Best Campgrounds near Wales, WI

The glacial terrain surrounding Wales, Wisconsin features several established campgrounds within the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, offering diverse camping experiences within a 30-minute drive. Ottawa Lake Campground and Pinewoods Campground stand as popular destinations, with Ottawa Lake providing year-round access and Pinewoods operating seasonally from May through October. Both campgrounds accommodate tent and RV camping with electric hookups, while Ottawa Lake also offers cabin options. The Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest encompasses multiple camping areas with varying levels of privacy and amenities, from primitive backpacking sites to developed family campgrounds. Several Waukesha County Parks, including Naga-Waukee, Mukwonago, and Muskego, provide additional camping options within a short drive of Wales.

Reservations are essential during summer months when campgrounds frequently reach capacity, especially on weekends. Most sites in the region require advance booking through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reservation system, with booking windows opening 11 months in advance. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F and winter lows often below freezing. As one camper noted, "It got cold (cloudless late winter nights in Wisconsin can do that), but nothing you can't prepare for." Spring camping may encounter muddy conditions, while fall offers spectacular foliage. The Ice Age Trail passes through several campgrounds, providing hiking opportunities directly from campsites. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities including drinking water, vault or flush toilets, and fire rings.

Campers consistently praise the wooded privacy of sites throughout the Kettle Moraine system. "The campsites are large with lots of foliage for privacy. It's so pretty in the fall," reports one regular visitor to the Southern Unit. The proximity to lakes and hiking trails ranks as a primary attraction, with Ottawa Lake offering swimming and fishing opportunities. The Ice Age Trail connection receives frequent mention in reviews, with one camper noting it "made for an easy activity without much fuss." Quiet camping areas are available at Pinewoods Campground, where sites 1-36 are designated as 24-hour quiet zones with no music allowed. While most campgrounds provide showers and modern restrooms during peak season, facilities may be limited during winter months when only vault toilets remain available at year-round locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Wales, Wisconsin (90)

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

    39 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    7 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)."

    2. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    22 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    5 miles
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $30 / night

    "It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa LakeNearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "

    "Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."

    3. Kettle Moraine Southern Unit — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    10 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    5 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "You can walk over to an area that has hiking trails right out of the campsite. State park mountain biking trails are also close by, but you would need to drive to them."

    "Reservable backpacking sites about 45-60min away from nearest parking.

    Fire pit, shelter, and picnic table at site.

    Really enjoyed the hike through forest to get to this site."

    4. Kettle Moraine South Camping — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    12 Reviews
    Eagle, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6220

    "Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa.

    The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."

    "Whether you're in a tent or in a camper you can find just as much comfort as you're looking for. there's a lake with a swimming area if that's what you're looking for, not to mention a dock with great"

    5. Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Delafield, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Nestled in the heart of lake country (Waukesha County) and accessible from the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail, this county park is perfect for those just passing through or families looking for a"

    "Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it’s a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access."

    6. Mukwonago Park by Waukesha County Parks

    6 Reviews
    Mukwonago, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested."

    "Swim or fish in the lake, archery or huge picnic sites."

    7. Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Muskego, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."

    "I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in.

    This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."

    8. Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    7 Reviews
    Menomonee Falls, WI
    15 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."

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

    18 Reviews
    Slinger, WI
    22 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."

    10. KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site

    1 Review
    Eagle, WI
    7 miles
    Website

    "Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside. There is a fire pit, but we found our own wood around the site. (Bring a small axe)."

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Recent Reviews near Wales, WI

711 Reviews of 90 Wales Campgrounds


  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • 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.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lakeland Camping Resort

    Lakefront Fun

    As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have an RV. The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick’s Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson

    Nostalgic Campground

    As a mom, I can honestly say that Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is one of those rare campgrounds where the kids are entertained from morning till night and parents can actually relax a little too. The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours. Our campsite was clean and level, with options for full hookups or cozy cabins if you’d rather skip the RV, and the bathhouses were spotless, which is something I always look for. What I appreciated most was the balance: the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored, while my husband and I enjoyed sitting by the campfire or joining in on family activities like outdoor 'movies under the stars.' The campground store was well-stocked with snacks, s’mores supplies, and those 'oops, we forgot it' supplies, which saved us more than once. And while there’s plenty to do onsite, being near Lake Koshkonong and Fort Atkinson means you can easily slip away for a day of fishing, boating, or exploring. For me, the best part was watching my kids’ faces light up during the evening hayride, sticky with marshmallow, waving at Yogi like he was a celebrity that felt like the kind of wholesome, memory-making trip I hope they’ll look back on for years.

  • 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.


Guide to Wales

Camping near Wales, Wisconsin, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails available in the area. Campers have enjoyed the scenic photo opportunities, especially during the fall season at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."

  • Fishing: If you love fishing, you’ll find great spots at Kohler-Andrae State Park. A visitor shared, "Great fishing and day-camping experiences too."

  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at the beach areas. One camper at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park noted, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Kettle Moraine North - Mauthe Lake said, "Showers were nice. We spent most of our time fishing at Long Lake, which we liked much better."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A reviewer at Ottawa Lake Campground mentioned, "These sites are separated by plenty of vegetation giving you good privacy."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds often have playgrounds and trails for kids. One camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, "Nice playground for kids. Volleyball nets. Lots of picnic tables and grills available."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: It’s best to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground mentioned, "The office was empty when we arrived. The way to get a site is through their website or calling."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have extensive amenities. A visitor at Harrington Beach State Park Campground said, "No water or sewer but does have a dump station."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially on weekends. A camper at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pinewoods noted, "You could hear a bit of road noise, especially motorcycles and heavy trucks, but nothing crazy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly sites with amenities. A camper at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park said, "Great environment for undisturbed relaxation."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "They have sites with electric and sites just for tents."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Kohler-Andrae State Park noted, "We paid $40/night for an electric (30amp) site because we needed to run the a/c."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your site has the right electrical hookups. A reviewer at Mauthe Lake Campground said, "The site that I stayed at was actually a teepee site and had a large-ish wooden platform."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: It’s always good to have extra supplies, just in case. A visitor at Sunset Campground noted, "Camping spots are nice, some of them bigger some are smaller."

Camping near Wales, Wisconsin, has its perks and quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Wales, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wales, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 39 reviews.