Sanders Park Campground
Sanders park
Love this quaint smaller campground, close to home although you feel like you're way up north! Clean restrooms showers! Walking trails with preservation.
Several campgrounds can be found within driving distance of Slinger, Wisconsin. Mauthe Lake Campground in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest has larger sites that work well for families with kids. Campers looking for water views can head to Kohler-Andrae State Park along Lake Michigan's shore. Harrington Beach State Park is another good option with hiking trails where you'll often see birds. The weather around Slinger runs from hot summers to pretty cold winters, with spring and fall being much more comfortable for camping trips. You'll likely see deer and lots of birds in these areas, so keep your food secured properly. Rain happens fairly often in spring, so pack accordingly. Most of these camping areas have basic facilities like bathrooms and tables for meals. If you're planning to camp during busy times, you should reserve your site ahead of time since these places fill up quickly.
"North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."
"A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."
$18 - $28 / night
"Mauthe Lake Campground is located in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest in East/Centreal Wisconsin."
"Wonderful trail around the lake and a variety of different campsites. Plenty of space, very rural. Very wisconsin!"
"It is right next to the toilets/showers. The bathrooms were clean, the attendants were really nice, they borrowed us an extension cord so we could set up a bit further back."
"Walking along the trails, you can see where it gets its name! Lots of cool ledges and rock outcrops. We saw a moderate amount of birds and heard a bunch of critters (owls, a fox (?!))"
$25 - $80 / night
"Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."
"There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."
$20 - $30 / night
"A little better than the average Wisconsin state campground."
"We loved just walking around the paths to and from the lake to our site."
"Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."
"Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa. The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."
$31 - $43 / night
"Swimming lake was very warm and clean. Fishing was available. Very affordable canoe kayak rentals. Mini golf and a little store where if you need it they have it."
"There is a small fishing pond off the back side of the non-electric sites and there is a nice outdoor pool and indoor jacuzzi next to a large rec room/bar."
"I had to walk it down a couple sites so we couldn’t smell it. ( there was nobody at the site I took it to and nobody around that site) pool was warm and people very drunk and friendly!"
$18 - $30 / night
"It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake. Nearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "
"Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."











Love this quaint smaller campground, close to home although you feel like you're way up north! Clean restrooms showers! Walking trails with preservation.
Very enjoyable campground.
I don't remember the site number but the kids had a great time. Lots of things to do.
The Group Campground at Harrington Beach State Park brings a completely different energy, offering an expansive, open setting that feels made for large family reunions, scout troops, family birthday party overnighters and lively gatherings that stretch long into the evening. Unlike the more intimate family sites, this area is designed for scale, with wide communal spaces, larger fire rings and plenty of room for picnic tables, shared meals and kid-filled games of tag and flag football. We passed through and couldn’t help but smile watching a group roast marshmallows together while another set of kids played flashlight hide-and-seek across the open field. While it is less private and more bustling, this locale creates a joyful sense of togetherness that feels perfect for celebrations and group bonding. While the restroom and shower facilities were mediocre (at best), they were functional and clean. But the real star here is the close proximity to Lake Michigan. I’d recommend this Group Campground for larger parties who want space to spread out, EZ beach access and the freedom to make memories together in a beautiful lakeside setting.
There is something deeply calming about waking up just steps from Lake Michigan at the Harrington Beach State Park Family Campground, where our little crew found the perfect balance of nature and comfort in a setting that feels both scenic and safe. The campground is well-organized with clearly defined family-sized sites, clean restrooms and EZ access to walking trails and the beach, making it especially friendly for parents juggling gear and excited boys. One of our favorite moments was sitting around the campfire as we tried to stay warm from an early first wave of the winter to come while the sun melted into the lake in soft pink streaks. We loved that everything felt thoughtfully laid out without feeling crowded or chaotic. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families looking for a peaceful getaway with just enough adventure, thanks to its natural beauty, clean facilities, lakefront access and gentle, welcoming atmosphere.
