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Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground welcomes pets at all sites with clean, maintained trails suitable for dog walking. Tent, RV, and walk-in sites accommodate campers with dogs throughout the year. Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Tunnel Trail Campground also permit pets with proper leash control. The walk-in sites at Wildcat Mountain provide more privacy for campers with active dogs, with carts available to transport gear from the parking area. Very cool secluded walk-in sites create distance from other campers when traveling with vocal pets. Oakdale KOA features pet-friendly cabins alongside traditional tent and RV sites, with a designated pet area for exercise. West Fork Sports Club includes pet-friendly cabins and glamping options with trash receptacles available for waste disposal. Most campgrounds require pets to remain leashed outside designated exercise areas, with typical leash requirements of 6-8 feet.
Hiking trails throughout the Kickapoo Valley provide excellent opportunities for dog exercise with varied terrain options. The Kickapoo River offers dog-friendly paddling experiences with multiple access points near Ontario campgrounds. Wildcat Mountain's extensive network of hiking and horseback riding trails allows leashed dogs to join their owners on wilderness explorations. Campers report the dog park at Baraboo Hills as particularly well-maintained, with plenty of space for pets to run freely. Summer visitors should be aware of ticks when hiking with dogs, as several reviewers noted heavy tick presence in wooded areas. Campgrounds near water access points provide opportunities for dogs to cool off during summer months. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours that apply to barking dogs, with enforcement varying by location. Campers traveling with multiple pets should confirm specific pet policies when making reservations, as limits may apply.
"Traveling along the road from Ontario to Wildcat gave a little Appalachia feel. The park is situated above the Kickapoo River valley and is a great base for trout fishing."
"Very cool secluded walk in sites, pet friendly, awesome trails."
"It was maybe around a half mile walk from the closest parking. The trails I saw were more like small roads, but still had beautiful views."
"Campsites spacious, wooded and a-lot of hiking trails. No ambient polluty, stars magnificent."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability"Campground is right on the Elroy Sparta bike trail which has three old tunnels to go though."
"The Elroy Sparta Bike Trail, North America's first rails-to-trails project, runs through the Tunnel Trail Campground."
"It’s early in the season so the campground is mostly empty, but this KOA is a convenient stop off the highway for local adventures at the nearby state parks or Elroy Sparta bike trail."
"The campground is super easy to get to as it is adjacent to I-90 which means you’ll also deal with highway noise."
from $27 - $129 / night
Check Availability"A beautiful location in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin. Near hiking, biking, fishing attractions. The campground is well groomed with lots of camping spots available."
"Lots of bugs at night to be expected being that close to the driftless. We awoke to such views - hard to beat!"
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Situated within short distance of the Mississippi surrounded by trails and kayak friendly rivers."
"Near-by La Crosse has baseball and softball teams from the Northwoods collegiate summer league."
"The check-in process was a bit confusing, but that was forgotten with the location. Beautiful trout stream along the sites. Great place for star gazing as well. Definitely returning."
from $20 / night
"We had our two dogs who normally bark when people walk past but the site was secluded with good tree coverage that we didn’t have any issues! We drove across the highway and got some good hiking in."
"The highway is there and the night train schedule was 22:45 03:10 and 03:15. There are plenty of washrooms. Fire wood is sold at the camp ground entrance. $5 a bundle, cash or check."
RangerTraveling along the road from Ontario to Wildcat gave a little Appalachia feel. The park is situated above the Kickapoo River valley and is a great base for trout fishing.
If you are in the driftless region looking for camping, this is the spot.
ScoutGreat location close to many things yet far enough to feel quiet and peaceful. Great owners always have fun stuff going on for everyone and our dog loves the dog park!
TravelerA central playground and pool are the biggest draws for families with kids. There's also a prospecting 'sluice' that you can buy for the kids to look for 'fossils' and interesting rocks.
The campground is located just north of the main attractions of Wisconsin Dells.
Campsites are not overly generous in size -- typical KOA, where some are 'stacked like cordwood'. Don't go there if you want any privacy from your neighbors.
