Best Campgrounds near Ontario, WI
Ontario, Wisconsin serves as a gateway to numerous camping options in Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Region, particularly centered around the Kickapoo River Valley. Wildcat Mountain State Park provides both drive-in and walk-in campsites with electric hookups available at select locations. The area features a mix of state park campgrounds, municipal parks, and private facilities like Tunnel Trail Campground and Oakdale KOA that accommodate tent campers, RV users, and those seeking cabin rentals.
The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with limited winter availability at some locations. Most campgrounds maintain clean shower facilities and restrooms, though amenities vary by location. "The cart in sites are fantastic at Wildcat Mountain! Each site is spacious with most heavily treed for shade," noted one visitor describing the park's well-maintained walk-in camping area. Road access to campgrounds may include steep terrain, particularly at Wildcat Mountain where the campground sits atop a ridge with significant elevation changes from the river valley below. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends when river recreation brings higher visitation.
Campers consistently highlight the Kickapoo River as a central attraction for recreation, with multiple campgrounds providing convenient access for paddling trips. The river's winding course through limestone bluffs creates opportunities for kayaking and canoeing excursions between Ontario and La Farge. Several visitors note the excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution in this rural area. While electric sites at Wildcat Mountain offer fewer trees and less privacy, the walk-in tent sites provide more seclusion amid forested settings. Municipal campgrounds in Wilton and La Farge offer convenient access to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail for cyclists, with Wilton's facilities including access to the community swimming pool during summer months.
