Best Campgrounds near Thiensville, WI

Campgrounds surrounding Thiensville, Wisconsin provide a mix of state park, county park, and private camping facilities within a short drive. Notable options include Harrington Beach State Park Campground, offering tent, RV, and cabin sites along Lake Michigan about 20 miles northeast of Thiensville, and Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks, located 15 miles southwest with tent and RV camping in a wooded setting. The Kettle Moraine State Forest, with multiple campground units including Pike Lake and Ottawa Lake, provides additional camping within 30 miles, featuring both tent and RV sites in glacial terrain.

Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with a few remaining open year-round. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. Pike Lake Campground typically operates from early April to the third weekend in October, while Harrington Beach State Park is available from the first Wednesday in May until the last weekend in October. Amenities vary significantly between locations, with most offering drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables, while electric hookups are available at select sites. "Great park with swimming beach, trails, dog park, and archery range. Campsites were ok, not much separation or privacy at all," noted one visitor about Menomonee Park.

Several visitors highlight recreational opportunities as a key factor when selecting campgrounds in the area. Menomonee Park receives positive reviews for its hiking trails, swimming beach, and bicycle rentals. According to campers, "The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing." Site privacy varies considerably across the region, with some campgrounds offering more separation between sites than others. Campground atmosphere also differs significantly - Wisconsin State Fair RV Park provides convenient urban access but is described by visitors as "basically a large parking lot with a band of grass," while state parks like Kohler-Andrae and the Kettle Moraine units offer more natural settings with greater tree cover and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Best Camping Sites Near Thiensville, Wisconsin (66)

    1. Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit

    18 Reviews
    Slinger, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 670-3400

    "North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."

    "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. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."

    2. Harrington Beach State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Belgium, WI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 285-3015

    "This was our first time camping in Wisconsin and we got to say we absolutely love this park. Most of the sites are pretty secluded so if you enjoy your privacy I will love this place."

    "Large dune-like area behind us that gave us something to look at, but helped maintain privacy. The lake was a short bike ride from our site, and we enjoyed walking the beach and attached trails."

    3. Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    7 Reviews
    Menomonee Falls, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."

    "There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."

    4. Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit-Iansr

    43 Reviews
    Campbellsport, WI
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $28 / night

    "Mauthe Lake Campground is located in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest in East/Centreal Wisconsin."

    "Mauthor Lake is a beautiful state park in Wisconsin. Good for biking, hiking, swimming and fishing. Sites are fairly wooded and private. Most of them seemed to be a decent size."

    5. Wisconsin State Fair RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Wauwatosa, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (414) 266-7035

    $55 / night

    "So we just use that because no one was there. 1.7 miles on bike path to Brewer Baseball field. It was raining to we used Uber to the game and walked back for an afternoon game."

    "Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient."

    6. Kohler-Andrae State Park

    45 Reviews
    Oostburg, WI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (920) 451-4080

    "We were in route to visiting Green Bay Wisconsin and found this campground on Lake Michigan."

    "About 20 minutes from Sheboygan, WI and 2 hours from Chicago, IL, Kohler-Andrae State Park Campground, is a few minutes drive or walk from Lake Michigan."

    7. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    39 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."

    "Made my first visit to Ottawa Lake on a mid-March weekend. The facilities were still under their winter setup (only vault toilet, no shower available, pay in an envelope)."

    8. Lazy Days

    5 Reviews
    West Bend, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 675-6511

    $31 - $43 / night

    "Swimming lake was very warm and clean. Fishing was available. Very affordable canoe kayak rentals. Mini golf and a little store where if you need it they have it."

    9. Lake Lenwood Beach and Campground

    5 Reviews
    West Bend, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 334-1335

    10. Cliffside Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Caledonia, WI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 886-8440

    $32 - $35 / night

    "We were also pleasantly surprise when found out about the close by trail - short trail beginner friendly ravine geography. Very beautiful view of the lake from the top of the cliff."

    "Month Stayed: September Site: gravel and level Spacing: very close to others Cleanliness: very clean Surrounding: trees throughout, playgrounds, nice bathrooms Noise: some noise due to closeness Access"

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Recent Reviews near Thiensville, WI

479 Reviews of 66 Thiensville 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.

  • 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.

  • MarkDaShark99
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Long Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit-Iansr

    Beach test positive for ecoli 2x this year.

    If you stay here do not swim.  They have 2 beaches, they test one for ecoli and close it but leave the other one open because they don't have to test both. It's 50 feet away.  If you don't test, it can't be bad.  How stupid.  They rake goose dumplings into the sand.  Who is managing this place? Camping is fine.  Stay off the beach it's not safe.

