Looking for the best campgrounds near Racine, WI? Racine is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Racine. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Ottawa Lake’s campground is located in the southern unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, situated within half an hour’s drive from Milwaukee. Wisconsin campers of all ages love these grounds thanks to lakefront sites, modern facilities, and access to trails for hikers of every experience level. South Kettle Moraine is also home to over 160 miles of trails, including 87 miles open to horse use. Connect to the Ice Age Scenic Trail and various others within the John Muir and Emma Carlin trail systems.
Don’t forget to bring your rods when camping at Ottawa Lake! You’ll want to take full advantage of the boat dock and fishing pier where you can catch panfish, walleye, muskie, trout, bass, and northern pike – then you can grill them up at your campsite. Keep in mind, motorboats are not permitted on this small lake, which allows for peaceful wading and quieter camping all around.
Though Ottawa Lake is open year-round, it is recommended to check the weather in Dousman and Whitewater before planning trips in the colder months, as freezing temperatures and snow are common. Cold-weather campers who are willing to brave the Wisconsin winter will enjoy snowmobile trails, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. No matter when you visit, Ottawa Lake will leave you satisfied.
Fish Lake Beach is one of the largest, privately owned campgrounds in Illinois, with 580 seasonal sites occupying the majority of the 113-acre property along with 60 overnight campsites. Fish Lake Beach has been family owned and operated for over eight amazing decades. Our brief story in pictures and how we got started is just below. Fish Lake Beach has become a camping tradition or a home-away-from-home for generations of families. We take pleasure in providing a friendly and fun experience.
$43 - $73 / night
Located within the Villages of Menomonee Falls and Lannon, Menomonee Park is filled with a historical background from the stone quarrying period of 1880-1900. Historical remnants include an old stone crusher and the railroad spur from the quarry to the Bugline. The Park totals 464 acres of rolling field, high quality maple woods, cattail marsh, wetlands, and a 16 acre quarry lake. During your travels through the miles of trails, you may spot a warbler, thrushes or other songbirds. The rolling hills provide challenges to hikers, cross-country skiers and those on snowshoes.
Enjoy a bike ride along the historical Bugline Recreational Trail that was once the railroad that served Stone City. The 16-mile paved trail is a treasure for hikers, bikers and runners. A separated portion of the trail is set aside for equestrian use. Rent Stand Up Paddleboards and Canoes on site.
$25 - $80 / night
Naga-Waukee Park and Golf Course are located just north of I-94 spanning the lands between the shores of Nagawicka Lake and Pewaukee Lake.
This 414-acre parcel consists of a regional park, a championship 18-hole golf course, and two lake access sites. The diverse topographical features were created during the glacial age, which enhances the beauty of the site. Naga-Waukee Park spans 206 acres and offers a spectacular view of Nagawicka Lake as you meander down the boardwalk to the lake access or beach.
Another boardwalk awaits you as it winds through the trees along the lakefront. It is a splendid view and a great photo opportunity. The oak hickory forest and thick undergrowth define the trails that wind throughout the park, which is home to many different species of wildlife. Many Baltimore Orioles make Naga-Waukee their home, as well as Great Horned Owls.
$25 - $80 / night
Snug Harbor is the place to be for Campgrounds in Wisconsin. At Snug Harbor you’ll find excellent fishing, boating and swimming on a private, clean, sandy beach.
Our campgrounds offer three different options for today’s camping enthusiasts: Tent Sites, RV Sites, and Manufactured Housing. We have all the modern conveniences while allowing you to relax and enjoy majestic views from every site. Amenities include full hookup, laundromat, ice, firewood, bait, candy, and some fishing supplies. Rent one of our rowboats or canoes for a relaxing day on the lake, or join in a pick-up game of volleyball or horseshoes. Additionally, our RV sites have 30 and 50 AMP electric service and full sewer hookups.
Campsite rentals include sewer hookup. Reservations are recommended. Boat slips are available for a fee. We offer affordable rates for RVs and tent campers. We also have reasonable rates for pier rental, visitors, and our four-legged friends.
$15 - $45 / night
Great backpack camp site. Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside. There is a fire pit, but we found our own wood around the site. (Bring a small axe). There is an outhouse, but I wouldn’t recommend using it. There is a picnic table and a bench. It’s very secluded for privacy :) we will definitely be back.
Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky. Electricity on site and water near by. Great trails close by.
The campsites are kinda small but not on top of each other. Had some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car. The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by. This loop is best for tent camping. The other loops are basically all rvs. The boat launch to the fox river was nice too but it does get busy.
Campsites are kept up and quite clean. Some have a beautiful view of lake. Some water fountains did not work, however sinks were always working. So many little trails all throughout the campsite. Family friendly (parks, beach, pet friendly)
We stayed in Honeysuckle Hollow for a night. Not many people were there that night, as it thunder stormed. However site was well kept and concession stand available by the boat dock with everything you might need.
