Tent and RV camping near Oconomowoc, Wisconsin offers access to the region's scenic lake country landscape situated within the Eastern Ridges and Lowlands geographical region. Winter camping options remain limited, with most campgrounds operating from April through October when temperatures range from 50-80°F during peak season. The surrounding landscape features a mix of oak savanna, prairie remnants, and kettles formed by glacial deposits.
What to do
Water recreation on Lake Nagawicka: Naga-Waukee Park provides beach access with a seasonal lifeguard station and water activities for families. "The beach on the shores of Lake Nagawicka is well-groomed, clean, has a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot," notes one camper at Naga-Waukee Park.
Hiking trail connections: Access the Ice Age Trail directly from several campgrounds in the Kettle Moraine area. A camper at Pinewoods Campground mentions, "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."
Golfing excursions: Several camping areas provide access to nearby golf courses. Creekview RV Park sits adjacent to a small par-3 course suitable for beginners and families. One visitor notes, "If you're a golfer, there's a par 3 golf course just adjacent to Creekview, which is a very nice distraction if you're looking for one."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the region support diverse fishing activities. "If you're looking to get your fishing on, what's great about Hickory Hills Campground is that they provide you direct access to Rice Lake, where you'll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie," according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Quiet, wooded campsites: Many campgrounds offer secluded sites with natural screening between neighbors. "A very nice, woodsy campground. Feels like you are further north than you really are!" explains a visitor to Naga-Waukee Park. The park's site arrangement creates privacy not commonly found in more developed RV parks.
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds near Oconomowoc typically offer recreational facilities beyond swimming. "Riverbend has a lot for everyone. Nice swim pond, great pool, fishing...you name it, it's probably here," writes a guest at River Bend RV Resort. Many facilities include planned weekend activities for children.
Proximity to urban amenities: Camping options provide nature experiences while maintaining access to services. Wisconsin State Fair RV Park serves as an urban basecamp with easy access to Milwaukee attractions. "Perfect campground for what it is! Big paved parking lot with full hookups. Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient," notes a camper.
Seasonal weekend entertainment: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities during summer months. A visitor to Hickory Hills notes, "Usually have some activities and music on the weekends. Very friendly seasonal owners. Great for social gatherings with random strangers."
What you should know
Variable cell service and Wi-Fi reliability: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds and even within the same facility. At Blackhawk Camping Resort, connectivity challenges may require planning. "WiFi was great in some areas, Non-existent in others. No cell carrier works well here at all, so non-functional WiFi areas can be a deal-breaker for connected campers," reports one guest.
Seasonal flooding concerns: Some locations experience springtime water management issues. "Half of camping sites closed due to flooding. Big sites, not a lot of bugs or critters, electric available, pool but was closed at our visit," notes a visitor to Lakeland Camping Resort. Water levels can affect site availability from April through June.
Varying bathroom facilities: Campground bathroom quality varies widely from basic pit toilets to modern shower facilities. "There is a central shower building with vault toilets in the camping loops," reports a camper at Pinewoods Campground, adding information about distribution of facilities throughout the property.
Noise considerations: Urban-adjacent campgrounds may experience traffic noise while rural ones can have different sound issues. "This is a great place to experience nature near the cities. With the convenience of its location in mind, the entire grounds is surrounded by roads, highways and the constant hum of traffic, sometimes louder than others," explains a visitor to Naga-Waukee Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Look for campgrounds with multiple swimming options for different ages. "[Lakeland RV Campground] 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," reports a visitor to Lakeland Camping Resort.
Site selection for privacy: Request sites away from common areas for quieter family experiences. "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," advises a parent who visited Lakeland Camping Resort.
Off-season benefits: Spring and fall camping offers less crowded experiences with milder temperatures. "We stayed here for a quick weekend getaway in the late spring. The campground area is nice and wooded. Provides ample privacy from other campers. Although the road ways are a little tight. Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it's a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access," notes a visitor to Naga-Waukee Park.
Loop selection importance: Research specific campground sections before booking. "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," advises a camper at Pinewoods Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Many parks offer limited big-rig friendly spots that require advance reservation. "Well located to Milwaukee, nice clean facilities, but it is basically a large parking lot with a band of grass on the far right as you enter. We took an electric only site on the far right and were backed up against a band of grass. Full hookup sites are all blacktop," explains a visitor to Wisconsin State Fair RV Park.
Dump station timing: Plan dump station usage strategically to avoid peak times. "We reserved a water/electric site and utilized the dump station on our way out. Lines were not too bad for the dump station which was good," reports a camper at Hickory Hills Campground.
Weekend booking requirements: Several parks require minimum 2-night stays during peak season. "Summer months May through April you do have to book 2 nights minimum. That was a little annoying as it already seemed high price of $60 per night," notes a visitor to Wisconsin State Fair RV Park.
Accessibility considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly in design and maneuverability. "The quality of most city parks, especially on the east side, is abhorrent simply because they can be. I always have low expectations when I enter a city that basically has one option for RVs. That being said, this is one of the best I've been to," reports an RVer about Wisconsin State Fair RV Park.
