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Best Tent Camping near Monticello, WI

652 Reviews

Tent campers near Monticello, Wisconsin have several wooded options within a short drive, including New Glarus Woods State Park and Governor Dodge State Park's backpack campsites. These established tent campgrounds offer varied experiences from walk-in tent sites in oak groves to more remote backcountry tent areas with different levels of amenities. Blackhawk Memorial Park provides more rustic tent camping with first-come, first-served availability, while sites at Devils Lake State Park offer more developed facilities.

Most tent sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. New Glarus Woods provides walk-in tent sites along a central trail with vault toilets centrally located, requiring campers to carry gear from designated parking areas. Water spigots are available at most established campgrounds but are generally centralized rather than at individual sites. Governor Dodge's backpack campsites require a half-mile to mile hike from parking areas, creating more separation from vehicle noise but necessitating careful packing. Sandhill Station State Campground offers carry-in only sites with no onsite firewood sales, requiring tent campers to bring supplies from local vendors.

The walk-in tent sites at New Glarus Woods provide more seclusion than drive-in options, though some campers note highway noise affects the experience. One camper observed that "sites on the east side of the bike trail get less level the further you get from the parking lot." Tent pads at Devils Lake provide stable platforms for camping, while the backpacking sites at Governor Dodge State Park offer greater privacy and connection to trail networks. Most primitive tent sites have adequate tree cover for shade and hammock setup. Blackhawk Memorial Park provides a more rustic experience with pit toilets and no shower facilities. A visitor noted that at Sandhill Station, "The campsite we were on was spacious, private, and beautiful. We had two large oak trees on either side of our site, giving us a good amount of mixed shade."

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Best Tent Sites Near Monticello, Wisconsin (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Monticello, WI

12 Photos of 11 Monticello Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Monticello, WI

652 Reviews of 11 Monticello Campgrounds

  • Meg
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    Beautiful View (site 20), serious slope

    We LOVE site 20 as does everyone else who books this one up quick. Literally the only downside is that you have no flat spots anywhere on the site, which killed our backs sleeping in tents.

    Pros - lake view, but a safe distance down the hill so no worries about the kids at the campsite.

    On the end with tons of privacy, full row of trees and a ton of space until the next site. It’s like your own mini oasis.

    Lake is also fabulous. We decided to rent instead of hauling our own kayak and they were clean, affordable and quick process.

    Cons - lol that hill is no joke. Pit toilets I wouldn’t touch with a 10ft pole, but that’s pretty typical.

  • Alex H.
    Sep. 26, 2022

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    No Flat Spots

    Very nice park. Well marked and maintained trails. A large lake with boat launch and beach area. Separate pet area.

    We spent the weekend at site 101, which is a tent site. I wouldn't recommend this site. based on a quick walkaround, it seemed a bit smaller than other sites. That's not really a deal-breaker, but it didn't really have any flat spots to pitch the tent. We ended up pitching it up on the parking area, but it was still a bit slanted and we could feel the tire divot a little through the air mattresses. Aside from that, it was great. The site had a picnic table and fire ring that we used a lot. It was secluded from the surrounding sites.

    We hiked the Windy Ridge trail and the Prairie Loop trail. both were well maintained and enjoyable trails. We also spent some time on the beach.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    Def do not recommend for summer 2024!

    I wanted so badly to love this campground experience, but just didn't. Site 19 was an easy walk-in that theoretically had nearby vault toilets, parking, and water.

    Each site only had space for one car to park before walking in. Not a huge deal, but annoying as there were 2 of us who drove separate and we had to problem solve. When we got to the site I was shocked to see that what was labeled as a tent site had literally NO flat space to actually set up a tent. Spacious site, but fully sloped.

    Also, what I would have loved to know, is that the vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction to build something new in that space. Construction that starts loudly each day at 7am. Honestly every site from about #35 down was affected by the noise because the construction is happening in the middle of the loop (and actually blocking some of the one-way road as well).

    The park in general was okay. Per the usual, the pet areas were lacking. No beach at all, just grass covered in goose poop and one cut out on the raised shore between tall grasses and foliage where a dog could potentially jump in. Certainly nowhere for a human to enjoy the water with their pups unfortunately.

