Top Tent Camping near Watertown, WI
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Best Tent Sites Near Watertown, WI (11)
1. Sandhill Station State Campground
2 Reviews•37 Photos•26 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
2. Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
6 Reviews•18 Photos•70 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
3. Wild Goose City Park
1 Review•1 Save- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
4. KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site
1 ReviewDesignated backpack campsites are available by reservation at the following properties. These campsites may be several hundred yards to a few miles away from the nearest parking area and campers need to carry all gear in and out. Campsites typically feature a fire ring, seating, and a primitive privy or wilderness latrine, which may be shared with other campsites. There are also a limited number of opportunities for very primitive, remote camping on DNR lands.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
6. Purplehaze Acres
Be the first to review!•2 Photos•7 SavesPurplehaze Acres is a 60-acre organic rustic farm in Rubicon, WI and resides at the beginning of the approx. 650-mile Niagara Escarpment--known locally as "The Ledge". We are in close proximity to the Ice Age Trail, and the natural treasures of the great Horicon Marsh, Lake Sinnissipi/Rock River with canoeing/kayaking/fishing, Ledges County Park, and the world-renowned Holy Hill Shrine.
Nearby Hustisford ("Husti") offers unique shopping and dining experiences, such as the Mercantile and Mocha Vino. Need a few organic groceries? Make sure to visit Back To The Best Organic grocer only 3 miles away, featuring food raised on local organic farms including Purplehaze Acres.
Potable water, charcoal grills, firepit grates, eggs and available for purchase--firewood. COMING SOON: Did you forget something? If so, check out our Camp Cupboard Store. FYI: In addition to our private individual sites, our PEACE CAMP site is a group site perfect for the rustic camp wedding, small festivals, EAA, Harley celebrations and other fun casual events. Check out the Peace Camp listing for details.
Your approach via 1/2-mile dirt drive up the hills and through the woods . . . to not your grandmother's typical house you go. You'll find wonderful vistas, wildflowers, berries, trails up into the woods, a 900' grass runway for aviators on an overall great "peace" of earth. ☮
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Picnic Table
$40 - $160 / night
7. Little Turtle Lake
Be the first to review!•2 PhotosPrimitive camping on private pond well maintained lawns. Clothing optional.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$50 - $80 / night
8. Waubedonia County Park
1 Review•2 Photos•15 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
9. Greenbush Group Campground
1 Review•12 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
10. Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp
1 Review•1 Photo•3 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Watertown
493 Reviews of 11 Watertown Campgrounds
Linda N.
Traveler
Milton-Madison SE KOA
cant wait to go back
I ended up here because I was going to a music festival in the area, and they turned me away because I have a service animal. I wasn't going to do all that work for nothing and just go home, so I decided to look up my nearest campground and it was KOA in Milton. they made me feel welcome. they understood my dilemma. it was a wonderful weekend. lots of amenities and I just absolutely can't wait to go back next year. I'm going to try to make it a couple times. so much fun, just me and my dog. And one last the thing, my fellow campers were more than hospitable and very nice and I appreciate that very much.
- Linda N.Traveler
Sweet Minnihaha Campground
music fest
I originally went to this campground a couple years ago for a music festival, but I discovered how much fun it was. the people were incredible. the staff was really awesome so I continue to make it back at least once a year
- AAlexandria P.
Scout
Big Foot Beach State Park
A bit deceptive
So this place is much less dog friendly than is advertised. Dogs aren’t allowed in large swaths of the park nor on the (tiny tiny, bordered by loud highway) beach. Lake Geneva is very pretty, but the area is obviously very wealthy and obviously geared toward retirees without dogs or with tiny dogs they leave at the RV (to bark, constantly, at their next site neighbors. Until the owners get back.)
