Looking for the best options for camping with dogs near Portage? Find the best sites near Portage where you bring your dog and enjoy a scenic view. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a happening campground near the attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to go camping with your dog.
Quartzite campground in Devil’s Lake State Park offers camping options for visitors, with both electric and non-electric sites available. This campground, which was once a 9-hole golf course, has mostly open and grassy areas, with a mix of trees scattered throughout. Although many campsites have limited shade or are located on the perimeter near surrounding woods, Quartzite Campground is a great choice for those with large RVs due to the open and spacious nature of many of its sites. The campground is equipped with a playground, a modern shower building, and a dump station. Located on County Road DL, Quartzite Campground can be accessed directly, making it easy to avoid heavy summer traffic when entering or exiting the campground. There is also an access road leading up to the park’s Nature Center, as well as the main day-use picnic area and beach. While the distance to the beach is walkable at about a quarter mile, visitors should note that there is a steep hill between the campground and the day-use area.
It’s important to keep in mind that sites 1-10 are now available only by reservation, and no longer on a first-come-first-served basis.
From website: Camping at Devil’s Lake State Park is extremely popular. Plan ahead, explore your options and make your camping or other lodging reservations well before you arrive. Devil’s Lake State Park has three campgrounds with a total of 423 sites that each accommodate a family (One to six individuals). There are no longer any first-come-first-serve campsites offered at the park. There are also nine group campsites that can accommodate a total of 240 campers. Group campsites are on the south side. Each campground has different qualities that have made each of them popular with annual campers. There are no campgrounds near or on the shoreline of Devil’s Lake itself. Only the Quartzite campground is open for winter camping.
When you’re traveling and looking for a home away from home, peaceful and wooded, in an area where fun is a vacation theme, you’ll find the KOA campgrounds in Wisconsin ready. Settle into a site just right for you with accommodations for all RV sizes and camping styles. Then, explore the Dells for a summer adventure you’ll never forget!
Bluewater Bay campground, the nearest to the park visitor center and amphitheater, has 63 non-electric sites in four loops. Bluewater Bay Campground is open from approximately May 15 to Oct. 15.
Four separate loops have 57 campsites.
Bluewater Bay campground host site is located between the Group Camp parking lot and the shower building.
There are showers and both flush and pit toilets available in season. Late fall through early spring, water and shower/flush toilet buildings are weather-dependent.
This campground also has a reservable open-air shelter, reservable amphitheater, playground, sand volleyball court and large open field. The Kilbourn Trail connects the campground with the beach area.
$15 / night
Cliffwood campground has 35 sites, 29 with electricity. One of the sites is accessible for people with disabilities, site 132. Cliffwood Campground is open from May 1 to Oct. 31.
Sites 106-121, 127-128, 130-131 and 135-136 are double sites. This means that two sites share a driveway but each has its own individual site. These sites are ideal for camping parties that would prefer to camp next to one another in a larger, shared space. The two campsites are reserved together, and a reservation fee is charged for each site. There are showers and both flush and pit toilets in season. Late fall through early spring, water and shower/flush toilet buildings are weather-dependent.
The Echo Rock Trail makes its way through the campground with 0.4 miles of an accessible paved path that leads to a beautiful overlook and the Ishnala bridge which spans the Mirror Lake gorge.
$30 - $60 / night
Imagine sitting under the twinkling stars with the glow of the campfire lighting your face. Beautiful clean evening air mixed with burning pine seems to soothe your soul. At that moment, you wonder: Does it get it any more relaxing than this? You’re experiencing the magic of Wisconsin Dells camping at Fox Hill RV Park & Campground.
You’ve discovered 50 wooded acres of natural beauty, just minutes away from all the fun and adventure of the Wisconsin Dells, the scenic splendor of Devil’s Lake State Park, the excitement of Ho-Chunk Casino, and one of Wisconsin’s best 9-hole golf courses, Fairfield Hills which is located next door.