  • Cristina S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Blue Mound State Park Campground

    Clean and Modern

    Campsites, trails and facilities were immaculate. Staff was friendly. drive in and hike in sites available. great for families; trails have info markers to educate hikers on geology and flora of area. Drive in campsites had fire rings and picnic tables, vault toilets available.

  • Josh F.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Blue Mound State Park Campground

    Close to Madison, near Military Ridge Trail, Some sites are Far, Far Away

    I spent two nights in the campground at Blue Mound State Park. Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water. Both tent and RV/camper sites are on a typical one-way road pattern with a couple of loops there are plenty of sites with and without electricity. At the time I was there, the camp host sold high-quality hard wood for $5/bundle from a trailer on the honor system, so if you run out in the middle of the night, wood was easy to replenish. One of the park's highlights are lookout towers with views above the treetops, Unfortunately in 2020 both were closed, presumably because it would be difficult to keep a safe distance from others when on the stairs or while at the top. Pity, it'll be a reason to return. Still, there are several observation areas that are maintained well enough to keep the undergrowth from blocking the view of the Wisconsin River Valley nearly 15 miles to the north. This is where the "Blue Mound" name must come from, the hills at that distance did have a bluish cast to them.

    If you've read any of my other reviews you know what's next, my list of the best campsites. While I've visited several parks now that have "walk in" sites, with cars parked a minute or two from the campsite, about a dozen sites in Blue Mound State Park take "walk in" to a new level. Cars can drive to a barrier across the road, and the sites are a 10-15 minute walk downhill, The park provides ONE medium-sized cart (250 lb weight limit, 20-minute use limit) that I guess would be in high demand during load in and load out. (NOTE TO SELF, camp Thursday through Monday if going here, or arrive EARLY to get a cart). Most of these sites are quite sunny; 105 is nice and shady and private, 106 slightly shaded 109 and 110 are shaded, very close to one another and would be good for a group camp setup 111 is quite shady. There's water and toilets in the walk-in camp ground. You'd want to sip wood for campfires and cooking, the nearest source is a 15-minute walk uphill and back, and then if using the cart, you have to return it for another round trip.

    Back in the family campground where mortals and RVs park, I think the following are the nicest in terms of shade, level, size and privacy.

    42, 45, 47, 51, 64, 66, 69, 71, 73

  • Josh F.
    Dec. 29, 2020

    New Glarus State Park Campground

    Small, close to 2 busy roads - there are nicer options in Southern Wis.

    Throughout the summer of 2020, I camped at a number of Wisconsin state parks in the southern part of the state but hadn't gotten to camp at this one yet. While driving through the area I visited the park in December- photos won't show its summertime beauty but my walk through the park identified some ideal spots for camping. 

    The state park is open year-round, camping open May - October. The first thing I visited were the walk-in campsites. There is a loading zone parking lot with limited time parking. Access to the 14 walk-in sites is via a single trail with campsites on either side of the trail. There is a decrepit but functional pit toilet. All the walk-in sites have a picnic table and each is tucked off the trail into the woods.

    The downside to the walk-in sites is their proximity to a major highway. While walking through the campground I could easily hear the road noise. If I were looking to get away from civilization, or at least pretend to be far away from it all, that road noise would be a constant reminder that I wasn't. The further down the walk-in site trail I got, the closer I got to the highway and in fact, car headlights showed right up the trail as I was approaching the last set of campsites.

    When looking at a map and choosing a site, the walk-in campsites on the same side of the trail as the toilet are a little more private and secluded, and back up to expansive woods. The sites on the other side of the trail are nice but they are a little closer to the freeway and don't have as much forest coverage behind the campsites. The furthest walk-in site is at least a 4-minute (slightly downhill) walk from the parking lot. The centrally-located restroom is no more than 2 minutes from any of the walk-in campsites. Sites are between 40 and 1,000 feet from the walk-in loading zone.

    If walking to your campsite isn't your thing there is also a family campground with 17 drive-in (not drive through) sites located along a typical one-way paved road system. Unfortunately, this side of the state park is bordered by a different and only slightly less traveled road than the walk-in sites. Some campsites are sandwiched between the loop road and the main road, are lit by nighttime traffic headlights lights. As the campground road continues toward the group campground it veers away from the main road and offers a bit more privacy. These are the sites I'd select if I were to camp here.

