Tent Camping near Spring Green, WI

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.