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Best Tent Camping near Spring Green, WI

717 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

The wooded terrain around Spring Green, Wisconsin, hosts multiple tent campgrounds with varying amenities and natural settings. Governor Dodge State Park offers backpack campsites accessible via half-mile to one-mile hikes from parking areas, while Devils Lake State Park provides group tent camping options within a larger recreational area. New Glarus Woods State Park, though slightly farther away, offers additional tent camping alternatives with both drive-in and walk-in options.

Most tent sites in the Spring Green area feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary considerably between locations. Governor Dodge State Park backpacking sites are primitive with access to pit toilets and water fountains from primary camping locations. The walk-in sites at New Glarus Woods are positioned along a bike trail with a centrally located vault toilet and water spigot. Devils Lake provides more developed facilities with shower houses accessible from group camping areas. A review noted that "sites are well spaced out from each other and offer pit toilets and full bathroom facilities with sinks, toilets and showers within walking distance."

Spring Green area tent campgrounds offer varied experiences based on location and site type. The backpacking sites at Governor Dodge State Park provide more seclusion and natural settings for tent campers seeking quieter experiences. As one camper described, "Great backpack base camp! Great views, plenty of privacy and an easy hike." Walk-in tent sites typically offer greater separation between camping spots compared to drive-in areas, with those at New Glarus Woods featuring good spacing and heavy tree cover for additional privacy. Hikers benefit from trail access directly from many campsites, particularly at Governor Dodge where the Lost Canyon Trail connects to backpacking sites. Devils Lake group camping areas accommodate multiple tents with proximity to beaches and water recreation opportunities, though they can become crowded during summer weekends.

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Best Tent Sites Near Spring Green, Wisconsin (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Spring Green, WI

9 Photos of 8 Spring Green Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Spring Green, WI

717 Reviews of 8 Spring Green Campgrounds

  • Alex H.
    Sep. 26, 2022

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    No Flat Spots

    Very nice park. Well marked and maintained trails. A large lake with boat launch and beach area. Separate pet area.

    We spent the weekend at site 101, which is a tent site. I wouldn't recommend this site. based on a quick walkaround, it seemed a bit smaller than other sites. That's not really a deal-breaker, but it didn't really have any flat spots to pitch the tent. We ended up pitching it up on the parking area, but it was still a bit slanted and we could feel the tire divot a little through the air mattresses. Aside from that, it was great. The site had a picnic table and fire ring that we used a lot. It was secluded from the surrounding sites.

    We hiked the Windy Ridge trail and the Prairie Loop trail. both were well maintained and enjoyable trails. We also spent some time on the beach.

  • Cristina S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Blue Mound State Park Campground

    Clean and Modern

    Campsites, trails and facilities were immaculate. Staff was friendly. drive in and hike in sites available. great for families; trails have info markers to educate hikers on geology and flora of area. Drive in campsites had fire rings and picnic tables, vault toilets available.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    Def do not recommend for summer 2024!

    I wanted so badly to love this campground experience, but just didn't. Site 19 was an easy walk-in that theoretically had nearby vault toilets, parking, and water.

    Each site only had space for one car to park before walking in. Not a huge deal, but annoying as there were 2 of us who drove separate and we had to problem solve. When we got to the site I was shocked to see that what was labeled as a tent site had literally NO flat space to actually set up a tent. Spacious site, but fully sloped.

    Also, what I would have loved to know, is that the vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction to build something new in that space. Construction that starts loudly each day at 7am. Honestly every site from about #35 down was affected by the noise because the construction is happening in the middle of the loop (and actually blocking some of the one-way road as well).

    The park in general was okay. Per the usual, the pet areas were lacking. No beach at all, just grass covered in goose poop and one cut out on the raised shore between tall grasses and foliage where a dog could potentially jump in. Certainly nowhere for a human to enjoy the water with their pups unfortunately.