    Of the group campsites, 55 and 56 are in a nicely wooded area with shade. 52 53 and 54 are in an open area with no shade. The family campground is serviced by two pit toilets centrally located to the campsites.

    Due to the very small size of this state park, lack of much to do except one hiking trail through it, and proximity to two main roads, I would not recommend the state park. There are many others in southern Wisconsin that have far more to offer. 

    Seriously, if you're looking for a Wisconsin state park in this neck of the woods, check out Yellowstone Lake or Blue Mound State Park instead. See my review of the latter for specific spots that would be awesome for tent camping.

  • S
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    Good Tent Sites

    We visited this spot last summer as a place to stay for 1 night on our way farther north.

    We really enjoy tent camping and prefer walk-in/hike in sites so we can have some privacy away from other campers. The campsites were decently dispersed and the ground was nice and grassy so it was pretty comfortable.

    We always want more space between campsites, but I think the privacy level was fine. The tent sites are right off the parking lot where the boat ramp is so maybe on a busy weekend it would be a little loud, but overall a nice night for us!

    We left in the morning to continue our drive so we didn’t spend much time checking out the hiking trails.

    We did however go checkout the beach which wasn’t much to write home about. If I remember correctly, we had to pay a fee to enter. Always happy to support a state park. We just figured since we were already paying to camp there, it wouldn’t cost extra. I’m pretty sure we paid an admission fee and didn’t stay for long. It was across the way and requires a drive instead of a hike to get there.

  • John W.
    Jul. 4, 2020

    Apple River Canyon

    Great first camping experience

    We tent camped at site 37. This site has a nice mix of shade and sun and the back had a water faucet. There is a trail that works it’s way through the back of the sites. The sites are a bit close together and separation is sometimes sparse. Restrooms are pits and well maintained stocked with TP. No showers on site. One loop of the tent sites are able to be reserved and the other loop is first come, first served. There are short trails with some steep climbs, not wide paths so bring bug spray and tick tools! The river that cuts through is small but picturesque. Picnic areas are plentiful near the water. Caught two tiny bass and a trout. No firewood on site, but multiple homes on the drive in had $5 self serve bundles for sale. This site is a dark skies site, so if it’s not overcast or full moon there is some good stargazing. AT&T cell service is mostly nonexistent in camp, but kicks in as you head out, so plan your research ahead of time. Attached are some shots of some sites from the road

  • Sarah W.
    Nov. 26, 2018

    New Glarus State Park Campground

    Nice weekend in the woods near Madison

    Note - this review is for the walk-up sites only This is our go-to campground when we decide we want to go camping with short notice. The park itself is neither very popular nor very interesting, so there are usually still sites available for reservation only a few days before your intended camping trip. The park itself isn't that interesting, but it is worth noting that it is located across the road from New Glarus Brewery. The brewery is an easy walk or bike ride from the walk-in campsites.

    We have camped at several of the walk-in sites. The sites are all located along the bike trail, and carts are available for transporting your gear which means you can bring more gear than you would bring backpacking. The walk-in sites have a good amount of space between each site, however the sites on the east side of the bike trail get less level the further you get from the parking lot. All sites are shaded and have fire pits and picnic tables. The sites on the west side of the trail are more level but closer to the trail, so you have less privacy from passers-by. Our personal favorite site is #19. It is the closest site to the parking lot on the east side of the trail, but you have to take a short foot-path off the main trail to get to the site and the site itself can't actually be seen from the trail or the parking lot. This makes it very quiet and private, but still not too far from your car. The campgrounds do have a lot of raccoons so it is nice to be within an easy walk of your vehicle if you would prefer to secure your food. Site 19 is also very level and spacious, with plenty of room for at least two good sized tents. You can hear some road noise in all of the walk-in sites due to the highway being near by, but it's buffered a bit by the woods so it is more of a white noise.

    The walk-ins have a vault toilet centrally located along the trail, and it has always been clean whenever we've camped there. A water spigot is also located centrally among the walk-in sites. You can take a short hike to the park's ampitheater from the walk-in sites, but they do not have programs very often.

Guide to Monticello

Tent camping opportunities near Monticello, Wisconsin center around rolling hills and limestone bluffs characteristic of the Driftless Area. This unglaciated region features unique topography with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while fall brings cooler nights around 40-50°F with ideal camping conditions.