Jaime P.Traveler
Badgerland Campground
Great little campground
We booked a weekend here for a soccer tournament we had in Verona, so we didn’t spend a lot of time on the property. The staff was amazing! Very friendly and helpful for us new to camping people. We booked online and they were also friendly when I messed up my reservation so thanks for that too. We booked in VIP 1, which is right next to the bath house. We wanted to be close to the showers (coin op). We figured since we’re at a sporting event that might be nice. Very quiet at night. We did have a little time to go fishing at the fishing pond. We didn’t catch anything but we had fun. The fishing pond is a ways from our camping area though. It would have been a long walk so we drove. WiFi is for a fee but it was fine. The fee wasn’t expensive (less than $5). No sewer hook up but there is a dump site so no big deal. Overall good stay.
Monica F.Scout
Bear Lake Campground and Resort
Love this campground!
Great campground! Shaded or Sunny sites. Level sites. Friendly staff. Sandy Beach. Swimming. Playground. Kids Activities. Themed weekends. Bar. Restaurant. Great Food! Tiki Bar on Beach. Great Fishing. Laundry.
Angie V.
Guide
Long Lake - Kettle Moraine SF
Visited for the day but plan to return to camp
We were staying at Mauthe but it was packed so we came here instead and we're glad we did. The trails, fishing pier and beach are nice. We got caught in a thunderstorm that we waited out in a little tavern in nearby Dundee, which is pretty much the cutest little town around. We plan to return next year to camp.
- Angie V.Guide
Mauthe Lake - Kettle Moraine SF
So-so
It was hot and crowded but we had a decent campsite with plenty of shade so we were happy enough. Showers were nice. We spent most of our time fishing at Long Lake, which we liked much better. If you go, make sure to get fresh cinnamon rolls delivered to your site!
Erin Z.TravelerKMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site
Remote backpacking Shelter 1
Great backpack camp site. 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). There is an outhouse, but I wouldn’t recommend using it. There is a picnic table and a bench. It’s very secluded for privacy :) we will definitely be back.
- Erin Z.Traveler
Ottawa Lake Campground
Great Family Campground!
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. Electricity on site and water near by. Great trails close by.
- JJulia H.
Ranger
Madison Campground
Cute campground - near Madison
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.
- ttony K.Traveler
Madison Campground
Basic
While the location is great for fast travels into Madison, or getting to great hiking areas. My only complaint is that not every pull through is provided with a fire ring to burn wood (they almost seem random) and that the check in building is a bit bare. Otherwise, great location, great (partial) amenities, and good customer service.
Kim J.Traveler
Waupun Park Campground
Nice campgrounds
We stayed there for a while very pretty and the people very friendly bring wood to your camp they have trails you can walk and county pool and golf course sites are good size we will return it's close to town as well
- Kim J.Traveler
Grand Valley Campground
Great campgrounds
We stayed there in July alot of activities for everyone pool was so nice bathrooms very clean everyone so nice Amish came sat morning selling there goodies we will return definitely
- Kim J.Traveler
Hattie Sherwood Park
Beautiful Camp
We enjoyed our stay it was so beautiful and clean and very quiet for the most part we loved it will definitely be going back
- TTaylor B.Scout
Ledge County Park
Great Park!!
It was our first time visiting Ledge Park & we would absolutely go back! The sites are natural feeling and the park is very, very clean (including the bathrooms)… the views from “The Ledge” are hard to beat.
Addison G.Guide
Pinewoods Campground
Great access to Scuppernong Hikes
Stayed in campsite directly connected to Green Trail of the Scuppernong Trailhead. Campsite was clean and quite private for being near people.
- Aaron B.Traveler
Long Lake - Kettle Moraine SF
Good getaway for a short drive
Great quiet spot, huge biking trail that's about 7 miles long one way, good beaches and great lake.
