Best Cabin Camping near Watertown, WI

I drove through this state park to find some great campsites for future camping; I haven't actually stayed here yet.

The purpose of sharing the following is that is difficult to figure out what are nice sites from the online reservation site. For anyone who is interested in camping here, the following sites, in my opinion, are the best campsites in terms of shade, not being flooded during a rain and privacy.

There are several camping areas in this state park, I found the most appealing sites in the Pine Woods area because it has no electricity, is a 24-hour quiet area and no pets allowed. The sites in this area generally have long driveways, more "privacy" than I've seen in many State Parks campgrounds and generous space between sites. I don't think there is a lousy site in this loop but my favorites are the following.

4

7 very private 

10 pull-through driveway 

11 private, long driveway 

12 awesome, large, private, long driveway 

14 private, long driveway 

19 a bed of pine needles to sleep on 

33 level, pine needles, room for two tents

Unless you knew of Hickory Hills Campground, you wouldn’t happen across this site by luck or accident. While technically within the small itty bitty town of Edgerton, Hickory Hills is located far enough north and east for one to scratch their head in a bit of abject confusion. Located due east of the major highway of 39/90, as you are barreling north or south in the south-central area of Wisconsin, you would have to exit off State Highway 73, where you see signs for the small hamlet of Albion, from which you’ll head north a smidge, until you catch State Highway 106 east until you run into an intersection with Hillside Road, where you’ll head north for about a few miles until you come across Hickory Hills Campground on your right.

Directions aside, this campground will immediately feel to you as though it is certainly dated as you’ll discover that the buildings and overall infrastructure are a bit dilapidated and definitely in needed of repair. That said, the thickly wooded forest that encircles this campground creates a sense of peace and serenity that are unmatched. Plus, you are so far away from the major highway you likely just got off of, in addition to being so far away from any signs of civilization, you’ll feel completely burrowed away from all the noise, traffic and distractions you were eagerly trying to leave in the first place.

As for the campground itself, this is an update from my previous post, where I wanted to share an update as well as some additional photos. For the most part, despite 2+ years passing since writing my initial review, not much has changed here apart from brand new management, where you’ll still enjoy a smattering of overnight accommodations, whether that’s a cottage, bunk hose, smartly outfitted cabins, substantial number of back-in and pull-through RV slots (complete with the standard electric, water and sewage hook-ups) as well as primitive tent camping spots. Other amenities include: campground store, 172 acre spring-fed lake with its own beachhead, oversized inflatables, mini-golf, shuffleboard, fully-stocked snack bar, swimming pool, rowboat & canoe rentals, athletic field, basketball courts, sand volleyball court, dedicated fishing spots, shower & restroom facilities, horseshoe pits, Gaga pit, playgrounds, space ball, water wars and a massive jumping pillow.

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking to get your fishing on, what’s great about Hickory Hills Campground is that they provide you direct access to Rice Lake, where you’ll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie; (2) Once you grow tired of conjuring up that next meal from your roto-molded Cordova cooler or onboard RV mini-fridge, I’ll be honest, you might be challenged as you are clear out in the middle of nowhere, but that said, if you don’t mind a short drive, head east where you’ll find Outpost, which sits right on Lake Koshkonong and offers up a stunning log cabin wooden bar offering a sublime selection of local, domestic and import beers on tap, a well-stocked liquor bar and a typical Wisconsin food-shilling restaurant offering up bites like duck bacon wontons, ultimate grilled cheese, where you’ll want to splurge and get it with bacon and tomato, as well as some decently smoked brisket; (3) If you’d like a nice slice of old school Americana while you are in these parts, head on over to Little Amerricka Amusement Park that will keep your kiddos entertained and off the smart phones for at least 2-3 hours as they will enjoy this retro-1950s amusement theme park; and (4) Should you elect to learn a bit of local history, head on over to either Milton House Museum or Stoughton Historical Museum, both of which will make you more educated on the place you happen to be in than most of the folks here.

