Best Campgrounds near North Prairie, WI

The Kettle Moraine State Forest area near North Prairie, Wisconsin features a range of established campgrounds within 20 miles of town. Prominent options include Ottawa Lake Campground and Pinewoods Campground in the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, which accommodate tent campers, RV users, and cabin enthusiasts. The landscape includes glacial terrain with spring-fed lakes, mixed forests, and hiking trails. These developed campgrounds typically provide amenities such as drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, with many sites offering electric hookups for RVs and access to shower facilities.

Reservations are strongly recommended for camping in the region, especially during summer weekends and fall color season from late September through October. Winter camping is available at select sites in Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, though with reduced services. The area's paved roads provide year-round access to most campgrounds, with some remote sites requiring short walks from parking areas. Wisconsin state parks and forests require vehicle admission stickers in addition to camping fees. Many campgrounds in the region maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM, with some areas like Pinewoods Campground designating certain loops as 24-hour quiet zones. A visitor noted, "The campsites are large with lots of foliage for privacy. It's so pretty in the fall."

Proximity to water features represents a significant draw for campers throughout the region. Ottawa Lake offers swimming areas with a beach that, while described by one visitor as "not clean and very rocky," provides cooling relief during summer months. The network of hiking and biking trails connecting campgrounds to natural features receives consistently positive reviews, with the Ice Age Trail running through portions of Kettle Moraine State Forest. Several visitors mentioned the quality of shower facilities, with one noting they are "among the cleanest encountered on camping trips." The campgrounds generally maintain a good balance between privacy and accessibility, though sites closer to amenities like bathrooms may sacrifice some seclusion. During peak season, the camping areas fill quickly, particularly sites with electrical hookups and those nearest to recreational features.

Best Camping Sites Near North Prairie, Wisconsin (88)

    1. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    39 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."

    "Made my first visit to Ottawa Lake on a mid-March weekend. The facilities were still under their winter setup (only vault toilet, no shower available, pay in an envelope)."

    2. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    22 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    3 miles
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $30 / night

    "It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa LakeNearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "

    "Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."

    3. Kettle Moraine Southern Unit — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    10 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    2 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "You can walk over to an area that has hiking trails right out of the campsite. State park mountain biking trails are also close by, but you would need to drive to them."

    "Reservable backpacking sites about 45-60min away from nearest parking. Fire pit, shelter, and picnic table at site.

    Really enjoyed the hike through forest to get to this site."

    4. Kettle Moraine South Camping — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    12 Reviews
    Eagle, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6220

    "Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa. The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."

    "Whether you're in a tent or in a camper you can find just as much comfort as you're looking for. there's a lake with a swimming area if that's what you're looking for, not to mention a dock with great"

    5. Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    9 Reviews
    Delafield, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Nestled in the heart of lake country (Waukesha County) and accessible from the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail, this county park is perfect for those just passing through or families looking for a"

    "Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it’s a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access."

    6. Mukwonago Park by Waukesha County Parks

    6 Reviews
    Mukwonago, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested."

    "Swim or fish in the lake, archery or huge picnic sites."

    7. Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Muskego, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."

    "I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in. This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."

    8. KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site

    1 Review
    Eagle, WI
    3 miles
    Website

    "Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside. There is a fire pit, but we found our own wood around the site. (Bring a small axe)."

    9. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    25 miles
    Website

    "I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"

    "Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots. Has a winery and cool dive bars all within 10 min. Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."

    10. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lake Geneva, WI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 248-2528

    "We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."

    "This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits."

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Recent Reviews near North Prairie, WI

782 Reviews of 88 North Prairie Campgrounds


  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Derge County Park

    Beautiful mature oaks

    The campground is near Beaver Dam lake and you get a pass to the boat landing with the camping fee. The sites are clearly marked and level. Some have more shade than others, the descriptions at reservation are accurate. Site 4 has nice grass and plenty of trees along the back. The site sizes are adequate but there isn’t much room between sites. Overall the campground was quiet, except for a few RVs running things all night. It was not dark, the RVs keep their lights on all night and there isn’t enough foliage to block it. We are the only pop up here, there are no tents. The space certainly allows grass for tents, I think the culture is just a little different. The shower house is clean, but showers only have a curtain and a central drain in the building means the toilet stall floors get wet too. There is a small playground and a GaGa ball pit. Overall, this is a well kept campground and perfect for spending a night on the way to somewhere. There isn’t much draw for a longer stay.

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    Nagawaukee County Park

    Site was clean and flat enough for my two person tent. Restrooms were porta-johns, but very clean. Plenty of free wood available for the fire.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Nice enough grounds, poorly maintained electric panels

    To be honest I thought this stay was going to be easy and the first couple days were. They didn’t have full hook up sites and we have a 50 amp rig… we used a dogbone to connect to the 30 amp site. It was fine for a bit but then we started to get surges. Our EMS protected the rig but ultimately we couldn’t use the power. Even with only running the fridge it continued to trip. We tried the one next to us and it gave us the reverse polarity code so we decided it would be best to just leave the following day. The grounds are well maintained and the owners are friendly… they mentioned some of their 30 amp sites will get converted to 50 next year so hopefully that helps but definitely frustrating to need to book another site and forfeit money on this one.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • Mark D.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    We had such an enjoyable time at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature at Ottawa Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this welcoming retreat offers lakeside fun, scenic hiking trails, the quiet beauty of a true Northwoods experience, all without a long drive.

