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Best Tent Camping near Portage, WI

754 Reviews

Tent campsites near Portage, Wisconsin range from established state park facilities to walk-in primitive sites, with several options providing seclusion in wooded settings. Devils Lake State Park Group Campground offers tent camping on dirt sites with leaf cover under heavy tree canopy, providing natural protection from rain and sun. Governor Dodge State Park features backpack campsites that require a half-mile to one-mile hike from the parking area, creating a more secluded tent camping experience.

Tent sites at Devils Lake feature pit toilets near group areas, with full bathroom facilities including showers within walking distance. Water pumps are available but campers must collect and haul water back to their sites. Sandhill Station State Campground provides carry-in only sites, with distances ranging from 100-500 yards from the parking area to campsites, making this location best suited for tent campers who pack efficiently. Most tent areas include fire rings and picnic tables, but amenities vary significantly between locations. Sites at Governor Dodge provide access to pit toilets and water fountains, though backpack sites offer more primitive conditions.

The tent camping experience in the Portage area is characterized by oak savanna landscapes and varied terrain. Sites at Devils Lake are well-spaced, providing privacy even in the popular group camping areas. Governor Dodge State Park features extensive hiking opportunities from its tent sites, with trails leading to bluffs and waterfalls. The backpacking areas serve as excellent base camps for exploring the park's two main lakes and fishing opportunities. Seasonal considerations affect the camping experience significantly. A camper noted that "sites would be lovely in fall or spring, though mid-summer can bring intense mosquito activity near stagnant water." The oak savanna at Sandhill Station provides a unique ecosystem for tent camping, though limited shade makes spring and fall visits preferable to summer camping.

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Best Tent Sites Near Portage, Wisconsin (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Portage, WI

9 Photos of 10 Portage Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Portage, WI

754 Reviews of 10 Portage Campgrounds

  • Cristina S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Blue Mound State Park Campground

    Clean and Modern

    Campsites, trails and facilities were immaculate. Staff was friendly. drive in and hike in sites available. great for families; trails have info markers to educate hikers on geology and flora of area. Drive in campsites had fire rings and picnic tables, vault toilets available.

  • Josh F.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Blue Mound State Park Campground

    Close to Madison, near Military Ridge Trail, Some sites are Far, Far Away

    I spent two nights in the campground at Blue Mound State Park. Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water. Both tent and RV/camper sites are on a typical one-way road pattern with a couple of loops there are plenty of sites with and without electricity. At the time I was there, the camp host sold high-quality hard wood for $5/bundle from a trailer on the honor system, so if you run out in the middle of the night, wood was easy to replenish. One of the park's highlights are lookout towers with views above the treetops, Unfortunately in 2020 both were closed, presumably because it would be difficult to keep a safe distance from others when on the stairs or while at the top. Pity, it'll be a reason to return. Still, there are several observation areas that are maintained well enough to keep the undergrowth from blocking the view of the Wisconsin River Valley nearly 15 miles to the north. This is where the "Blue Mound" name must come from, the hills at that distance did have a bluish cast to them.

    If you've read any of my other reviews you know what's next, my list of the best campsites. While I've visited several parks now that have "walk in" sites, with cars parked a minute or two from the campsite, about a dozen sites in Blue Mound State Park take "walk in" to a new level. Cars can drive to a barrier across the road, and the sites are a 10-15 minute walk downhill, The park provides ONE medium-sized cart (250 lb weight limit, 20-minute use limit) that I guess would be in high demand during load in and load out. (NOTE TO SELF, camp Thursday through Monday if going here, or arrive EARLY to get a cart). Most of these sites are quite sunny; 105 is nice and shady and private, 106 slightly shaded 109 and 110 are shaded, very close to one another and would be good for a group camp setup 111 is quite shady. There's water and toilets in the walk-in camp ground. You'd want to sip wood for campfires and cooking, the nearest source is a 15-minute walk uphill and back, and then if using the cart, you have to return it for another round trip.

    Back in the family campground where mortals and RVs park, I think the following are the nicest in terms of shade, level, size and privacy.

    42, 45, 47, 51, 64, 66, 69, 71, 73

  • Alex S.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Red Oak Campgrounds

    Great for car camping!

    This is our favorite campground for when we want to take trips to Devil’s Lake State Park! The campgrounds all vary in size, and many have a good amount of tree cover so you have some privacy from your neighbors. Every campsite has at least one picnic table and fire-pit. You can pull your car right up to the campsite. There is a store where you check in and you can buy fire wood and little odds and ends like bug spray or tent stakes. There is a pool that is really clean along with bathrooms and showers.

