I
Irene M.
Traveler
TravelerVel Terra
Not too far off the main highway, but you do have to travel down a dirt road.
A nice Little campground close to Elizabeth Illinois. The bathrooms are well capped, but the showers require quarters!
Camping near Ridgeway, WI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Ridgeway, Wisconsin span across several state parks and private facilities, offering a mix of developed and primitive camping experiences. Governor Dodge State Park, located approximately 10 miles northwest of Ridgeway, features multiple campground areas including Cox Hollow and Twin Valley, with both tent and RV accommodations. Blue Mound State Park Campground, situated to the east, provides electric hookups alongside more secluded walk-in tent sites. The region includes a variety of camping styles from established campgrounds with full amenities to more rustic options, with several locations offering cabin rentals alongside traditional camping areas.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping experiences in the area, with most campgrounds operating from April through October or November. Winter camping is limited, though some parks like Governor Dodge remain open year-round with reduced services. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when popular campgrounds frequently reach capacity, especially on weekends. The terrain throughout the region features rolling hills and wooded areas characteristic of Wisconsin's Driftless Area, with elevation changes that create diverse camping environments. "The sites on the 'inside' of the loop are rather close to one another, but sites 21, 24, 26, 27 and 29 are all large, near the bluff and quite private," noted one visitor describing Governor Dodge State Park.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available throughout the area. Water features are prominent attractions, with Governor Dodge State Park offering two lakes with swimming beaches and fishing opportunities. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to scenic overlooks and natural features, with Blue Mound State Park providing observation areas with views extending nearly 15 miles to the Wisconsin River Valley. Several visitors mention the proximity to small towns like Spring Green and tourist destinations like Wisconsin Dells as advantages for supply runs or day trips. "This is Wisconsin's largest and busiest State Park but for good reason. I am not a crowd person but this place shouldn't be missed," shared one camper about nearby Devil's Lake State Park, reflecting the popularity of the region's outdoor recreation areas despite occasional crowding during peak season.
Best Campgrounds near Ridgeway (130)
1. Blue Mound State Park Campground
"Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water."
"This is another Wisconsin gym sitting in Southern West Wisconsin."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
"The sites on the "inside" of the loop are rather close to one another. 21 has a nice view of the lake, and you can walk back to the fence to look over the bluff 24 is quite private and very large 26,"
"Had to set our tent up right next to the fire ring, as that was the only spot that wasn’t muddy, so we couldn’t have a decent fire. During the rain the water was ankle deep under the picnic table."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability3. Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
"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."
"Great park in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin. Not far from the house on the rock and Taliesin. Great open hiking trail. Well laid out sites with lots of space."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability4. Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
"It has a large lake with three boat launches, a main one with a motor ramp, a canoe launch near the marshy end, and a fishing pier."
"The hiking is amazing , particularly the Oakgrove trail, plenty to see with beautiful views. There is boating, canoeing, etc."
from $18 - $110 / night
Check Availability5. Brigham Park
"It's up on a hill, so there's good views of the driftless area of Wisconsin. Plenty of open walk up camp sites, but it might be more full in the summer."
"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."
6. Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park
"Lots of access to pit toilets and water fountains from primary camping sites!"
"Great hike threw out the state park. 2 main lakes with great fishing is a plus. Lots to do for the whole family"
from $25 / night
Check Availability7. Toms Campground
"We needed a place after visiting the House on the Rock and couldn't find anything with hookups nearby. We stumbled upon Tom's Campground hoping to find a site."
8. Wisconsin Riverside Resort
"There is also a man-made lake with a beach for swimming and bigger kids to enjoy the large inflatable slides and swim platforms."
"I’m a tent camper so tucked in the back was great. It’s a bit of a normal RV easy camping almost glamping with the amenities around."
from $32 - $170 / night
Check Availability9. Tower Hill State Park Campground
from $18 / night
Check Availability10. Hickory Ridge Group Camp — Governor Dodge State Park
from $50 - $90 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 36 min from Madison, WI
- 53 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 3 min from Janesville, WI
- 1 hr 33 min from Rockford, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Ridgeway, WI
340 Photos of 130 Ridgeway Campgrounds
Nancy S.
Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
Nick C.
Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park
Joyce B.
Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
Danielle A.
Blue Mound State Park Campground
Kim L.
Wisconsin Riverside Resort
Michael S.
Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
Kelly M.
Fireside Campground
juliana
New Glarus State Park Campground
Leah M.
Lower Wisconsin Riverway
Amy G.
White Mound County Campground
Bob M.
Mendota County Park
Sarah F.
Devils Lake State Park Group Campground — Devils Lake State Park
Recent Reviews near Ridgeway, WI
815 Reviews of 130 Ridgeway Campgrounds
Andrew R.
ScoutFireside Campground
Family, Pet, Motorcycle Friendly!
This is a fantastic Campground, especially for RVs and families. Large playground and outdoor games, small indoor rec area. During busy weekends with lots of kids and holidays, they have foam parties for the kids where they fill the basketball court with foam 3 ft High. Most sites are permanent sites, but have probably around 20 other 30 amp sites that can accommodate large RVs. There are only a few tent sites, but if tent is your only option and you still want to stay they will rent you an RV site for the tent. New owners are very friendly, and have adopted the same overwhelmingly hospitable nature as the previous owners. Fantastic people and very helpful. It will accommodate special needs or requests as long as it doesn't bother anybody or go against any insurance policies. I've had a permanent site here in the past, and recently started camping again and came to visit old friends. The new owners were still happy to accommodate semi truck parking for my job. I haul milk locally so I work more than I'm off, but the family can still camp and I can come when I'm done work. It is near the Wisconsin River, so it's fairly sand base although the Grass Grows plenty so you're not tracking sand everywhere. The benefits of this is when it rains heavily the sand absorbs the water rapidly. The only negative is the mosquitoes. Be prepared for mosquitoes with lots of bug spray. This is no fault of the campground, all low wetlands in Wisconsin are the same. The bathrooms are some of the best in any Campground I've seen. They are always clean, modernized, and Air condition. There are showers and bathroom stalls near the park. They try to keep families close to the park if possible for the bathrooms and the park access itself. They are really extremely accommodating for requests if it's in their power at all. The owners live at the campground and are always accessible by a simple phone call if after hours. There's a community vibe, with a community fire pit up front and often people are just hanging out outside of the main office. It embodies our Wisconsin way of life and you will find strangers waving at you every time you pass by. It's just our nature, don't be weirded out by the friendliness. The regular permanent campers are all so friendly and always willing to help a newbie or even someone struggling to figure out a problem or even carry things.
- KKevinScout
Rustic Barn Campground RV Park
Great stop
Just stopped for one night. Very friendly and helpful camp staff. Nice trees, electrical and sewer.
- IIrene M.Traveler
Fireside Campground
Cute campground with great hosts.
Found this campground by chance after the campground I had planned to stay at was a complete disaster. Luckily, they were able to get me a campsite for two nights where I could regroup do a little laundry and chill out also took a bike ride on the bike path.
- ccurtis B.
GuideBlackhawk Memorial Park
Hidden gem!
Best kept secret in the area. Very low rates (5 dollars a night Sunday through Thursday .
Kelly S.GuideNature's Touch Campground
Maybe an off day?
First, the staff was very accommodating, and we appreciated it. We made a last minute booking over the phone and requested a late check-in, and they were wonderful about making it happen for us.
Once we arrived, everything seemed to go wrong. It appears there’s been a recent change in ownership. The campground was marked with a different name and we weren’t sure we were in the right place. Then, the sites and the hookup numbers don’t match, so again we weren’t sure we were in the right place. Once we found our spot, the site next to us had spread into our space, so we had to wait to pull in until they moved their stuff out of the way. Even so, the lots were very tight. The women’s bathroom was unkept - hair and bugs in the sink, and no toilet paper. A half-drunk bottle of Fireball was in the men’s room.
