Camping in the Portage, Wisconsin area offers diverse options within Wisconsin's glacial terrain, with elevations ranging from 770-880 feet and a four-season climate. The region's numerous lakes and proximity to the Wisconsin River provide water recreation opportunities with campgrounds operating primarily from mid-April through mid-October during peak season.
What to do
Water activities on private lakes: Indian Trails Campground features a private lake with family-friendly water recreation. According to one visitor at Indian Trails Campground, "Great place to stay for families with kids of all ages. You get the feeling they really know how to take care of their guests- and they do. Beautiful sites all around the lake."
Kayak through sandstone formations: Mirror Lake State Park offers kayaking experiences through distinctive sandstone cliff formations. A camper at Sandstone Ridge Campground shared, "Mirror lake is quickly becoming one of our favorite campgrounds in Wisconsin... Lake has boat rentals. And Ishnala Supper Club is a short walk away."
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds feature disc golf opportunities for all skill levels. Fox Hill RV Park includes a disc golf course among its amenities, making it easy to play without leaving the campground. According to a reviewer, "This park has some nature trails, disc golf, and a good size dog run. It's well kept and maintained."
What campers like
Halloween-themed camping events: Many campgrounds offer special Halloween weekends with decorations, trick-or-treating, and haunted attractions. One reviewer at Duck Creek Campground noted, "Great Halloween camping," while Indian Trails Campground hosts popular Halloween weekends throughout the fall season.
Clean, modern facilities: Campgrounds in the Portage area maintain high standards for bathrooms and shower facilities. A visitor to Fox Hill RV Park remarked, "Despite the very crowded campground, the bathrooms were immaculate. Even the Men's room was super clean. They have 3 indoor showers in each gender bathroom, and a couple of outdoor shower stalls."
On-site food options: Several campgrounds offer food service beyond what's mentioned in standard glamping packages. A Duck Creek Campground visitor recommended: "Do yourself a favor and stock up at the Lodi Meat Market!" Another camper noted, "The food served in the restaurant is delicious, my favorite is the gyros!"
What you should know
Site placement considerations: Site selection significantly impacts experience at most campgrounds. One camper at Merry Mac's Campground advised, "We only stayed a few nights, chose a pull thru site. The staff is great, the pool is brand new! They have a huge pond with inflatables."
Seasonal availability: Most glamping accommodations near Portage operate seasonally. A Fox Hill visitor explained, "We visited for opening weekend during COVID-19, so the park was quiet but open... Pool wasn't open yet this early in season."
Sound levels vary by campground: Some campgrounds focus on family entertainment while others prioritize quieter experiences. A Duck Creek camper shared, "Went here to take my boyfriend on his first camping trip. Cute little place. Wonderful people and nice and quiet! Would go again for sure!"
Tips for camping with families
Water features for different ages: Choose campgrounds with varied water options for multiple age groups. A visitor at Wisconsin Dells KOA noted, "The kids loved the pool and splash pad as well," while another mentioned, "We recently stayed here and I have mixed feelings... The amount of stuff for kids to do was great."
Playground accessibility: Select sites near play areas for easier supervision. A camper shared, "We are actually having a blast at this Campground campsites are located right next to the playground so we can watch the kids from the campsite."
Weekday vs. weekend experiences: For quieter family time, consider weekday visits. A Fox Hill visitor observed, "Busy on weekends quiet and peaceful during the week. Higher prices due to tourist area, but would recommend."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring additional equipment. A visitor noted, "Our site was very unlevel side to side. It took two 2x6 and a 1x6 under the camp side to be level. That made the first step into the coach, and last step out of the coach extremely high off the ground."
Interior road conditions: Access roads in some campgrounds can be tight for larger rigs. A camper at Yogi Bear Camp-Resort observed, "The roads are wide enough, but very narrow. We are a 33.6 ft rig so navigating around parked cars was a challenge as people had their vehicles right to the road. TIP: the site markers come out of the ground so if you need to, remove it so you can get in."
Full hookup availability: Premium glamping sites near Portage typically include full hookups. A Fox Hill visitor explained, "We were in the new part of the campground, the site was level and the full hookups were well placed. Plenty of room and a concrete patio & nice picnic table."
