Best Tent Camping near Watertown, WI

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Watertown? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Watertown. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Watertown, WI (11)

Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Watertown

515 Reviews of 11 Watertown Campgrounds


  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Close to family

    Recently camped here while visiting some family in the Racine area. Was nice and close to them and was a nice place to stay!

    Lost of campsites between the two campgrounds. Sunset offered electric or non-electric sites. Shower building, flush toilets, vault toilets, dump station, playground. Firewood sold at the visitor center via a vending machine, card only.

  • Linda N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Milton-Madison SE KOA
    Oct. 16, 2024

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Minnihaha Campground
    Oct. 16, 2024

    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

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    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.)

  • Abbe W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mukwonago Park by Waukesha County Parks
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Mukwonago Park by Waukesha County Parks

    Prairie Grass and Wildflowers

    Sites are large and well spaced out. The campground is clean and well kept. The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested. There are pit toilets in the camp area, but there are flush toilets, running water, and showers in the picnic area near the entrance. There are a couple of hiking trails as well. Great landscape and wildlife. We were lucky enough to have a couple of Sandhill Cranes walk through our camp early one morning.

  • Abbe W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater Lake — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Whitewater Lake — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Nice Campground, Great Location for Hiking the Ice Age Trail

    The campground was clean and quiet. We were in the East Loop. The on-site host was super friendly and helpful with firewood and ice. Pit toilets, no showers. Easy access to Ice Age Trail from the campground. Nice hike to Rice Lake.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Creekview RV Park
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Creekview RV Park

    Very close to i90

    Passing through and needed an accesible camping spot for our 19 foot travel trailer. Creekview fit the bill. Right off i90, and next to fuel and food stops. Family run campground with 40 sites that have water and electric. They are cash or check only, with no online booking. Sites are snug. Decent cell service. Other than highway noise peaceful spot. Dogs welcome!

  • Jaime P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Badgerland Campground
    Sep. 9, 2024

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Lake Campground and Resort
    Aug. 30, 2024

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit-Iansr
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Long Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit-Iansr

    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.

  • Erin Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site
    Jul. 22, 2024

    KMSF 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.

  • Abbe W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Lovely Pine Forest, Quiet, Clean Campground

    Stayed one night (Friday) and really enjoyed the location. We were in the quiet loop, Loop 1, which actually was very quiet. Everyone was respectful of the rules. We did walk over to the other loops where there was more of a party atmosphere at some sites with larger groups, music, and kids. 

    The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain.  Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight. The pit toilets are about 3 sites away, a short walk. There is room for two tents.

    There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area. We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Madison Campground
    Jul. 2, 2024

    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.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Madison Campground
    Jun. 23, 2024

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Waupun Park Campground
    Jun. 21, 2024

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Grand Valley Campground
    Jun. 21, 2024

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hattie Sherwood Park
    Jun. 21, 2024

    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

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledge County Park
    Jun. 9, 2024

    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.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from The Playful Goose Campground
    May. 26, 2024

    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Madison Campground
    May. 24, 2024

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit
    May. 5, 2024

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Campground
    Apr. 3, 2024

    Hickory Hills Campground

    Family-Oriented Campsite Hidden From Plain View

    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!



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 — Lake Mills Wildlife Area 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.