    We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    https://youtu.be/xl4uAtNWclM

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lakeland Camping Resort

    Lakefront Fun

    As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have an RV. 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 and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. 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, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.


Guide to North Prairie

Kettle Moraine State Forest near North Prairie, Wisconsin sits on glacial terrain created by the Wisconsin Glacier approximately 10,000 years ago, resulting in unique topography with kames, kettles, and moraines. The forest spans approximately 22,000 acres across the Southern Unit with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,100 feet above sea level. Winter camping remains available at select locations with temperatures frequently dropping below 10°F during January and February.

What to do

Hiking the Ice Age Trail: Access trail segments directly from camping areas at Pinewoods Campground where trails connect between group sites and loop 3. One visitor noted, "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."

Spring water exploration: Visit the natural springs near Ottawa Lake Campground for a unique experience. According to a camper, "Great Lake, hiking to see the natural springs which is the coolest! Drank fresh spring water!" The Scuppernong Springs area provides approximately 2 miles of hiking suitable for families with children.

Archery practice: Mukwonago Park offers designated archery ranges for visitors looking to maintain skills before hunting season. The facility includes elevated blinds for realistic practice. As one camper observed, "The park has a lot of amenities including an archery area where you can practice shooting from a blind above - great for hunters looking to brush up skills before the season starts."

Bird and wildlife watching: Muskego Park provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities across varied ecosystems. "What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private," noted a visitor who also mentioned, "I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw."

What campers like

Privacy between campsites: The natural foliage at Kettle Moraine Southern Unit creates secluded camping spots. "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," reported one camper at Pinewoods Campground.

Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced services. A visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground stated, "No showers in winter but awesome," making it an option for cold-weather enthusiasts. Sites may have abundant natural firewood during winter months when ranger service is limited.

Clean facilities: Showers and restrooms receive regular maintenance at most developed campgrounds. According to a Mukwonago Park camper, "The sites are large and well spaced out. The campground is clean and well kept. The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested."

Diverse ecosystems: Camping areas feature various terrain types from pine forests to prairie sections. "There is plenty of greenery between sites giving privacy. We could hear children playing but only saw them when they rode their bikes around the loop," reported a visitor to Pinewoods, while another mentioned, "Stayed in loop 3 site 273 as we were camping in the early season and loops 1-2 were closed. The site was well wooded and very spacious!"

What you should know

Seasonal campground closures: Several loops at Pinewoods Campground remain closed during early season camping. "We stayed in loop 3 site 273 as we were camping in the early season and loops 1-2 were closed," noted one visitor. Check which loops are operational before making reservations between April and May.

Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway noise, particularly sites closer to main roads. At Sunset Campground, a camper mentioned, "Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by." Request sites further from highways when making reservations.

Quiet zone designations: Certain camping loops maintain 24-hour quiet zones with specific restrictions. A camper at Pinewoods Campground explained, "Firstly- don't reserve a spot in loop 1 if you have a dog. It was easy enough to change but now we know to aim for loop 2 or 3."

Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. According to one visitor to Pinewoods, "We didn't get Verizon service in camp but occasionally found 1 or 2 bars of weak signal while hiking." Download maps and reservation details before arrival.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment near bathroom facilities. A visitor to Naga-Waukee Park mentioned, "The beach on the shores of Lake Nagawicka is well-groomed, clean, has a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot."

Swimming options: Spring-fed swimming areas provide cooling relief during summer months. One visitor to Muskego Park described, "A spring fed pond for swimming and fishing. Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."

Activity booklets: Educational materials help engage children with the natural environment. A camper suggested, "Pick Up the activity book for kids it is a great adventure lots to do at the lake!!!" These booklets often include scavenger hunts and nature identification activities specific to the Kettle Moraine region.

Bicycle-friendly camping: Several campgrounds feature paved pathways suitable for children's bikes. "Bringing bikes is a great idea for getting around to bathrooms/the camp store," advised one visitor to Big Foot Beach State Park, noting the practical mobility benefits for families with children.

Tips from RVers

Electric site availability: Electric hookups remain limited and book quickly. An Ottawa Lake Campground visitor noted, "We were able to grab a nonelectric site and transfer to an electric site when one cancelled last minute. Not all sites here have electricity so be mindful of that while booking."

Site dimensions: Most electric sites accommodate medium-sized RVs with length restrictions. "We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to 'home'. We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation," shared a regular visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground.

Shower temperature considerations: Shower facilities may have temperature regulation issues. One camper reported, "The shower/bathrooms were nice and clean, though I will admit the shower got too hot even for my wife." Shower early morning or late evening for more consistent temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near North Prairie, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near North Prairie, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 39 reviews.