Cabins are available for those wanting to 'camp' without a camper.
Very small dog park area.
Friendly check in staff. However, we were given a map with our campsite noted and told to wait for a person driving a golf cart to escort us and help us get situated. We waited...and waited...and waited...golf carts came and went, but passed us by. We finally gave up waiting and found out site by ourselves.
TravelerLarge campground with many amenities. Playground for kids and a very nice dog park. Right off the river. Will definitely be back!
TravelerHo-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells RV Park is a nice option if you want an easy RV stay close to the casino and Wisconsin Dells attractions. I like that it feels convenient and low-hassle, with full hook-up sites, Wi-Fi, showers, laundry, a playground, pet area, and access to some hotel/casino amenities.
Pros: great location, full hook-ups, convenient amenities, close to entertainment.
Cons: it is more practical than scenic, and it is RV-only, so no tent camping.
Overall, it’s a good pick if you want a comfortable RV base near the Dells instead of a rustic campground.
TravelerVery cool secluded walk in sites, pet friendly, awesome trails.
TravelerThis park gives the option of both tent and camper sites. Many of the sites are separated from others by some space and numerous trees, tucked back away in the pine forest. The secluded nature gives it the feel of a National Park with beautiful stretches of pine and rocky ledges. Most sites are quiet, with only the slightest hum of the interstate in the background (although a couple may be loud, so beware which site you book). Staff is friendly and helpful, firewood is available at the park. Many pit toilets are available, as well as running water/showers. Playgrounds are also in the park, a pet area, water fill up station, some trails (nothing much for hiking). Very very close to the Dells as well! Mosquitoes are terrible during the summer, but that’s to be expected anywhere in Wisconsin.
LegendIn the middle of the country, in a tiny town called Brownsville, you'll find a little slice of awesome in the form of a hobby farm with campsites, a cabin, and oh ya...the remnants of an old brewery! Patty and Michelle are nothing less than hospitable, knowledgable and gracious.
Shady Rest Acres is owned and run by two women who are nothing less than the the perfect example of what property owners/business owners should be. Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs (I hope I didn't miss anything!). You have to be "pet friendly" if you stay here, because the the chickens roam, the dogs make friends and the cats meander, just as cats tend to do. If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners. They are happy to let you meet them with their presence.
There are 2 campsites, if you wish. One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats) They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing! The other is nestled in the woods. Both have fire pits and access to wood. There is an outdoor shower, if you wish, and also a composting toilet. But there is also access to an indoor bathroom and shower inside the main house. The cabin is delightfully lovely with beautiful decor, two full sized beds, space for a few kids to crash, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker) as well as a wood stove for cool nights and some A/C for warm days. The cabin is attached to the main house by way of a small deck (although the cabin is free standing, but sitting above the garage). And some local beverages in the fridge! You will have access to the deck chairs and gas grill, if you want to cook some dinner. For potty stops, you'll have to use the bathroom inside their home, but it's very close and private, as they have another one that they use when guests are staying the night.
At no time did we feel like we were invading Patty and Michelle's space, nor did they invade ours. It was extremely comfortable, and I thought that we could have asked any question without silly looks and even participated in chores, and we would have been welcome to do so. Even though it rained while we were there, it seemed to be just perfect. Beyond the obvious, they are earth conscious, eco friendly in many ways and fully aware of their food sources, which is one reason why they raise their own food. So they know where it comes from and how it was treated. I love it.
This is rustic slice of hospitality is not only peaceful, but friendly, warm and comforting as well as therapeutic. Just what the soul ordered.
ScoutQuiet, all drive-thrus, reasonable rates, very close to the dells, clean bathhouse.
We enjoyed our stay close to everything. Walmart and major shopping within a half a mile. pet friendly. I would recommend this campground
The Kickapoo Valley surrounding Ontario, Wisconsin sits within the unique Driftless Area, a region untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. This geological feature creates dramatic bluffs, valleys, and waterways distinct from the rest of Wisconsin's landscape. Winter camping options remain available at several sites, though access to water and shower facilities becomes limited during colder months.
