Best Glamping near Waukesha, WI

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 quick and easy weekend camping adventure. 20 family campsites available to choose from ranging from full cover to full sun. 5 Group sites available also. Campsites reservations are available online - but a walk-up paystation is also available and a few campsites are always reserved for walk-in/bike-in campers. Camping is seasonal - April 1st through November 4th. Various bathroom options - ranging from pit toilets to port-o-potties. Showers available at the Beach House. The beach on the shores of Lake Nagawicka is well-groomed, clean, has a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot. The campground is part of a larger county park that has covered picnic areas, winding trails, a boat-ramp, and much more to do in the area - from hiking to boating to golfing.. $5 daily entry fee for cars. This country park rivals many state parks. Worth checking out.

If your in Wisconsin this is a must stay! Beautiful campground (Ottawa Lake campsites) Great Lake, hiking to see the natural springs which is the coolest!! Drank fresh spring water!

Perfect for a couple days in the woods. Like most of Wisconsins' parks and forests, Ottawa lake is no different. Offers clean and quiet settings and facilities,. Close enough to metropolitan areas but not too close. All have feeling of being in the north woods with out the travel. Busiest days are after memorial day weekend and to labor day weekend.

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). It was a very nice campsite that I stayed at. The grounds were quiet, however there were only a handful of people staying there at the time. The sites look to have enough space between the to make you feel a little more spread out and not sitting on top of each other. It got cold (cloudless late winter nights in Wisconsin can do that), but nothing you can’t prepare for. The proximity to the Ice Age Trail is a bonus, because it made for an easy activity without much fuss. Will visit again when warmer.

I love everything about this park except the beach, so it didn’t get a 5 star. We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine. Took a walk around and found plenty of other large, private shaded electric sites. If we came here again I would go for a site away from the bathroom. The tent sites looks fantastic- large and private. Plenty of hiking trails here, a decent playground, and tons of large fields to picnic in. Park has a Facebook page where they post activities. Friday night we saw a presentation on the cranes of Wisconsin, and Saturday morning we did a parkwide scavenger hunt. All fun for the family. We would definitely camp here again. The beach is across the very busy road, and has about 10 ft of sand before the road. Fine for a dip, but not relaxing. Very crowded. Other beaches are nearby but not free. Town of Lake Geneva is very cute in an upscale tourist way. Our kid found the museum a lot of fun.

I really enjoyed the large lot we were on that backed up to a creek which you cannot hear or see but it is all forest behind you. We were situated where the seasonal campers are and near the edge of the campground. Then there is a farm field and I saw deer every day which was lovely. Overall, it was a very quiet part of the campground.

They have a small store and an indoor pool which is nice with Wisconsin weather being unpredictable. It was very crowded on the shallower side and the slide goes into the shallow side as well which makes it very crowded and splashy. I found my time in the pool awesome when there was no one or families whi watch their kids and are just calmer. When big hoards showed up it was a very annoying experience. There's barely seating and it was really dark in the room.

They pride their grass, as they should because it is nice, but the roads in campground were all very narrow so we had to drive on it if a car was coming. If they could widen the roads a bit it would be helpful for driving as well as save their grass more. Similar to their entry, pretty narrow. If their entry was one way and had a different exit it would be helpful.

Overall, the staff was helpful and it was a very pretty campground with friendly seasonal folks. We didn't really interact with any one on the other side of the grounds.

As I said, if they could widen the roads, make a separate exit, add more amenities like theme activities for kids, and make the pool area less dark and move the slide to the deeper end or even 4ft area it would be 5 stars.

Campground Review

I've been to Ottawa Lake many times before, and really appreciate the spaciousness of the sites. There are a great mix of options for campsite ranging from almost full sun on the natural Wisconsin prairie or nicely shaded woodsy campsites.

There are many options for hiking since this campground is part of Kettle Moraine State Park.

The beach is pretty large and swimming is excellent. They've been restoring part of the beach in the last few years and it is looking great. The population of sandhill cranes in this area seems to be growing, as we saw a few pairs of them while camping here as well.

Product Review

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time, this time I got to test the Primus Essential Stove (1.3L).

I've got plenty of experience with camping and backpacking stoves, ranging from DIY beer can alcohol stoves up to Coleman Duel Fuel Powerhouse classic camp stove. 

What's great

• The Essential Stove is suitable for backpacking or regular camping, and it includes the essentials: 2 pot, a pan, a pot holder, and the burner. Everything nests together in a nice little package.
• The stove is plenty powerful and was able to get our coffee percolator boiling in only a couple minutes.
• The details are nice: they put rubber/silicone feet on the bottom and on the pot holder, just adding a bit of finish to a functional set

What's not great

• The way the hose folds into the stove when stored is a little awkward at first. After using it a few times, it's more natural and not a big deal, but this could be improved.
• "With great power comes great responsibility…" It doesn't have a great "Low". In order to prevent our coffee from boiling out of the percolator, I tried to turn it down, but accidentally turned it off. There isn't a great simmer option…the low is not very low. 

The verdict

Overall, it is a nice kit and I will be lending it to some friends to an upcoming backpacking trip.

