Camping options near Thiensville, Wisconsin range from lakeside sites to forested retreats within a 30-mile radius. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 700-900 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain from rolling hills to marshy lowlands. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, while summer camping season brings average highs of 80°F with occasional humidity spikes.
What to do
Hiking the Ice Age Trail: Multiple access points to this historic trail exist within 30 minutes of Thiensville. At Pike Lake Campground, the trail runs directly through backpacking sites. "A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. We picked one of the three backpacking sites that are along the Ice Age Trail and away from the other traditional sites close to the lake," notes one visitor.
Kayaking and swimming: The quarry lake at Menomonee Park offers both activities without motorboat traffic. "We stayed with a group of people here with no electricity but was able to use my generator during the day while camping in my pop-up. Hot shower, public lake to go kayaking in. Also they had bicycle rentals," reports a camper.
Wildlife viewing and astronomy: Several campgrounds offer night sky viewing opportunities. "Be sure to check out the interpretive astronomy trail and take the walk up Powder Hill to the tower!" advises a Pike Lake camper. The less developed areas of the region are home to deer, foxes, and numerous bird species.
What campers like
Private campsites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feel of certain sites. At Harrington Beach State Park, "Most of the sites are pretty secluded so if you enjoy your privacy I will love this place. Everything was clean and updated including the bathrooms." Another visitor noted they had "a nice private campsite that was completely wooded all around it."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high in camper satisfaction. "Bathrooms were super clean and showers are free. Very impressed and satisfied," reports a visitor to Cliffside Park Campground. Another mentions the park was "really well-maintained with a camp host on site."
Lake access: Water activities are a major draw. "Mauthe Lake-Kettle Moraine is a joy for campers. Located right on Mauthe Lake the campsites are separated by lush trees and bushes," shares one visitor about the lake experience. Another notes, "The lake is nice and the sites are good."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Reserve early for summer weekends as sites fill quickly. "We don't know how we got a last minute reservation to this campground, but I'm glad we did. Nice size site: 118," reports a Harrington Beach visitor, suggesting the rarity of spontaneous availability during peak season.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or attractions. At Ottawa Lake Campground, "The road noise is absolutely noticeable. It was incredibly loud when we drove through the loop closest to the highway and was significantly better even just one section over."
Water quality issues: Be aware of seasonal water conditions. One visitor noted, "The lake is great for swimming, though they do have e coli warnings frequently in the heat of summer." At another location, a visitor mentioned "warnings of swimmers itch" at the swimming area.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Choose sites with natural play features. "Kids had a great time exploring climbing on a little rock wall that was back there," reports a Pike Lake visitor about their backpacking site experience.
Activities for multiple age groups: Mauthe Lake Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids. Also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July," shares one visitor. Another adds, "Great clean sites and fishing. Many hiking trails."
Day trip options: Several cultural sites within driving distance provide alternative activities during inclement weather. "The campground is on the opposite side of the park from the lake, so driving or biking are the options to get from the campground to the water," notes one camper about navigation logistics with children.
Tips from RVers
Site specifics for larger rigs: Know which sites accommodate your vehicle size. At Cliffside Park, "All sites are spacious with their own power and water. Sites 1-41 are available for first come if not previously reserved." Another visitor adds, "Each of the 32 sites is unique in their own way. Some are large and flat perfect for a class A (#2 #4, #29 #31 is okay, but smaller)."
Urban access options: For those wanting to explore Milwaukee, the Wisconsin State Fair RV Park offers convenience despite limited amenities. "Perfect campground for what it is! Big paved parking lot with full hookups. Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient."
Hookup considerations: Water access varies between campgrounds. At Cliffside Park, "Each site has water but in order to reach some of the spigots you would need more than a 50' water hose so choose your site with that in mind."