Happy Camping!

Conveniently located next to absolutely nothing just due northwest of Fort Atkinson, you’ll love Pilgrim’s Campground for its successful delivery of (capital letters) P&Q! What I love most about this location is how they keep all the RV campers penned in up against the slight diagonal embankment, which actually provides some pretty phenomenal views of the surrounding areas (if not your next door neighbors) as well as excellent drainage and subsequently separated from the primitive TV campsites. These latter sites are placed just due southwest of the grounds and are pitched perfectly in a tree-lined meadow, encircled by freshly cut corn fields, where you’ll find no shortage of amazing animals coming to graze throughout the day (and night) from deer, raccoons, opossums and endless tag teams of squirrels. 

Because there isn’t so much around, be prepared to bring everything with you (save ice and wood, which is sold on-site). While the bathroom / shower facilities are just passable, what you are giving up in terms of creature comforts is more than made up for in the sheer proximity to all of nature. During the warm summer months, there’s a small in-ground pool on-site, which sits right in front of the main office. All of the standard camping surround-sound elements are here from fire rings and picnic tables to water, electrical (50 / 30 / 20 / 15 amp) and sewer hook-ups. In all, there’s about 100 sites here at Pilgrims Campground, with the lion’s share of this pet-friendly property dedicated to overnight and seasonal RV / 5th Wheelers offering both back-in and pull-through sites. 

Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you don’t mind some rough hiking, there’s fantastic ‘spazierengehen’ to be had just wandering around the countryside in the bountiful corn and bean fields or head over to nearby Dorothy Carnes County Park for some decent trails to explore; (2) In the event that you don’t like being awaken too early from all of the nearby roosters, then bring some ear plugs; (3) When you grow tired of having to forage through either your on-board RV mini-fridge or bear-proof Cordova roto-molded cooler, then look no further than ‘What’s the Point’ (no, seriously, that's the name of the restaurant!) for traditional Midwestern comfort food like corned beef & cabbage, fried fish, BBQ ribs and prime rib; (4) Should you come bearing watercraft and looking for a decent spot to dip your kayak or canoe at, then check out Rose Lake State Natural Area, which BTW is quite small, but very convenient, or try out much larger Red Cedar Lake or Lake Ripley; and (5) Cell coverage and WiFi is pretty horrific in these parts, so bring a booster or plan to leave civilization behind you. 

Happy Camping!

We liked this site because it was on the "quiet loop." No radios or pets allowed. I'm not sure about children! :) The sites are fairly close together and the trees are sparse, but it was a beautiful site and wonderfully quiet for the long weekend over the 4th of July 2017.

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. The showers were clean and when we used them, available. There is a playground right next to them as well.

The campsite itself had a good log-stopper so you wouldn't drive too far into the woods, great fire ring, and picnic table. We had nice flat areas for our tents.

I am not so sure I would have enjoyed myself if I'd been in another loop. The quiet was perfect!

We had a wooded site in the Sunset campground, mid-week.

The sites are rustic but nicely groomed with a tree line between most campsites, although almost none of the spots had occupants. The camp hosts were very nice and very communicative about all the happenings. Picnic table and fire pit included. Long enough drive in for RVs. But enough grass for tenting. Not many trees available for clothes lines.

Unfortunately, we might have had bad timing. The beach was closed due to high levels of bacteria. The pit toilets closest to us were also closed due to a bee hive being found so we ended up driving to the flush toilets if there was any urgency but could walk if you wanted. We also picked a spot by the water fountain. The water was yellow from iron. It had just stormed so the bugs were bad and everything was wet. So mostly a series of unfortunate events but we still enjoyed our time.

Because this is a prairie, there is so much to look at! The hiking trails are great through prairie and woods. The sunrise over the prairie and the sunset colors of the sky were great.

