Best Campgrounds near Racine, WI

The Racine area of Wisconsin has several good camping spots within a short drive. Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit Nice Campground gives campers a mix of shady and open sites. Harrington Beach State Park Campground has well-kept facilities and puts you close to the water. Nice Campground's sites are big enough to give you some space from neighbors, which works well when camping with kids. Most of the campgrounds around Racine have playgrounds and things for children to do. Summer gets hot but is great for swimming and trails, while spring and fall bring fewer people and milder weather. Some places let you camp through winter, but you'll need to bundle up. You can hike, fish, or just enjoy Lake Michigan views near most camping areas. Since Racine isn't far from towns, you can easily get groceries or whatever else you need. The campgrounds around Racine range from quiet spots to more active places depending on what you're looking for.

Best Camping Sites Near Racine, Wisconsin (44)

    1. Cliffside Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Caledonia, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 886-8440

    $32 - $35 / night

    "Reservations can be made thru Real Racine but half of the sites are available for walkins. There is a shooting range close and RR to the west and Mitchell Airport to the north but they aren't bad."

    "The campground takes reservations 7 days out or drive up. We saw a lot of bigger rigs but so much space between sites it didn't feel like we were crowded."

    2. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    66 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "You can choose wooded, quite private sites, to busier ones near the lake."

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort at Caledonia

    12 Reviews
    Oak Creek, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 835-2565

    "This location did not dissapoint. We have not gone to this location during the warmer months but looks to be a great campground"

    4. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    16 miles
    Website

    "Recently camped here while visiting some family in the Racine area. Was nice and close to them and was a nice place to stay!

    Lost of campsites between the two campgrounds."

    "I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"

    5. Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    16 miles
    Website

    "Rocket launch (bring your own,) atv (no rentals-bring your own), water fowl hunting (during season), fishing, wildlife watching, swimming at the beach, playground for kids, and my favorite- nice trails"

    "the property is HUGE and most things are about a 10 to 15 min walk from the campsites. lots of hiking, boating, swimming fishing and more! a great place for anyone!"

    6. Happy Acres Kampground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 857-7373

    "we’ve been RV camping here for 2 months now and love it. the bathrooms are older but still nice and cleaned daily. the pool is fantastic, lots of fun playgrounds around, and there’s a neat walking trail"

    "Petting zoo, camp store, pool, lake/pond for swimming and fishing. Cell signal for ATT just one bar. No internet. Lots of full time residents. Lots of activities for kids. Pet friendly."

    7. Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Muskego, WI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."

    "I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in.

    This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."

    8. Sanders Park Campground

    1 Review
    Mount Pleasant, WI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 886-6400

    9. Wisconsin State Fair RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Wauwatosa, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (414) 266-7035

    $55 / night

    "So we just use that because no one was there. 1.7 miles on bike path to Brewer Baseball field. It was raining to we used Uber to the game and walked back for an afternoon game."

    "Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient."

    10. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    27 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "*** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) we chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end"

    "Campsite is nice, we're pretty close to our neighbors but not as bad as other places I've been. Walking distance to a fishing dock!"

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Recent Reviews near Racine, WI

425 Reviews of 44 Racine Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Circle K Campground

    Horrid management, bad experience

    Management (owners Ed and Coleen) are two of the rudest people I have ever met, with Ed fabricating outrageous, completely inaccurate stories highlighting either his "heroics" (like when his personal fire truck he has was working people would call him before 911) but more often how he has been slighted because of other's inadequacies (local grocery store doesn't like him because "his campers buy all their food leaving none for the locals), and also falsities behind his rules (the U.S. Postmaster does not allow anyone else's packages/mail to be delivered to the campground).  They are completely intolerant of kids/teenagers (and, heresay from conversations with seasonal residents, special needs kids) - rules for use of the pool is that it is open after a certain time and if the air temp is above a certain level - we personally witnessed 3 young teens ask to get into the pool an hour after the pool should've been open and it was 5 degrees over Ed's stated temp, but no one else was using the pool and Ed turned them away - told them to swim in the cesspool... I mean, pond.

    Ed constantly creates new rules on a whim and is exceedingly selective (read: biased) for whom those rules are enforced. If you have a problem with the campsite (water, electricity, dead trees, ground hornets, you name it) - it is because YOU did something wrong, and if you disagree he will harass you to no end and may even kick you out. Some of the seasonal campers are nice, others (those "in" with the owners) are not. I would not recommend this campground to anyone unless/until it is under new ownership.

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Private sites, lots of wildlife ... and mosquitoes

    It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go. 

    We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable. I will say this though, even with there being more mosquitoes constantly attacking, I did not have the reactions to them like I do the mosquitoes back in Alabama and Mississippi. I wasn't itching much at all.

