Best Campgrounds near Stoughton, WI

Camping opportunities near Stoughton, Wisconsin include several established campgrounds suitable for various camping styles. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground provides wooded sites for tent and RV camping with both electric and non-electric options, while Badgerland Campground offers additional amenities for RVs. These developed areas are complemented by William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground in nearby Madison and Milton-Madison SE KOA in Milton, creating a network of options within a 15-mile radius of Stoughton.

Seasonal considerations affect site availability throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating from mid-April through October. Lake Kegonsa State Park remains open year-round, though amenities may be limited in winter. "The park is slightly off the beaten path. As long as you have a state sticker or are a resident, the cost of the campground is $27," noted one visitor regarding access. Campers should be aware of potential summer algae blooms that occasionally affect water recreation at Lake Kegonsa. The mosquito population can be significant during summer months, particularly in wooded areas. Cell service is generally reliable at most established campgrounds, with both ATT and Verizon signals reported as adequate.

Many sites at Lake Kegonsa State Park feature natural separation between campsites, providing privacy in a wooded setting. A reviewer mentioned that "the campsites are a decent size with most of them offering pretty good privacy. There is a great beach for people and another really nice one for dogs." Several visitors highlighted the park's hiking trails, which range from short loops to longer routes suitable for various activity levels. Campground amenities vary across the region, with most established sites offering fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms. Shower facilities are available at the larger campgrounds, though quality and maintenance can be inconsistent. Lake access represents a key attraction for many visitors, with boat launches available at several locations. Train noise has been reported as a potential disruption at Lake Kegonsa State Park, with railroad tracks running near the campground.

Best Camping Sites Near Stoughton, Wisconsin (110)

    1. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 873-9695

    "Just a quick 2 hour drive from our home in Chicago, with large wooded sites for privacy. Clean bathrooms."

    "We didn’t have much time to explore the campground but we did have a nice walk around the outer loop of sites. This is near the main highway and a nice place to camp."

    2. William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground (Dane County Park)

    17 Reviews
    Madison, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $18 - $28 / night

    "With the rain and the proliferation of mosquitoes, we were wandering around southern Wisconsin without a plan when we stumbled across this county park. 50 sites, many with electric and very reasonably"

    "No water on sites but spigots located throughout the park. Dump station right at the entrance but there's plenty of room to maneuver around there. Could get congested if busy."

    3. Milton-Madison SE KOA

    18 Reviews
    Edgerton, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 868-4141

    "No enclosed dog park but plenty of area to walk your dog!"

    "Driving around, I really don't think there's a bad spot here. The staff is fantastic, friendly, and accommodating- as are the seasonal campers.

    We'll be back again...and again... and again!"

    4. Badgerland Campground

    8 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 873-5800

    $40 - $60 / night

    "We booked in VIP 1, which is right next to the bath house. We wanted to be close to the showers (coin op). We figured since we’re at a sporting event that might be nice. Very quiet at night."

    "This is a small campground near Madison. Reasonable rates. Large VIP drive through sites. Small swimming area. Catch and release pond. Small office and bar. Clean bathrooms and showers."

    5. Hickory Hills Campground

    12 Reviews
    Edgerton, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 884-6327

    $42 / night

    "Our site was nicely wooded and a decent size, but everyone was pretty close to each other. When we were there, the women's shower was freezing and the men's was almost uncomfortably hot."

    "Hidden from site, the entire grounds are completely surrounded by a very thick wall of tall trees that barricades this place from most of civilization."

    6. Babcock County Park (Dane County Parks)

    5 Reviews
    Madison, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $28 / night

    "Nice trails in the area and good fishing. Convenience to everything you could need in Madison. You can walk or run down a couple of quiet streets and get to a river trail that goes for miles."

    7. Creekview RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Edgerton, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 921-8354

    "Right off i90, and next to fuel and food stops. Family run campground with 40 sites that have water and electric. They are cash or check only, with no online booking. Sites are snug."

    8. Lakeland Camping Resort

    7 Reviews
    Milton, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We came to this area to do some genealogical work and needed to be situated between Madison and Beloit. Good location for that."

    "Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have"

    9. Mendota County Park

    10 Reviews
    Middleton, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $28 / night

    "Like other reviewers have stated, be prepared to be close to others. We didn’t mind at all and found everyone to be super nice."

    "Nice little campground right on Lake Mendota. 29 sites available with electric, but bring an extension cords!! Some sites electric is close by, others not so much!"

    10. Token Creek County Park

    11 Reviews
    Windsor, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    "Small campground, but you play disc golf and lovely trails! So close to get away from the city."

    "Near the highway and airport makes for quick access but it can get noisy. It can also get very quiet and peaceful. Lots of hiking trails and a boardwalk."

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Recent Reviews near Stoughton, WI

901 Reviews of 110 Stoughton Campgrounds


  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Derge County Park

    Beautiful mature oaks

    The campground is near Beaver Dam lake and you get a pass to the boat landing with the camping fee. The sites are clearly marked and level. Some have more shade than others, the descriptions at reservation are accurate. Site 4 has nice grass and plenty of trees along the back. The site sizes are adequate but there isn’t much room between sites. Overall the campground was quiet, except for a few RVs running things all night. It was not dark, the RVs keep their lights on all night and there isn’t enough foliage to block it. We are the only pop up here, there are no tents. The space certainly allows grass for tents, I think the culture is just a little different. The shower house is clean, but showers only have a curtain and a central drain in the building means the toilet stall floors get wet too. There is a small playground and a GaGa ball pit. Overall, this is a well kept campground and perfect for spending a night on the way to somewhere. There isn’t much draw for a longer stay.