Remember Yogi Bear? Yeah, my kids don't either. Well, for those of us that do, that’s just about how old (and outdated) this place is – and it’s obvious from the wear and tear of this campground, that it is in desperate need of a major refurbishment. From the weathered signs and fading mini golf course to the 70’s era bathroom amenities, you’ll find peeling paint, cracked sidewalks amidst this jungle-like maze chock full of RV’s (many of which look like they’ve enjoyed the cartoon fun so much that they’re digging in for the much anticipated sequels to show up someday soon!). 

Apart from the dilapidated conditions of the place, if you’re a parent, have young kids and want some quick, easy and cheap fun for the family, then this isn’t such a bad spot to check out. True to the Yogi Bear campground theme, you’ll find a bunch of kid-friendly activities and distractions, including two really good sized heated in-ground pools, water slides, splash pools, foam parties, aforementioned mini-golf, jumping pillow, fishing, dunk tank, ceramics & craft-making, wagon rides, skate park and all of the various cartoon character meet & greets along with 3 different playgrounds. Of course, each week has a theme and there are particular over-the-top celebrations planned for the more notable holiday weekends (4th of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc.). Sites come equipped with all of the typical 30 / 50 electrical amp, water and sewage lines, fire rings and you’ll find plenty of campfire pits and picnic tables. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) There’s a super cool, very well-maintained covered bridge that you can access on a long hike just do east of the Yogi Bear campgrounds – so after eating all the camp-side hot dogs and beans for the evening, head for a healthy 3 mile hike to this spot. You’ll be richly rewarded for encountering some real life entertainment in case the cartoons get too much for you; (2) When you get tired of foraging for your next meal out of the depths of your on-board mini-fridge or Cordova roto-molded cooler, then head on over to Stagecoach Inn where they offer up some not so fresh, but still very delectable crab leg and lobster and some great grilled steaks; (3) Should you come towing a canoe or kayak behind you and looking to make a splash, then look no further than Lake Koshkonong, which is simply fantastic and large, where you’ll have no shortage of great deltas and peninsulas to explore; and (4) If you are looking to get on the links and looking for a good place to smash some golf balls, then head on over to Koshkonong Mounds Country Club, which is near this cartoon-infested campground. 

Happy Camping!

We've camped here before and like it. The sites are spacious and most seem to have shade for at least part of the day. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. Ours had a grill the folded in and out, not sure if all have it. The beach is great, open and lots of room to set up for the day either on the grass or sand. There are flush toilets at the beach. There are rentable pavilions. We didn't see any garbage bins nearby so bring a trash bag to carry out. The showers are hot but that's the best thing about them. They're not very big and don't have a curtain to separate changing area and shower. With 2 kids, things tend to get a little wet. However, they get the job done. We love the location. Close to hiking: Scuppernong Trail on the Ice Age Trail and Scuppernong Spring Nature Trail and a few others. Close to shopping and restaurants, if needed. Only downside to our site was the highway (CR-ZZ) was on the other side of the trees and busy. All said, we'll most likely be back again.

We were in Site# B1. We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-thru. We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site. My jeep though did not fit. The site was easy to level.

Our site was shaded with lots of trees. This was a larger sized lot with our neighbors not too close (but we did choose a premium site with a patio and paid extra to be on the end).

This specific lot comes with a concrete patio The lot comes with a picnic table and fire hole in the ground.

They have a community Outdoor kitchen-y area with picnic tables.
They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.

You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. There is really not a need to have a Golf cart because it is a smaller campground.

They do have a Swimming pool.
There is a Playground. They also offer horseshoes and a volleyball court.

They have a great general store.

The streets are gravel so not great for riding bikes but there are great places to ride bikes outside of campground, especially around Middleton and Madison.

They have cabins for rent and tent areas.

They have one shower house. The shower house has the typical stalls. These are kept mostly clean.

There is a laundry facility. It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine.

They have a fenced in dog park and many grassy areas to walk dogs.

There were no trails to hike in the campground.

Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the Saturday Farmer’s Market in Madison and multitude of bike trails.