We also woke to a cracked windshield. Not necessarily the campground’s fault, but just added to the experience.
It worked for a one night stop-over, but wouldn’t have chosen it for a lengthy stay.
- DDarwin A.Scout
Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
Beautiful campgrounds everything else not so much.
First of all I have never paid so much for a state campground. By the time they were done tacking on fees it $72 a night, $15 extra for being out of state. There is only one dump station for over 320 sites. There was no water available in the campground, they were all torn up. Fortunately, the weather was fairly cool so we didn't need to run our air. Every time we tried to run more than 2 things at a time it tripped the 30 amp breaker. Very dissapointed for the price paid.
Jay W.
LegendBlue Mound State Park Campground
Beautiful Blue
Welcome to Blue Mound State Park! This is another Wisconsin gym sitting in Southern West Wisconsin. It isn't too far from the city of Madison, but the closest town of Barneveld and Town of Mount Horeb are closer and offer a place to pick up any necessities you may need.
The park offers excellent hiking trails and 112 campsites with approximately 31 of those being electric. The park offers modern flush toilets and shower buildings.
The park also offers a rustic accessible cabin for people with disabilities. Also with an accessible flush toilet and shower building about 200 ft from this campsite. You can have a maximum of six people to occupy this rustic cabin.
One of the greatest things is this park offers a pool and splash pad for kids and this is a relatively good size swimming area! And also near a couple to her destinations, the most famous being Cave of the Mounds! I recommend checking this out if you have the chance!
- MMichael Z.Traveler
Hickory Hills Campground
Best of both worlds
This is my second time camping here (June / July). This campground is the best of both worlds. By that, I mean there’s is peace and solitude, while also family fun activities for kids and adults. You can rent kayaks and canoes, for the lake. Fishing pier, nice size beach with the inflatable obstacle course. On the weekend they have activity’s on the beach such as sand castle building competitions, obstacle races and then they have beach bubbles. It’s is fun to watch all the little kids running around like little marshmallows.
The golf carts are all newer with long lasting batteries. The campsites have lots of tree shade. On our arrival, our site appears to be cleaned. Even our fire ring was cleaned out. Golf cart was there waiting for us fully charged. They bring firewood out to you when you buy it from the store. The store has a nice array of items such as food, ice cream, clothing, little toys an such. The mini golf course is new and some obstacles are made from an artist with recycled tires that are painted.
There is lots or grass at our campsite (mud too if you’re here when it rains). The roads are a VERY hard packed gravel that electrical scooters can ride on. So yes, electric scooters appear to be permitted here. Be careful tho as there are quite a few pot holes and dips.
There is a heated pool that goes to 9ft. A balloon launching area, jumping pillow and I’m sure others that I’m missing. By the store, they have picnic tables in shade with activities on each one with little blocks. Karaoke on the weekends. And if you like to socialize, you might run into the “booze cruise”. This is a group of seasonal people that ride their golf carts around playing music trying to get more people to join the ride. They’re entertaining to watch as they stop and start dancing like they’re 12yrs lol.
Great place to camp. Quiet when you want it, fun when you need it, great free WiFi, activities, shade, well maintained campground with staff that will literally help anyway they can if it’s within their power. Hope all this helps someone make their next camping trip as well as ours have been!
Guide to Ridgeway
Camping spots near Ridgeway, Wisconsin range from state parks with backpacking options to family-friendly campgrounds along the Wisconsin River. The terrain sits within the Driftless Area, with elevations reaching 1,716 feet at Blue Mound State Park, the highest point in southern Wisconsin. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F with cooler evenings dropping to 55-65°F, creating ideal camping conditions from late spring through early fall.
What to do
Explore hiking trails and waterfalls: At Governor Dodge State Park, visitors can discover unique geological features on several trail systems. "The Stevens Falls and Canyon Trails were the highlight of the trip... Once you continue down to the falls they have another informational plaque about the falls with old pictures... The falls themselves are amazing," shared one camper who visited in October.