- Addison G.Guide
Ottawa Lake Campground
Great spot for hiking Kettle Moraine
Campsites are kept up and quite clean. Some have a beautiful view of lake. Some water fountains did not work, however sinks were always working. So many little trails all throughout the campsite. Family friendly (parks, beach, pet friendly)
- HHannah K.Scout
The Playful Goose Campground
Insert Terrible Adjective
The Good: Campsites along the river looked really nice. The Bad: We had a 3 day holiday weekend booked for tent camping.Unfortunately the weather did not hold up and our site was completely soaking wet- we could not even steak out our tent. The owner of the campground denied a refund due to policy. The amount of rules and regulations this camp ground has is absolutely absurd. The Ugly: When checking into our site, the woman working the desk was efficient but things took a bad turn really quick. 1. If you book on the Playful Goose website you will get charged a% service fee, which The Playful Goose Staff does not stand behind. 2. If you book on the Playful Goose website you must specify how many nights, adults and tents per site. Without too many logistics, we ended up paying over$220 for a weekend JUST TO CAMP IN HORICON. While trying to set up camp in the rain, a male(we were told he was the assistant manager) in a golf cart drove near our site yelling vulgar language, accusing our group of doing things to the grass(when the grass was a swamp to begin with due to weather) and lastly, as the man was driving away he continued to make harassing comments. The lack of professionalism, courtesy and respect from staff was unacceptable as a paying guest. Playful Goose Takeaway: I will never spend my hard earned money here. Again. And be sure to tell everyone I know to not spend their hard earned money here either. There are so many other beautiful camp grounds within a 100 mile radius and this one will be my last choice. Such a shame this wonderful campground I used to visit has gone down hill.
- BBradScout
Madison Campground
Okay if other campgrounds are full or for just 1 night
Easy to get to from I-90 but also a bit too close so there is road noise. The price may be a little high at $66.00 per night but the sites are all drive through and can handle large rigs. Not bad for a quick one-night stay. Many available sites even on memorial weekend 2024
Mehran S.TravelerOttawa Lake Campground
Decent Family Campground (5/3/2024)
It’s a family friendly and decent campground. Sites are not too secluded, but they’re clean and well taken care of, the facilities weren’t clean, they have volunteer hosts on site for any needs, the lake is beautiful during the sunset, sandy area and playground for kids, car noise is noticeable but not too loud (in the inner camp sites). Few trails around for hiking. They charge an extra $11 for each car’s entry at the gate but you can use the car pass for visiting all the state park’s trails around the area (you need permit for parking at the trailheads). It’s good for family with kids or beginner campers, but not if you’re looking for a relaxing or adventurous time.
- AnitaScout
Big Foot Beach State Park
Nostalgic Camp Ground
Clean, family friendly and basic ammenities available
- JJohn L.Scout
Rome Riverside Campground
Owned by a scammer
The owner of this campground is an absolute scammer. I paid for 2 months of full service camping (Sewer, water, electric) 3 weeks prior to my arrival. Aware that I wasn't going to arrive until another 3 weeks, the owner said that my 2 months started from when I paid. The day before I drove down the owner said I needed to go to a temporary spot until a full service site was ready. So he charged me for the site even though one wasn't even available.. I sat over a week at a spot with no sewer even though I paid for it. I was staying at this campground for work, so after working 12 hour days I would have to hook my camper up to the truck, bring it to dump, and re-set it up and level it back into place. The icing on the cake was when he told me my time was up even though I had only been there 5 weeks out of the 2 months I paid for(4 weeks of an actual full service site). When I would call Tom Jurasinski the owner, he would screen my phone call everytime and text me back "I'm in a meeting buddy". He assured me he would call me back. He must be in meetings 24/7 as he never called me back once after I repeatedly tried to call him. The only reason I was able to stay the extra week (making it 6 weeks) to finish the work at my jobsite, was to threaten him with my lawyer (Via text of course because he wouldn't answer the phone). When you arrive onsite he takes a deposit of $300. Don't expect to get that back. I've tried contacting him about it many times but I haven't received it. Tom Jurasinski is a thief. For anyone that camps there, I recommend before you leave to dump your black tank right in the site you left from, that way he can at least earn the $300 he is stealing from you. Tom Jurasinski is an absolute coward of a man, and I feel bad for his parents knowing they raised a little weasel like him. John L.
