Camping options near Watertown, Wisconsin include several distinct RV campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Most camping areas close between October and April due to Wisconsin's winter conditions, with the exception of year-round facilities like Wisconsin State Fair RV Park.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hickory Hills Campground features a 172-acre spring-fed lake where anglers can catch a variety of fish. "I camped at Rice Lake, where you'll catch no shortage of blue gills, small and large mouthed bass, bullheads and crappie," notes a visitor to Hickory Hills Campground.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds offer swimming and boating options during summer months. At River Bend RV Resort, campers enjoy "a nice swim pond, great pool, fishing…you name it, it's probably here. If you want to have fun, this is the place," according to a reviewer.
Golfing: Several campgrounds are located near golf courses. "If you're a golfer, there's a par 3 golf course just adjacent to Creekview, which is a very nice distraction if you're looking for one," mentions a visitor to Creekview RV Park.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-sized sites with varying privacy levels. "The sites are a decent size and well maintained. We easily backed in and leveled our pop up," comments a camper at Astico County Park.
Weekend activities: Several campgrounds host special events during peak season. "They have some activities and music on the weekends. Very friendly seasonal owners. Great for social gatherings with random strangers," reports a visitor at Hickory Hills Campground.
Natural features: Campers appreciate access to natural waterways. "Great waterfront sites on the Crawfish river," notes a camper about Astico County Park. Another mentions, "We stayed at campsite 1, which is right in the little river. Site had extra space around it, and we could canoe right from our site or use the boat launch by site 13."
What you should know
Noise levels: Proximity to highways affects some campgrounds. At Creekview RV Park, "The campground is very close to the freeway and there is a constant din of traffic noise that remind you how close you are to the highway."
Cell connectivity: Mobile service varies widely across the region. At Blackhawk Camping Resort, one camper mentioned poor connectivity, noting that "Cell coverage and WiFi is pretty horrific in these parts, so bring a booster or plan to leave civilization behind you."
Campground personalities: Each location has its own character. One camper described Naga-Waukee Park as "a very nice, woodsy campground. Feels like you are further north than you really are!" while another noted Wisconsin State Fair RV Park is "basically a large parking lot with a band of grass on the far right as you enter."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation options. "This place is a young kids heaven. Tons of activities! All included with admission... four wheel bikes to take out, jumping balloon, pool with multiple water slides, pond with blow up floating slides and climbing activities, canoes," explains a visitor to River Bend RV Resort.
Bathroom facilities: Consider facility quality when traveling with children. A camper at Naga-Waukee Park noted, "Various bathroom options - ranging from pit toilets to port-o-potties. Showers available at the Beach House."
Swimming options: Most family-oriented campgrounds offer swimming areas. "It is a very nice, clean, well-groomed beach with a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot," says a camper about Naga-Waukee Park's beach facilities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Electric service types vary between campgrounds. At Fairgrounds RV Park, a reviewer noted, "20/30/50 amp service, most sites have water hook-up... and the site I'm at has plenty of space for them to run around my site without disturbing other campers."
Dump stations: Several campgrounds provide on-site sanitary services. At Wisconsin State Fair RV Park, "The sewage system is strange at this park... The pipe is highly elevated, making the process more hands-on than one would like."
Site selection: Consider what type of camping experience you want. "If you're looking for a quiet, relaxing type of place, this isn't," notes a camper about River Bend RV Resort. A Blackhawk Camping Resort visitor explained that sites come in "either grass or gravel, so be sure to ask when booking."
