Best Campgrounds near Shawano, WI

Shawano County features a variety of established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including lakeside options like Shawano County Park directly on Shawano Lake and more secluded forest settings at Pine Grove and Fawn Lake campgrounds. Most facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort. Full hookup sites are common throughout the area, particularly at Fawn Lake Campground and Captain's Cove Resort, while primitive camping areas can be found at some of the more nature-oriented properties like Bagley Rapids Campground in the nearby Nicolet National Forest.

Campgrounds in the Shawano area typically operate seasonally from May through October, with most facilities closing after Labor Day or by late autumn as Wisconsin's winter approaches. Reservations are highly recommended during summer weekends when waterfront campsites fill quickly, especially at popular destinations like Shawano County Park where access to the lake is a primary draw. Many campgrounds provide amenities including showers, electricity, and water hookups, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Several campgrounds offer family-friendly environments with playgrounds, swimming areas, and recreational activities. A visitor noted, "Shawano lake has a great fishery" and many campgrounds in the area capitalize on water recreation opportunities.

Water access represents a significant attraction for campers visiting the Shawano region, with multiple campgrounds situated on or near lakes and rivers. Campers consistently rate waterfront camping highly, particularly at Shawano County Park where the beach and boat launch provide excellent lake access. Family-friendly facilities receive positive mentions in reviews, with one camper commenting that Pine Grove Campground has "a nice sand beach with clear water for swimming, as well as a pool area that are both great for the kids." Beyond water recreation, the campgrounds near Shawano balance natural settings with convenience, most being within reasonable driving distance to town while maintaining a forested environment. Seasonal campers maintain a strong presence at several campgrounds, creating established communities particularly at Fawn Lake, which one reviewer described as "our go to place every spring, summer or fall."

Best Camping Sites Near Shawano, Wisconsin (101)

    1. Shawano County Park

    6 Reviews
    Shawano, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 524-4986

    $35 / night

    "Good setting, situated on Shawano Lake although not directly lake side. The beach is big with a two lane boat launch."

    "Shawano lake has a great fishery."

    2. Fawn Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Shawano, WI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (715) 526-5775

    "We were visiting family in Shawano, WI, and stayed here for a week. Checking was easy and we had a long spot with full hookups. Park has a playground, small lake with a beach."

    "The tent sites at this camp ground are in the back of the campground located in the woods! There is a small pond with in the campground which you are able to swim in, kayak in and go frogging in!"

    3. Pine Grove Campground

    7 Reviews
    Marion, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 787-4555

    $25 - $170 / night

    "The water area is a favorite for kids and the grounds sport plenty of things to grab their attention from mini-golf to the lake."

    "As long as you find a spot that’s not too close to the office, you’re good."

    4. Tilleda Falls Campground

    5 Reviews
    Marion, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 787-4143

    $30 - $150 / night

    "The Falls are a beautiful little site which the campsites themselves manage to wrap around to maximize the space and fit spaces for all to enjoy."

    "Well maintained and easy to maneuver around. Quiet and enough sun and shade for everyone. Owners are helpful and very nice!"

    5. On The Rocks Family Kampground

    3 Reviews
    Marion, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 787-3632

    $25 - $55 / night

    "Recommended by two locals, this campground is mostly for RVs but they do have areas away from the RVs.  The seasonal campers all appear to have golf carts that they run around all over the place. "

    6. Captains Cove Resort

    1 Review
    Shawano, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 787-3535

    7. Mohican North Star RV Park

    1 Review
    Marion, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 787-2751

    8. Boulder Lake

    9 Reviews
    White Lake, WI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 276-6333

    $18 - $75 / night

    "Boulder lake is amazing and is located conveniently close to the Wolf river, which has whitewater rafting and trout fishing."

    "This is such an awesome campground located right in the Nicole National Forest. The lake is super clean, the sites are very nice, and it’s nice and secluded. Enjoy the drive in!"

    9. Bagley Rapids NF Campground

    10 Reviews
    Mountain, WI
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 276-3594

    "It's roughly 2.5 hours away from Madison and Milwaukee and just over an hour away from the Green Bay area.  If outdoor recreation is your thing, this is the perfect base camp."

    "The fire rings have adjustable grills that can be swung away from the fire when you are not cooking."

    10. Chute Pond Park

    7 Reviews
    Mountain, WI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 276-6261

    "The access to the ATV trails really makes this campground a convenience gem! The camp store is also supe convenient if you forget smores and Fire supplies."

    "There’s lots to do the whole weekend whether you want to go hiking, fishing, boating, small cliff jumping, or take a walk to slippery rock."