It’s a family friendly and decent campground. Sites are not too secluded, but they’re clean and well taken care of, the facilities weren’t clean, they have volunteer hosts on site for any needs, the lake is beautiful during the sunset, sandy area and playground for kids, car noise is noticeable but not too loud (in the inner camp sites). Few trails around for hiking. They charge an extra $11 for each car’s entry at the gate but you can use the car pass for visiting all the state park’s trails around the area (you need permit for parking at the trailheads). It’s good for family with kids or beginner campers, but not if you’re looking for a relaxing or adventurous time.
Clean, family friendly and basic ammenities available
We love private campsites, far enough away from other campers, yet close enough to amenities. We chose a walk in site #16 which was nice but I wish we chose one a bit further in. Bathrooms where very clean. Trails are great. Pet friendly - we brought our small, quiet dogs. Dog friendly restaurant right next to the camp site.
This campground is HUGE! well maintained & beautiful. Bathrooms are extremely clean
Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois. 4 stars because it's not the camping in nature experience I am looking for. Lots of noise. Lots of kids. Lots of dogs. It's park area is very nice. Nice playground for kids. Volleyball nets. Lots of picnic tables and grills available. Dogs not welcome in most of the park. More of a party place. But the staff is very active. They clean sites quickly, clean the bathrooms regularly.
We stayed on site 50. We were closer to our neighbors than I'd like, including the campsite behind us. The campsite behind us had a path thru it to get to the bathrooms. There was a thin layer of growth between sites but not much. Our site had a nicely placed tree providing just enough coverage but nothing stayed wet in the rain. We camped in a popup, if we had a tent I think we would have been soaked. Lots of pooling water on the backside. The campground just added new gravel to the sites and asked that all trailers and vehicles stay on the gravel but the gravel doesn't go back far enough for both car and camper to stay on.
The inner ring of the campground are smaller(shorter) sites. The outer ring sites are better for RVs. Except for site 70. That should be tent only because there are 2 trees right in the middle behind the gravel. 50, 69, 74 seemed the best for both shade and sun combo. Site 79 is paved but not marked as handicap because it isn't being maintained as handicap and is not close to the new bathrooms. Not enough sites with electric, however we didn't need it for the weekend.
Excelent
Campsite 65- Rita, the mgr/owner, returned call to assist in selecting a site. The outer lanes had shade, while our site was in the middle open area. Easy access to electric and/or water. If unsure, contact office. Site, restrooms, and showers were clean. There are a lot of sites but still felt like there was ample space. Great location to visit Lake Geneva (~8mi.) or see a concert at Alpine Valley (~20 min). There’s a shuttle from the campground (outer sites near racetrack.). You pay for the shuttle through Lakeshore shuttle. This weekend had their annual Ribfest. Great food and music that you can walk to from your site (~2 min walk). Due to the fest, there was some late noise, but nothing obnoxious. Definitely recommend as a home base for area fun, music, shopping, and restaurants.
The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday. Conveniently located next to Lake Geneva with a tiny roadside beach area. I recommend camping sites on the west side of the camping loop to cut down on sun. Not enough electric sites for campers.
Very friendly staff and people. Great accommodations. Spots are ok size. Pretty level.
There are very large group camping sites as well as a small number of family sites. The family sites are small - and there are only toilets available - but there is a main building down a steep hill to get to nicer facilities and showers.
This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits. This area has always been a summer getaway, so reservations are hard to get. We went in October, so it was much easier, but the weather was unpredictable.
The lake is famous for it's mansions, summer homes and the trail which goes around the entire perimeter and is open to the public, no matter how many property lines it crosses.
The park is on the lake, 2 miles south of downtown. So, a 40 min walk, 11 by bike, though there are hills on both routes. The park has a long strip of beach that almost seems like a shoulder to the main road. There's a fishing lagoon with a bait vending machine. The campsites and trails are further back, and out of the wind.
The sites are generally spacious, some are oddly shaped. The further back you go on the main loop though, actually brings you closer to town. You can hear events taking place at the High School even though it looks like you're in the woods.
The main restroom and shower facility is brand new and spotless.
Too many things to see and do in the area to list here but I'd point out the Boat House Bar & Grill is right next to the entrance. It has a big patio and is dog friendly. Easy walking distance from the campground. Good food at a good price.
Outside of town, Lake Geneva County Meats is a butcher shop and more with a terrific selection and variety of brats (among other things) and can supply all your cookout needs. Also, check out Royal Oaks farm & Orchard. In season, they have the greatest variety of apples we've ever seen. Better still, they are well labeled telling which types are best for what use. Of course, donuts and cider too.