This is one of the most popular State Parks in Wisconsin because it's on Lake Geneva. In fact, it's the only state park within town's limits. This area has always been a summer getaway, so reservations are hard to get. We went in October, so it was much easier, but the weather was unpredictable.
 The lake is famous for it's mansions, summer homes and the trail which goes around the entire perimeter and is open to the public, no matter how many property lines it crosses.
 The park is on the lake, 2 miles south of downtown. So, a 40 min walk, 11 by bike, though there are hills on both routes. The park has a long strip of beach that almost seems like a shoulder to the main road. There's a fishing lagoon with a bait vending machine. The campsites and trails are further back, and out of the wind.
 The sites are generally spacious, some are oddly shaped. The further back you go on the main loop though, actually brings you closer to town. You can hear events taking place at the High School even though it looks like you're in the woods.
 The main restroom and shower facility is brand new and spotless.
Too many things to see and do in the area to list here but I'd point out the Boat House Bar & Grill is right next to the entrance. It has a big patio and is dog friendly. Easy walking distance from the campground. Good food at a good price.
 Outside of town, Lake Geneva County Meats is a butcher shop and more with a terrific selection and variety of brats (among other things) and can supply all your cookout needs.  Also, check out Royal Oaks farm & Orchard. In season, they have the greatest variety of apples we've ever seen. Better still, they are well labeled telling which types are best for what use. Of course, donuts and cider too.

A very nice, woodsy campground. Feels like you are further north than you really are!

There are very large group camping sites as well as a small number of family sites. The family sites are small - and there are only toilets available - but there is a main building down a steep hill to get to nicer facilities and showers.

This is a great place to experience nature near the cities. With the convenience of its location in mind, the entire grounds is surrounded by roads, highways and the constant hum of traffic, sometimes louder than others. We also were mislead on our hike and ended up leaving the parking and following the Ice Age Trail for about a half mile, which was all paved and followed huge power lines which buzzed above our heads. This would be nice for wheelchairs. Once back on the yellow trail, the gravel returned below our feet and we made our way to the boat dock. Here was a beautiful ramp enhancing wheelchair accessibility. Beautiful boathouse rentable seasonally. Heated in-door plumbing for the toilets that were open, vault toilets also available and all were clean, even off season. Nice that it’s by the lake. Dog friendly, even a dog swimming area. Group camping, open fields, numerous grills and picnic tables. Lots of pluses and negatives for this park, it all really depends on what you’re looking for.

Stayed here for a quick weekend getaway in the late spring. The campground area is nice and wooded. Provides ample privacy from other campers. Although the road ways are a little tight. Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it’s a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access.

It was a small plot of camp. It was noisy from kids. But it was a good time and easy to get to from Chicago.

Nice place to relax

I would say sites are average size for a county park. All sorts are mostly wooded and offer good shade. 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. There are pit toilets by the sites but a nice shower house with flush toilets about a 1/4 mile walk away. We have camped there several times and plan on coming back.

Great park with swimming beach, trails, dog park, and archery range. Campsites were ok, not much separation or privacy at all. Pit toilets and metros desperately need to be cleaned more often. We had very noisy neighbors that did not respect the quiet hours rule and park staff did nothing to intervene. Very convenient that they drive through the Campground to sell/deliver firewood tho. I'd stay here again because the park overall is great, but I would try to choose a better site. #9 looked alright, and in the 20#s looked a bit more tree lined and bigger.

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.

We stayed with a group of people here with no electricity but was able to use my generator during the day while camping in my pop-up. Hot shower, public lake to go kayaking in. Also they had bicycle rentals.

Great for fishing and hiking

We were just looking for a site to stay overnight after a wedding we attended near by.  The sites ver very close together, but the biggest complaint is the noise into the wee hours of the morning.  What good are quiet hours if they are not enforced?  The people across from us were playing music and being loud well past 1:00 am.  Overall the park looks nice, but we would not recommend this place based on the noise after quiet hours.

We have been to Menomonee park several times. It is one of the kids favorites. The sites are just about all wooded. Not huge but a good size for a country park. Most offer decent separation from your neighbor. The Ranger will come by often with wood to buy. There are a few group sites separate from the family camping. Large but in wide open fields. The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards.

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)

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.

Had a great time here in April.  Plenty of trails in the area for a day hike.  Loved it so much that i already booked another trip! 

Feel free to check out my youtube video of the trip, and please like and subscribe if you want to see more adventures!

https://youtu.be/hIqISZLiZJ8

I would give Ottawa 5 stars but unless you jump on the lakeside campsites early, the 5-10 mike drive from your campsite to the lake can be a little annoying; obviously not at all the state park’s fault.

The Ottawa Lake campsites are clean and convenient. Each site comes with a fire pit and grate, a picnic table, and two spaces for parking. We love camping at Ottawa with our kids because it’s so family-friendly.

Ottawa Lake itself is very clean and a great spot for swimming. The lake has a very large space for wading. You can go out about 100 feet from shore and still be in only about 5-6‘ of water. Ottawa Lake is relatively small, so no motorcraft are allowed. It makes for peaceful swimming and fishing.

Nice size camp sites. More privacy as trees and bushes fill out throughout the spring. Shower house no hot water, made for a quick shower.