Necedah National Wildlife Refuge forms the core of camping opportunities near Necedah, Wisconsin. Located in the central sand plains region at approximately 950 feet elevation, the area features glacial landforms and sandy soil conditions that create unique camping environments. The region experiences distinct seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 80°F and winter temperatures often below freezing, making late spring through early fall the optimal camping season.
What to do
Kayaking the Kickapoo River: Visitors staying at Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground can explore one of Wisconsin's most winding rivers. "We took the opportunity to kayak down the Kickapoo and had a blast - make sure you do some exploring while you are here," advises Holly W. The Ontario to Bridge 5 section takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete.
Beach swimming: Hartman Creek State Park Campground maintains a clean swimming beach on a small lake. "The lake was a smaller lake, but nice for swimming. They do a great job of keeping the beach and swimming area clean," notes Jimmy P. The park now offers equipment rentals including kayaks and paddleboards at reasonable hourly rates.
Winter exploration: When temperatures drop, White Mound County Campground provides access to cold-weather activities. During winter, campers can check out the Ice Cave Trail when conditions permit. As Kristina K. mentions, "We'd love to come back and see the ice cave when it's cold enough for ice."
What campers like
Private camping spaces: The natural spacing between sites at White Mound County Campground creates a secluded atmosphere. "The campsites are tucked away and private," writes Jaime L. The campground layout utilizes trees and terrain to maintain separation between sites while keeping amenities accessible.
Driftless region landscape: The unique terrain surrounding Wildcat Mountain draws campers seeking distinctive Wisconsin landscapes. Emily H. describes it as a "Driftless region favorite," noting "I loved it so much that I've already planned another trip!" The non-glaciated terrain features limestone bluffs and deep valleys unlike other parts of Wisconsin.
Clean facilities: Lakeside Fire Campground & Waterpark maintains well-kept amenities. Glenn T. notes, "All amenities are very nice," while also mentioning the "very friendly atmosphere and more comfortable sized sites than we expected." The campground recently updated its facilities to improve camper experiences.
What you should know
Site accessibility varies: Some campgrounds require walking to reach certain sites. At Wildcat Mountain, "We hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies!" reports Kay K. The campground provides wagons to help transport gear to walk-in sites.
Spring-fed lake temperature: White Mound's lake stays cold even during summer months. "The lake is gorgeous and clean. The only downfall is the lake is spring-fed so it's a bit cold for swimming," warns Jaime L. Swimmers should prepare for cooler water temperatures regardless of air temperature.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. As Joyce B. warns about Merry Mac's Campground: "If you have a low car, the front end is going to get scraped at the bottom of the mountain." Vehicles with low clearance should proceed with caution on park entrance roads.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families can watch small wildlife at several campsites. Kay K. shares, "We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies!" These natural encounters provide educational opportunities for children without requiring structured activities.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play structures for children. At Merry Mac's Campground, David H. notes "Plenty of things to do here to keep the kids engaged and busy," adding that "the swimming Pond was clean and plenty of fun things to climb on and slide down."
Fishing for kids: Children can easily access fishing at Hartman Creek. Jen E. reports, "Allen Lake has a fishing pier that the kids loved fishing from. Good catches early in the morning!" Beginners can cast from stable platforms without needing boats or specialized equipment.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: RV campers should choose sites strategically for maximum privacy. Amy G. describes White Mound sites as "deep, so you could pull in and nestle in the trees, even if you had a neighbor, and it was more private." The pea gravel pads provide relatively level parking surfaces.
Hookup availability: Wild West Campground & Corral offers RVs electric service with 30-amp hookups. The campground maintains water access points throughout the property. Sites with full hookups are limited and should be reserved well in advance during peak season.
Dump station access: Hartman Creek provides on-site sanitary dump facilities for RVs. This convenience eliminates the need to locate dump stations when departing. The dump station remains accessible during park operating hours and is included in the camping fee.
