Camping options around Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin offer diverse experiences ranging from lakeside sites to urban RV parks. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from April through October, with only a few facilities remaining open year-round. Many parks serve as convenient bases for exploring Lake Michigan's western shoreline, located within a 30-minute drive from most campsites.
What to do
Kayaking on multiple lakes: Chain O' Lakes State Park has seven connected lakes accessible through small tributaries. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill. Also it is 30 miles from Shipshawana where the Amish have a flea market and auction (Tuesdays & Wednesday)," notes one camper at Fox Den Campground.
Hiking woodland trails: Multiple trail networks extend through most parks in the region, with varying difficulty levels. At Naga-Waukee Park, campers appreciate the accessible location and wooded surroundings. "A very nice, woodsy campground. Feels like you are further north than you really are!" shares one visitor. The park connects to both the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail systems.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Many county parks maintain stocked fishing areas with convenient access. "There are a few nice shorter hiking loops that I believe can be used as horse trails as well. The trails are wood chipped covered and very easy. A few little ponds and a nice little surprise of old abandoned farm equipment," reports a visitor to Muskego Park.
What campers like
Clean, accessible facilities: Washroom quality varies across parks, with newer county facilities often receiving better reviews. "Level sites with electric and water at each site. Well taken care of grounds. Nice bathrooms with clean showers," notes a visitor at Cliffside Park Campground, which maintains year-round shower buildings.
Swimming beaches: Several parks feature swimming areas with varying amenities. At Muskego Park, a visitor highlighted the "small man made pond. I believe it's stocked with fish and offers a very family friendly swimming area. There's a nice little concessions stand, a little sand area, and a small pier to jump off of."
Urban convenience with outdoor access: Wisconsin State Fair RV Park serves as the primary urban camping option. "Perfect campground for what it is! Big paved parking lot with full hookups. Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient," reports one camper staying near Milwaukee.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: Some parks operate on a combined system. "Campsites reservations are available online - but a walk-up paystation is also available and a few campsites are always reserved for walk-in/bike-in campers," notes a camper at Naga-Waukee Park. Most parks become fully booked on summer weekends.
Alcohol policies differ by jurisdiction: County and state parks maintain different rules regarding alcohol consumption. At Fox Den Campground, a camper warns, "The only big minus is the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season. The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site."
Camp host assistance: Most established campgrounds maintain on-site hosts who sell firewood and enforce quiet hours. "Firewood is sold at the Molinaro Visitor Center/Headquarters parking lot through a firewood vending machine which is open 24/7. It is a credit card only," explains a visitor to Sunrise Campground at Richard Bong State Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several parks maintain designated swimming areas with varying facilities. "Nice place to relax. Nice quiet place to take kids to swim. Beach is clean and there are trees for shade and grills to cook," notes a visitor to Naga-Waukee Park, which maintains a groomed beach area.
Playground equipment: Most county parks feature playground facilities, though quality varies significantly. "There are lots of playground areas for the kids, the pool was working and it was heated," reports a camper at Happy Acres Kampground, though they also noted maintenance issues with grass cutting.
Educational programs: State recreation areas often provide naturalist-led activities. At Sunrise Campground, a visitor noted, "The Weekend we were here they had a free Kids fishing weekend and John the naturalist was amazing!! There is a ton to do at this park the nature center has activities all weekend long."
Tips from RVers
Dump station logistics: Many rv parks near Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin provide electric hookups but lack sewer connections at campsites. "There's no full hookup, they needed someone to control the traffic that comes from two different directions going to the dual dump stations. There's no honor system, especially on a holiday weekend," cautions a camper at Happy Acres Kampground.
Site selection considerations: Urban rv parks offer convenience but different experiences. "We took an electric only site on the far right and were backed up against a band of grass. Full hookup sites are all blacktop. Not a place for recreation, but good as a base for Milwaukee attractions," notes a visitor to Wisconsin State Fair RV Park.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds in the region close between October and April. For winter camping needs, limited options exist. "We stayed at State Fair RV Park in Milwaukee for two months while waiting to retire and work out bugs in our new RV. The park was all cement, it was clean and quiet. Laundry and shower facilities were kept very clean as well."
