Camping options near Shorewood, Wisconsin range from state parks to county-operated campgrounds, with several facilities positioned along Lake Michigan. The region experiences typical Midwest seasonal changes with summer highs averaging in the 80s°F and winter lows often below freezing. Many campgrounds in the area follow a seasonal operating schedule with limited year-round facilities outside the Wisconsin State Fair RV Park.
What to do
Beach activities: At Kohler-Andrae State Park, visitors can enjoy Lake Michigan shoreline activities including swimming and beachcombing. "Sunrises so, so beautiful. This campground has everything! Trails, dunes, marshes, forests, and Lake Michigan," reports Kathie M.
Hiking trails: The area features multiple trail systems with varied terrain. At Pike Lake Campground, the Ice Age Trail runs adjacent to backpacking sites. "A very nice, woodsy campground. Feels like you are further north than you really are!" notes Gina L. The campground has "many hiking trails of varying lengths, and all are very well maintained."
Fishing opportunities: Several parks offer fishing in local lakes and ponds. Muskego Park features a stocked pond where families can fish without traveling far from campsites. "A few nice shorter hiking loops that I believe can be used as horse trails as well. The trails are wood chipped covered and very easy," explains Darren L.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Cliffside Park Campground receives consistent praise for its spacious sites. "Generously sized sites with electric and water at each site. Well taken care of grounds," reports Nancy S. The campground offers "level sites with electric and water at each site" according to another review.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the maintenance standards at local parks. "The park is clean, lots of shade, host on site and very well maintained. The almost 100 sites are all gravel with electric and water for a great price," writes Diane W. about Cliffside Park.
Natural surroundings: Pinewoods Campground offers wooded sites that provide a north woods feeling. "A very nice, woodsy campground. Feels like you are further north than you really are!" notes one camper. Another mentions, "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Shorewood require advance booking, especially during summer months. Pinewoods Campground reservations open several months ahead and sites fill quickly for weekends. "Campsites reservations are available online - but a walk-up paystation is also available and a few campsites are always reserved for walk-in/bike-in campers," notes one Naga-Waukee Park visitor.
Seasonal operation: Many parks close between October and April. At Muskego Park, the camping season runs April through November, with shower facilities located near beach areas rather than camping loops. "We did a group camp and had a great site. There were 3 families and had plenty of room. I've bathrooms but the only shower was by the beach and a long walk," mentions Matt N.
Pet restrictions: While most campgrounds allow pets, beach access for dogs is often limited. At Harrington Beach State Park, "Beach is nice but the area they claim is for people with pets is a long walk and the beach no longer exists as the lake has washed it away. Pet beach is just really slippery rock," according to Phillip B.
Tips for camping with families
Beach swimming areas: For families with children, Muskego Park offers a supervised swimming area with amenities. "The best thing is probably the small man made pond. I believe it's stocked with fish and offers a very family friendly swimming area. There's a nice little concessions stand, a little sand area, and a small pier to jump off of," writes Darren L.
Playground facilities: Naga-Waukee Park includes a playground within earshot of campsites, making it easy to supervise children. "The beach on the shores of Lake Nagawicka is well-groomed, clean, has a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot," according to Ross K.
Programming: Several parks offer seasonal activities for children. "This weekend we were there they had a band," notes a Plymouth Rock Camping Resort visitor. Kohler-Andrae offers a nature center with educational displays and programs for young campers.
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup options: Most rv parks near Shorewood, Wisconsin offer electric only, with water available but not always at individual sites. "The campsites are in the midst of a pine forest. It would be sweet to tent camp there and listen to the wind in those trees. Note, there is no camping IN among the pine forest," explains Josh F. about Muskego Park.
Dump station access: RVers should note that while most parks have dump stations, they may be busy during weekend checkout times. Cliffside Park has a central dump station but individual sites lack sewer connections. "Well run county facility. Electric hookups, but no sewer hookup--dumpsite station available," notes Judy W.
Narrow access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging turns for larger rigs. At Pike Lake, "There is a TIGHT turn in the campground loop near site #17 to be aware of with longer trailers," warns Sugar Maple S. RVers should consider campground layouts when selecting sites, especially in county parks with older infrastructure.