  • Josh F.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Blue Mound State Park Campground

    Close to Madison, near Military Ridge Trail, Some sites are Far, Far Away

    I spent two nights in the campground at Blue Mound State Park. Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water. Both tent and RV/camper sites are on a typical one-way road pattern with a couple of loops there are plenty of sites with and without electricity. At the time I was there, the camp host sold high-quality hard wood for $5/bundle from a trailer on the honor system, so if you run out in the middle of the night, wood was easy to replenish. One of the park's highlights are lookout towers with views above the treetops, Unfortunately in 2020 both were closed, presumably because it would be difficult to keep a safe distance from others when on the stairs or while at the top. Pity, it'll be a reason to return. Still, there are several observation areas that are maintained well enough to keep the undergrowth from blocking the view of the Wisconsin River Valley nearly 15 miles to the north. This is where the "Blue Mound" name must come from, the hills at that distance did have a bluish cast to them.

    If you've read any of my other reviews you know what's next, my list of the best campsites. While I've visited several parks now that have "walk in" sites, with cars parked a minute or two from the campsite, about a dozen sites in Blue Mound State Park take "walk in" to a new level. Cars can drive to a barrier across the road, and the sites are a 10-15 minute walk downhill, The park provides ONE medium-sized cart (250 lb weight limit, 20-minute use limit) that I guess would be in high demand during load in and load out. (NOTE TO SELF, camp Thursday through Monday if going here, or arrive EARLY to get a cart). Most of these sites are quite sunny; 105 is nice and shady and private, 106 slightly shaded 109 and 110 are shaded, very close to one another and would be good for a group camp setup 111 is quite shady. There's water and toilets in the walk-in camp ground. You'd want to sip wood for campfires and cooking, the nearest source is a 15-minute walk uphill and back, and then if using the cart, you have to return it for another round trip.

    Back in the family campground where mortals and RVs park, I think the following are the nicest in terms of shade, level, size and privacy.

    42, 45, 47, 51, 64, 66, 69, 71, 73

  • Kim The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Wonderful cart in sites

    The cart in sites are fantastic at Wildcat Mountain! Each site is spacious with most heavily treed for shade. Each site has a nice large flat pad for a tent or two, fire ring, bench and picnic table. Proximity to potable water, vault or modern toilets and designated parking are all within 400 yards of all sites. 

    The park is located in the Kickapoo valley area where the driftless area is amazing to hike. You can kayak or tube down the river that is flanked by high limestone bluffs. The hiking trails are well maintained. There is also extensive horse trails, a beautiful outdoor ampitheater for viewing sunsets and access to the river right in the park. 

    The campers were respectful and quiet. Our campsite was fairly clean when we arrived. Contactless registration due to covid 19. That made getting set up quick and easy!  The cart provided was fairly big for less trips. I would happily camp here again!

  • Josh F.
    Dec. 29, 2020

    New Glarus State Park Campground

    Small, close to 2 busy roads - there are nicer options in Southern Wis.

    Throughout the summer of 2020, I camped at a number of Wisconsin state parks in the southern part of the state but hadn't gotten to camp at this one yet. While driving through the area I visited the park in December- photos won't show its summertime beauty but my walk through the park identified some ideal spots for camping. 

    The state park is open year-round, camping open May - October. The first thing I visited were the walk-in campsites. There is a loading zone parking lot with limited time parking. Access to the 14 walk-in sites is via a single trail with campsites on either side of the trail. There is a decrepit but functional pit toilet. All the walk-in sites have a picnic table and each is tucked off the trail into the woods.

    The downside to the walk-in sites is their proximity to a major highway. While walking through the campground I could easily hear the road noise. If I were looking to get away from civilization, or at least pretend to be far away from it all, that road noise would be a constant reminder that I wasn't. The further down the walk-in site trail I got, the closer I got to the highway and in fact, car headlights showed right up the trail as I was approaching the last set of campsites.

