Camping sites near Sherwood, Wisconsin include several developed facilities clustered around Lake Winnebago and within nearby forests. The region sits on the Niagara Escarpment, a significant limestone ridge formation that creates distinctive cliff features and shapes the local ecology. Camping areas typically range in elevation from 750-900 feet above sea level, with most campgrounds experiencing peak occupancy during summer weekends when temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime.
What to do
Hiking limestone formations: The Lime Kiln Trail at High Cliff State Park Campground offers challenging terrain with unique geological features. "The lime kiln trail is difficult but so worth it," notes Nancy S., who visited in late October. The park contains multiple connecting trails with varying difficulty levels showcasing the Niagara Escarpment formations.
Fishing opportunities: Calumet County Park provides direct lake access with a marina and boat launch for anglers. "There is a marina if you have a boat, and the fishing is supposedly excellent," reports Edel L. The park allows shore fishing as well, with several designated areas along the waterfront for those without watercraft.
Winter recreation: Some area campgrounds maintain seasonal access for cold weather activities. Sherry J. notes that Calumet County Park "has hiking and cross country ski trails" open during winter months. Local parks often maintain designated sledding hills when snow conditions permit, typically from December through February.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Hickory Oaks Campground receives praise for site layout and natural features. "Our campsite was shaded all throughout the day, which helped with the summer heat," writes Hannah H., who appreciated the abundant wildlife including "chipmunks, ducks, a great horned owl, and countless birds."
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower houses at regional campgrounds maintain good standards. "The pit toilets are within a short walk and are among the cleanest I've seen anywhere," notes Stacey N. about Calumet County Park. Many campgrounds offer both flush toilets in main buildings and pit toilets distributed throughout camping areas.
Water recreation access: Lake Winnebago provides various water-based activities depending on the campground. Columbia County Park includes amenities specifically for boaters, with Michael L. noting "it is right by a boat launch with a nice one fees are free with camping. There is a cool lookout Tower. And they even have docks for your boat if you are camping."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Sherwood area fill quickly during peak season. Mauthe Lake Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest requires advance bookings, especially for sites with electrical hookups. Charles M. advises, "Make sure to pick the right campsite, though. Some of the campsites seem very shallow but if you looked closer they have a path or another site to put a tent."
Wildlife considerations: Proper food storage is essential at area campgrounds. Hannah H. reports from Hickory Oaks Campground: "We saw so much wildlife! Chipmunks, ducks, a great horned owl, and countless birds to name a few." Active wildlife means campers need secure food storage containers.
Seasonal amenities: Water availability varies by season and location. Brandl B. notes about High Cliff State Park: "Only gripe is the uncertain schedule they have for turning on water for the season. First week or two of may is a safe bet, but no promises. They have pit toilets open year round whatever the case."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Kalbus Country Harbor offers lake access with family-friendly shoreline. "Lots of open space for our kids to play and a beautiful lake view and beach with lots of lake shells and birds to see," reports Jennifer B., highlighting natural features that engage children.
Playground facilities: Many area campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas. Jennifer S. mentions that Columbia Park has "playground, lake, tower, restaurant near" making it suitable for families needing various activities within walking distance of campsites.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas. At Mauthe Lake Campground, Kaylyn C. appreciates the "nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids," providing multiple recreation options in a single location.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Apple Creek Campground accommodates larger rigs despite its hillside terrain. Robert O. reports, "We stayed 6 nights in our 36 ft motor home with tow. Even though we were on a hill the campsite was level. We had plenty of room for rv and tow."
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between campgrounds, with some offering both 30 and 50-amp connections. At Osh Vegas Palms, Dave H. found "water and electric hook up good shape" and noted the campground is "Big rig friendly" with "long sites" providing easy access for larger vehicles.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide dump stations rather than full sewer hookups at individual sites. Ross C. notes that at Hickory Oaks Campground, "the septic is a guy in a truck who comes by one or two times a week" while "there is a dump station" available for self-service needs.
