Tent camping options near Sauk City, Wisconsin range from secluded walk-in sites to accessible group areas within a 30-mile radius. The region features varied terrain with elevations between 800-1,200 feet, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Late September through early November typically sees temperatures dropping to 40°F at night, making it ideal for campers seeking fewer insects and less crowded facilities.
What to do
Hiking the trails: Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites offer excellent access to diverse hiking terrain. One camper noted, "Great hike threw out the state park. 2 main lakes with great fishing is a plus. Lots to do for the whole family." The Lost Canyon Trail receives particular praise for its unique geological features.
Mountain biking: New Glarus State Park Campground provides direct connections to area bike paths. As one visitor shared, "It is a smaller state park camping wise. There is hiking and mountain bike trails available. With direct access to the Sugar River Trail and the town of New Glarus, it is a great location as an overnight stop or home base to explore."
Brewery tours: Multiple campgrounds offer strategic access to local breweries. According to a New Glarus camper, "This park is a favorite stop of ours when we want to go visit new glarus brewery for a few beers. It's about a mile and half away." Some campers plan entire weekends around combining camping with brewery visits.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Devils Lake State Park Group Campground receives high marks for site spacing. One camper mentioned, "We went during the week and it kept the crowds to a minimum. Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities. A Devils Lake camper reported, "The birds near the group camp are cool, but can also sound like a large pack of dinosaurs squawking at each other...very loud." Bring binoculars during spring and fall migrations.
Evening solitude: Sandhill Station State Campground provides a quieter alternative to busier parks. "The campsite we were on was spacious, private, and beautiful. We had two large oak trees on either side of our site, giving us a good amount of mixed shade," noted one reviewer who appreciated the oak savanna setting.
What you should know
Highway noise impacts: Not all campsites offer the quiet experience some expect. At New Glarus, one camper warned, "These sites are right next to the highway and are subject to continuous, round the clock highway noise. The highway seems to be a regular truck route, with lots of semis driving by at all hours."
Variable toilet facilities: Facilities range from full bathrooms to basic vault toilets. One New Glarus camper observed, "The outhouses are in need of some TLC or just a once through with a leaf blower. Most sites offer privacy with the over growth of trees and bushes which is lovely but in warmer months, it also means lot of bugs."
Water access considerations: Blackhawk Memorial Park offers water-based activities but with caveats. A recent visitor reported, "The lake water is like green paint and the river is now brackish, but moving." Water conditions vary significantly by season and recent rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Dutch oven cooking: Family meals become memorable with the right equipment. One Devils Lake camper shared, "Camp life was awesome, we ate very well since we brought two Dutch ovens. We are Cowboy Casserole, Mountain Man breakfast, peach cobbler, 7 can soup, hobo dinner and apple sausage casserole."
Water activities: Hickory Ridge Group Camp offers water recreation for families. A camper mentioned, "Spacious sites, lots of availability to swim and hike. Will definitely come back." The swimming areas typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Pack-light strategies: For walk-in sites, minimal packing makes the experience more enjoyable. At Sandhill Station, one reviewer advised, "The sites are all very remote; no onsite rangers or anything like that. Beautiful walk in sites, no carts to haul gear so pack light!" This becomes especially important for families with young children.
Tips for RVers
Site selection priorities: The best tent camping near Sauk City for RVers requires careful planning. At New Glarus State Park Campground, "There are drive-up sites, walk-in sites and a group campground. The drive-up sites are next to the road so you do hear cars all night/day and it is a tiny space so voices carry."
Seasonal considerations: Fall camping offers advantages for RV campers. One Devils Lake reviewer noted, "Weekends are pack with campers. The beaches have hard pebbles and rocks." Weekday reservations during shoulder seasons provide more spacious experiences with fewer neighbors.
Electric hookup limitations: Most primitive tent camping areas lack RV amenities. For those needing electric options, Devils Lake provides some electric hookups but advance reservation is essential, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