    When looking at a map and choosing a site, the walk-in campsites on the same side of the trail as the toilet are a little more private and secluded, and back up to expansive woods. The sites on the other side of the trail are nice but they are a little closer to the freeway and don't have as much forest coverage behind the campsites. The furthest walk-in site is at least a 4-minute (slightly downhill) walk from the parking lot. The centrally-located restroom is no more than 2 minutes from any of the walk-in campsites. Sites are between 40 and 1,000 feet from the walk-in loading zone.

    If walking to your campsite isn't your thing there is also a family campground with 17 drive-in (not drive through) sites located along a typical one-way paved road system. Unfortunately, this side of the state park is bordered by a different and only slightly less traveled road than the walk-in sites. Some campsites are sandwiched between the loop road and the main road, are lit by nighttime traffic headlights lights. As the campground road continues toward the group campground it veers away from the main road and offers a bit more privacy. These are the sites I'd select if I were to camp here.

    Of the group campsites, 55 and 56 are in a nicely wooded area with shade. 52 53 and 54 are in an open area with no shade. The family campground is serviced by two pit toilets centrally located to the campsites.

    Due to the very small size of this state park, lack of much to do except one hiking trail through it, and proximity to two main roads, I would not recommend the state park. There are many others in southern Wisconsin that have far more to offer. 

    Seriously, if you're looking for a Wisconsin state park in this neck of the woods, check out Yellowstone Lake or Blue Mound State Park instead. See my review of the latter for specific spots that would be awesome for tent camping.

  • Alex S.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Red Oak Campgrounds

    Great for car camping!

    This is our favorite campground for when we want to take trips to Devil’s Lake State Park! The campgrounds all vary in size, and many have a good amount of tree cover so you have some privacy from your neighbors. Every campsite has at least one picnic table and fire-pit. You can pull your car right up to the campsite. There is a store where you check in and you can buy fire wood and little odds and ends like bug spray or tent stakes. There is a pool that is really clean along with bathrooms and showers.

  • John W.
    Jul. 4, 2020

    Apple River Canyon

    Great first camping experience

    We tent camped at site 37. This site has a nice mix of shade and sun and the back had a water faucet. There is a trail that works it’s way through the back of the sites. The sites are a bit close together and separation is sometimes sparse. Restrooms are pits and well maintained stocked with TP. No showers on site. One loop of the tent sites are able to be reserved and the other loop is first come, first served. There are short trails with some steep climbs, not wide paths so bring bug spray and tick tools! The river that cuts through is small but picturesque. Picnic areas are plentiful near the water. Caught two tiny bass and a trout. No firewood on site, but multiple homes on the drive in had $5 self serve bundles for sale. This site is a dark skies site, so if it’s not overcast or full moon there is some good stargazing. AT&T cell service is mostly nonexistent in camp, but kicks in as you head out, so plan your research ahead of time. Attached are some shots of some sites from the road

  • Sarah W.
    Nov. 26, 2018

    New Glarus State Park Campground

    Nice weekend in the woods near Madison

    Note - this review is for the walk-up sites only This is our go-to campground when we decide we want to go camping with short notice. The park itself is neither very popular nor very interesting, so there are usually still sites available for reservation only a few days before your intended camping trip. The park itself isn't that interesting, but it is worth noting that it is located across the road from New Glarus Brewery. The brewery is an easy walk or bike ride from the walk-in campsites.

    We have camped at several of the walk-in sites. The sites are all located along the bike trail, and carts are available for transporting your gear which means you can bring more gear than you would bring backpacking. The walk-in sites have a good amount of space between each site, however the sites on the east side of the bike trail get less level the further you get from the parking lot. All sites are shaded and have fire pits and picnic tables. The sites on the west side of the trail are more level but closer to the trail, so you have less privacy from passers-by. Our personal favorite site is #19. It is the closest site to the parking lot on the east side of the trail, but you have to take a short foot-path off the main trail to get to the site and the site itself can't actually be seen from the trail or the parking lot. This makes it very quiet and private, but still not too far from your car. The campgrounds do have a lot of raccoons so it is nice to be within an easy walk of your vehicle if you would prefer to secure your food. Site 19 is also very level and spacious, with plenty of room for at least two good sized tents. You can hear some road noise in all of the walk-in sites due to the highway being near by, but it's buffered a bit by the woods so it is more of a white noise.