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Recent Reviews near Shawano, WI

377 Reviews of 101 Shawano Campgrounds


  • Josh U.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Apple Creek Campground

    Nice

    Great place for kids and anyone who likes calm quiet camping

  • R
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Governor Thompson State Park Campground

    Beautiful boondocks!

    It's so quiet here. The campsites spread apart the campgrounds may be heavily booked, but it doesn't feel like it. There is swimming, boating (campsites are also available on the island), lots of hiking trails, and tons of waterfalls in the area. Thanks to the came hostess,Melody H, and the other park employees, the bathrooms and showers were impeccable. I've been camping in a tent for two weeks and I look forward to coming back next year.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Camp Shin-Go-Beek

    A lovely place to relax - Lower Bluff

    This campsite was great! Incredibly peaceful with a ton of beautiful birds singing throughout the day, relatively private (even with fellow campers in the area), and a short walk to the private beach at the lake. It’s a semi-primitive with pit toilets and a potable water spigot. Ian was a great host and even checked on us to offer shelter in the admin building before a storm rolled through. We loved this spot so much, we went back the following summer, and it was just as relaxing. Being able to swim and float in the lake is an added bonus.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Bagley Rapids NF Campground

    Sweet Campground, Small and Quiet

    Nice little campground in the Chequamegon National Forest. Cash only, FCFS. There’s not a lot of sites here, but it’s also pretty hidden away. I showed up on a Friday evening around 6:30pm and was still able to snag a spot on the river. Quite a few ticks here, make sure to bring some permethrin spray for your clothes and your dog. Tough fishing from the sites with a lot of overhanging tree cover, but there are a few fish around if you can get a cast in.

    T-Mobile signal is non-existent, Verizon had 1-2 bars of LTE which was enough to send out a few texts.

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Brown County Reforestation Campground

    Road to Mackinac

    Only spent 1 night but this is a beautiful campground. LOTS of birds (that's our thing!), forested, so many trails for hiking and mountain biking. Bathrooms and showers were clean, site was spacious. Hookups are available but we chose dry camping.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    North Bay Shore Park

    Beautiful

    Right on the shores of Lake Michigan Most sites have asphalt pads and there is water and electric at the site There is also a dump station on the way in, which was clean and easy to access The sites are fairly close with not much privacy This side of the lake is very Mari so there is no beachfront at all, for people with a boat and wanting to launch it’s perfect but for rock hounds and beach walkers like me not so great. Not much hiking around either.

  • M
    Aug. 23, 2025

    On The Rocks Family Kampground

    Do not recommend

    Check yourself in and don’t expect to be welcomed by staff. Restrooms are filthy. Office, restaurant and bar only open Thursday through Saturday. When we messaged to ask when the restrooms will be cleaned, it took 2 days and a phone call to respond. Of you like customer service and clean facilities, this is not for you. There are more campgrounds to choose from in the area.

  • Levi E.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Bay Shore Park

    Ok place

    It's an ok campground bathrooms are clean host is little rude but all in all ok place


Guide to Shawano

Campgrounds near Shawano, Wisconsin offer varying terrain from lowland marshy areas to forested settings within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The region experiences warm summers with average July temperatures around 80°F and cold winters, making May through October the primary camping season. Many campgrounds in this area have waterfront sites that accommodate fishing enthusiasts while providing electric and water hookups.

What to do

Water recreation opportunities: Tilleda Falls Campground provides access to the Embarrass River with a small cascading waterfall and swimming area that campers consistently enjoy. One visitor noted, "Swimming area, waterfall, steam, fishing. This camp has it all." The natural water features create multiple recreation options in one location.

Hiking trails: Chute Pond Park offers several hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. A visitor mentioned, "One trail leads to a scenic overlook and another leads to slippery rock. Slippery Rock is a waterfall from the river that you can actually slide down." The park combines hiking with water-based activities for all-day enjoyment.

Fishing excursions: Boulder Lake provides fishing opportunities directly from campsites. According to one camper, "The lake is super clean, the sites are very nice, and it's nice and secluded." Another mentioned, "The shore is shallow and mostly sand. Nice for swimming. We did catch one bass off the shore." This combination of swimming and fishing makes it versatile for water activities.

What campers like

Direct waterfront access: Bagley Rapids NF Campground offers sites positioned right on the Oconto River. A camper shared, "Many of the sites are right on the river. You can hear the constant rushing of the water over the rapids, which is so relaxing at night." The sound of water creates a natural white noise for peaceful sleeping.