There is something wonderfully grounding about settling into the Family Campground at Kohler-Andrae State Park, where our little crew felt instantly wrapped in the gentle rhythm of Lake Michigan and the whispering grasses of the sandy dunes that our boys loved to explore. The campground is very well laid out with 137 clearly defined family-sized sites (52 of which have electrical hookups), exceptionally clean restrooms and perfectly manicured pathways leading to the boardwalk and shoreline, making every moment of exploration feeling manageable and peaceful. One of our favorite moments was walking down the wooden boardwalk as the boys raced ahead to spot driftwood treasures and tiny shore birds along the beach. Everything here feels calm, safe and naturally beautiful without being overly rugged. And while you can bring everything you will need to enjoy camping here, in case you forget anything, nearby Sheboygan has you covered for just about any supply you could think of (except for firewood, which you can buy either at the park office or from one of the campground hosts). I would absolutely recommend this campground for families seeking a soothing lakeside escape with a perfect mix of nature, comfort, and gentle adventure.
This is a nice getaway for camping, picnics, hiking, fishing and in the summer swimming! They only offer swimming with lifeguards in the summer months. They have great open spaces for group camping.
This park is pretty much the perfect blend of forest, marsh, beach, dunes, and hills. It's got breathtaking views year round. Not all sites are created equal- there's functionally three different types of campsite. The southernmost are wooded and fairly private. There's a longer walk to the showers. Feels more primitive, although the roads are well maintained and bathrooms clean. The campsites in the middle of the park have few trees and little privacy. These are more like crash pads if you want to spend the day swimming, hiking, or fishing. The north end of the park offers denser woods and more established sites. These are close to the water and the park exit. Winter camping is peaceful and quiet. Spring is exciting, but can be wet. Summer is cool near the lake and usually busier. Fall is crisp and colorful.
If you are looking for winter storage, look elsewhere. The Wisconsin State Fair RV Park storage is run with zero flexibility and rude service.
The Access Issues: They have extremely limited hours(10 AM- 3 PM Monday to Saturday), are closed on every minor holiday, and require you to give 24-hour notice so someone can unlock the lot. If you work a normal job or have a busy schedule, good luck getting your rig ready to leave.
The 'Money Grab': I planned to leave on 1/21, but my truck was hit, and I physically couldn't move the camper. I admitted I missed the 11 AM checkout deadline, but when they called me at 1:12 PM, I returned the call 3 minutes later to extend my storage for another 23 days. Instead of waiving the late fee since I was paying for nearly another month of storage, the rude receptionist just quoted'rules and regulations' and charged me an extra $25.
It’s completely unreasonable to charge a late checkout fee to a customer who is actively extending their stay due to an emergency. It feels like a terrible money grab. Save yourself the headache and store somewhere else.
We had a weather change and had to pivot and camp. Found last minute and booked. In freezing temp full service cluding water hookup. Its a parking lot with laundry? Showers, vending and restrooms.
The camping spots near Slinger, Wisconsin sit within the geologically distinct Kettle Moraine region, formed by glacial deposits during the last ice age. This unique landscape features kettles (depressions), moraines (ridges), and numerous small lakes. Most campgrounds in this area operate from May through October, with winter camping available at select locations.
Fishing opportunities: Pike Lake Campground offers good fishing for various species including bluegill and bass. "My 5 year old hooked me in the leg while fishing on Pike Lake and a trip to the ER was needed along with a tetanus shot," shares Lisa S., highlighting how accessible fishing is for families.
Beach swimming: Harrington Beach State Park provides a lengthy sandy beach along Lake Michigan. "The beach has some nice sand to put your toes in and the waves were great when we were there. Water is pretty clear and clean," notes Erica H.
Hiking variety: The region offers diverse trail options, from prairie paths to wooded routes. "Hiking is great beginner trails within the park and connects to the IAT (Ice Age Trail)," mentions Sugar Maple S. about Pike Lake. At Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, you can explore Scuppernong Springs, which one camper called "a treat for the kiddos."