$45 - $85 / night
Nestled in 70 acres surrounded by the Baraboo hills, Skillet Creek Campground offers a serene setting for your next camping trip. Located one mile from Devil's Lake State Park, you may enjoy hiking, rock climbing, swimming, biking, fishing, boating, or just a relaxing afternoon at the beach. We know that when you finally get away to go camping, you're looking for peace and quiet. Skillet Creek Campground is just the place to camp with your family or friends to get back to nature and remember a less hectic, peaceful rhythm.
$43 - $136 / night
Family owned since 1965, Indian Trails Campground has become the most celebrated destination for its wide range of family activities offered in one natural setting. See the sights, climb new heights, sleep under starry nights… and discover why so many families make Indian Trails a yearly tradition!
Legend
General: Small county park campground (28 sites) located on Lake Mendota
Site Quality: All sites were level and generous in size. Camper pads were somewhat gravel but not well-defined. Long enough to accommodate the largest RV or additional cars (friends visited us when we were there and could easily park two cars in addition to our van at the site). The power box is located at the very end of the camper pad, but extension cords are available from the camp host. Thank goodness that there were ample shade trees in most sites as it was humid and in the high 90s when we were there.
Bath/Shower house: Located a short walk from the campground to accommodate the day-use people as well. Reasonably clean. The bathroom had three stalls and two sinks but could have used a couple of hooks for toiletries in addition to the one small shelf. Two shower stalls, including one ADA-accessible one. There is also a vault toilet closer to the sites.
Activities: Fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, etc. There were kayaks that looked like they could be rented but did not find information on how to do so. Basketball, Volleyball and a playground. The maintenance employee mentioned that people were catching fish with hot dogs!
Note that this park will be closed in spring 2025 for improvements. Note also that this park is located in a residential area, and I imagine it would be packed on weekends, but it was relatively quiet when we were there on a Monday at the end of August. Shortly after we arrived, a loud plane flew overhead, and we were worried this would be a problem, but we didn’t hear any more. The bugs (gnats and mosquitoes) were relentless, especially in the grassy areas so bring bug spray!
Scout
I went in 2 weekdays in early October and it was very quiet and calm. Nice facilities and campsites.
Guide
We had a wonderful time on our visit. The facilities were clean, well maintained, and fully stocked! Super nice and helpful staff. Beautiful fall foliage. Some of the walk in campsites are a far walk from the parking. So, if you simply want car camping, make sure you pick an appropriate site!
Traveler
We booked a weekend here for a soccer tournament we had in Verona, so we didn’t spend a lot of time on the property. The staff was amazing! Very friendly and helpful for us new to camping people. We booked online and they were also friendly when I messed up my reservation so thanks for that too. We booked in VIP 1, which is right next to the bath house. We wanted to be close to the showers (coin op). We figured since we’re at a sporting event that might be nice. Very quiet at night. We did have a little time to go fishing at the fishing pond. We didn’t catch anything but we had fun. The fishing pond is a ways from our camping area though. It would have been a long walk so we drove. WiFi is for a fee but it was fine. The fee wasn’t expensive (less than $5). No sewer hook up but there is a dump site so no big deal. Overall good stay.
Scout
Great campground! Shaded or Sunny sites. Level sites. Friendly staff. Sandy Beach. Swimming. Playground. Kids Activities. Themed weekends. Bar. Restaurant. Great Food! Tiki Bar on Beach. Great Fishing. Laundry.
GuideSite 29 is lovely - it's situated directly on the shoreline with a tiny slice of beach. The weather was excellent and with enough wind to quell the bugs. There was an eagle fishing in the bay with us. Plenty of hiking, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities inside the park, too.
There is a bar and grill across the river with a live cover band on Friday night that could be heard loud and clear. Their setlist was pretty much identical to the 'Songs that Excite the White Folks' playlist on Spotify. We didn't mind it - it was amusing. They respectfully ended their set at 10pm sharp, so no big deal.
