The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Palmyra, WI

717 Reviews

Camping near Palmyra, Wisconsin centers around the glacial landscapes of Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, which provides a mix of wooded campsites, lakeside recreation, and extensive trail systems. The area features several established campgrounds including Ottawa Lake Campground, Pinewoods Campground, and the Southern Unit Horseriders Campground, which caters specifically to equestrian campers. Tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and some cabins are available throughout the region. The Ice Age Trail passes through the forest, offering hikers direct access from several campgrounds. According to reviews, "The campsites are large with lots of foliage for privacy" at Kettle Moraine, making it particularly appealing for those seeking more secluded sites.

The camping season in the Kettle Moraine area varies by campground, with Ottawa Lake open year-round while Pinewoods operates from May through October. Winter camping is available at select sites, though facilities may be limited to vault toilets during colder months. Fall is particularly popular for its colorful foliage and moderate temperatures. Campers report that "cool nights range from lower 30s to upper 40s" in October, with daytime temperatures often reaching the 60s. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Wisconsin State Park vehicle permits are required for entry, and can be purchased online or at entrance stations.

The camping experience varies between the different units within Kettle Moraine. Pinewoods Campground offers a quieter atmosphere with sites 1-36 designated as 24-hour quiet sites where no music is allowed. Ottawa Lake provides more family-oriented camping with access to swimming and boating. The Horseriders Campground accommodates both horses and RVs with appropriate facilities. Most campgrounds provide clean restrooms, showers, and drinking water. Visitors note that "the proximity to the Ice Age Trail is a bonus" for hiking enthusiasts. The nearby town of Oconomowoc offers dining options and supplies, while Lake Geneva is within driving distance for additional recreation opportunities.

Map showing campgrounds near Palmyra, WisconsinExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Palmyra, Wisconsin (95)

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

    37 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    7 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
    9 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 Lake.  Nearby 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 South Camping — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    12 Reviews
    Eagle, WI
    3 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"

    4. Kettle Moraine Southern Unit — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    10 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    9 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."

    5. Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake

    6 Reviews
    Delavan, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 883-6999

    $15 - $45 / night

    "I did not stay here, but I spend some time walking through to get a feel for the place."

    "Wanted someplace close to home. Familiar with the Delavan area so was excited to find Snug Harbor. Set up went well, didn’t blow anything up! Yea! Staff was great, helped me back in."

    6. Scenic Ridge Campground

    7 Reviews
    Whitewater, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 883-2920

    "You are in walking distance of the lake with boat ramp, kayaking and water inflatables. I loved it! Also, there is a store with full kitchen."

    7. Mukwonago Park by Waukesha County Parks

    6 Reviews
    Mukwonago, WI
    11 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."

    8. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lake Geneva, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 248-2528

    "We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."

    "This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits."

    9. Southern Unit Horseriders Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    1 Review
    Palmyra, WI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "Driving on country roads to this campground, I drove past many many horse ranches. So it's no surprise that there is a dedicated campground for horseback riding in this state park. "

    10. Circle K Campground

    3 Reviews
    Palmyra, WI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 495-2896
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 95 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Palmyra, WI

261 Photos of 95 Palmyra Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Palmyra, WI

717 Reviews of 95 Palmyra Campgrounds

Guide to Palmyra

Camping near Palmyra, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Ottawa Lake Campground remarked, "Bathrooms and showers were clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, "The sites are generally spacious, some are oddly shaped."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Harrington Beach State Park Campground are great for families. One camper shared, "Great hiking trails to Lake Michigan."

What you should know:

  • Limited Water Access: Some campgrounds, like Rock Cut State Park Campground, do not have drinkable water. A camper mentioned, "The only negative is no drinkable water."
  • Noise Levels: Expect some noise, especially on weekends. A visitor at Sunrise Campground noted, "Lots of people during the weekend didn’t abide by the 'Quiet Hours.'"
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground said, "The way to get a site is through their website or calling."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park that have playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer said, "There is a beach, if that's your thing, but it's covered in pebbles."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor toys. A camper at Mauthe Lake Campground mentioned, "Make sure to get fresh cinnamon rolls delivered to your site!"
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have limited food options. A visitor at Ottawa Lake Campground noted, "They charge an extra $11 for each car’s entry at the gate."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your site has the right electrical hookups. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground shared their struggle with electrical issues, saying, "Wasted about 30 hours of our trip over their electrical not being updated."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy. A reviewer at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "Always full on weekends."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Sunset Campground noted, "Camping spots are nice, some of them bigger some are smaller."

Camping near Palmyra, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Palmyra, WI?

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

Keep Exploring