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Best Campgrounds near Waukesha, WI

630 Reviews

Camping options near Waukesha, Wisconsin include a mix of state park and forest sites within driving distance. Ottawa Lake Campground sits inside Kettle Moraine State Forest, with family sites and hiking trails nearby. Rock Cut State Park Campground has good facilities and fishing spots that many campers like. Kohler-Andrae State Park works well for campers who want to fish or spend time on the lake. You'll want to make reservations for these places, particularly in summer when they fill up fast. Check on current fire rules before you head out since they change based on conditions. Most of the campgrounds around Waukesha limit stays to 14 days to keep spots open for everyone. Early booking makes a big difference during busy times of year. The Waukesha area campgrounds range from basic to more developed, giving different options depending on what kind of camping trip you want.

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Best Camping Sites Near Waukesha, Wisconsin (82)

    1. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    36 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "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."

    "Made my first visit to Ottawa Lake on a mid-March weekend. The facilities were still under their winter setup (only vault toilet, no shower available, pay in an envelope)."

    2. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    22 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    11 miles
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $30 / night

    "It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake.  Nearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "

    "Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."

    3. Kettle Moraine Southern Unit — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    9 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    11 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "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."

    "Reservable backpacking sites about 45-60min away from nearest parking.

    Fire pit, shelter, and picnic table at site.

    Really enjoyed the hike through forest to get to this site."

    4. Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Delafield, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Nestled in the heart of lake country (Waukesha County) and accessible from the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail, this county park is perfect for those just passing through or families looking for a"

    "Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it’s a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access."

    5. Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Muskego, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."

    "I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in.

    This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."

    6. Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    7 Reviews
    Menomonee Falls, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."

    "There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."

    7. Wisconsin State Fair RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Wauwatosa, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (414) 266-7035

    $69 / night

    "So we just use that because no one was there. 1.7 miles on bike path to Brewer Baseball field. It was raining to we used Uber to the game and walked back for an afternoon game."

    "Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient."

    8. Kettle Moraine South Camping — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    12 Reviews
    Eagle, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6220

    "Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa.

    The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."

    "Whether you're in a tent or in a camper you can find just as much comfort as you're looking for. there's a lake with a swimming area if that's what you're looking for, not to mention a dock with great"

    9. Mukwonago Park by Waukesha County Parks

    6 Reviews
    Mukwonago, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested."

    "Swim or fish in the lake, archery or huge picnic sites."

    10. Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit

    18 Reviews
    Slinger, WI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 670-3400

    "North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."

    "A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."

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Recent Camping Photos near Waukesha, WI

211 Photos of 82 Waukesha Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waukesha, WI

630 Reviews of 82 Waukesha Campgrounds

Guide to Waukesha

Camping near Waukesha, Wisconsin, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic trails to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited water access: Some campgrounds, like Rock Cut State Park Campground, do not have drinkable water available. A camper pointed out, “The only negative is no drinkable water.”
  • Noise levels: Expect some noise, especially on weekends. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake mentioned, “I ended up leaving halfway through my second day because I just didn't want to deal with the noise and traffic.”
  • Reservations recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park advised, “Make online reservations. It seems to be the 2022 way.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the right campground: Look for family-friendly sites like Ottawa Lake Campground. A reviewer said, “Family friendly (parks, beach, pet friendly).”
  • Plan activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, “Nice playground for kids.”
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground noted, “The walking trails are nice and there’s a volleyball net and little playground too.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check electrical hookups: Make sure to reserve sites with electric hookups, especially during hot weather. A camper at Kohler-Andrae State Park mentioned, “We paid $40/night for an electric (30amp) site because we needed to run the a/c.”
  • Be mindful of space: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A visitor at Mauthe Lake Campground said, “The full electric sites here are pretty small and tightly packed.”
  • Plan for waste disposal: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, “You will pass by a designated dump station before coming around a small bend.”

Camping around Waukesha, Wisconsin, offers a mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Waukesha, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waukesha, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 36 reviews.

What parks are near Waukesha, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Waukesha, WI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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