  • 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

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Fon du Lac County Waupun Park

    Oak/hickory forest

    The campground is in a beautiful oak/hickory forest with many birds, chipmunks and skeeters(pack protection). We stayed on site 22 which was a nine minute walk from the toilet and had a street light. There are water spigots throughout. Site 21 or 23 would be better. The sites are large and the ones on the outside of the loop are very private. The campground was quiet, especially after dark! There is a train horn occasionally, but it’s distant. The showers were hot and clean. The playground was fun. There is a pickle ball court, so bring paddles. There is also a walking trail.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fon du Lac County Waupun Park

    Peaceful wooded camping

    Quiet level throughout. Spots for a couple tents and a camper at each site. Disc golf and a small fishing area. Golf course right next-door so close you could walk to. Most of the sites were in a wooded area, which gives you some privacy. Only downfall for us was distance to the restroom as there’s only one so if you’re in the back of the campground, you gotta walk all the way upfront.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Waupun Park Campground

    Waupun County Park WI - Campground

    Family friendly campground, playgrounds, pickle ball court, showers, clean bathrooms, fire rings, shared water spigots & power at camp site. There is an outdoor pavilion for groups, firewood for sale at host. Lamp posts light camp road but not overwhelming. Nice shaded sites with mature white oak trees. Enjoyed and recommend if looking for full service campsite.

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Circle K Campground

    Horrid management, bad experience

    Management (owners Ed and Coleen) are two of the rudest people I have ever met, with Ed fabricating outrageous, completely inaccurate stories highlighting either his "heroics" (like when his personal fire truck he has was working people would call him before 911) but more often how he has been slighted because of other's inadequacies (local grocery store doesn't like him because "his campers buy all their food leaving none for the locals), and also falsities behind his rules (the U.S. Postmaster does not allow anyone else's packages/mail to be delivered to the campground).  They are completely intolerant of kids/teenagers (and, heresay from conversations with seasonal residents, special needs kids) - rules for use of the pool is that it is open after a certain time and if the air temp is above a certain level - we personally witnessed 3 young teens ask to get into the pool an hour after the pool should've been open and it was 5 degrees over Ed's stated temp, but no one else was using the pool and Ed turned them away - told them to swim in the cesspool... I mean, pond.

    Ed constantly creates new rules on a whim and is exceedingly selective (read: biased) for whom those rules are enforced. If you have a problem with the campsite (water, electricity, dead trees, ground hornets, you name it) - it is because YOU did something wrong, and if you disagree he will harass you to no end and may even kick you out. Some of the seasonal campers are nice, others (those "in" with the owners) are not. I would not recommend this campground to anyone unless/until it is under new ownership.


Guide to Thiensville

Camping near Thiensville, Wisconsin, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Enjoy scenic trails at Kohler-Andrae State Park. One visitor mentioned, "There are nice trails around the campground, and some of them even allow dogs."
  • Fishing: Head to Mauthe Lake Campground for great fishing opportunities. A reviewer shared, "We spent most of our time fishing at Long Lake, which we liked much better."
  • Beach Activities: Relax at the beach area of Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park. One camper noted, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Kohler-Andrae State Park stated, "We found them to be consistently well maintained, clean, free showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Cliffside Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were clean, grass was trimmed, plenty of trees for shade."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Mauthe Lake Campground said, "The hosts were wonderful and the park is clean and very well-maintained."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park noted, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets. A camper at Harrington Beach State Park mentioned, "The campground does not have a store, but sells firewood."
  • Water Quality: Some lakes may not be ideal for swimming. A reviewer at Sunrise Campground said, "The water remained pretty shallow so it was more of a place for kids to splash around in than for swimming."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and trails. A parent at Ottawa Lake Campground shared, "Family friendly (parks, beach, pet friendly)."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A visitor at Pinewoods Campground mentioned, "The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A camper at Sunset Campground noted, "It was also super buggy with mosquitoes in both campgrounds."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Kettle Moraine North Mauthe Lake said, "We paid $40/night for an electric (30amp) site because we needed to run the a/c."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Cliffside Park Campground mentioned, "Spacing: very close to others."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations for convenience. A visitor at Harrington Beach State Park noted, "The sites are gravel but very unlevel. To level my 35-foot motor home my rear tires had to come off the ground by at least 6 inches."

Camping near Thiensville, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With a mix of activities, clean facilities, and friendly staff, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Thiensville, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thiensville, WI is Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.