The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Pewaukee. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Wisconsin camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Wisconsin camping adventure.
Harnischfeger County Park
21 min away
Waupun Park Campground
1 hr 6 min away
"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)."
$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."
$25 - $80 / night
"Nestled in the heart of lake country (Waukesha County) and accessible from the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail, this county park is perfect for those just passing through or families looking for a"
"Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it’s a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access."
"North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."
"A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."
$25 - $80 / night
"Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."
"There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."
$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."
$55 / night
"So we just use that because no one was there. 1.7 miles on bike path to Brewer Baseball field. It was raining to we used Uber to the game and walked back for an afternoon game."
"Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient."
$25 - $80 / night
"Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."
"I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in.
This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."
"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"
$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."
GuideWe've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.
TravelerQuiet level throughout. Spots for a couple tents and a camper at each site. Disc golf and a small fishing area. Golf course right next-door so close you could walk to. Most of the sites were in a wooded area, which gives you some privacy. Only downfall for us was distance to the restroom as there’s only one so if you’re in the back of the campground, you gotta walk all the way upfront.
GuideFamily friendly campground, playgrounds, pickle ball court, showers, clean bathrooms, fire rings, shared water spigots & power at camp site. There is an outdoor pavilion for groups, firewood for sale at host. Lamp posts light camp road but not overwhelming. Nice shaded sites with mature white oak trees. Enjoyed and recommend if looking for full service campsite.
ScoutManagement (owners Ed and Coleen) are two of the rudest people I have ever met, with Ed fabricating outrageous, completely inaccurate stories highlighting either his "heroics" (like when his personal fire truck he has was working people would call him before 911) but more often how he has been slighted because of other's inadequacies (local grocery store doesn't like him because "his campers buy all their food leaving none for the locals), and also falsities behind his rules (the U.S. Postmaster does not allow anyone else's packages/mail to be delivered to the campground). They are completely intolerant of kids/teenagers (and, heresay from conversations with seasonal residents, special needs kids) - rules for use of the pool is that it is open after a certain time and if the air temp is above a certain level - we personally witnessed 3 young teens ask to get into the pool an hour after the pool should've been open and it was 5 degrees over Ed's stated temp, but no one else was using the pool and Ed turned them away - told them to swim in the cesspool... I mean, pond.
Ed constantly creates new rules on a whim and is exceedingly selective (read: biased) for whom those rules are enforced. If you have a problem with the campsite (water, electricity, dead trees, ground hornets, you name it) - it is because YOU did something wrong, and if you disagree he will harass you to no end and may even kick you out. Some of the seasonal campers are nice, others (those "in" with the owners) are not. I would not recommend this campground to anyone unless/until it is under new ownership.
RangerPROS: large private sites with good space between them in a lovely wooded setting. Very nice hiking trails right from campground. Lake & pet swim area.
CONS: no water, mosquitos. And… major CAUTION for RVs: there is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend’s fifth wheel. There is also a low hanging overpass and it took the roofs off TWO fifth wheels while we were staying there. Major damage on roof and internally - the RV had to be totaled and replaced. Terrible signage in park does not indicate height of bridge or warn about the oak tree. Our friends reported that the camp host said the park knows about these hazards but hasn’t taken care of them so she will “remind them” for their task list in November.
LegendWe enjoyed the song of frogs and the artesian well.
LegendThe sites are a decent size and well maintained. We easily backed in and leveled our pop up. The shower house is clean. The campground is busy this weekend, but was quite at dark. It was dark enough to see the Milky Way. The toilet is quite a walk, but they are adding more. There is a big playground at the top of the hill. On other trips we’ve enjoyed the swings nearer the river and the artesian wells. The hiking trails are nice and there is a restored rail bridge. We’ve also fished and rented kayaks on previous visits. There is a small cemetery at the top of the hill to explore and learn more about the people in the area.
GuideIt's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go.
We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable. I will say this though, even with there being more mosquitoes constantly attacking, I did not have the reactions to them like I do the mosquitoes back in Alabama and Mississippi. I wasn't itching much at all.
But back to the fun part. It was pretty hot a couple days while we were there and to take a break from the heat, we enjoyed the ac in the car and drove around the recreation area and the campgrounds. I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two.
What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private. This was a nice feature given that many other campgrounds you are stacked in like cord wood.
Our first night there, we left the rain fly off of the tent and just enjoyed the stars and the satellites streaking across the sky.
Overall, it was a rather enjoyable week. The shower/bathrooms were nice and clean, though I will admit the shower got too hot even for my wife. It is an easy drive from the recreation area to Kenosha or other points of interest and Lake Michigan is worth a visit if you aren't from the area.
LegendIndoor pool great for kids. Bath house was a bit dated but okay. Coin operated showers, 25 cent for several minutes. Pay attention to reservation online or call….they have multiple types of sites. We accidentally got one without sewer, but they have dump tank on property so no issue. They have fire pits on the sites as well as picnic tables. Nice trails within different areas of campground.
Camping near Pewaukee, Wisconsin, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Camping near Pewaukee, Wisconsin, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Pewaukee, WI?
Pewaukee has several excellent camping options within a reasonable drive. Naga-Waukee Park in nearby Delafield offers convenient camping with water access and basic amenities. For those willing to drive a bit further, the Kettle Moraine State Forest area provides multiple camping opportunities, including Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit, which features beautiful hiking trails through glacial terrain. Additional options include Menomonee Park, Muskego Park, and Mukwonago Park in Waukesha County, all within approximately 30 minutes of Pewaukee. These parks typically require reservations, especially during peak summer months when availability becomes limited.
What are the costs for camping near Pewaukee, Wisconsin?
Camping costs near Pewaukee vary by location and amenities. At Waupun Park Campground, you'll find reasonable rates for sites with fire rings, tables, bathrooms, showers, a dump station, and fresh water. The Playful Goose Campground offers large lots backing up to forested areas at mid-range prices. Waukesha County parks like Muskego and Mukwonago typically charge $20-30 per night for residents and slightly more for non-residents. Wisconsin State Parks generally require a vehicle admission sticker ($8-13 daily or $28-38 annual) in addition to camping fees that range from $15-40 depending on amenities and residency status. Most campgrounds offer discounted rates during off-peak seasons (late fall through early spring).
Are there family-friendly camping parks around Pewaukee with amenities?
Several family-friendly campgrounds with excellent amenities are available near Pewaukee. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground offers spacious sites, modern bathrooms, and beach access on Lake Geneva, making it perfect for families. The park gets busy during summer, so advance reservations are recommended. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit provides clean facilities and access to swimming, hiking trails, and fishing. Many Waukesha County parks feature playground equipment, picnic areas, and recreational fields. Most family-friendly campgrounds in the area provide clean restrooms, potable water, designated swimming areas, and well-maintained hiking trails, creating ideal environments for memorable family camping experiences.
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