Tent camping options around Ripon, Wisconsin extend throughout Green Lake and Fond du Lac counties, with sites situated in both woodland and lakeshore settings. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 800-900 feet, creating moderate terrain suitable for beginning campers. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping offers cooler temperatures with increased precipitation risk.
What to do
Hiking trails accessibility: Camp Wilderness offers multiple trails suitable for day hikers of varying experience levels. The paths wind through mixed hardwood forests with several creek crossings. "If you have kids looking for adventure, this is a great place to be. There's primarily tent sites with trails, a lake, an obstacle course and more right nearby," notes David K., who recommends the camp for introducing children to outdoor skills.
Water-based activities: Wild Goose City Park provides convenient access to the Wild Goose bike trail with facilities for day use. "It's a good place to stop and have a break. There's a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain. Plenty of space to spread out for a picnic when you're biking through," according to reviewer Kim L., highlighting its utility as a rest point during longer cycling trips.
Group recreation options: Large open fields at Greenbush Group Campground support volleyball, frisbee, and other group games. The grassy camping areas can accommodate substantial groups with spacing for multiple tents and common gathering areas for communal activities.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Camp Shin-Go-Beek offers a private beach area with swimming access. A reviewer noted the camp has "a short walk to the private beach at the lake... Being able to swim and float in the lake is an added bonus." The boat-in access points allow for direct water access for kayakers and canoeists.
Site spacing and privacy: Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp provides visual separation between campsites with natural borders. Reviewer Hilary S. notes, "The nine sites are visually separated, but not far enough away from each other to block louder noise - we could hear loud music from the site 4 late into the night. We had six tents, but the site could easily have accommodated more."
Natural surroundings: Waubedonia County Park offers riverside camping with natural scenery despite limited amenities. Kevin S. describes it as "A nice little campground near the river in Fredonia, WI. The campsites are inexpensive and comfortable, though there aren't as many amenities that a larger campground would have."
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Water access can vary by season and conditions. At Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp, a camper reported, "Water is usually available, but more limited during the pandemic (spigot turned off by our campsite, but available near the parking lot at the entrance - a longer walk)."
Noise considerations: Sound carries between sites in many campgrounds despite visual barriers. Hilary S. noted at Greenbush Group Camp that despite visual separation, sites were "not far enough away from each other to block louder noise - we could hear loud music from the site 4 late into the night."
Storm contingency plans: Camp Shin-Go-Beek has protocols for severe weather. One reviewer mentioned, "Ian was a great host and even checked on us to offer shelter in the admin building before a storm rolled through," indicating campground staff monitor weather conditions and provide shelter options when necessary.
Tips for camping with families
Skill-building opportunities: Camp Wilderness provides structured activities for children's outdoor education. "The camp is primarily used for a program similar to Boy Scouts called Royal Rangers. There's primarily tent sites with trails, a lake, an obstacle course and more right nearby," notes David K., who recommends it as "a good place to initiate your kids with the outdoors and teach them fun skills."
Playground access: Wild Goose City Park includes playground equipment near camping areas, making it suitable for families with younger children who need recreational options. The park's layout allows parents to monitor children while preparing meals or setting up camp.
Group accommodation: Greenbush Group Campground has especially large sites for family gatherings. "Sites 2 and 9 are the largest. Those can each fit over 20 backpacking tents at the same time," according to Amber R., making these locations ideal for family reunions or multi-family camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent camping areas near Ripon offer minimal or no RV hookups. Waubedonia County Park does provide some electric hookups and water access points, making it one of the few options for small RVs seeking partial services while still maintaining a more rustic camping experience.
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds have restricted vehicle access. Several camping areas, including Camp Shin-Go-Beek, require walk-in access to tent sites, making them unsuitable for RVs or requiring significant distance between parking areas and campsites.
