Tent camping near Sun Prairie, Wisconsin offers diverse experiences from oak savannas to riverside retreats. The terrain around this central Wisconsin area features glacial landforms with kettles, moraines, and drumlins shaped by prehistoric ice flows. Camping elevations range from 850-1100 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails access: At Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites, backpackers can reach secluded sites with a half-mile to mile hike from parking areas. "Great hike threw out the state park. 2 main lakes with great fishing is a plus. Lots to do for the whole family," notes a camper who appreciated the trail system.
Brewery visits: The camping area near New Glarus State Park Campground provides easy access to New Glarus Brewery. "It's about a mile and half away. The park is simple," explains a reviewer. Another adds, "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."
Water activities: Several tent sites provide lake access for fishing and paddling. "There is a beach and camp store/concession stand (south) a short drive or longer walk away. At this area you can rent paddle boards, Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats," explains a camper who visited Devils Lake's group sites.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Walk-in sites typically offer more seclusion. At Devils Lake State Park Group Campground, "The group sites are well spaced out from each other and offer pit toilets and full bathroom facilities with sinks, toilets and showers within walking distance from all sites." Backpackers at KMSF Shelter 1 note: "It's very secluded for privacy. We will definitely be back."
Trail proximity: Many tent sites connect directly to recreational paths. One camper described their experience: "The walk-in sites 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."
Group accommodations: The Sun Prairie area offers several options for larger gatherings. One visitor to Hickory Ridge Group Camp noted: "Spacious sites, lots of availability to swim and hike. Will definitely come back." Another camper at Devils Lake mentioned: "Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site."
What you should know
Site terrain challenges: Not all tent pads are equally level. At KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site, "Great backpack camp site. Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside." Other campers note that sites on the east side of trails "get less level the further you get from the parking lot."
Bathroom facilities vary: Prepare for different bathroom setups across campgrounds. "The walk-ins have a vault toilet centrally located along the trail... A water spigot is also located centrally among the walk-in sites," explains one camper at New Glarus. Another notes, "The outhouses are in need of some TLC or just a once through with a leaf blower."
Weather considerations: Tent camping experiences change dramatically with the seasons. At Sandhill Station, one camper advised: "I do believe these would be lovely sites in the fall or Spring" while another specified, "I wouldn't go in the middle of summer, due to the limited shade, but it was very nice in early fall."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Multiple reviewers mention family-friendly features at different campgrounds. "The playground was great. We spent the day exploring our Swiss heritage in New Glarus," reports one family. Another adds that Governor Dodge has "plenty of privacy and an easy hike" for families with children.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on your family's specific needs. "Site 19 is also very level and spacious, with plenty of room for at least two good sized tents," notes a camper describing New Glarus. For families with small children, consider proximity to facilities: "You can take a short hike to the park's ampitheater from the walk-in sites."
Wildlife awareness: Snug Harbor Inn Campground and other locations may have unexpected wildlife visitors. One Devils Lake camper noted: "The birds near the group camp are cool, but can also sound like a large pack of dinosaurs squawking at each other...very loud." Other campers mention raccoons visiting sites, so secure food properly.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: While most tent-focused campgrounds near Sun Prairie limit RV access, some offer mixed accommodations. "There are drive-up sites, walk-in sites and a group campground. The drive-up sites are next to the road so you do hear cars all night/day and it is a tiny space so voices carry," explains a camper about New Glarus.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. One RVer notes: "The 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."
