Tent campsites near Necedah, Wisconsin range from basic walk-in sites to more secluded boat-access locations. The region contains parks and forests spread across Jackson and Monroe counties with elevations between 850-1400 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80°F during peak camping season with frequent evening thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping offers more moderate conditions.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Justin Trails Resort offers tent camping with proximity to their disc golf courses. "Beautiful place, tent camping is available. Great breakfast and romantic setting for our anniversary. They sell wine and food in the store. Host is amazing and friendly. Disc golf is busy here, in winter they have sledding hills," notes a visitor to Justin Trails Resort.
Scuba diving opportunities: Wazee Lake Recreation Area provides access to Wisconsin's deepest inland lake, popular for its underwater visibility. "The lake is the clearest and deepest inland lake in Wisconsin. It is non-motorized to promote quiet and clean conditions. Lake Wazee is a popular scuba diving, swimming, and fishing spot," explains a camper from Wazee Lake Rec Area.
Rock climbing excursions: Devils Lake State Park offers tent camping near excellent climbing routes suitable for various skill levels. A visitor reports, "Went with an outdoor adventure class, views were beautiful, climbing was great! Campgrounds were clean and had easy access to water, got a visit from some local raccoons at night, overall experience was great!"
What campers like
Trail proximity: Campers appreciate the Sparta Campground's location directly on the Elroy-Sparta bike trail. "This is a walk-in campground intended for very light camping, particularly for those biking the Elroy-Sparta or Lacrosse Trails, as it is right on the Elroy-Sparta trail and only a 10 minute bike ride into the town of Sparta," mentions one reviewer at Sparta Campground.
Spacious group sites: The group camping areas at Devils Lake provide ample space for multiple families. "Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site. We had a great time and will definitely return," shares a camper from Devils Lake State Park Group Campground.
Fishing access: Trout fishing opportunities enhance the camping experience at Wazee Lake. "I love it! The water is so clear, the trout fishing is great and so is the beach! They do not have showers or plumbing but if you're desperate for a shower kwiktrip has showers!" reports an enthusiastic angler.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: The proximity of some campgrounds to major roadways affects the noise environment. A Sparta camper notes, "The most disappointing factor for me was the highway noise. I had read about that from another reviewer, and it was indeed bad, all weekend long."
Weekend crowding: Popular recreation areas become significantly more congested during weekends. "The beach does get crowded with college kids in the summer and is a known party spot. Weekdays and off-season dates are recommended as it is more peaceful," advises a visitor to Wazee Lake.
Non-resident fee structure: Wisconsin state parks charge different rates based on residency status. "Sites are basic with water, pit toilets, tables and fire rings. I originally planned to stay here but came across the non-resident charges (my state does not do this)," explains a camper considering Sparta Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Devil's Lake offers economical group camping for families traveling together. A camper shares: "We went during the week and it kept the crowds to a minimum. The south shore beach was best and we took the East Bluff trail to do some rock climbing with the kids."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain times and locations. "The sites are simple, well separated with a very short walk, easy to take multiple trips. Going when we did we were met with swarms of mosquitoes," warns a camper at Sparta DNR Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Camp areas may have active wildlife that interests children but requires proper food storage. "Got a visit from some local raccoons at night," reports a Devils Lake camper, while another mentions, "The birds near the group camp are cool, but can also sound like a large pack of dinosaurs squawking at each other...very loud."
Tips from RVers
Limited utility hookups: Most tent-focused campgrounds in the area provide minimal services for RVs. "This is a straight forward, few amenities campsite. There is a pit toilet, water, garbage and recycling," explains a Sparta campground visitor.
Shower alternatives: When staying at campgrounds without shower facilities, campers should know about local options. One resourceful camper notes, "I should mention that although there are no showers here, I saw that the Sparta Aquatic Center (10 minute bike ride) allows shower access for $3 (at time of this review)."
Campsite sizes: Sites vary considerably in size, affecting vehicle positioning and setup options. "The site was small, but we did manage to fit a 4-person tent, two 2-person tents, a screen-house, and 5 bikes. I was advised by our camp neighbor that their site was equally small," reports a Sparta Campground visitor describing their experience with limited space.
