Camping in Sheboygan County offers multiple options for outdoor recreation with elevations ranging from 580 feet near Lake Michigan to 1,100 feet at the Kettle Moraine ridges. The area features glacial terrain with unique geological formations like kames, kettles, and drumlins. Summer temperatures typically reach 65-75°F while spring and fall camping seasons bring 45-60°F temperatures with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Hike the historic lime kilns: High Cliff State Park contains several historic lime kiln ruins along its trail system. "Hiking trails are great, especially the ones through the dunes. Definitely worth the stay!" notes a visitor to Kohler-Andrae State Park.
Disc golf between camping trips: The 18-hole course at Broughton Sheboygan Marsh makes for a perfect mid-day activity. "They have an 18 hole disc golf course and a nine hole soccer ball course. Brand new play ground added," reports one camper who visited the park.
Fish in Long Lake: The fishing opportunities at Long Lake include bass, bluegill, and crappie. "We like to fish and this lake is great. We caught some large blue gill, a few crappie, perch and bass. It is a 'weedy' lake but when your fishing for certain fish, that's a good thing," says one reviewer.
What campers like
Clean facilities with modern amenities: Mauthe Lake receives consistent praise for its well-maintained grounds. "Campground facilities are clean, 30 amp at the electrical site worked perfectly. Other campers amazingly friendly. Sunset on the lake is ridiculously beautiful!" notes one visitor to Mauthe Lake Campground.
Lake Michigan beach access: The beaches along Lake Michigan provide excellent swimming opportunities when temperatures permit. "Beautiful state park right on Lake Michigan. Sunrises so, so beautiful. This campground has everything! Trails, dunes, marshes, forests, and Lake Michigan. Very well kept," says a reviewer at Kohler-Andrae.
Private wooded sites: Many campsites in the area offer tree cover for shade and privacy. "The tent non-electric campsites are fantastic. We had a nice private campsite that was completely wooded all around it," reports a camper at Harrington Beach State Park.
What you should know
Water levels change seasonally: Lake Michigan and marsh water levels fluctuate throughout the year. "Went to this campground to specifically use our kayaks but the marshes were drained to replicate drought conditions. Make sure you check if the marsh is filled when reserving this campground," cautions a visitor to Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park.
Reservation timing matters: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "If you plan to camp for a weekend, you must make a reservation way in advance," advises a visitor to Long Lake Campground.
Insect preparation essential: Mosquitoes and ticks can be prevalent in wooded areas from May through September. "Had great time here 1st week of June, with a reservation at one of the walk in sites. Bugs weren't an issue yet, but I could imagine it getting bad depending on the season," notes one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Plymouth offer playground facilities for children. "Very nice, clean and quiet campground. The showers are a bit of a hike from most sites but they are private/individual rooms. Sites aren't too small," reports a visitor at Mauthe Lake.
Beach swimming options: Family-friendly swimming areas exist at multiple locations. "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids. Also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July," notes a camper at Mauthe Lake.
Group site availability: The Kettle Moraine forests offer special sites for large family gatherings. "Large sites great for groups. Sites 2 and 9 are the largest. Those can each fit over 20 backpacking tents at the same time," says a camper at Greenbush Group Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup reliability: Most pet-friendly camping areas near Plymouth provide reliable electrical service. "Really nice state park with pretty good space in between sites. Some easy, limited elevation hikes around the campground, and a nice mix of pine trees/marsh/open space," shares a camper at Kohler-Andrae State Park.
Pull-through site availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access for larger rigs. "We were reserved, but unable to stay due to having a trailer with a car in it and not being able to unhitch to back into a site," warns a visitor to Sundance Farm Campground.
Electric-only options: Many state park campgrounds offer electric hookups without water or sewer at individual sites. "Our site had electric only, which suited our needs. Overall, a great campground close to home, and we will be back!" reports a visitor at Harrington Beach State Park.