Tent camping options near Oregon, Wisconsin offer a range of experiences from primitive backpacking sites to accessible family campgrounds. Located in the glacial terrain of southern Wisconsin, campers can find sites situated between 800-1,200 feet elevation, with temperature ranges from 40°F in spring to mid-80s during summer months. Many campsites feature oak and hickory forest cover, providing habitat for whitetail deer and wild turkeys frequently spotted by campers.
What to do
Brewery visits from camp: New Glarus Brewery is accessible by bike or foot from New Glarus Woods State Park Campground. "It's proximity to the brewery and the restaurants, shops, and bars of New Glarus, can't be beat. Also on the Sugar River Trail so bring your bike!" notes Kate B. The park is about a mile and half from the brewery, making it an easy day trip.
Paddle sports on Turtle Lake: Snug Harbor Inn Campground provides direct lake access with boat rentals. "The campground sells ice, firewood and rents boats," explains Josh F., who walked through the property. The terraced campground design allows most sites to enjoy lake views, with RV sites positioned closer to the water.
Trail exploration: Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites connect to an extensive trail network. "Great hike threw out the state park. 2 main lakes with great fishing is a plus. Lots to do for the whole family," reports Nick C. The Lost Canyon Trail features bluffs and a small waterfall, making it a highlight for many hikers.
What campers like
Private backpacking sites: The backpack campsites at Governor Dodge State Park provide secluded experiences. "Great backpack base camp! Great views, plenty of privacy and an easy hike. We stayed at 806," writes Erin Z. These sites require a half-mile to one-mile hike from parking areas.
Wooded walk-in sites: New Glarus Woods offers walk-in sites with more privacy than drive-up options. "The sites on the west side of the trail are more level but closer to the trail, so you have less privacy from passers-by. Our personal favorite site is #19. It is the closest site to the parking lot on the east side of the trail, but you have to take a short foot-path off the main trail to get to the site," explains Sarah W., noting it's very quiet and private.
Rustic shelters: Kettle Moraine State Forest's Shelter 1 Backpack Site provides true backcountry camping. "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). There is an outhouse, but I wouldn't recommend using it," advises Erin Z. The site's remote location ensures complete privacy.
What you should know
Highway noise factors: Tent sites at New Glarus Woods experience road noise from nearby highways. "These sites are right next to the highway and (at least during the week) are subject to continuous, round the clock highway noise. The highway seems to be a regular truck route, with lots of semis driving by at all hours," warns Katie K., who found weekday camping particularly noisy.
Seasonal bug considerations: Insect activity varies dramatically by season. "The sites are really near some stagnant water, though, so WAY too many mosquitoes, even with the really intense bug spray. We were there in mid-June on one of the hottest weekends of the year... and we were massacred the second we walked into the site," shares Tawnie T. about Sandhill Station State Campground.
Water access limitations: Most primitive sites require carrying water from central locations. At Devils Lake State Park Group Campground, "Next to the bathrooms is a water pump where you can collect water and haul it back to your site," explains Sarah F. Some backcountry sites have no water access, requiring campers to pack in all supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Devils Lake State Park Group Campground offers spacious areas for multiple families. "Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site," shares Jon D., adding "The birds near the group camp are cool, but can also sound like a large pack of dinosaurs squawking at each other...very loud."
Bathroom accessibility: Campgrounds vary widely in bathroom facilities. "There is a very clean bathroom and bathhouse, freshwater for campers, and some electric tent campsites," Josh F. notes about Snug Harbor Inn Campground. Some primitive sites offer only pit toilets, while others provide shower facilities.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. "The playground was great. We spent the day exploring our Swiss heritage in New Glarus," mentions Kay K. about her stay at New Glarus Woods State Park.
Tips from RVers
Tiered campsite layouts: Snug Harbor Inn Campground features a terraced design for optimal views. "Great three tiered camping spot. Full hookup, and great views. Has a pub/restaurant with good food. Lots to do!" explains Alix M. The design allows both RVs and tent campers to enjoy lake views from different elevations.
RV size limitations: Most campgrounds near Oregon have limited space for larger rigs. "This is primarily an RV/mobile home campground, but there are some nicely tucked away tent camp sites," explains Josh F. about Snug Harbor, noting that many sites appear to have semi-permanent setups.
Hookup variations: Electric and water hookups vary significantly between campgrounds. At New Glarus Woods, according to Dana B., "The sites are clean, each with a fire ring and a table. Some have gravel, some dont." RVers should verify specific amenities when booking, as even electric sites may have limited amperage.