  • Meg S.
    Aug. 1, 2015

    Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    Great Campground in Wisconsin

    Great state park for a family camping vacation, tons of stuff to do. Lakes, trails, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, fishing. Hidden gem of Wisconsin. The campsites are pretty private, nestled in trees. Some shaded, some have sun and shade. They even have horse sites, so you can bring your horse, and stroll through the park horseback riding. Vault toilets, and regular toilets with ok showers. Water faucets scattered around for easy water access. Twin Valley has tent sites and RV/electric sites.

  • Meg S.
    Aug. 1, 2015

    Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park

    Hidden Gem of Wisconsin

    I randomly picked this campground, after trying to book Devil's Lake with no luck. WE LOVED IT! Sites are very private, some in the woods, and some have sun/shade. Few double sites to fit a family, or two. I believe all sites have no electricity, water faucets are scattered around for easy water access. Vault toilets and regular bathrooms with decent showers. Campground is walking distance to the Cox Hallow Lake (no wake), where you can rent a kayak, canoe, row boat, or float on tubes all day long. There is also a dog beach, where we hang out majority of the time. Tons of trees with shade for the four legged family members. State Park offers tons of great trails, and decent views. Some trails are even more than 5 miles long, perfect for a morning stroll. We will be going back next year for a family vacation.

  • Griffin K.
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Blue Mound State Park Campground

    A+ camping experience

    Tl;dr: shower house is great. Nice campers, rangers and camping vibes. Go to Blue Mounds Grocery on the way in. easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and running trails - including Military Ridge Trail.

    Camped here with 2 friends during a cross country road trip. We had site 5 and were tent camping. When we showed up it was raining and it was unseasonably cold, but other campers in adjacent sites looked like they were having a great time - lots of family groups. This kept our spirits high as we set up camp, made a fire, and made dinner. The site was standard with a big picnic table, tent platform, fire pit, and room for our car. The bathroom and shower house was a really great amenity and there were spots for cars to drive over there if their spots were far. A very nice camp ranger came by to say hi and let us know that campers are expected to quiet down at 9ish and not be cognizant of that. Campers were being respectful of socially distancing and wearing masks for the most part. Seems like there is a great bike/hiking trail network all around. A couple of us are runners also a friend from Madison met us and we ran on the military ridge trail in the morning. There is very easy access to that. Also, insider note, on the way in, go to blue mounds grocery for anything you need (esp firewood). The cash register gave us some great camping advice.

  • Janet B.
    Jun. 3, 2023

    Buckhorn State Park Campground

    Pretty good one for the weekend

    Snagged a spot (#102) right before the Memorial Day weekend. Spacious site, somewhat private because of the surrounding trees. If you want to be surrounded by hammock-able trees, i suggest sites 94-99. Our site was both close to vaulted toilets/water and shower building, which was a plus. Shower head pressure was lovely and hot water was great! One downside was that people were loud and playing music till midnight but oh wells.

    Was worried about bugs but I think it was okay. Maybe we were there before it began. i did find some ticks on my camping chair though so beware.

    Though we didnt explore much of the Buckhorn SP, we chose this site because it was under an hour drive from Mirror Lake SP and Devils Lake SP. Making a day trip to those parks and Wisconsin Dells was a breeze.

  • N
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Rocky Arbor State Park Campground

    Good place, horrible site

    This state park is very nice, decent trails clearly marked and the walking paths around the sites are pretty clear. Overall the noise from other sites was minimal and I liked the layout of the campground.

    The bad- the sites labeled for highway noise should be closed. It was an absolutely awful experience. I was walking through all of the campground when we first got in and as we approached our site the noise was so distracting and completely ruined the peaceful experience that most state parks offer. It was a serious bummer when night construction started on the highway on Sunday night as well. Our neighbors stayed well beyond the checkout time and the camp host did nothing to get them to leave, why even be present if you’re not gunna do anything? It wouldn’t have been a big deal if they weren’t randomly shooting a bow and arrow into the trees behind their site and then proceeded to record TikTok’s with endless repetition of those songs. Not the parks fault other than the host should at least clear the sites with the new checkout times.

    If you’re going to this park avoid the highway spots at all costs!

  • Renee R.
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Brigham Park

    Nice spot for summer camping.

    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 to Portage

Tent camping near Portage, Wisconsin offers a variety of scenic spots and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. With well-reviewed campgrounds, you can enjoy the beauty of the area while engaging in fun adventures.

Some prices for tent camping range from $40 to $50

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Portage, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Portage, WI is Devils Lake State Park Group Campground — Devils Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Portage, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Portage, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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