Kayak the Kickapoo River: Access points near Ontario lead to calm paddling routes suitable for beginners. At Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground, "Great location for kayaking and hiking. The facilities are well maintained and clean. Camping sites are spacious and the stars at night is amazing. Bring or rent kayaks to float the Kickapoo River. Ontario to bridge 5 was 2.5 hours," notes John B.
Bike the Elroy-Sparta Trail: The historic rail trail features three tunnels accessible from nearby campgrounds. "The Elroy Sparta Bike Trail, North America's first rails-to-trails project, runs through the Tunnel Trail Campground. The campground is very nice, especially for tents and smaller campers and caters to bicyclists," reports Cindy B. from Tunnel Trail Campground.
Explore primitive camping: For those seeking more remote experiences, try hike-in sites at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. "I hiked in to Site C. It was maybe around a half mile walk from the closest parking. The trails I saw were more like small roads, but still had beautiful views. You have to book the sites online, but this isn't a typical campground, you'll be VERY far away from any other campers," says Sean M.
Dark night skies: The rural setting provides excellent stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. At Westfork Sports Club & Campground, "The views go on and on! Huge open sites. Not a lot of trees for privacy but the sites are huge so it's all good! Feel like you can write your long overdue novel here. Perfect setting and very relaxing. We would stay again for sure," writes Randall K.
Community swimming facilities: Several campgrounds offer water recreation beyond river access. "It is part of a community recreation center that includes a nice swimming pool and various ball fields. Camp sites are for both RVs and tents. The swimming pool is also available for a $5 admission," notes Pat L. about Wilton City Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites feature natural habitats where wildlife observation is common. "We were in the area to run the driftless marathon and needed a place to stay for one night. I loved it so much that I've already planned another trip! My site was hike in but the distance was pretty short. There were wagons available for transporting things to sites," shares Emily H.
Site selection considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly throughout the region. "We picked site 2 and wish we picked 11 or 12. Those sites looked more secluded, where ours was right next to the road/entrance. All in all, the park was really clean, and the bluffs are beautiful," advises Sam M. from Mill Bluff State Park Campground.
Water availability: Water access varies by campground and season. "The closest potable water source and bathroom are back at the visitor center which is a 10 minute drive. Bring a good water filter and something to gather firewood with," cautions Sean M. about Kickapoo Valley Reserve sites.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds sit near major roadways, affecting the wilderness experience. "The highway is there and the night train schedule was 22:45, 03:10 and 03:15. There are plenty of washrooms. Fire wood is sold at the camp ground entrance. $5 a bundle, cash or check," reports Guy R.
Beach access options: Kid-friendly swimming areas provide safer water recreation. "The swim spot is refreshing and not rocky. Our site was audible isolated from the other sites," shares Guy R. about Mill Bluff State Park.
Pool facilities: Some campgrounds feature maintained swimming pools with scheduled hours. At Oakdale KOA, "They have a nice playground, pool and jump pad! Great experience," according to Jenna W., who also noted the campground was "very neat and tidy."
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with built-in recreation beyond hiking. "There's a mini golf course which may have seen better days but is still playable and an older wooden play set. Water and electric I think are available at every site," shares Alexander V. about Tunnel Trail Campground.
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the region have sloped sites requiring additional preparation. At La Farge City Park, "Sites are slanted on hillside. Cost is $20/night for 30amp and one dump use. Shade trees and picnic tables," notes Lindy T.
Pull-through availability: Larger rigs have limited options in this region. "We had difficulty getting to our site as tight corners for rigs 38 feet or more," warns Becky M. about Tunnel Trail Campground, which sits directly on the bike trail.
Full hook-up options: For those seeking amenities, select campgrounds offer comprehensive services. "Large sites. All type of rentals available. You name it, they have it. You are required to be military, DOD or retired military to rent some high dollar items. The sites were paved and level. Nicely wooded and made it easy to setup a hammock as well," shares Dan K. about Pine View Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ontario, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ontario, WI is Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ontario, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 143 dog-friendly camping locations near Ontario, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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