Top Tent Camping near Watertown, WI

Recent Tent Reviews In Watertown

508 Reviews of 12 Watertown Campgrounds

• 

  Jaime P.

  Traveler

  

  September 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.

  Scout

  

  August 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.

  Guide

  

  August 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.

• 

  Angie V.

  Guide

  

  August 29, 2024

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

  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.

  Traveler

  

  July 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.

• 

  Erin Z.

  Traveler

  

  July 21, 2024

  Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

  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.

• 

  Abbe W.

  Traveler

  

  July 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.

• 

  Kim J.

  Traveler

  

  June 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.

  Traveler

  

  June 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.

  Traveler

  

  June 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

  Taylor B.

  Scout

  

  June 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.

• 

  Addison G.

  Guide

  

  May 30, 2024

  Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

  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

  

  May 29, 2024

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

  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

  

  May 29, 2024

  Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

  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)

• H

  Hannah K.

  Scout

  

  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.

• 

  Mehran S.

  Traveler

  

  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.

  Legend

  

  April 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!

• 

  Anita

  Scout

  

  April 1, 2024

  Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

  Nostalgic Camp Ground

  Clean, family friendly and basic ammenities available

• J

  John L.

  Scout

  

  December 1, 2023

  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.

• L

  Lauren S.

  Traveler

  

  November 18, 2023

  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

  

  October 26, 2023

  Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

  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.

  Guide

  

  October 22, 2023

  Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

  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.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  October 16, 2023

  Creekview RV Park

  Midwest Hospitality @ It's Best!

  Just following up on my post from nearly 2 years ago - WOW! how time flies!  Creekview RV Park continues to offer up a nice respite for those looking to 'get away from it all.'  Should you find yourself barreling up or down I90 here in the Midwest, and you find yourself looking for a nice flat pad to park your RV or 5th Wheel, then you'll be amazed by the nature-infused spot that you have just arrived to.  

  Enjoy all the additional photos I've added here to round out the visual experience of this place.

  So let me add to my previous review: (1) 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; (2) Should you be looking for a place to break bread and have a decent meal, then you've gotta check out nearby Winchester Restaurant that is, well, let's be real, a trucker's hang out with less than mediocre food, but it is subsistence nonetheless; (3) If you are looking for a place to 'cool off' when you're here during the summer months, which can get quite humid and muggy, then check out the public pool over in Edgerton, where, BTW (and let's be clear, I would have no way of knowing this unless I was eavesdropping on some useless conversation when by chance I was visiting) but apparently the largest Culver's (and if you don't know what this butter hamburger institution is, you should just hang up now) in the world is located here as well.

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  October 16, 2023

  Pilgrims Campground

  Hillside Tent Camping & RV Bliss

  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!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  October 16, 2023

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson

  Retro Cartoon Campground in Need of Some Serious Updating

  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!

• 

  Bella G.

  Scout

  

  October 11, 2023

  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.

• m

  marissa

  Scout

  

  October 11, 2023

  Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

  Great Group Sites

  Well-kept, fairly secluded campsite with toilets nearby and only a short walk to the lake. I would definitely recommend for larger groups (up to 20)!