Only one of the showers had warm water in the nearby bathhouse, but we were grateful for it. There is nice, dry wood for fires and ice situated at the entrance to the park. There is also a cute little general store just outside of the park that is well-stocked with necessities. It's next to a food truck with a chef who proudly shared that he's from Chicago and serves up homemade gyros off the spit. 100% I'm getting one next time I'm in the area.
Our last day was kind of rough, though. A pontoon full of belligerent, drunken strangers blasting modern armpit country music pulled up to our site, parked their boat, got out, and made themselves at home in our campsite and proceeded to have a party. They blocked our entire beach access with their big fat pontoon so we couldn't use it at all. They got especially shrill when I suggested they park on an equally nice and secluded beach a mere 100 ft to the north that wasn't someone's campsite. They said too bad, they do it every weekend and that they're on public property. I'm pretty sure that's not how campsites work and what they were doing is trespassing, but I digress. Anyhow, one of the men started shouting some weird, irrelevant, cultish political nonsense that was probably intended to be offensive (while his unfortunate teenage son looked like he was about to keel over from cringe wishing his dad would keep his embarrassing opinions to himself). The irony of their 'don't tread on me' slogan was lost on them - they should just have a Jolly Roger mounted on their pontoon.
It's obnoxious that these folks make a habit of colonizing occupied sites instead of reserving them like everyone else, but for us, this was an isolated incident. Everyone else we encountered on the trip was delightful and gracious.
Anyhow, we decided to pack up a few hours early and head to Wisconsin Dells instead and we had a blast there, too.
ScoutPulled into the loop, and the host greeted us immediately. Confirmed our spot and backed in. Level spot with a fire ring and metal picnic table. Our spot was back by the road but was still nice. They have very clean bathrooms with showers. Volleyball net, swings, and spots for boats. Would definitely stay again and enjoy the lake a bit more.
Scout
Lots of playgrounds for kids age 2-10. Pit toilets smell- I’d avoid sites around them. Hot Showers by lot 30 and at pool. Pool is not heated as stated- definitely not 80 degrees. West tower is the best for sunsets. Site 75 was nice as it was a bit back from the road and you can’t see your neighbors.
Scout
My girlfriend and I have visited here and stayed here a few times they have many campsites for all types they have a separate campsite just for the RVs they have the main camp area where if you like to be around people you can and then they have the new expansion where it is more excluded they have and continue to make upgrades to the campground such as more electric and water at all their sites they also have put in new bathrooms and shower houses around their campground if you have any questions you should see Lisa in the office she is great
Traveler
Great backpack base camp! Great views, plenty of privacy and an easy hike. We stayed at 806.
Scout
Quiet, all drive-thrus, reasonable rates, very close to the dells, clean bathhouse.
We enjoyed our stay close to everything. Walmart and major shopping within a half a mile. pet friendly. I would recommend this campground
Guide
I've visited this campground twice and it's been a hit both times.
Pros:
- Scenic overlook is gorgeous.
- The dense tree cover and near-constant slight breeze help to both keep this campground cool and the mosquitos at bay.
- Well-kept vault toilets.
- Close to a many points of interest.
Cons:
- Some of the sites are strangely graded and situated. One site near ours had the fire pit at the very edge, making sitting around it virtually impossible. 14 was a pretty site but had a large tree in the middle of it.
- Using the County website to reserve the site was clunky and time consuming.
Guide
I have stayed at this campground three times in the last decade or so.
Pros:
- Excellent location if you're looking to recreate on the Wisconsin River or visit the American Players Theater across the way.
- Interesting history about the Shot Tower on site.
- Nice little hiking trails.
Cons:
- Every time I've visited we've dealt with lots of mosquitos, but nothing comes close to our most recent visit! It was a mosquito massacre. So terrible that after coating ourselves in DEET and eating dinner there the first night, we actually booked another campsite about a half hour away (Brigham County Park - a gem!) and abandoned this site altogether.
