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Camping near New Glarus, Wisconsin encompasses several wooded state parks and county facilities within the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin. New Glarus Woods State Park serves as the primary local camping destination, offering both drive-in and walk-in sites within its small but accessible grounds. Yellowstone Lake State Park, located about 20 miles west, provides more extensive camping options with lake access. Both parks are part of the Wisconsin State Park system and feature varying levels of amenities for tent and RV campers. The area sits within the scenic Driftless Region, characterized by hills and valleys untouched by glaciers during the last ice age.
Most campgrounds in the New Glarus area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October. New Glarus Woods State Park remains open year-round, though camping facilities typically close during winter months. Summer brings humid conditions with temperatures regularly reaching the 80s, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures ideal for camping. Road noise can be a consideration at New Glarus Woods, as several campsites are positioned near highways. Vault toilets and basic water access are standard at most sites, with limited or no shower facilities at smaller parks. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends and fall color season.
The camping experience varies significantly between parks in the region. According to reviews, New Glarus Woods offers a more rustic experience with its walk-in sites providing greater privacy despite some road noise. "The walk-in sites have a good amount of space between each site," noted one camper, though they mentioned highway sounds are audible throughout the park. The proximity to New Glarus Brewery and the Sugar River Trail makes this location popular for cyclists and beer enthusiasts. Yellowstone Lake State Park provides more recreational opportunities with fishing, swimming, and hiking trails. For those seeking more amenities, Blue Mound State Park, about 25 miles northwest, features extensive trail systems and observation areas with views stretching to the Wisconsin River Valley.
"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."
"New Glarus Woods is a small State Park tucked away in the Southern Wisconsin countryside. Drive-in sites come with nice amenities."
from $18 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful wooded campground with easy access to fishing & swimming. Lots of hiking trails and nature programs for all ages."
"This is a very large state park located halfway between Mineral Point and New Glarus, both nice visiting destinations in their own right."
from $18 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water."
"This is another Wisconsin gym sitting in Southern West Wisconsin."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Being right in front of the jumping pillow people didn’t walk around. They would cut thru our site."
"We made this trip mid-May during the Covid social distancing. The camp ground was on point with their preparedness. Check in was simply pull into your site or a brief stop at registration."
"It's up on a hill, so there's good views of the driftless area of Wisconsin. Plenty of open walk up camp sites, but it might be more full in the summer."
"The dense tree cover and near-constant slight breeze help to both keep this campground cool and the mosquitos at bay.
- Well-kept vault toilets.
- Close to a many points of interest."
"With the rain and the proliferation of mosquitoes, we were wandering around southern Wisconsin without a plan when we stumbled across this county park. 50 sites, many with electric and very reasonably"
"No water on sites but spigots located throughout the park. Dump station right at the entrance but there's plenty of room to maneuver around there. Could get congested if busy."
from $18 - $28 / night
Check Availability"Just a quick 2 hour drive from our home in Chicago, with large wooded sites for privacy. Clean bathrooms."
"We didn’t have much time to explore the campground but we did have a nice walk around the outer loop of sites. This is near the main highway and a nice place to camp."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Such a lovely camp ...the sites are fairly close together but you can pick the site you want so you don’t have to be directly next to another tent ...on our visit we saw lots of wildlife from chickens"
"Easy access to on and off the river for tubing. Id say its more of an adult atmostphere."
from $8 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Pit toilets/shelter/playground near the entrance. Two boat launches.
Variable availability for firewood; the Cenex on the west end of Argyle reliably sells it if there isn't any at the park."
"Like other reviewers have stated, be prepared to be close to others. We didn’t mind at all and found everyone to be super nice."
"Nice little campground right on Lake Mendota. 29 sites available with electric, but bring an extension cords!! Some sites electric is close by, others not so much!"
from $28 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis campground charges both a site reservation fee ($33 for a primitive mosquito infested tent site) AND an additional day use fee on top of that - a $16 fee on top of that! $49????? For a no hook up single tent site???? Of course the fees aren’t actually published anywhere so you have to reserve it to actually know what you’ll be paying. It’s nothing special so these fees aren’t actually warranted for this place. 👎
TravelerSmaller campground with decent sized campsites with picnic table and fire ring pit. Although my site and quite a bit of unleveled ground which made for limit options to pitch a tent. Pretty good cell service with T- mobile.