What to do

Hiking trails with lake views: At Devils Lake State Park Group Campground, campers can explore extensive trail systems with challenging terrain. "Spent about 5 hours hiking the East Bluff, it was challenging for some of our younger hikers... Everyone was impressed by Devils Doorway. Would love to go back and hike the Western Bluff," notes Charles M.

Mountain biking options: The Sugar River Trail provides direct access from New Glarus State Park Campground. A camper points out, "With direct access to the Sugar River Trail and the town of New Glarus, it is a great location as an overnight stop or home base to explore."

Fishing access: Turtle Lake at Snug Harbor offers fishing opportunities without needing a boat. "Beautiful views overlooking Turtle Lake. Friendly and helpful staff," mentions one visitor. The campground rents boats for those wanting to explore further.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. "We walked over to Mud Lake (in the park), and only saw sandhill cranes flying, not standing in the water," reports a visitor at Sandhill Station State Campground.

What campers like

Private backpacking sites: Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites offer secluded spots away from vehicle noise. "Great backpack base camp! Great views, plenty of privacy and an easy hike. We stayed at 806," shares Erin Z. Sites require a half-mile to mile hike from parking areas.

Budget-friendly group options: Group sites provide economical options for larger parties. "Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site," mentions Jon D. about his stay at Devils Lake State Park.

Local brewery access: Campers appreciate the proximity to New Glarus Brewery from New Glarus Woods. "This park is a favorite stop of ours when we want to go visit new glarus brewery for a few beers. It's about a mile and half away," explains Dana B.

Quiet camping options: For those seeking the best tent camping near Monticello, Wisconsin with minimal disruption, Blackhawk Memorial Park provides a more rustic experience. "Quiet, off the grid! Very pleasant!" notes Christie B. about this county park with first-come, first-served availability.

What you should know

Site levelness varies: At New Glarus Woods, site placement affects comfort. Sites further from parking areas present challenges as one camper observes, "The sites on the east side of the bike trail get less level the further you get from the parking lot."

Road noise factors: Highway proximity impacts some camping experiences. "These sites are right next to the highway and (at least during the week) are subject to continuous, round the clock highway noise," reports Katie K. about certain sites at New Glarus Woods.

Carry-in requirements: Sandhill Station State Campground requires campers to hand-carry all equipment. "All 15 standard sites are carry-in only. The parking lot is anywhere from 100-500 yards from the campsite, depending on which one you choose. There isn't anywhere to buy firewood, so buy from a local resident/gas station," advises Jimmy P.

Weather considerations: Seasonal timing affects comfort levels at some locations. One camper recommends: "I wouldn't go in the middle of summer, due to the limited shade, but it was very nice in early fall."

Tips for camping with families

Scout-friendly terrain: Devil's Lake offers educational hiking opportunities. "Spent a weekend here in one of the group sites (G3) in mid November 2021... Everyone was impressed by Devils Doorway," shares Charles M. about a Scout trip.

Multi-day base camping: Using Governor Dodge as a hub allows for varied activities. "Back packing sites are 1/2-1 mile hike from parking lot. Great hike threw out the state park. 2 main lakes with great fishing is a plus. Lots to do for the whole family," notes Nick C.

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play equipment for younger campers. "The playground was great. We spent the day exploring our Swiss heritage in New Glarus," mentions Kay K. about her family's experience.

Bug preparation: Insect protection is essential, especially in summer months. "The sites are really near some stagnant water, though, so WAY too many mosquitoes, even with the really intense bug spray," warns Tawnie T. about Sandhill Station's summer conditions.

Tips from RVers

Tiered camping layouts: Snug Harbor Inn Campground offers a unique design. "Great three tiered camping spot. Full hookup, and great views. Has a pub/restaurant with good food," explains Alix M. The terraced layout provides lake views from multiple sites.

Electric hookup options: Some campgrounds near Monticello offer partial hookups for smaller RVs. "Nice place in the country but close enough to town to grab all those things we forgot, Like coffee and cups," shares James W. about Snug Harbor's convenience.

First-time RVer support: Staff assistance helps new RV campers. "Staff was great, helped me back in," mentions James W. about his maiden voyage at Snug Harbor, noting the helpful campground employees for newcomers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Monticello, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Monticello, WI is New Glarus State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 18 reviews.

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