Most campers visiting Thiensville find seasonal accommodation between April and October, with many parks closing during Wisconsin's winter months when temperatures average 10-20°F. Pike Lake Campground offers electric-only sites accessible from early April through mid-October, while Naga-Waukee Park maintains camping operations from April 1st through November 4th. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels that contribute to mosquito activity in wooded camping areas.
What to do
Beach activities and swimming: Naga-Waukee Park features a groomed beach with seasonal lifeguards and nearby playground facilities. One visitor noted, "Nice place to relax...nice quiet place to take kids to swim. Beach is clean and there are trees for shade and grills to cook."
Hiking on historic trails: Pike Lake Campground connects directly to the Ice Age Trail with varying trail lengths suitable for different hiking abilities. A camper shared, "Hiking is great beginner trails within the park and connects to the IAT (Ice Age Trail). Bike trail now connects to the campground making biking to Pike Lake possible."
Water recreation on motorless lakes: Mauthe Lake Campground offers paddling opportunities on a quiet lake with no motorboats allowed. A reviewer mentioned, "The lake itself is great for canoeing or kayaking. I would highly recommend visiting."
Outdoor entertainment options: River Bend RV Resort provides structured recreation for families including "four wheel bikes to take out, jumping balloon, pool with multiple water slides, pond with blow up floating slides and climbing activities, canoes, a bar and restaurant, mini golf, frisbee golf, live music some weekends."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Cliffside Park Campground receives high marks for spaciousness and natural surroundings. A camper noted, "All sites are spacious with their own power and water. Sites 1-41 are available for first come if not previously reserved. It's nice that all sites are grass, although there are many sites with little shade."
Clean facilities: Harrington Beach State Park maintains well-kept washrooms and shower facilities. A visitor reported, "Everything was clean and updated including the bathrooms. The campsites are about a mile or two from Lake Michigan but it is an easy drive or hike as there are many trails that go through the park."
Lake views and sunsets: Mauthe Lake Campground impresses campers with its scenic water views. A camper shared, "Very nice, clean and quiet campground...also the most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July."
Proximity to Milwaukee attractions: The Wisconsin State Fair RV Park serves as a convenient base for exploring Milwaukee. A reviewer commented, "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."
What you should know
Limited shade in some parks: Harrington Beach State Park faced tree removal issues affecting sun exposure. A visitor warned, "This is a nice little campground but they had to cut down most of the trees due to the emerald ash borrer. when the sun is out it gets HOT."
Weekend noise considerations: River Bend RV Resort experiences increased activity during peak periods. One camper reported, "At night all the kids drive around in golf carts with crazy light effects blaring rap music. And some adults as well. Overall it's a very friendly family environment but for me a bit busy."
Limited pet access at some locations: Restrictions exist for dogs at certain parks. A camper at Harrington Beach noted, "Beach is nice but the area they claim is for people with pets is a long walk and the beach no longer exists as the lake has washed it away. Pet beach is just really slippery rock which is very dangerous for the pet owners and pets alike."
Reservation timing strategy: Demand exceeds capacity during summer months at most rv parks near Thiensville, Wisconsin. A visitor to Wisconsin State Fair RV Park explained, "Summer months May through April you do have to book 2 nights minimum. That was a little annoying as it already seemed high price of $60 per night."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused resorts for kids: River Bend RV Resort specializes in family entertainment options. A camper described it as "a young kids heaven. Tons of activities! All included with admission etc... four wheel bikes to take out, jumping balloon, pool with multiple water slides, pond with blow up floating slides and climbing activities."
Playground access: Naga-Waukee Park combines beach facilities with play equipment. A visitor noted, "The beach on the shores of Lake Nagawicka is well-groomed, clean, has a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot."
Educational opportunities: Pike Lake Campground offers interpretive trails for children. A camper recommended, "Be sure to check out the interpretive astronomy trail and take the walk up Powder Hill to the tower!"
Site selection for play space: Cliffside Park offers sites suitable for children to play. One camper advised, "Flat sites with electric and water at each site. Well taken care of grounds. Nice bathrooms with clean showers."
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Plymouth Rock Camping Resort presents layout challenges for some RVers. A camper advised, "The park is mostly seasonal and the short term sites are literally over a mile of tight, windy road to get to them. Once there the sites are ok."
Utility connections planning: Wisconsin State Fair RV Park requires awareness of electrical connections. A visitor shared, "Really Great City Park...Pros: LOCATION, Good wifi, great signal, friendly staff, lots of washers and dryers with a change machine, will accept and hold packages for guests."
Reservation system issues: Some parks have reservation inconsistencies. A camper at Wisconsin State Fair RV Park reported, "The automated site selection process, which many have mentioned, is frustrating. I received six emails between Mar-Jun indicating they switched my spot. I noticed they placed a lot of large fifth wheels in tiny back in spaces when plenty pull throughs were available."
Seasonal services: Mauthe Lake offers electric sites with accessible facilities. A camper noted, "Campground facilities are clean, 30 amp at the electrical site worked perfectly. Other campers amazingly friendly."