TravelerWe got a campsite with a concrete pad. Electricity 30 amp site. There is a dump station close to the registration office. Boat ramp available for campers. One cabin for rental overlooking the Pierce Lake $50/night for Illinois resident. Beautiful setting. Wild turkeys roaming through our campground.
TravelerCampground is nice spacious and we’re well divided. The drive from the entrance of Governor Dodge to cox hollow was a good 2-3 miles but was very scenic.
ScoutCampground is small with only 18 car camping sites. Vault toilets, no showers. No electricity or dump station. Group camping sites and walk-in or bike-sites also available. I don't mind vault toilets but they were very low to the ground without any grab bar. I found it odd that this campground has many sites for cyclists using the sugar river bike trail and there isn't any showers. Being close to town is nice. There is a paved path that takes you right into New Glarus and past the New Glarus Brewery. After a day of cycling or hiking, one really needs a shower before heading into town!!
TravelerThe beauty of this campground was to Madison venues. We stayed here twice recently and took Uber rides too and from Camp Randall. It’s a very clean and friendly campground ground. Very nice pavilion for events. I loved the walking path and benches along the lake.
GuideGreat place to stay had everything and price right.
ScoutThe park is beautiful. The water is beautiful. They say it's a gated community, but it's open to the public 9 to 5 daily. At twenty five dollars per person. And then on friday and saturday night, the locals that park here for the summer start their party central including karaoke at the camper next door, and several others. I've never had a camcround with that loud of parties. And it's a weekend event. I like hearing and seeing people having fun but when the manager extends the curfew for the parties she's at (they kind of party hop), it starts to affect the enjoyment of the park. If we had to stay, we'd stay in the S## sites in the back, where you don't hear so much of the partying. And then during the day, the rules began. Kind of like the soup nazi.
ScoutLOTS of acorns and walnuts dropping on the camper all day and night
Camping near New Glarus, Wisconsin positions visitors within the unique Driftless Area where elevations range from 800-1200 feet with considerable temperature fluctuations between seasons. While summer camping temperatures can reach 90°F during the day, evening temperatures often drop into the 50s even in July and August. The region's rolling topography creates distinct microclimates where rainfall and morning fog conditions can vary significantly between campgrounds just miles apart.
Sugar River paddling: At Crazy Horse Campground, water activities are easily accessible. "They provide at no charge kayaks and a shuttle to a drop-off point which you can kayak back down to the campground which takes about an hour and a half they space out the shuttles very well so you are not running into the people from the last shuttle," notes David H. The Sugar River offers additional paddling opportunities with "the option to continue on down river another eight miles which is approximately six hours to the next point."
Waterfall exploration: Visit Stephens Falls in Dodgeville at Cox Hollow Campground, approximately 35 miles from New Glarus. "The Stevens Falls and Canyon Trails were the highlight of the trip- even in the rain! First you can explore the old spring house and read the informational signs about the family that used to farm there and other early settlers in the area," writes Siobhan R. The trail system offers varying difficulties with the 3-mile Canyon loop featuring "a slippery uneven staircase to go down, but there is a sturdy handrail."
Dog-friendly swimming: Several area campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas for dogs. Sarah B. notes that at Cox Hollow Campground, "They had a dog beach for them to swim in which was a huge plus! Great hiking with some beautiful scenery." Most dog beaches require pets to remain leashed until they reach designated swim areas.
Secluded walk-in sites: Many campers prefer the walk-in sites at New Glarus Woods State Park for privacy despite their distance from parking. Sarah W. shares: "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." She recommends site #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... This makes it very quiet and private."
Natural cooling: The elevated terrain at Brigham Park creates natural cooling effects. Renee R. notes, "The dense tree cover and near-constant slight breeze help to both keep this campground cool and the mosquitos at bay." Braelyn C. adds, "The cool breeze rolls up over the mound at night, keeps you cool in your tent."
Water recreation: Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground offers excellent water activities approximately 20 miles from New Glarus. "What really makes this campground is the lake. There's a nice beach for kids and adults to relax at and lots of kayaks on the water," reports Ryan K. The park provides both swimming and fishing opportunities, with "beautiful wooded campground with easy access to fishing & swimming," according to Jeanne M.