- LLauren S.Traveler
Harnischfeger County Park
A hidden gem
We booked a week here in 2022 and ended up staying for two summers as camp hosts. The park is quiet, family orientated, and the park caretaker John is a national treasure. He’s been with the park since before it was county owned and knows every nook and cranny, critter and creature, and appreciates each and every guest who comes to the park. His one rule is to enjoy the park and let the staff know if you have any ideas to help to “keep it fresh”. Sites with letters are tent sites without water or electric, sites with numbers have water and 30 amp service, though there are plans to upgrade the sites to all have water and 50 amp service in the future. The last weekend of September is FallFest and often books a year in advance.
Jennifer H.Guide
Lake Kegonsa State Park
Fun Oktoberfest celebration, clean park
We arrived after 5pm and were able to find out camp spot easily with the reservation email. Everyone was super friendly and there was a little Oktoberfest celebration going on with some families a few sites down. The bathrooms were alright, and there was a fire pit and picnic table at our site which was great. The walking trails are nice and there’s a volleyball net and little playground too.
jennifer Z.GuideBig Foot Beach State Park
Surprising secret camp ground
We love private campsites, far enough away from other campers, yet close enough to amenities. We chose a walk in site #16 which was nice but I wish we chose one a bit further in. Bathrooms where very clean. Trails are great. Pet friendly - we brought our small, quiet dogs. Dog friendly restaurant right next to the camp site.
- Bella G.Scout
Lazy days
Hot mess!!!!!
Unfortunate ownership of what could be a great campground.
NO WIFI.......at all!!!!!
I would not stay there again since there are so many much nicer and more user friendly campgrounds in the surrounding area.
Rude attitudes along with made to feel like an imposition and outsider if you don't take part in their whatever you want to call it.
Can't count on your tanks being cleared by their in-house "service" allegedly on Monday and Thursday or maybe Tues or maybe Friday......you get the drift.
The constant speeding of golf carts but yet there is reprimands for going a little faster than 5mph all the way in from the outer access road along with inconsistencies to dogs being on leads.
To me......Lake Random or any of the other RV campgrounds will be my pick next year.
Guide to Watertown
Camping near Watertown, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park. A visitor shared, "The best beach around, crystal clear, shallow water was perfect for our young kids to play in."
- Swimming: Relax at the swimming pond in Rock Cut State Park Campground. Another camper noted, "They have sites with electric and sites just for tents. Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One happy camper at Kohler-Andrae State Park said, "The amenities were very clean and well taken care of."
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities available. A reviewer at Wisconsin Dells KOA mentioned, "Nightly and daily planned activities. Again, great for the kiddos."
- Nature and Wildlife: Campers love the natural beauty and wildlife. A visitor at Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park remarked, "The views are fantastic and it’s family-friendly."
What you should know:
- Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, particularly during peak times. A reviewer at Kettle Moraine North - Mauthe Lake said, "I ended up leaving halfway through my second day because I just didn't want to deal with the noise and traffic."
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Ottawa Lake Campground mentioned, "Some water fountains did not work, however sinks were always working."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at Blue Mound State Park Campground said, "This campground has a nice playground, hiking trails both short and longer and bike trails."
- Pack for Kids: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at Wisconsin Dells KOA noted, "The campground is kid-friendly, with a playground and a pool."
- Plan for Meals: Consider cooking together as a family. A visitor at Kohler-Andrae State Park mentioned, "We paid $40/night for an electric (30amp) site because we needed to run the a/c."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Wisconsin Dells KOA said, "Tight spots and narrow roads but convenient location."
- Look for Electric Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric hookups. A camper at Kettle Moraine North - Mauthe Lake noted, "The full electric sites here are pretty small and tightly packed."
- Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "You will note that the odd numbered sites are on the exterior while the even numbered sites are located on the interior of the loop."
Camping around Watertown, WI, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly activities to peaceful nature retreats. Make sure to check out the campgrounds mentioned for a great time outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Watertown, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Watertown, WI is Sandhill Station State Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Watertown, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Watertown, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.