Camping spots near Pulaski, Wisconsin span across sandy-soil terrains that can become muddy after rainfall. The region experiences significant temperature swings between seasons, with spring camping often requiring extra layers for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 30s. Cell service becomes increasingly limited when traveling north of Pulaski toward the Nicolet National Forest areas.
What to do
Fishing access points: Brown County Reforestation Campground offers proximity to small fishing areas with gravel shorelines. A recent visitor noted, "Great place to stay! Big rig friendly! Gravel pads and each site comes with a picnic table and fire pit."
Playground options: Bay Shore Park features multiple recreational spaces for children. As one camper explained, "This is a great spot for kids..although there isnt swimming there are 2 playgrounds and lots of space to play frisbee or run around."
Historic exploration: Old Oconto Copper Culture State Park provides trails through archaeologically significant areas. A visitor shared, "This park is named after the little-understood Copper Culture people; so named because we have little more information about them other than their use of the metal."
Water rentals: River activities are accessible at Holtwood Campground with affordable equipment options. According to a camper, "There is also a river to swim in with very cheap kayak, tube, and paddle board rentals."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous site sizes despite being close to neighboring campers. A visitor to Brown County Reforestation noted, "Nice clean friendly place quite and peaceful place."
Clean facilities: High Cliff State Park Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. A recent camper reported, "Great spot, lots of trails, and the bathrooms were clean. Only gripe is the uncertain schedule they have for turning on water for the season."
Natural swimming areas: Several parks offer non-lake swimming options. A visitor to Fawn Lake Campground mentioned, "They have a nice pond for swimming and a playground right by it for the kids."
Seasonal variations: Fall camping receives particular praise for colorful foliage displays. One High Cliff visitor stated, "Beautiful fall colors! The campsite was large and relatively private. We enjoyed hiking on the trails."
What you should know
Water access timing: High Cliff and several other state parks have unpredictable water system activation dates. A camper noted, "First week or two of may is a safe bet, but no promises. They have pit toilets open year round whatever the case."
Train noise: Some campgrounds near towns experience periodic train disruptions. A Holtwood Campground visitor mentioned, "The train goes through town in the early morning hours and blows its horn multiple times."
Utility placement challenges: Several campgrounds have poorly positioned hookups. At Shawano County Park, a camper observed, "We liked the campground and would come again but the electricity and water was far away from the site probably over 60 feet away."
Flooding risk: Sites can become waterlogged after rain due to sandy-dirt composition. At Bay Shore Park, a camper reported, "Everything was very clean and even with the campground full it was nice and quiet. The spots are beautiful and shaded. Rain does cause many of the spots to flood."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dual amenities: Choose campgrounds with both water access and play structures. At Shawano County Park, one visitor shared, "Lots of playground equipment for the kids. You can rent out a TeePee to camp in. Theirs a boat launch, and a beautiful well taken care of beach as well!"
Consider tent site locations: Family tent sites often require longer walks to facilities. A Shawano County camper mentioned, "We stayed on a tent site, it was huge and had electric. I love that the campground is right on the lake... the bathrooms are quite a walk but clean and hot water is available."
Find multi-age activities: Several parks offer varied recreation options for different age groups. A Bay Shore Park visitor noted, "The tent sites are a great size and semi private. There is a lot to do for kids a great play area, swimming, fishing, boating etc."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Despite hilly terrain, many sites are engineered for easy setup. An Apple Creek Campground visitor explained, "We stayed 6 nights in our 36 fr motor home with tow. Even though we were on a hill the campsight was level. We had plenty of room for rv and tow."
Hookup limitations: Some parks advertise full hookups but have restricted sewer access. A reviewer at Apple Creek cautioned, "We wanted septic and they didn't tell us that the septic is a guy in a truck who comes by one or two times a week. There is a dump station however."
Site selection strategy: Higher elevation sites often provide more privacy and less noise. At Apple Creek, a camper reported, "We had plenty of room for rv and tow. The main campground (and amenities) were down the hill a bit. We liked being on the hill away from the pool ect."