  • P
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Sleepy Dragon Campground

    Camping

    In 2024 just before Memorial Day, I needed to leave the campground I was in and started calling around for openings at private campgrounds. I was getting worried that it was not possible for me to find a site. I remembered ( light bulb moment) that Sleepy Dragon Campground may have openings. I called and was shocked to hear they still had openings for that weekend. Drove to the campground and set my sights on a pull through site. I enjoyed it so much decided to stay permanently. My original site was 120, then moved to 114, it’s a corner site. Has shade and sun at different times of the day. Large to medium camp sites, grassy, concreted if that’s what you like, plus electric and water at each site. Sewer at selected sites. Personally I came here as a child, back in the later 60’s to early 70’s. Changed owners a couple of times, now it is veteran owned, upgrades are being completed as time allows.

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    Nagawaukee County Park

    Site was clean and flat enough for my two person tent. Restrooms were porta-johns, but very clean. Plenty of free wood available for the fire.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Nice enough grounds, poorly maintained electric panels

    To be honest I thought this stay was going to be easy and the first couple days were. They didn’t have full hook up sites and we have a 50 amp rig… we used a dogbone to connect to the 30 amp site. It was fine for a bit but then we started to get surges. Our EMS protected the rig but ultimately we couldn’t use the power. Even with only running the fridge it continued to trip. We tried the one next to us and it gave us the reverse polarity code so we decided it would be best to just leave the following day. The grounds are well maintained and the owners are friendly… they mentioned some of their 30 amp sites will get converted to 50 next year so hopefully that helps but definitely frustrating to need to book another site and forfeit money on this one.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    way overpriced and not worth it

    cost at end of september, sunday night was $76/night PLUS $16 parking fee so $92 for a night at a mediocre campground with no privacy. i rarely write negative reviews, but ive been camping for a while now, and never experienced this high of a cost for just a regular campground.

  • Mark D.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    We had such an enjoyable time at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature at Ottawa Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this welcoming retreat offers lakeside fun, scenic hiking trails, the quiet beauty of a true Northwoods experience, all without a long drive.

    We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    https://youtu.be/xl4uAtNWclM

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.


Guide to Stoughton

Dispersed camping opportunities are limited near Stoughton, Wisconsin, which sits at an elevation of 873 feet in the glaciated terrain of southern Wisconsin. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the high 70s to mid-80s°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most camping options within a 15-mile radius of Stoughton are established campgrounds that require reservations, especially during peak season from late spring through early fall.

What to do

Fishing at multiple lakes: Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground offers fishing opportunities with many campers reporting success. "The park is adjacent to more than one crossing so if this will disturb you I recommend finding another place to camp," notes one visitor describing the train noise that occasionally interrupts the peaceful fishing atmosphere.

Geocaching adventures: Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground has several geocaches within the park boundaries. "There are several geocaches in the park, which adds a little fun, but they are in the woods, and the mosquitos are oblivious to the bug spray!" shares one visitor who tried this activity.

Biking on connected trails: William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground provides excellent cycling opportunities with direct trail connections. "There are many paths, one is a paved path leading into town which could be biked. The area around the camp is lovely and peaceful," explains a camper who enjoyed the proximity to Madison's extensive bike trail network.

Paddling options: Several lakes in the area offer water recreation opportunities. At Hickory Hills Campground, "you'll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie" while paddling Rice Lake, according to a visitor.

What campers like

Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the separation between sites at several area campgrounds. "Clean facilities, friendly staff, and great trails. No bugs!" reports a visitor to Lake Kegonsa State Park, highlighting the trail system alongside site privacy.

Dog-friendly beaches: Hickory Hills Campground offers dedicated pet areas. "The pedestrian beach is to rocky for my liking, but the dog beach is nice and sandy yet small. There is also a bit of a hike to get there. So if you take a cooler you may want a wagon," advises a camper who visited with their pet.

Weekend activities: Several campgrounds offer organized events. "We like the tractor ride through the campground for Halloween and have a blast at bingo! Super clean bathrooms and showers if you need them," shares a visitor at Badgerland Campground.

Proximity to Madison: Campers value the ability to enjoy both nature and urban amenities. "I decided that Saturday morning was a good time to hit the trail and head to farmers market. It's a pretty easy ride until you get right up to the square, then there was a big hill to bike up but overall the trail was very easy," describes a camper at William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground.

What you should know

Limited bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal restroom facilities. At Creekview RV Park, a camper noted, "There are exactly TWO unisex showers and FOUR unisex 'restrooms' (sink and toilet), with one shower and two restrooms currently 'closed.' The facilities are perfectly fine and clean, but that leaves one shower and two restrooms for the entire campground."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Stoughton, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Stoughton, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 110 campgrounds and RV parks near Stoughton, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Stoughton, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stoughton, WI is Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stoughton, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Stoughton, WI.