- Vault toilets were fragrant.
Traveler
Definitely recommend for a seasonal home away from home
TravelerGreat Place; Central to many key places with very low rates. Clean and Friendly Next to a huge restaurant and bar that have the lowest prices for above average food. Definitely recommend. Overnight sites easy to get into and large sites.
Traveler
This campground is nestled in a stand of tall red pine trees so shade is found everywhere. The check in process was easy and quick. The roads connecting the sites are adequately wide. Just know that all of the sites are 90 degree back ins which can be tight with longer rigs- especially if your neighbor across the road has their vehicle or toys parked right up to the paved surface. The only thing I would be critical of is the bathroom/shower house. The showers are a bit odd where one door (that locks) opens to the only 2 shower stalls for your gender in the entire building. So if you’re cool showering with a buddy or your kids that’s no bid deal. This campground is mostly all seasonal campsites and some are impeccably maintained and elaborate and some are REALLY run down. I doubt you could tow some of those campers out. We stayed here for EAA Airventure in Oshkosh and it was only 40 minutes away.
Scout
Reported ground bees on our sight 3 times no one came walk way to beach was broken and someone could of gotten hurt the swimming pool was dirty should of been cleaned at night for the price you pay to stay there thing should be fixed the internet horrible been going there for 29 plus years and the internet never worked this year things were not kept up
Scout
We loved the amenities, sites, and staff. Everything was great. Even seasonal sites were well kept. We will definitely be back
Traveler
Just a handful of pretty decent sized sites. There's a shelter area and some nice little hiking trails. Just outside of New Lisbon if you need anything.
Traveler
We actually stayed in a deluxe cabin at this campground, while our friends were in a camper. The deluxe cabins were $300 a night, very poor air circulation and constantly felt wet. Toilets were impossible to flush and were backing up every time a shower was taken.
Our friends have a 40' camper and could barely fit in the space provided. There was no space to hang out as their camper took up the entire space. If we wanted to start a fire, we couldn't because their fire pit (more like a rusted out ring) was directly under a tree.
Customer service was horrible - manager basically told us it wasn't their problem and wouldn't help the situation. We will not return.
Ranger
We were in Site# B1. We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-thru. We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site. My jeep though did not fit. The site was easy to level.
Our site was shaded with lots of trees. This was a larger sized lot with our neighbors not too close (but we did choose a premium site with a patio and paid extra to be on the end).
This specific lot comes with a concrete patio The lot comes with a picnic table and fire hole in the ground.
They have a community Outdoor kitchen-y area with picnic tables.
They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.
You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. There is really not a need to have a Golf cart because it is a smaller campground.
They do have a Swimming pool.
There is a Playground. They also offer horseshoes and a volleyball court.
They have a great general store.
The streets are gravel so not great for riding bikes but there are great places to ride bikes outside of campground, especially around Middleton and Madison.
They have cabins for rent and tent areas.
They have one shower house. The shower house has the typical stalls. These are kept mostly clean.
There is a laundry facility. It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine.
They have a fenced in dog park and many grassy areas to walk dogs.
There were no trails to hike in the campground.
Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the Saturday Farmer’s Market in Madison and multitude of bike trails.
Guide
Cedar Hills Campground has its own Fireworks show on 3 day weekends!
Scout
Beautiful facility but the traffic noise was atrocious.
Guide
The campground is really nice. The facilities are excellent. However it's really close to the interstate and the road noise is awful.
Scout
They have RV for sale or rent, large lots start at $2495 to $3495 for the yr.
GuideYou can plant a garden or flowers, build a deck and have a shed also on your lot starting $2995 to $ 3500 yr and you can leave your rv there in off season. Rent now they have RV for sale for just taking over the site? Call Dennis 608.795.2606
GuideVery clean grounds, clean rentals, rentals start at $125 to $200,
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Portage, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Portage, WI is Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 44 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Portage, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 136 dog-friendly camping locations near Portage, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
