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The central Wisconsin landscape surrounding Ripon features a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas within a 30-mile radius. Green Lake Campground and Hattie Sherwood Park, both located approximately 10 miles northwest of Ripon, offer waterfront camping with full hookup options for RVs and tent sites nestled among wooded areas. Waupun Park Campground, situated 15 miles south of Ripon, provides spacious, private sites with electric hookups and modern facilities. The region includes several state parks and county-managed recreation areas that accommodate various camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-service RV pads with 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, with limited winter camping options. As one camper noted about Waupun Park, "The deep spots offer gorgeous private, well wooded areas that make you feel like you're all alone in the woods." Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Wisconsin's variable climate means spring camping can encounter muddy conditions while summer brings occasional thunderstorms and high humidity. Fall camping offers spectacular foliage viewing with cooler temperatures ranging from the 30s at night to 60s during the day. Many campgrounds provide firewood for purchase on-site to comply with emerald ash borer regulations that restrict bringing outside wood.
Wooded sites receive consistently positive reviews for their privacy and natural setting. Campers frequently mention the well-maintained shower facilities and clean restrooms at most established campgrounds. Sites backing up to water features or forest edges tend to book first, particularly those at Green Lake where fishing access is prized. Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds, swimming beaches, and hiking trails connecting directly to campground loops. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near Oshkosh and patchy reception in more remote areas. Proximity to small towns allows for convenient supply runs, with most campgrounds located within 15 minutes of grocery stores and restaurants, making the area suitable for both weekend getaways and longer stays.
"Our site was S10 which has its pros and cons it is a full hook-up site this section of the campground is fairly new so there is a few in mature trees so there is not much for shade as we walked around"
"if you’re into that thing....Great campground if you don’t mind being right next to others. ammenities are great!"
"Its close to the city if you forget something (I mean we all forget something at some point). Across the street is a swimming area. Little beach and floating dock."
"Great little campground in town along the lake with water access. Had some updates this spring to some of the site’s."
"We enjoyed the fall colors and privacy for a long stop on our trip across the northern border."
"We stayed there for a while very pretty and the people very friendly bring wood to your camp they have trails you can walk and county pool and golf course sites are good size we will return it's **close **"
"This campground was very nice right on the lake. Very well kept and clean. Is plenty of room for any size rig. Dollar General very close."
"On the edge of the city and close to everything."
"All the other campgrounds in OshKosh are near the airport, which makes sense since the biggest event each year is the EVAA air show. None of them have trees."
"We stayed on site 22 which was a nine minute walk from the toilet and had a street light. There are water spigots throughout. Site 21 or 23 would be better."
"Golf course right next-door so close you could walk to. Most of the sites were in a wooded area, which gives you some privacy."
"but the manager is incredibly helpfull and his positive friendly manner will have us stop in again if we find ourselves in the area."
from $45 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $23 - $35 / night
Check Availability"About 10 minute drive to Oshkosh. We were here during the air show."
from $25 / night
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TravelerVery friendly and very clean. 1 swimming pond 2 fishing ponds volleyball courts and 2 off leash dog areas. Showers are free and they have a huge kid play area along with a seasonal swimming pool and hot tub.
ScoutWe have been seasonal campers for many years! When we first started, everyone was very nice and we always had a great time. Each years the rules change a bit which is common.The last three years have been horrible! We have had nothing but issues that I brought up to the staff many times. I have had the workers ask me if I was f***in stupid, people stealing stuff off our lot, telling our guest we don’t camp there( even tho they knew they were coming for my daughters birthday party), and much more. They are extremely Strict on the 5 mph. They will scream at you if they see Gravel dust as you drive. The campground is not well maintained. I wish things would not have ended the way it has. I’m happy we found a better family friendly campground to be at where my kids are not scared to be playing in our lot!
GuideSites are large, well-spaced, many shaded by wonderful large trees. The woods are very open with little understory, and much of the area facing the road is graveled, so you will still see your neighbors. So many hiking options - the Ice Age Trail connects to the campground only a few minutes walk away. Many hiking options, the walk to the Powder Hill Lookout tower is a must. Picnic area and waterfront are a short drive away. Bathrooms were clean and showers free, hot, and strong. Some traffic noise from highway nearby but quiet at night.
ScoutIf you want one of their employees to scream at you in front of everyone during bingo saying I’m going to“beat your ass” then this is the place for you! Complained to owner; did nothing at all said I was in the wrong then proceeds to scream at a different employee in front of everyone saying“you’re out of here I don’t care if you don’t have a ride home” completely embarrassing& unprofessional. A yogi bear would never. Edit: owner comes up to me later in the night, says she was in the military and would have no problem‘kicking my ass.’ Then shushes me and asks if I’m always so difficult to talk to. Like seriously? This is who runs this place? Unprofessional
GuideWe camped on Site 9, which is at the front of the park near the entrance. The site was mostly level, with electric only hookups. If I had been here before I would have chosen a site tucked back farther to avoid some of the highway noise, but overall it was a good experience. We hiked a mile or two through the park, the bathhouse we used while on a walk was well supplied and clean with bathroom and shower combined, all unisex. We would stay here again if in the area.
ScoutAny property that charges $3.00 per pet PER NIGHT should be put out of business. I can understand (maybe) a one-time charge or fines if you're caught not cleaning up after your pet. But a nightly pet fee for each pet?? Never!!
TravelerNot a place for camping. We booked 2 nights site red 12. Streets were very narrow getting to site. The site was literally a dirt island. We had to drive over a curb. The site was so small. There were campers everywhere. We ended up leaving right away and booked a different campground
ScoutMy family has been camping at Mauthe Lake for decades, and every year we have to deal with camp hosts and rangers constantly monitoring us. We follow the rules and do not cause disruptions, and yet they constantly chew us out for very minor things. It makes me feel as if we’re not welcome on these grounds.
