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Best Campgrounds near Waunakee, WI

875 Reviews

Camping options around Waunakee, Wisconsin include several county parks and private campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Token Creek County Park offers a small, quiet campground with a mix of electric and non-electric sites for tents and RVs, while Mendota County Park provides lakefront camping with 29 sites equipped with 30-amp electrical hookups. Several established campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some like Lantern DeForest also offering cabin rentals. Most sites in the region are drive-in with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.

Reservations are strongly recommended throughout the camping season, especially for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. The primary camping season runs from May through September, with some facilities remaining open year-round. Most campgrounds in the area provide drinking water, toilets, and shower facilities, though hookup availability varies significantly between locations. Sites at county parks like Token Creek and Mendota typically offer electric hookups only, while private campgrounds like Lantern DeForest provide full hookup options. A review mentioned that "water spigots at Mendota County Park are located too close to the dump station for comfort," highlighting infrastructure limitations at some facilities.

The proximity to Lake Mendota represents a major draw for campers, with several visitors noting the benefits of water recreation opportunities. Campgrounds like Mendota County Park offer lake access with swimming, fishing, and boat launches. Many campers appreciate the convenient location, with one review noting it's "a great location on the lake and short drive to downtown Madison." Sites tend to be level and well-maintained but offer limited privacy between neighbors. Road noise can be noticeable at some campgrounds, particularly those near highways like Lantern DeForest. Campers should be prepared for seasonal bugs, especially in grassy areas and near the lake. As one reviewer noted, "The bugs (gnats and mosquitoes) were relentless, especially in the grassy areas so bring bug spray!"

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Best Camping Sites Near Waunakee, Wisconsin (152)

    1. William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground (Dane County Park)

    17 Reviews
    Madison, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $18 - $28 / night

    "With the rain and the proliferation of mosquitoes, we were wandering around southern Wisconsin without a plan when we stumbled across this county park. 50 sites, many with electric and very reasonably"

    "No water on sites but spigots located throughout the park. Dump station right at the entrance but there's plenty of room to maneuver around there. Could get congested if busy."

    2. Mendota County Park

    10 Reviews
    Middleton, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    $28 / night

    "Like other reviewers have stated, be prepared to be close to others. We didn’t mind at all and found everyone to be super nice."

    "Nice little campground right on Lake Mendota. 29 sites available with electric, but bring an extension cords!! Some sites electric is close by, others not so much!"

    3. Token Creek County Park

    11 Reviews
    Windsor, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 224-3730

    "Small campground, but you play disc golf and lovely trails! So close to get away from the city."

    "Near the highway and airport makes for quick access but it can get noisy. It can also get very quiet and peaceful. Lots of hiking trails and a boardwalk."

    4. Quartzite Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    46 Reviews
    Baraboo, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 947-2757

    "There is something for everyone at Devils Lake State Park."

    "The new warden situation is interesting. Things have gotten a lot more strict in some areas (ex."

    5. Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    43 Reviews
    Baraboo, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 356-8301

    "Much to do at Devil's Lake and surrounding area. features multiple campgrounds and multiple areas for swimming. A beach at the North and South of the lake."

    "It is up and away from the rest of the park a bit and typically almost every site has full shade. This is important in the summer months."

    6. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stoughton, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 873-9695

    "Just a quick 2 hour drive from our home in Chicago, with large wooded sites for privacy. Clean bathrooms."

    "We didn’t have much time to explore the campground but we did have a nice walk around the outer loop of sites. This is near the main highway and a nice place to camp."

    7. Northern Lights Campground — Devils Lake State Park

    34 Reviews
    Baraboo, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 356-8301

    "Views like these are hard to beat in Wisconsin, or anywhere really. The cliffs on the side of the lake are phenomenal."

    "Aside from some of the windy paths, this place is really nice and peaceful to stay. You can go to Devils Lake and kayak or canoe and swim. Overall a beautiful place in Wisconsin!"

    8. Lantern DeForest

    4 Reviews
    Windsor, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 342-1111

    $39 - $999 / night

    "They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.

    You are allowed to ride personal golf carts."

    "While the location is great for fast travels into Madison, or getting to great hiking areas."

    9. Cedar Hills Campground - Clothing Optional

    10 Reviews
    Sauk City, WI
    17 miles
    +1 (608) 795-2606

    "Cedar hill Wisconsin is a clothing optional campground so I enjoy it very much. The entire campground is located at the top of a 1000 ft.high bluff."

    "River right behind our campsite. Some sites were a bit small but we managed to reserve one big enough for a trailer and a tent. Somewhat closed in with a lot of vegetation. Kids loved the river!"

    10. Blue Mound State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Blue Mounds, WI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 947-2757

    $18 / night

    "Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water."

    "Go to Blue Mounds Grocery on the way in. easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and running trails - including Military Ridge Trail.

    Camped here with 2 friends during a cross country road trip."

