Nashotah's camping options extend from wetland areas near the Bark River to rolling glaciated terrain of the Kettle Moraine region, with elevations ranging from 850 to 1,100 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall nights can drop to 40-50°F. Most campgrounds in this area of southeastern Wisconsin operate from April through October, with limited winter camping options.
What to do
Hiking trails: Kettle Moraine State Forest offers over 30 miles of trails through glacial terrain. From Pinewoods Campground, you can access connector trails without driving. "There is a central shower building with vault toilets in the camping loops. We asked the ranger about hiking and she gave us a map to a trail system that connects to this campground between the group sites and loop 3. We enjoyed a 4 mile hike from camp to the observation trail," shares camper Art S.
Fishing: Lake Koshkonong provides multiple fish species including bluegill and bass. At Blackhawk Camping Resort, you can fish directly from their docks. "If you're looking to get your fishing on, what's great about Hickory Hills Campground is that they provide you direct access to Rice Lake, where you'll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie," notes Stuart K.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds offer water recreation from May through September. Lakeland Camping Resort provides multiple swimming options. "The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends," reports Maria Mercedes M., who visited with her family.
What campers like
Quiet, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate sites with natural privacy barriers. At Pinewoods Campground, "The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain. Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight," according to Abbe W.
Proximity to urban areas: Wisconsin State Fair RV Park offers convenient access to Milwaukee attractions. "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," says Mary G.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events. "Every weekend there are activities planned from wine tasting to Halloween trick or treating. The sites are large and you can choose from shady or sunny sites," notes Margo S. about Hickory Hills Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: Several campgrounds experience periodic flooding. "Half of camping sites closed due to flooding. Big sites, not a lot of bugs or critters, electric available, pool but was closed at our visit," reports Annabelle G. about Lakeland Camping Resort.
Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds sit close to major roads. "The campground is very close to the freeway and there is a constant din of traffic noise that remind you how close you are to the highway," notes Josh F. about Creekview RV Park.
Seasonal-to-weekender ratio: Many parks have primarily seasonal residents. "We have been seasonal campers here for over 30 years," mentions Chrystal B. about Hickory Hills Campground, while Stephen M. notes, "They are mostly seasonal sites but offer a mix of weekender sites."
Tips for camping with families
Quiet loops for young children: Choose designated quiet areas when traveling with small children. "We were in the quiet loop, Loop 1, which actually was very quiet. Everyone was respectful of the rules. We did walk over to the other loops where there was more of a party atmosphere at some sites with larger groups, music, and kids," reports Abbe W.
Book sites away from activity centers: At busy campgrounds, request sites farther from pools and recreation areas. "My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick's Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake," advises Maria Mercedes M.
Bring bikes for transportation: Many campgrounds have spread-out facilities. "Bringing bikes is a great idea for getting around to bathrooms/the camp store. Definitely make sure to bring your bug spray for this location!" recommends Amanda F. about Pinewoods Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Wisconsin State Fair RV Park accommodates big rigs but has an automated assignment system. "The automated site selection process, which many have mentioned, is frustrating. I received six emails between Mar-Jun indicating they switched my spot. I noticed they placed a lot of large fifth wheels in tiny back in spaces when plenty pull throughs were available," warns Kara W.
Electrical service variations: Check amperage before booking. "This is a huge parking lot for the State Fair. Very nice staff. Nice facilities were average and clean. We didn't know it, but our site was 15 amp. On the same pole were two 30 amps. So we just use that because no one was there," explains Jeff and Linda L.
Seasonal site considerations: For longer stays, investigate water reliability. "Don't waste your time and money. We have been seasonal campers here for over 30 years. Don't come here if you want reliable water service. Our water keeps being shut off," cautions Chrystal B. about Hickory Hills Campground.