Go kayaking or canoeing: Wisconsin Riverside Resort offers equipment rentals and shuttle service for river adventures. "They will shuttle you as far up the river as you'd like to go, and you float or paddle back while enjoying all the sand bars along the way," reports one visitor. The Wisconsin River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and relaxation on numerous sandbars.
Visit historical sites: Tower Hill State Park contains a restored shot tower with exhibits about early Wisconsin industrial history. "The historic shot tower is so fun to visit," notes one regular camper. The site includes interpretive displays explaining how lead shot was made by dropping molten lead through the tower into water below.
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Blue Mound State Park Campground offers secluded options amid dense forest. "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," explains one visitor who recommends sites 105, 109, and 110 for shade and privacy.
Swimming opportunities: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas for cooling off during summer months. "The pool is awesome, and the splash pad is absolutely incredible. This is a great place to camp with little kids," notes one family who stayed at Blue Mound State Park. Yellowstone Lake State Park also offers "a nice beach for kids and adults to relax at and lots of kayaks on the water."
Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds in the area provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Twin Valley Campground, campers report seeing bald eagles while fishing and kayaking. Nighttime brings opportunities for stargazing at Brigham Park, where one visitor notes it's "a perfect place to star gaze or watch a storm roll in. You can see for miles and miles. The cool breeze rolls up over the mound at night, keeps you cool in your tent."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. For Governor Dodge State Park, "Peak season reservations are a definite (weeks to months in advance for weekends)," advises one regular visitor. Wisconsin state parks require vehicle admission stickers in addition to camping fees.
Wildlife concerns: Several campers mention aggressive raccoons at multiple campgrounds. "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD!" warns one visitor to Governor Dodge State Park. Another camper at Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites had a raccoon "ripping thru the roof of our tent" despite securing food items.
Shower facilities: Shower availability and cost vary between campgrounds. At Yellowstone Lake State Park, "showers are individual not stalls with curtains which was cool," notes one camper. Some parks charge for showers, with Tower Hill State Park offering no shower facilities at all.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and splash pad access: Blue Mound State Park features family-friendly water amenities. "The pool is very nice and very clean. There is a pool section and a splash section. There are chairs and lounges around both and shade awnings. The cost is $3 for an adult and $2 for child," reports a visitor from July.
Easy hiking options: Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground offers accessible trails for younger children. One visitor describes "Pretty prairie 'Hiking' (more walking in my opinion)" that works well for families with small children. Several flat, paved paths accommodate strollers or visitors with mobility concerns.
Cave exploration: Blue Mound State Park provides access to nearby cave systems. "The caves are incredibly well maintained and organized with fun themed tours. Our theme was Halloween so we could purchase 'Trick or Treat' bags and collected cool rocks in the caves handed out by employees along the tour," describes a family who visited in October.
Tips from RVers
Site selection and levelness: At Governor Dodge State Park Twin Valley Campground, "Lower [Twin Valley] being better for larger RVs while upper has more shaded, cozier sites better for smaller rigs and tents." Another RVer notes that "not all 'driveways' are level which, unfortunately, we discovered in site 33. We slept with our heads lower than our feet in our camper van."
Electric hookup locations: Many campgrounds offer electric sites, but availability varies. "We had a mixture of electric and non electric sites and all were very nice," reports a camper who stayed with a group at Twin Valley Campground. Brigham Park offers "a few sites have 30 amp power. No dump station."
Size restrictions: Larger RVs may struggle at some campgrounds. One visitor to Governor Dodge State Park described it as a "Great campground for everything but big 5th wheelers and motorhomes." For those with larger rigs, Wisconsin Riverside Resort may be a better option, as visitors report seeing "a lot of big Class A motorhomes, so the sites are plenty big."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ridgeway, WI?
What camping is available near Ridgeway, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ridgeway, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Ridgeway, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Ridgeway, WI?
Which is the most popular campground near Ridgeway, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ridgeway, WI is Blue Mound State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ridgeway, WI?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ridgeway, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Ridgeway, WI.
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