    The walk-ins have a vault toilet centrally located along the trail, and it has always been clean whenever we've camped there. A water spigot is also located centrally among the walk-in sites. You can take a short hike to the park's ampitheater from the walk-in sites, but they do not have programs very often.

Guide to Spring Green

Tent camping near Spring Green, Wisconsin offers several options on both state and county lands with varying levels of privacy and amenities. The region features rolling hills and hardwood forests alongside the Wisconsin River basin with elevations ranging from 740 to 1,230 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80°F during day with nighttime lows in the 50s, while spring and fall campers should prepare for temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night.

What to do

Bike trail access: New Glarus State Park Campground connects directly to the Sugar River Trail, making it convenient for cyclists. "It is a smaller state park camping wise. There is hiking and mountain bike trails available. With direct access to the Sugar River Trail and the town of New Glarus, it is a great location as an overnight stop or home base to explore," notes Phillip J.

Fishing opportunities: Blackhawk Memorial Park provides access to both lake and river fishing. The park features two boat launches for easy water access. While one camper noted that "the lake water is like green paint and the river is now brackish, but moving," the park remains popular with anglers.

Rock climbing: Devils Lake State Park Group Campground offers rock climbing options beyond hiking. "Went with an outdoor adventure class, views were beautiful, climbing was great! Campgrounds were clean and had easy access to water," reports camper AC S.

What campers like

Backpacking privacy: Backpack sites at Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites require short hikes but reward with solitude. "Back packing sites are 1/2-1 mile hike from parking lot. Great hike threw out the state park. 2 main lakes with great fishing is a plus. Lots to do for the whole family," according to Nick C.

Wooded walk-in sites: New Glarus State Park walk-in sites provide better seclusion than drive-up options. "The walk-in sites are spaced out well and heavily wooded. Perfect for a quick escape from city life," shares Shelagh R.

Group camping options: Hickory Ridge Group Camp at Governor Dodge State Park provides spacious areas for larger gatherings. One visitor described it as a "Nice family campground. Has a lot of amenities including shower."

What you should know

Highway noise factors: Some campgrounds experience significant road noise. At New Glarus, one camper warned, "These sites are right next to the highway and are subject to continuous, round the clock highway noise. The highway seems to be a regular truck route, with lots of semis driving by at all hours."

Bathroom facilities vary: Vault toilets are common but conditions differ between parks. At Blackhawk Memorial Park, facilities are basic with "Pit toilets/shelter/playground near the entrance," while at Governor Dodge, campers have "lots of access to pit toilets and water fountains from primary camping sites."

Reservation requirements: Most state parks require advance booking, especially for weekends. County parks like Blackhawk Memorial Park operate differently: "Site availability is first-come, first served (no reservations). Sites have picnic tables (in season) and fire pits."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Hickory Ridge Group Camp provides family-friendly facilities. "Spacious sites, lots of availability to swim and hike. Will definitely come back," notes Matthew O., making this a good option for families with children who need activity options.

Budget-friendly group sites: Devils Lake offers affordable group camping for multiple families. One visitor shared, "Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site."

Backpacking with kids: Governor Dodge backpacking sites can work for families despite the hike in. "Small spot on rough ground not too level for tents but still feasible. Great hiking. We did the lost canyon trail which is just stunning with bluffs, small water fall," reports Nick C.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Be prepared to level your RV at most area campgrounds. At New Glarus State Park Campground, campers noted that "the sites on the east side of the bike trail get less level the further you get from the parking lot," suggesting locations closer to the main facilities may be better for RVs.

Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Spring Green offer basic amenities for RVs. While electric hookups are available at some sites, full hookups are limited, and many parks are better suited for tent camping or smaller RVs rather than large rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Spring Green, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Spring Green, WI is Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Spring Green, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Spring Green, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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