Highway noise: Road noise is a common issue at several campgrounds near New Glarus. Katie K. reports about New Glarus Woods: "These sites are right next to the highway and are subject to continuous, round the clock highway noise. The highway seems to be a regular truck route, with lots of semis driving by at all hours. Since the campground is in a hill, you get to hear the trucks revving up for a climb, then engine-breaking on the way down."
Trains: Some campgrounds experience train noise at night. Lisa S. mentions at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground: "The first train only blew its horn a few short times. The second train acted like someone was laying on the tracks and was a little excessive for 3 am! Luckily we did not hear trains Friday night and we only heard 1 on Saturday night."
Toilet facilities vary: Bathrooms differ widely between campgrounds. At Sweet Minihaha Campground, Brittany H. advises: "My only issue was taking a shower at night...if you aren't fast bring a lantern because the auto lights will turn off on you." At Blue Mound State Park, facilities receive higher marks with "extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water," according to Josh F.
Splash pad access: Families with children should consider Blue Mound State Park Campground, which offers water features uncommon at other area campgrounds. "The pool is very nice and very clean. There is a pool section and a splash section. There are chairs and lounges around both and shade awnings. The cost is $3 for and adult and $2 for child," reports Debra M.
Playground proximity: When selecting campsites with children, consider proximity to play areas. At Lake Kegonsa, Lisa S. notes, "Adjacent to the shower house was a nice wooded picnic area with playground equipment for the kids." Most area playgrounds are centrally located rather than near specific campsites.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer educational programs. Siobhan R. describes historical exhibits at Cox Hollow: "First you can explore the old spring house and read the informational signs about the family that used to farm there and other early settlers in the area." Nature programs are typically scheduled on weekend mornings during summer months.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites. At Yellowstone Lake State Park, Jeanne M. advises: "If camping with a trailer or RV check to make sure you will get a campsite that is level enough for your vehicle. Lots of the campsites are uneven and larger vehicles may have issues getting level."
Low clearance warnings: Watch for low-hanging branches and structures. Kathy L. reports a serious issue at Lake Kegonsa: "There is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend's fifth wheel. There is also a low hanging overpass and it took the roofs off TWO fifth wheels while we were staying there. Major damage on roof and internally - the RV had to be totaled and replaced."
Limited full hookup options: Most state parks offer electric only, while private campgrounds provide more hookup options. David H. describes Crazy Horse Campground: "The campsite we stay at is Water and Electric and it's right along the river when you pull in to set up camp you'll be facing the water which is nice you're not staring at neighbors campers."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities does New Glarus Woods State Park offer for campers?
New Glarus Woods State Park Campground offers a rustic camping experience with basic amenities. The park features both drive-in and walk-in sites, providing options for different camping preferences. Amenities include water pumps, vault toilets (no showers), and fire rings at each site. The campground provides direct access to hiking and mountain bike trails, as well as connections to the Sugar River Trail. The park has a playground for children and offers wooded sites that provide good privacy between neighbors. While the facilities are simple, the park's location makes it an excellent base for exploring the town of New Glarus and surrounding attractions.
What campgrounds are available in New Glarus, Wisconsin?
The primary camping option in New Glarus is New Glarus Woods State Park Campground, a small state park tucked into the southern Wisconsin countryside. For additional options near New Glarus, consider Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground, which offers wooded sites with access to fishing and swimming. Other nearby options include Sweet Minnihaha Campground and Crazy Horse Campground in Brodhead. The New Glarus area is particularly known for its Swiss heritage, making it a charming destination for campers who want to explore local culture while enjoying the outdoors.
Are there RV camping options near New Glarus?
RV camping options near New Glarus are limited but available. At New Glarus Woods State Park Campground, only a few sites can accommodate campers or RVs, with most being tent-only. For better RV accommodation, consider Wisconsin Riverside Resort in nearby Spring Green. If you're willing to drive a bit further, Crazy Horse Campground near Brodhead offers RV-friendly sites with water and toilets. When using New Glarus Woods, be aware that most sites are not level, which can be challenging for larger vehicles. The campground is primitive with no electrical hookups, so RVers should come prepared for dry camping.
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