ScoutNice host, low key, good size lots, dog friendly
Camping sites near Ripon, Wisconsin feature a mix of county-run and privately-owned facilities within a 30-minute drive. The region sits in a transitional zone between central Wisconsin's glaciated plains and the Fox River Valley, with elevations averaging around 800 feet. Most campgrounds experience seasonal midges and mosquitoes from June through August, with camping season typically running from late April through early October when temperatures range from 40°F-85°F.
Fishing opportunities: Green Lake Campground offers multiple fishing spots with varying experiences. As one camper noted, "fishing was weak but we will try again tomorrow. 4 swimming pools. didn't use them though. adult pool, kids sports pool and splash pad, and family pool. 2 ponds."
Golfing access: Green Lake Campground features a unique on-site golf course. A reviewer mentioned they "took full advantage of the golf course," while another described it as a "9 hole, par 3. able to play twice. very general golf etiquette expected."
Swimming options: Beyond just beaches, several campgrounds offer pool facilities. At Hickory Oaks Campground, families will find "a small lake with swimming area" that's particularly appealing for children, though one visitor noted it was "entertaining for kids but not very useable for adults."
Boating and kayaking: Water activities extend beyond swimming with facilities for watercraft. At River Side Park, "boat ramps and docs are there Along with free kayaks for the campers," making it easy to explore the Fox River without bringing your own equipment.
Private wooded sites: Campers consistently praise sites with natural screening. At Waupun Park Campground, "some sites are nicely spaced apart" and "sites are good size." Another visitor highlighted "Site 21 is very nice… a little private elevated back yard area with a fire ring and picnic table."
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers receive frequent positive comments. A Hickory Oaks Campground visitor appreciated that "bathrooms are well maintained, showers are free, and there is ice cream and some camping stuff for sale in the office."
Quiet atmosphere: Many reviewers mention the peaceful setting at campgrounds in the region. One camper at Hattie Sherwood Park said, "We enjoyed our stay it was so beautiful and clean and very quiet for the most part we loved it will definitely be going back."
Wildlife viewing: Natural settings provide opportunities to observe local fauna. A camper at Hickory Oaks mentioned, "We saw so much wildlife! Chipmunks, ducks, a great horned owl, and countless birds to name a few."
Water access variations: Water facilities differ widely between campgrounds. At Omro RV Park, "Dump station and water available, But not at your site," while other campgrounds offer hookups at individual sites.
Size limitations: Some campgrounds can't accommodate larger RVs. A visitor to River Side Park noted it "is plenty of room for any size rig," but this isn't universal across all sites.
Reservation policies: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Bear Lake, one camper reported, "the campgrounds fill up fast. I got here at 7 in the morning and there was a line already."
Variable site privacy: Site layout affects the camping experience significantly. One camper noted at Bear Lake Campground and Resort that there are "small open sites, not much to do," while others found more secluded options at different facilities.
Kid-friendly amenities: Bear Lake Campground and Resort offers numerous activities for children. A visitor highlighted "Sandy Beach. Swimming. Playground. Kids Activities. Themed weekends," making it particularly suitable for family camping trips.
Pool options: Multiple swimming facilities can keep children entertained. Green Lake Campground features "an adult, kid, sport and normal pool," providing options for different ages and interests.
Playground access: Many campgrounds include play areas. At Waupun Park, you'll find "playgrounds, pickle ball court, showers, clean bathrooms, fire rings," creating a complete family-friendly environment.
Fishing for beginners: Some locations are particularly good for young anglers. At Hickory Oaks, there's a "well stocked pond, easy to catch bluegill," perfect for children learning to fish.
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. At Hickory Oaks Campground, they "did improve the electric service a couple years ago," and now offer reliable power connections.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds feature relatively flat sites. At Omro RV Park, "sites are gravel, and that's about it" but they "will fit any length rig, 80' long" with "30 and 50 amp available."
Dump station access: Location of waste facilities can affect convenience. One RVer at Hattie Sherwood Park noted "Potable water is in a place where you will have to circle back around after filling tanks. Same goes for dump station."
Budget options: Some campgrounds offer affordable rates. Omro RV Park charges "$15 a night for a site with electric hookup! Dump station and fresh water on site," making it economical for overnight or short stays when exploring camping areas around Ripon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Ripon, WI?
Several campgrounds are available near Ripon, WI. Waupun Park Campground offers private, wooded sites with fire rings, picnic tables, bathrooms, showers, a dump station, and fresh water. The Playful Goose Campground features large lots backing up to forested areas where you might spot deer. For state park camping, the Kettle Moraine region offers multiple options including Pike Lake and Mauthe Lake campgrounds with excellent hiking and biking trails. Other nearby options include Hickory Oaks Campground near Oshkosh, Tomorrow Wood Campground with its relaxing woodland setting, and River Side Park in Berlin which offers both drive-in and boat-in access. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer months.
What are some fun family camping activities near Ripon?
Families camping near Ripon can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. At Roche A Cri State Park Campground, kids can explore old growth pine forests and search for wild black raspberries (in season). The park features a distinctive rock mound that's perfect for family hiking adventures. For water activities, nearby Green Lake Campground offers swimming and fishing opportunities. Many campgrounds in the area provide hiking trails through the picturesque Wisconsin countryside, with opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer. In autumn, the Kettle Moraine region offers spectacular fall color viewing, making it ideal for family nature walks and photography.
Which is the most popular campground near Ripon, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ripon, WI is Green Lake Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
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