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Recent Camping Photos near Waunakee, WI

364 Photos of 152 Waunakee Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waunakee, WI

875 Reviews of 152 Waunakee Campgrounds

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Fon du Lac County Waupun Park

    Oak/hickory forest

    The campground is in a beautiful oak/hickory forest with many birds, chipmunks and skeeters(pack protection). We stayed on site 22 which was a nine minute walk from the toilet and had a street light. There are water spigots throughout. Site 21 or 23 would be better. The sites are large and the ones on the outside of the loop are very private. The campground was quiet, especially after dark! There is a train horn occasionally, but it’s distant. The showers were hot and clean. The playground was fun. There is a pickle ball court, so bring paddles. There is also a walking trail.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lakeland Camping Resort

    Lakefront Fun

    As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have an RV. The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick’s Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson

    Nostalgic Campground

    As a mom, I can honestly say that Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is one of those rare campgrounds where the kids are entertained from morning till night and parents can actually relax a little too. The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours. Our campsite was clean and level, with options for full hookups or cozy cabins if you’d rather skip the RV, and the bathhouses were spotless, which is something I always look for. What I appreciated most was the balance: the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored, while my husband and I enjoyed sitting by the campfire or joining in on family activities like outdoor 'movies under the stars.' The campground store was well-stocked with snacks, s’mores supplies, and those 'oops, we forgot it' supplies, which saved us more than once. And while there’s plenty to do onsite, being near Lake Koshkonong and Fort Atkinson means you can easily slip away for a day of fishing, boating, or exploring. For me, the best part was watching my kids’ faces light up during the evening hayride, sticky with marshmallow, waving at Yogi like he was a celebrity that felt like the kind of wholesome, memory-making trip I hope they’ll look back on for years.

  • Julia B.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Sandstone Ridge Campground — Mirror Lake State Park

    Beautiful lake

    The lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs. We only did 2 hiking trails but they were well maintained. The site was good. The 202 area has a parking lot for 4 sites and a very short walk to the sites. Fire pit and picnic table were in good shape. The highway noise is loud and some military jets kept flying overhead. The raccoons were brutal. They broke into our crates twice. Smart enough to figure out the clip mechanism. Overall good site but a little noisy.

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fon du Lac County Waupun Park

    Peaceful wooded camping

    Quiet level throughout. Spots for a couple tents and a camper at each site. Disc golf and a small fishing area. Golf course right next-door so close you could walk to. Most of the sites were in a wooded area, which gives you some privacy. Only downfall for us was distance to the restroom as there’s only one so if you’re in the back of the campground, you gotta walk all the way upfront.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Waupun Park Campground

    Waupun County Park WI - Campground

    Family friendly campground, playgrounds, pickle ball court, showers, clean bathrooms, fire rings, shared water spigots & power at camp site. There is an outdoor pavilion for groups, firewood for sale at host. Lamp posts light camp road but not overwhelming. Nice shaded sites with mature white oak trees. Enjoyed and recommend if looking for full service campsite.

Guide to Waunakee

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

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the many trails available at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy fishing and boating 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."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper noted, "You’ve hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, and raccoons" at Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit stated, "Campsites are kept up and quite clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One visitor at Buckhorn State Park Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites were relatively large. We had 3 tents and 2 cars on our site and it wasn't a problem."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Wisconsin Dells KOA provide activities for kids. A reviewer said, "The campground is kid-friendly, with a playground and a pool."

What you should know:

  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds can feel crowded. A camper at Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park noted, "The vibe here wasn’t for us. Various sites had music playing loud enough for us to hear."
  • Construction Noise: Be aware of potential construction noise at certain sites. One visitor at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction."
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is abundant, keep your food secure. A camper at Buckhorn State Park Campground warned, "There were raccoons snooping through my things on the first night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for children. One family at Blue Mound State Park Campground enjoyed, "This campground has a nice playground, hiking trails both short and longer and bike trails."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Buckhorn State Park Campground said, "We couldn't leave our tents until the sun went down so it was a bummer."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids happy with plenty of snacks. A camper at Wisconsin Dells KOA mentioned, "The camp store is small, but it has everything you need."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Wisconsin Dells KOA noted, "We had a 42 ft 5th wheel and with the help of an employee we were lucky to fit."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. A visitor at Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park appreciated, "There is a camp store for wood, ice, and other things that makes it very convenient."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park mentioned, "The noise continued almost into midnight and as early as 6:30 am."

Camping near Waunakee, Wisconsin, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free showers available at camping facilities near Waunakee?

Free shower facilities are available at several campgrounds near Waunakee. Waupun Park Campground offers shower facilities along with bathrooms and a dump station. New Glarus State Park Campground includes nice amenities with its drive-in sites, which typically include shower facilities. While most Wisconsin state parks charge an entrance fee or require a state park pass, the showers themselves are generally included with your camping fee rather than requiring additional payment. Always check current amenity status before your trip as seasonal maintenance may affect availability.

Where are the campgrounds near Waunakee?

Several campgrounds are located within a short drive of Waunakee. Mendota County Park is one of the closest options, offering sites in a park-like setting with mature trees and lake access, though sites lack privacy. Token Creek County Park near DeForest is another convenient option with drive-in and walk-in sites. For those willing to travel a bit further, William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground offers 50 sites, many with electric hookups, while Fox Hill RV Park & Campground provides amenities like a swimming pond and pool.

What camping is available near Waunakee, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Waunakee, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 campgrounds and RV parks near Waunakee, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Waunakee, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waunakee, WI is William G. Lunney Lake Farm Campground (Dane County Park) with a 3.8-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Waunakee, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Waunakee, WI.

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