This is a great place to experience nature near the cities. With the convenience of its location in mind, the entire grounds is surrounded by roads, highways and the constant hum of traffic, sometimes louder than others. We also were mislead on our hike and ended up leaving the parking and following the Ice Age Trail for about a half mile, which was all paved and followed huge power lines which buzzed above our heads. This would be nice for wheelchairs. Once back on the yellow trail, the gravel returned below our feet and we made our way to the boat dock. Here was a beautiful ramp enhancing wheelchair accessibility. Beautiful boathouse rentable seasonally. Heated in-door plumbing for the toilets that were open, vault toilets also available and all were clean, even off season. Nice that it’s by the lake. Dog friendly, even a dog swimming area. Group camping, open fields, numerous grills and picnic tables. Lots of pluses and negatives for this park, it all really depends on what you’re looking for.
This campground had a lot of seasonal campers. Fairly large sites, problem is getting into them. Our site was downhill so that presented quite the challenge to level out. Aside from the steady flow a golf carts, everything was decent. I feel sorry for the people who use the public showers and restrooms. I felt like I was in a spider exhibit with them being everywhere.
It’s a really nice site, but the running water bathrooms were not cleaned regularly and the pit toilets were almost overflowing on a Thursday. The site was also filled with garbage when we arrived.
A little hard to find at first. GPS will take you to a service road as the entrance, actual entrance is on the other side of the lake just before The Boat House Bar.
Came in really late without a reservation but they have a self check in. Small cards next to check in booth. I recommend snagging an RV site. The price is the same and it’s way better. Tent camping area was really muddy. I only brought a hammock but could easily fit six tents on my site alone. Roads and facilities are in great shape. Constant hot water.
Shady sites, decent facilities, friendly staff. Deducted a star because we really wanted an electric site and 4-5 of them remained unoccupied for the entire weekend when the T&Cs said they should have been forfeited at 3pm the day after they were meant to arrive.
I've stayed at Ottawa Lake campground a few times now. Every time I've been here, I've been pleasantly surprised by how well the grounds are maintained despite having relatively high traffic. In addition to having restrooms and showers, they also have laundry facilities. And, they do sell ice cream and marshmallows at the park office.
During warm summer days, you'll find the beach packed with people. At sunset, however, you just might have that beach all to yourself. While there are few trails in the park, you can walk across ZZ to Scuppernong Nature Trail. Or, hop in the car and drive over to Scuppernong Trails, Brady's Rocks, or Paradise Springs.
As for my campsite, I recently stayed in site 377. This site offers a peek-a-boo view of the lake. I was also delighted to find a trail running from the back of the campsite and along the lake. While I was there, I experienced heavy rain for much of the night. I'm happy to report that this site is on high ground with decent drainage. So, no flooding to speak of.
You'll notice I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 for this campground. This is primarily due to noise. On the upside, you'll hear a symphony of crickets at night. On the downside, you'll also hear road noise, slamming car doors, and those few folks who are just a little too loud after dark.
I contacted the DNR (Sarah) and she responded that dispersed camping is not a true option.
Very big campground with mostly seasonals. Atmosphere is the perfect balance of fun and relaxing. Site size varies. Lots of fun activities. Didn't use bathroom or showers but appear to be clean and well taken care of.
Great park with swimming beach, trails, dog park, and archery range. Campsites were ok, not much separation or privacy at all. Pit toilets and metros desperately need to be cleaned more often. We had very noisy neighbors that did not respect the quiet hours rule and park staff did nothing to intervene. Very convenient that they drive through the Campground to sell/deliver firewood tho. I'd stay here again because the park overall is great, but I would try to choose a better site. #9 looked alright, and in the 20#s looked a bit more tree lined and bigger.
Large sites with plenty of room to spread out. Plenty of birds and other wildlife for the kids to see. No alcohol is allowed so it made for a great family weekend. Short walk to bathhouse. Pit toilet for emergencies.
*** 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 as the ones closest to the main loop aren’t very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best.
Pros- easy pull in sites and lots of walk-in availability. Sites are almost all flat thankfully, so no weird slopes to sleep on and easy for babies/toddlers to stay safe. Also seemed pretty respectful in the evenings with people toning down the noise.
Lots of electric sites, deep enough for 2 tents, 2 cars (although close to neighbors and no trees between sites), picnic table and fire pit.
Bathroom shower houses were decent (we usually just have toddler use her travel potty, but this one was fine).
Multiple playgrounds, access to launch sites for kayaks, little store to buy ice cream or snacks.
Cons - SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick, but they literally fall out of the trees into people! Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair.
Also - the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it’s dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s’mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Racine, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Racine, WI is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort at Caledonia with a 3.9-star rating from 12 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 13 glamping camping locations near Racine, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
