The Verona area offers several dispersed camping options within a 30-mile radius, ranging from state parks to county facilities in southwestern Wisconsin's unique driftless region. Elevations vary from 900-1700 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates. Winter camping availability varies significantly by location, with temperatures commonly dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Geocaching adventures: Lake Kegonsa State Park provides opportunities for geocaching enthusiasts with several caches hidden throughout the park. "I did get lost while geocaching. There are several geocaches in the park, which adds a little fun, but they are in the woods, and the mosquitos are oblivious to the bug spray!" notes a visitor to Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Blue Mound State Park features extensive trails for mountain biking through varied terrain. A camper mentioned that "There are a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. A swimming pool and picnic area. You're also conveniently located near a couple other state parks (Governor Dodge / Tower Hill) right on the Military Ridge State Trail (gravel / dirt rails to trails)."
Fishing with simple bait: Mendota County Park offers fishing access where success can come with unexpected bait. "The maintenance employee mentioned that people were catching fish with hot dogs!" according to a review of Mendota County Park.
Local brewery visits: Several campgrounds provide proximity to New Glarus Brewery. A visitor to New Glarus State Park Campground shared, "Someone living in Madison who is interested in trying out a bike camping trip would do well to practice biking to this campsite. It's about a 30-minute ride from downtown Madison and you could practice both your biking and tent gear."
What campers like
Swimming options: Yellowstone Lake State Park offers a dedicated beach area that campers enjoy. "What really makes this campground is the lake. There's a nice beach for kids and adults to relax at and lots of kayaks on the water," reports a visitor to Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground.
Elevated views: Brigham Park provides scenic overlooks that stand out among local camping options. "Cute little campground with a breathtaking view. The campground is situated on the smaller mound of bluemounds. A perfect place to star gaze or watch a storm roll in. You can see for miles and miles," according to a camper at Brigham Park.
Temperature regulation: Natural features at several campgrounds provide relief during hot weather. As one camper noted about Blue Mound, "The cool breeze rolls up over the mound at night, keeps you cool on your tent."
Convenient urban access: Campers appreciate proximity to Madison while still feeling removed from the city. A visitor to William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground remarked, "Wonderful grounds and right on a really nice walking/bike trail. Clean restrooms and grounds."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Sites at New Glarus State Park Campground have varying levels of seclusion. "The sites are all located along the bike trail, and carts are available for transporting your gear which means you can bring more gear than you would bring backpacking. The walk-in sites have a good amount of space between each site," explains a visitor.
Reservation timing matters: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. At Blue Mound State Park Campground, a camper advised, "If you have your choice, I would recommend sites 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20" for better privacy and shade.
Insect intensity: Bug activity varies by location and season throughout the region. One camper at Lake Kegonsa warned, "I think many of the locals know the bugs are bad and leave it for those of us from out of state to get eaten alive."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road or rail noise. A reviewer at William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground observed, "The park is adjacent to more than one crossing so if this will disturb you I recommend finding another place to camp."
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Some parks offer water play features beyond standard swimming. A visitor to Blue Mound State Park Campground shared, "The pool is very nice and very clean. There is a pool section and a splash section. There are chairs and lounges around both and shade awnings."
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. At Mendota County Park, a camper noted, "They have kayaks that looked like they could be rented but did not find information on how to do so. Basketball, Volleyball and a playground."
Group site advantages: Larger families benefit from specialized group areas. At Yellowstone Lake State Park, a camper reported, "Biggest pro from the group was being secluded from the other sites and rarely hearing other sites."
Cave explorations: Nearby attractions include caves with family-friendly tours. "The caves are incredibly well maintained and organized with fun themed tours. Our theme was Halloween so we could purchase 'Trick or Treat' bags and collected cool rocks in the caves handed out by employees along the tour," shared a Blue Mound visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Power access points vary widely between sites. A reviewer at Badgerland Campground advised, "The power box is located at the very end of the camper pad, but extension cords are available from the camp host."
Low clearance warnings: Some access points present hazards for taller RVs. A camper at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground warned, "Major CAUTION for RVs: 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."
Site leveling challenges: The driftless region's rolling topography affects site conditions. As one visitor to Yellowstone Lake State Park noted, "If camping with a trailer or RV check to make sure you will get a campsite that is level enough for your vehicle. Lots of the campsites are uneven and larger vehicles may have issues getting level."
Dump station access: Some parks have congestion points around waste disposal. A reviewer at William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground observed, "The one road can get congested when you are waiting for the dump station."
