improves convenience. "We had a great site for our pop up. Corner site close to showers and bathrooms," recommends a Lake Arrowhead camper.
Consider yurt camping: For families new to outdoor experiences, several Montello area campgrounds offer yurt accommodations with sturdy structures and basic furnishings. Wisconsin Dells KOA provides yurt options with electricity that serve as an entry point to camping without requiring extensive gear.
Group site options: Some campgrounds offer connected sites ideal for multi-family trips. "The group campsite is phenomenal... tons of space for each family and a great community area for your group," recommends a visitor to Duck Creek Campground.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing flexibility: Some campgrounds allow early check-in when sites are available. "You can get to your site early if no one is on it, stay later by letting them know," mentions a Buffalo Lake Camping Resort regular.
Site dimensions vary: Research specific sites before arrival to ensure proper fit for your RV. "For a family with a camper, there are full hookups or water and electricity with flat gravel pads. Sites are close together but do have big pine trees for shade," notes a reviewer from Buffalo Lake Camping Resort.
Utility placement: Pay attention to hookup locations when selecting sites. "The site was level and the full hookups were well placed. Plenty of room and a concrete patio & nice picnic table," mentions a visitor to Wisconsin Dells KOA.
