Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground sits at an elevation of 860 feet in Wisconsin's eastern glacial plains region. The park experiences cold winters with temperatures often below freezing and warm, humid summers reaching into the 80s. The campground's terrain consists of gently rolling hills and oak savanna landscapes typical of this transitional zone between Wisconsin's northern forests and southern prairies.
What to do
Kayaking the Sugar River: Crazy Horse Campground offers free kayaks and a shuttle service to a drop-off point upstream, allowing for a 90-minute float back to camp. "We go for the kayaking and if you have a second vehicle you can continue on down river another eight miles which is approximately six hours to the next point that you can get out at," notes camper David H.
Fishing local lakes: Milton-Madison SE KOA provides easy access to Lake Koshkonong for anglers. "My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling," reports Maria Mercedes M. The nearby waters support various fish species including walleye, northern pike, and panfish.
Cross-country skiing: Winter camping options exist at Ottawa Lake Campground with groomed trails once snow falls. "No showers in winter but awesome," says camper David H. The Kettle Moraine trails transform into a winter wonderland with over 30 miles of maintained ski routes.
What campers like
Natural springs exploration: The Kettle Moraine area features accessible natural springs within hiking distance of campsites. "Hiking in the area is always nice, as it is part of the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit... Great Lake, hiking to see the natural springs which is the coolest!! Drank fresh spring water!" shares Autumn S.
Lake activities beyond swimming: Lakeland Camping Resort offers multiple water recreation options beyond standard beach swimming. "In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site," notes Maria Mercedes M.
Themed weekend events: Many area campgrounds host special events throughout the season. "They have activities every weekend. The Halloween weekend are fun," mentions Chris C. about Milton KOA. These organized activities often include hayrides, costume contests, and site decorating competitions.
What you should know
Low bridge hazards: Some access roads have dangerous low clearance areas that have damaged RVs. At Lake Kegonsa State Park, a camper warns: "There is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend's fifth wheel. There is also a low hanging overpass and it took the roofs off TWO fifth wheels while we were staying there."
Seasonal water conditions: Lake Koshkonong and other area lakes can experience seasonal changes affecting water recreation. "Half of camping sites closed due to flooding," reported one visitor to Lakeland Camping Resort. Water levels vary significantly between spring and late summer.
Noise considerations: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson offers extensive family activities but comes with higher noise levels. "The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours," writes Maria Mercedes M.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Several campgrounds offer specialized water attractions beyond natural swimming. "The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends," shares a visitor about Lakeland Camping Resort.
Pet-friendly beaches: For families camping with dogs, look for designated pet swimming areas. "The park includes a beach and boat launch to help you enjoy Lake Kegonsa. It was also pet friendly with pet trails and a pet beach of their own," notes a reviewer.
Adventure activities: Pilgrim's Campground offers simpler but still engaging family options. "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," shares Maria Mercedes M.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup variations: Sites differ significantly in electrical service reliability. At Pilgrim's Campground, a camper noted: "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."
Dump station logistics: Plan your departure timing carefully around dump station availability. "Upon leaving, we were in line at the dump station for about 40 minutes which was frustrating, and the road up to the dump station did not allow for cross traffic," warns a camper about Scenic Ridge Campground.
Seasonal site considerations: Many campgrounds near Stoughton combine temporary and permanent sites. "This is a family owned park with primarily seasonal spots. Everyone has had free reign to decorate or add stuff at will. Some are nice sites and some are a dilapidated mess," notes Cheryl W. about Scenic Ridge Campground.
