Racine County sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan, with campgrounds located in rolling terrain ranging from 580 to 790 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs April through October, with peak humidity in July and August when overnight temperatures rarely drop below 60°F. Most campgrounds close for winter, with only Wisconsin State Fair RV Park remaining open year-round.
What to do
Hiking trails year-round: Naga-Waukee Park offers wooded trails that feel more remote than their location suggests. "A very nice, woodsy campground. Feels like you are further north than you really are," notes one visitor. The park features both groomed and ungroomed walking paths with access to the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail.
Water activities at Chain O'Lakes: Fox Den Campground provides access to seven connected lakes perfect for kayaking. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill," writes one camper. The park includes a boat rental area for canoes and kayaks plus a launch area for your own watercraft.
Archery practice: Muskego Park features a dedicated archery area where hunters can practice their skills. "The park has an archery area where you can practice shooting from a blind above - great for hunters looking to brush up skills before the season starts," mentions a reviewer. The facility is open seasonally with no additional fee beyond park admission.
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Muskego Park offers a spring-fed pond for swimming with a clean, sandy beach area. "A spring fed pond for swimming and fishing. Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view," shares one visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Proximity to Milwaukee attractions: Cliffside Park Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring southeastern Wisconsin. "About a mile hike to Lake Michigan but easy flat route-goes along community park thru a small neighborhood. Amazing view! Racine is only a 15 min drive away," explains one camper. The park's location allows easy day trips to Milwaukee attractions.
Wooded privacy at select sites: Sunrise Campground at Richard Bong State Recreation Area offers sites with good tree coverage. "The campground area is nice and wooded. Provides ample privacy from other campers," notes a visitor. Sites 114 and nearby areas receive positive reviews for their flat terrain and layout.
What you should know
Noise varies by location: While county parks tend to be quieter, some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roadways. At Naga-Waukee Park, a camper reports, "It is quite nice and pretty out here. A lot of amenities you'll find at other campgrounds. It is very close to main roads as I heard traffic all day and sometimes sirens."
Bathroom quality concerns: Happy Acres Kampground receives mixed reviews about its facilities. "The bathrooms are older but still nice and cleaned daily," shares one positive review, while others note they are "very outdated and they charge extra for showering, which is far from all the camping sites."
Limited alcohol policies: Chain O'Lakes State Park enforces a strict no-alcohol policy throughout the park. "ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," warns a regular visitor. Rangers do patrol and issue tickets for violations, even for discreet consumption.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Happy Acres Kampground features several playground areas throughout the property. "Super kid friendly, lots of fun playgrounds around, and there's a neat walking trail in the woods," reports a family who stayed for two months. Some equipment is older but remains functional.
Educational programming: NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground offers lakeside camping with educational opportunities. "Wonderful views of the lake and way close to the beach on base," mentions a visitor. The campground provides military families opportunities to learn about naval history.
Swimming beach accessibility: Naga-Waukee Park maintains a well-groomed beach with family amenities. "Nice place to relax. Nice quiet place to take kids to swim. Beach is clean and there are trees for shade and grills to cook," writes a parent. The beach house includes seasonal showers and a playground within earshot of most sites.
Tips from RVers
Dump station logistics: At Cliffside Park, plan for potential wait times at the dump station, especially during busy checkout periods. "Full hookup sites are all blacktop. Not a place for recreation, but good as a base for Milwaukee attractions," notes one RVer. The park's dump station is centrally located but can become congested.
Site selection for bigger rigs: Wisconsin RV sites near Racine typically accommodate rigs up to 45 feet, but site quality varies. At Fox Den Campground, "Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees," advises a frequent visitor comparing the park's two electric campground sections.
