Best Campgrounds near Oconomowoc, WI

The Kettle Moraine State Forest dominates the camping landscape near Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, with multiple developed campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Ottawa Lake Campground and Pinewoods Campground, both part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, provide established camping areas with varying amenities. These locations accommodate diverse camping preferences with tent sites, RV hookups, and some cabin options. The Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine offers year-round camping opportunities, though specific campgrounds like Pinewoods operate seasonally from May through October. Several county parks supplement these options, including Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks, which maintains 30 sites for tents and RVs approximately 15 miles north of Oconomowoc.

Camping regulations and amenities vary significantly across the region's campgrounds. Most sites in Kettle Moraine require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season. The state forest campgrounds typically provide drinking water, toilets, and shower facilities, with electric hookups available at select sites. Ottawa Lake Campground features both standard and electric sites, while Pinewoods Campground offers more secluded, wooded camping areas. Accessibility remains good throughout most of the year, though spring conditions can create muddy access roads. As one camper noted, "The campsites are large with lots of foliage for privacy. It's so pretty in the fall. Red Trail, Paradise Trail, Rice Lake are all great hikes."

Visitors consistently highlight the region's glacial topography and recreational opportunities. The Ice Age Trail passes through several campgrounds, providing direct hiking access from campsites. Campers frequently mention the privacy of sites at Pinewoods Campground, where the pine forest creates natural separation between camping areas. According to reviews, Ottawa Lake offers "gorgeous private, well wooded areas that make you feel like you're all alone in the woods." Water recreation represents another popular feature, with Ottawa Lake providing swimming and fishing opportunities directly from the campground. The proximity to hiking trails receives particular praise, with multiple reviewers mentioning the convenience of accessing the Ice Age Trail and other hiking paths from their campsites. Winter camping is available at some locations, though with reduced amenities and fewer open facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (98)

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

    37 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    11 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
    10 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
    11 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. Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Delafield, WI
    6 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."

    5. Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit

    18 Reviews
    Slinger, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 670-3400

    "North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."

    "A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."

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

    12 Reviews
    Eagle, WI
    15 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"

    7. Harnischfeger County Park

    3 Reviews
    Ixonia, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 386-3700

    "Has trails, disc golf, and rock river for kayaking."

    "Their is also a great hiking trail if you like that."

    8. Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    7 Reviews
    Menomonee Falls, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."

    "There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."

    9. Mukwonago Park by Waukesha County Parks

    6 Reviews
    Mukwonago, WI
    17 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."

    10. KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site

    1 Review
    Eagle, WI
    12 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)."

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Recent Reviews near Oconomowoc, WI

668 Reviews of 98 Oconomowoc Campgrounds



Guide to Oconomowoc

Camping near Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to well-maintained campgrounds, there's something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Kohler-Andrae State Park stated, "The amenities were very clean and well taken care of."
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by the sites. A visitor at Pinewoods Campground mentioned, "The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Ottawa Lake Campground are great for families. One reviewer said, "Great trails close by. Lots to do in the area."

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Ottawa Lake Campground that offer playgrounds and activities. A reviewer said, "Family friendly (parks, beach, pet friendly)."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One camper at Kohler-Andrae State Park mentioned, "There are nice trails around the campground, and some of them even allow dogs."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone energized with easy-to-carry snacks. A visitor at Harrington Beach State Park Campground noted, "Gorgeous magnificent trails and right on Lake Michigan."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A reviewer at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit mentioned, "The site that I stayed at was actually a teepee site and had a large-ish wooden platform."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you prefer quieter spots, try to camp during the week. A visitor at Mauthe Lake Campground said, "I ended up leaving halfway through my second day because I just didn't want to deal with the noise and traffic."
  • Bring an Adapter: Some sites may have different electrical configurations. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, "We ended up having to go back to camping world to get an adapter to use the 50 amp."

Camping near Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Oconomowoc, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oconomowoc, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 37 reviews.