The camping region around Monticello, Wisconsin sits within the rolling hills of Green County, where elevations range between 800-1,200 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with winter lows often reaching below freezing from December through March, while summer humidity levels frequently exceed 70%. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October due to the region's harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake activities dominate at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground, where visitors can enjoy both shore and boat fishing. "Great park for water activities and hiking! Also had nice shower facilities," reports Phillip J., highlighting the dual appeal of this location.
Golfing excursions: Several campgrounds offer direct access to golf courses. At Creekview RV Park, "golfers can walk next door to a three-par course," as Josh F. observed. The park's proximity to golfing makes it a convenient base for those wanting to hit the links.
Hiking trails: The region offers varied terrain for hiking enthusiasts. At Yellowstone Lake State Park, one camper noted, "Pretty prairie 'Hiking' (more walking in my opinion). The lake is gorgeous though, nice beach too." The trails are moderate in difficulty, suitable for casual walkers rather than serious hikers.
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, waterfront activities abound. At Hickory Hills Campground, "awesome renovations! So many cool activities definitely kid orientated! The sites close to the store are so nice! wooded and somewhat private. Love that they have a sparkling clean (but cold!) pool and a lake with a beach!"
What campers like
Spacious sites: Site size varies significantly across campgrounds. At Creekview RV Park, "RV sites have ample gravel pads for parking," while at Brigham Park, one camper appreciated their "site 20. Nice spot for tent camping and enough room from each neighbor."
Weekend entertainment: Many campgrounds offer organized activities. At Blackhawk Camping Resort, one visitor highlighted the "Golf cart parade, DJ, band, BINGO" as standout features of their stay. These structured events create social opportunities.
Water amenities: Multiple campgrounds feature water attractions. A Hickory Hills camper enjoyed "awesome renovations! So many cool activities definitely kid orientated!... Love that they have a sparkling clean (but cold!) pool and a lake with a beach!" These dual water options provide alternatives depending on weather.
Scenic viewpoints: Several campgrounds offer notable vistas. At Brigham Park, visitors praise the "Scenic overlook is gorgeous" and note it's "a perfect place to star gaze or watch a storm roll in. You can see for miles and miles."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds close entirely during winter months. "Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most facilities closing by mid-October," which creates planning challenges for off-season visitors.
Site privacy concerns: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with limited screening between sites. At Lake Farm Campground, "the tent campsites are very open and would be quite sunny during the day. They are also extraordinarily close to one another, there is no understory between for any privacy."
Mosquito populations: Humidity and nearby water features create insect challenges. One camper at River Bend RV Resort noted, "the first thing I noticed while in my site was that it was overrun with mosquitos. I know there has been a lot of rain in many places but it made it incredibly hard to enjoy the area."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies widely across campgrounds. While Lake Farm offers "showers, free of charge and flush toilets with running water sinks," smaller locations like Creekview have "a small building with bathroom facilities" that are more basic.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's programming. At River Bend RV Resort, "Riverbend has a lot for everyone. Nice swim pond, great pool, fishing…you name it, it's probably here. If you want to have fun, this is the place."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites away from common areas for evening quiet. One camper at River Bend notes, "We had a great time with our group. The staff did a great job cleaning and supervising the amount of people in the store due to the pandemic. We had a group of 7 kids, it was nice to be backed up to the volleyball courts."
Safety considerations: Water features require supervision. At Hickory Hills, visitors access "172 acre spring-fed lake with its own beachhead, oversized inflatables" but parents should note the minimal lifeguard presence at most campground swimming areas.
Noise levels: Campgrounds vary in activity level, affecting sleep quality. A River Bend visitor observed, "If you're looking for a quiet, relaxing type of place, this isn't. Know it's fun and people have fun. So enjoy!" Families with younger children may prefer quieter locations.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require adjustment equipment. At Yellowstone Lake State Park, "If camping with a trailer or RV check to make sure you will get a campsite that is level enough for your vehicle. Lots of the campsites are uneven and larger vehicles may have issues getting level."
Reservation timing: Peak season requires advance booking. Weekend reservations from June through August often fill 2-3 months in advance, especially for premium sites with specific amenities or views.
Accessibility variances: Roadways into campgrounds vary in quality. At Hickory Hills, "Once you enter the park, there are some drastic hills to navigate," while Lake Farm offers more level access but "The one road can get congested when you are waiting for the dump station."
Utility hookup limitations: Full-service sites are limited in number. At Creekview RV Park, sites offer "water and electric hookups for RVs. Some sites have picnic tables, but not all of them," and visitors must use "a central sewer dump for RVs" rather than individual site connections.