Dog-friendly areas: Many campgrounds accommodate pets, though facilities vary. "Pike Lake has lake swimming, dog swimming area, many trails and tons of wildlife," says Kristine M. However, at Harrington Beach, one camper noted the pet beach "is just really slippery rock which is very dangerous for the pet owners and pets alike."
Privacy between sites: Kettle Moraine North Mauthe Lake gets high marks for site separation. "The sites are well separated for privacy. Also, the shower house is perfect for an end of the day washing," writes Charles M.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain good bathroom facilities. At Harrington Beach State Park, campers enjoy "ULTRA clean bathrooms" and "The restroom and showers were very well maintained," according to Jessica F.
Diverse site options: Campgrounds offer varied site types for different preferences. At Long Lake Campground, "The sites are spacious and clean. Each site comes with a fire pit, grate and picnic table," says Denise N., adding that "This campground has nice large sites, some in the sun, some in the shade and some have a mixture."
Accessibility to water: Many sites offer close proximity to lakes. "Mauthe has several great wooded sites. You can't go wrong with how close the park is to Milwaukee," shares Caroline K., while at Pike Lake "sites are pretty secluded too if u get the right one," according to Kristine M.
Reservations timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Ottawa Lake, one camper noted: "This was our first visit to Kettle Moraine and this site was completely booked. We were able to grab a nonelectric site and transfer to an electric site when one cancelled last minute."
Road noise concerns: Some campgrounds have traffic noise issues. At Ottawa Lake, "The road noise is absolutely noticeable. It was incredibly loud when we drove through the loop closest to the highway and was significantly better even just one section over," reports Linda N.
Seasonal challenges: Ledge County Park and other locations can have weather-related issues. One camper at Blue Mounds mentioned leaving due to flooding before finding Ledge Park. Bugs also become problematic in summer months.
Private vs. public options: While state parks offer consistent quality, private campgrounds vary widely. One camper at Lazy Days described it as looking "like a camper graveyard," while another found it "extremely friendly, affordable and clean."
Backpacking with kids: Pike Lake offers accessible backpacking for beginners. "For my five-year-old son's first backpacking experience, we hiked about 3 miles on the Ice Age Trail, into Pike Lake campground," shares Jimmy P., noting "Our campsite was very large, fully shaded, and included a picnic table and a fire ring."
Swimming areas: Menomonee Park provides family-friendly water options. "The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards," reports Matt N., while another camper mentions the "fun little park" with a "great beach for kids."
Recreation amenities: Several campgrounds offer additional activities. "Pike Lake has lake swimming, dog swimming area, many trails and tons of wildlife," notes Kristine M., while Lazy Days has "Swimming lake was very warm and clean. Fishing was available. Very affordable canoe kayak rentals."
Medical facilities: Consider proximity to healthcare for family trips. "Campground is close to medical facilities if needed. Unfortunately I know this from experience," mentions Lisa S. about Pike Lake, which is only 20 minutes from her home.
Site selection strategies: At Ottawa Lake, experienced RVers recommend: "You can't go wrong with how close the park is to Milwaukee. We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to 'home'," says Steve K.
Electric hookups: Campgrounds offer varying levels of service. "30 amp at the electrical site worked perfectly," notes Elizabeth S. about Mauthe Lake, while at Long Lake "Generally, the inner ring is electric (except #23) and the outer ring is non-electric."
Tight turns: Some campgrounds have difficult navigation points. At Pike Lake, Sugar Maple S. warns "There is a TIGHT turn in the campground loop near site #17 to be aware of with longer trailers."
Dump station access: Most state parks provide dump stations, but private campgrounds may have inconsistent service. At Lazy Days, a camper complained about tanks not being cleared on schedule, noting "Can't count on your tanks being cleared by their in-house 'service' allegedly on Monday and Thursday or maybe Tues or maybe Friday."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Slinger, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Slinger, WI is Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.
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