    But back to the fun part. It was pretty hot a couple days while we were there and to take a break from the heat, we enjoyed the ac in the car and drove around the recreation area and the campgrounds. I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two. 

    What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private. This was a nice feature given that many other campgrounds you are stacked in like cord wood.

    Our first night there, we left the rain fly off of the tent and just enjoyed the stars and the satellites streaking across the sky.

    Overall, it was a rather enjoyable week. The shower/bathrooms were nice and clean, though I will admit the shower got too hot even for my wife. It is an easy drive from the recreation area to Kenosha or other points of interest and Lake Michigan is worth a visit if you aren't from the area.

  • Kaitlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Relaxing but no water hook up

    We love camping here. It truly feels rural. Small shower house but water pressure is amazing. It’s always quiet and the view is beautiful. Bugs were awful this stay. They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly.

  • Taylor C.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Harnischfeger County Park

    Harnischfeger Campground

    The campground has alot of great amenities. Theirs a mini gulf course that we had alot of fun with. Their is also a great hiking trail if you like that.


Guide to Racine

Camping near Racine, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have great hiking options. For example, at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake, one reviewer mentioned, "Campsites are kept up and quite clean. Some have a beautiful view of the lake." This makes it a perfect spot for nature walks.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Pike Lake Campground is a great choice. A visitor noted, "Lots of hiking and fishing opportunities," highlighting the lake's appeal.
  • Beach Access: For those who love the water, Big Foot Beach State Park Campground offers a beach area. One camper shared, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday," making it a nice spot to relax after a busy day.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Harrington Beach State Park Campground, a reviewer said, "Bathrooms and showers are very clean and actually closed from 11 am-noon each day for complete cleaning."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A visitor at Cliffside Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were clean, grass was trimmed, plenty of trees for shade."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Paul Wolff Campground noted, "Staff was also very pleasant and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Burnidge Forest Preserve mentioned, "It was torture. Bathrooms are okay not great." If you're sensitive to noise, consider visiting during the week.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets. For instance, Cliffside Park Campground does not have a store, but sells firewood.
  • Train Proximity: Some campgrounds are near train tracks. A visitor at Paul Wolff Campground reported hearing "3 trains between 10 pm and 6 am."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pinewoods has a playground, making it great for kids.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campers have mentioned noise issues. A family at Sunrise Campground noted, "Lots of people during the weekend didn’t abide by the 'Quiet Hours.'"
  • Pack Outdoor Games: Bring along games for the kids. One camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground enjoyed the "nice playground for kids."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake mentioned, "Electricity on site and water nearby."
  • Look for Amenities: Facilities like dump stations are important. At Harrington Beach State Park Campground, a camper noted, "No water or sewer but does have a dump station."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring extra gear for rain or sun. A visitor at Pike Lake Campground mentioned, "The campground hosts are friendly and informative," which can help with local weather tips.

Camping around Racine, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific campground details and reviews to find the best fit for your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping options are available near Racine?

Tent campers near Racine have several excellent options. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit offers peaceful tent sites in a pine forest with access to the Ice Age and Scuppernong trails. It's perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Camp Reinberg provides another tent-friendly option with plenty of walking and biking trails through scenic preserves. For tent camping within Racine County, Cliffside Park Campground accommodates tents with clean, well-maintained sites that include shade trees. Many campers report that these locations offer the privacy and natural setting that tent campers typically seek.

What are the best campgrounds in Racine, Wisconsin?

The top-rated campground in Racine County is Cliffside Park Campground, featuring clean, well-maintained sites with electric and water hookups. Campers love the spacious layout, shade trees, and excellent bathroom facilities with hot showers. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area is another excellent option, offering both electric and non-electric sites, shower buildings, flush toilets, a dump station, and a playground. The recreation area provides plenty of outdoor activities for campers of all ages. Both campgrounds are particularly convenient for visitors to the Racine area.

Can I find waterfront camping sites in Racine County?

Waterfront camping options near Racine include Big Foot Beach State Park Campground, which offers camping near Lake Geneva with beach access, though the beach quality varies. For lake views and water access, Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit provides camping opportunities beside a scenic lake with swimming areas. While not directly in Racine County, these parks are within a reasonable drive and offer the waterfront camping experience many seek. For those willing to venture slightly farther, the Chain O' Lakes State Park area provides numerous waterfront camping opportunities spread across multiple connected lakes.

Are there RV parks in Racine, WI with full hookups?

While full hookups are limited in Racine itself, Happy Acres Kampground near Bristol offers RV sites with full hookups (water, electric, and sewer) suitable for larger rigs. Another nearby option is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort at Caledonia, which provides full-service RV sites with various amenities. For partial hookups in Racine County, Cliffside Park Campground provides electric and water but no sewer connections at their sites. Most RV-friendly parks in the area offer dump stations to compensate for the lack of full sewer hookups at individual sites.