Best Campgrounds near South Milwaukee, WI
State parks and county campgrounds surround South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, providing a range of camping experiences within an hour's drive of the city. Kettle Moraine State Forest's Southern Unit offers several highly-rated campgrounds, including Ottawa Lake and Pinewoods, where campers find wooded sites with varying levels of privacy. Cliffside Park Campground in Caledonia provides 92 sites with modern amenities just 15 miles south of the city. For those seeking family-oriented camping with activities, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Caledonia offers cabin rentals and glamping options alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Wisconsin's largest recreation area, features both Sunrise and Sunset Campgrounds with diverse recreational opportunities.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited year-round options like Wisconsin State Fair RV Park. Reservations become essential during summer weekends, particularly at lakeside locations. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop into the 30s at night. As one camper noted about Ottawa Lake, "It got cold, but nothing you can't prepare for. The proximity to the Ice Age Trail is a bonus." Road noise affects several campgrounds in the area, with multiple reviewers mentioning highway sounds at Ottawa Lake and Richard Bong. Sites farther from main roads generally provide a quieter experience.
The Ice Age Trail connects many camping areas, offering hiking opportunities through glacial terrain. Campers frequently mention the privacy of sites as a key factor in their experience. "The campsites feel very private with thick brush between each site," noted one visitor to Harrington Beach State Park. Lake access represents another important feature, with Ottawa Lake, Pike Lake, and Big Foot Beach State Park providing swimming and boating opportunities. Fall camping receives particular praise, with one reviewer stating, "It's so pretty in the fall. Red Trail, Paradise Trail, Rice Lake are all great hikes." Wildlife viewing opportunities include cranes, wild turkeys, and deer, especially in the quieter sections of Kettle Moraine State Forest.