Family-oriented environments: Pine Grove Campground features numerous activities for children. A visitor explained, "As a father with 3 young kids, I thoroughly enjoy this camp for the activities and amenities available. The water area is a favorite for kids and the grounds sport plenty of things to grab their attention from mini-golf to the lake." The diverse activities keep children engaged throughout their stay.

Spacious campsites: Campers consistently mention appreciating the size of sites at several Shawano area campgrounds. At Shawano County Park, one visitor noted, "We stayed on a tent site, it was huge and had electric. I love that the campground is right on the lake and there's quite a few amenities for people who boat." Larger sites provide room for multiple tents, games, and equipment.

What you should know

Seasonal nature of facilities: Many campgrounds operate only from May through October, with varying opening dates. Boulder Lake runs "May 5 to November 1" and Chute Pond Park from "April 1 to November 30," providing slightly different seasons for visitors planning early spring or late fall trips.

Reservation requirements: Fawn Lake Campground and several others fill quickly during summer months, particularly on weekends. A camper mentioned, "This is our go to place every spring, summer or fall! We like to travel all over the place and try different place but this is always a must to go to as well as last minute let's go camping spot." Advance booking is recommended for peak season.

Water hookup distances: Some campsites have utilities positioned far from parking areas. At Shawano County Park, a visitor noted, "We liked the campground and would come again but the electricity and water was far away from the site probably over 60 feet away." Longer hoses and extension cords may be necessary at certain sites.

Tips for camping with families

Water play options: Multiple campgrounds offer child-friendly water access points. A visitor to Pine Grove Campground shared, "Kid friendly, Clean, Friendly staff. Event weekends and they are a blast. we were there during western weekend so much fun!" Theme weekends add structured activities for children.

Playground facilities: Tilleda Falls Campground includes play areas for children. A camper noted, "Wonderful campground! Well maintained and easy to maneuver around. Nice playground for the kids, swim beach for great summer fun." These designated play spaces provide alternative entertainment when not swimming.

Theme weekends: Several campgrounds host special events throughout the summer season. A Pine Grove visitor mentioned, "This weekend there was a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas (one of our favorites) and loads of cool decked out campsites." These themed events often include decorating contests and organized activities.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling considerations: Boulder Lake campground offers particularly level sites. A reviewer mentioned, "We stayed in site 18, non electrical but right across from the bath house which was always clean! And the views and the level sites, didn't even need the levelers!" This eliminates the need for additional equipment.

Full hookup availability: Captains Cove Resort provides complete hookups for RVs including water, electric and sewer connections. A visitor noted, "Good facilities, good bar, great food, newly remodeled pool facilities. Wifi is lacking, but who really needs that camping?" The combination of nature with modern amenities makes longer stays comfortable.

Accessibility for larger rigs: Many Shawano area campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs, but site selection is important. At On The Rocks Family Kampground, a visitor mentioned, "Our group stayed at sites 36-38. They were nice and level." Researching specific site dimensions before arrival ensures adequate space for slideouts and awnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Shawano, WI?

Shawano offers several excellent camping options. Shawano County Park stands out with its prime location on Shawano Lake, featuring a large beach and two-lane boat launch. The lake is known for excellent fishing. Another great option is Fawn Lake Campground, which provides long sites with full hookups, a playground, and a small lake with a beach. For those willing to venture slightly beyond Shawano, Tilleda Falls Campground offers beautiful riverside sites, while Mohican North Star RV Park near Bowler provides easy access for RVs. The region is rich with camping opportunities that showcase the natural beauty of Wisconsin's lakes and forests.

What amenities are available at Pine Grove Campground in Shawano?

While specific review information for Pine Grove Campground is limited, this Shawano area campground typically offers standard amenities similar to other regional campgrounds. Based on camping patterns in the area, you can expect basic facilities like vault toilets or restrooms, potable water sources, and designated camping sites. For comparison, nearby Boot Lake Campground provides diverse campsites with some shaded options, vault toilets, water access, and garbage bins. Pine Grove likely offers fire rings and picnic tables at individual sites. For specific amenity information, contacting the campground directly before your visit is recommended to confirm current facilities and any seasonal limitations.

Are there any good camping options near Shawano County Park?

Several excellent camping options exist near Shawano County Park. Bagley Rapids NF Campground in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is only about 2.5 hours away, making it perfect for weekend trips from Shawano. Governor Thompson State Park Campground offers private sites with easy online reservations, ideal for those who want a quick overnight stop or a more extended stay. Other nearby options include On The Rocks Family Kampground and Captains Cove Resort near Gresham. The area provides diverse camping experiences from lakeside settings to forest surroundings, with most locations offering basic amenities like toilets and water access.