Camping near Wauwatosa, Wisconsin offers proximity to both urban conveniences and natural retreats within the glacially-formed landscapes of southeastern Wisconsin. Elevation in the region ranges from 580 to 1,060 feet above sea level in the Kettle Moraine areas, creating diverse terrain for camping. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the 80s while winter camping options remain available with temperatures often dropping into the teens.
What to do
Archery practice: Muskego Park provides dedicated archery facilities with shooting positions from elevated blinds. "There are 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," notes a visitor to Menomonee Park.
Astronomy exploration: Pike Lake Campground features an interpretive astronomy trail for stargazers. A camper reports, "Be sure to check out the interpretive astronomy trail and take the walk up Powder Hill to the tower!" The observation tower provides elevated views of Holy Hill and the surrounding terrain.
Ice Age Trail hiking: Multiple access points connect campers to this historic trail. "We camping on one of the backpacking sites right off the trail. Our campsite was very large, fully shaded, and included a picnic table and a fire ring. There was also a port-a-potty nearby," shares a hiker who stayed at Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit.
Beach swimming: Several parks feature swimming beaches with varying amenities. At Muskego Park, "The best thing is probably the small man made pond. I believe it's stocked with fish and offers a very family friendly swimming area. There's a nice little concessions stand, a little sand area, and a small pier to jump off of."
What campers like
Winter camping options: Some parks remain accessible during colder months. "No showers in winter but awesome," notes a winter visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground. Another camper adds, "You can camp year around in this campground. Most recent 2 times were winter camping. No host so buying wood is an issue, but pick a site on the edge and there is more than enough free. Bring a saw."
Access to natural springs: The Kettle Moraine region features natural springs accessible from several campgrounds. One camper shared their unique experience: "Beautiful campground (Ottawa Lake campsites) Great Lake, hiking to see the natural springs which is the coolest!! Drank fresh spring water!"
Weekend music events: Some county parks host seasonal entertainment. At Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks, a camper described, "The weekend we were there they had live music, food trucks and a beer garden. This was well away from the campsite areas so if you are just there for nature it didn't impede on that."
Clean shower facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bath facilities. At Cliffside Park Campground, visitors appreciate the "nice bathrooms with clean showers," with another noting, "The restrooms were super clean and heated (as some mornings during our visit were in the 40's)."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campsites. "It was incredibly loud when we drove through the loop closest to the highway and was significantly better even just one section over," notes a camper at Ottawa Lake. Another camper at Naga-Waukee Park observed: "The entire grounds is surrounded by roads, highways and the constant hum of traffic, sometimes louder than others."
Dog restrictions vary: Not all parks welcome pets throughout their grounds. At Cliffside Park, "Dogs are only allowed in the campground and not permitted to walk around other parts of the park." Some campgrounds designate specific loops for pets: "Firstly- don't reserve a spot in loop 1 if you have a dog. It was easy enough to change but now we know to aim for loop 2 or 3."
Quiet loops available: Some campgrounds offer designated quiet areas. "We liked this site because it was on the 'quiet loop.' No radios or pets allowed," notes a visitor to Kettle Moraine Southern Unit. Another camper adds, "Pine Woods area because it has no electricity, is a 24-hour quiet area and no pets allowed."
Water quality varies seasonally: Swimming areas may experience conditions affecting water quality. "The lake is very clean and the site are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!" notes an Ottawa Lake visitor, while another camper mentioned, "The water was rather gross when we were there" at Muskego Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas near campsites. At Cliffside Park Campground, "This is a great campground for families. It has a playground as well as a baseball field." Kettle Moraine Southern Unit also received family praise: "The facilities were well maintained. Clean, Private Camp Site, Good playgrounds, Hiking Trails."
Character encounters: Jellystone Park offers themed activities with costumed characters. "Plenty of things to do all day with the rec dept staff and lots of sightings of Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear! Pool and Bear Paw beach are both nice, the kids had a blast at both," shares a visitor. Another adds, "You can pay $6 to have Yogi, Boo Boo or cindy come visit your site and bring juice and a cookie."
Kid-friendly hiking options: Select trails cater to younger hikers. "The campground was close to our intended hiking trail — the Scuppernong section of the Ice Age Trail. It's absolutely gorgeous and will be why we come back again," notes an Ottawa Lake visitor. Another adds, "Scuppernong Springs was also a treat for the kiddos although I highly recommended planning for a solid 2 mile hike if you're with kids."
Biking opportunities: Several parks connect to larger trail networks. At Pike Lake, a visitor notes, "Bike trail now connects to the campground making biking to Pike Lake possible." Another camper recommends: "Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."
Tips from RVers
Urban convenience: Wisconsin State Fair RV Park provides closest access to Milwaukee. "Perfect campground for what it is! Big paved parking lot with full hookups. Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities," shares a visitor to Wisconsin State Fair RV Park. Another RVer noted, "We were able to grab a nonelectric site and transfer to an electric site when one cancelled last minute."
Water connections: Hose length may determine site selection at some parks. At Cliffside Park, "Each site has water but in order to reach some of the spigots you would need more than a 50' water hose so choose your site with that in mind." A visitor noted the amenities: "Level sites with electric and water at each site. Well taken care of grounds."
Reservation system quirks: Some online systems have technical issues. "The automated site selection process, which many have mentioned, is frustrating. I received six emails between Mar-Jun indicating they switched my spot," shares a Wisconsin State Fair RV Park camper, adding, "I noticed they placed a lot of large fifth wheels in tiny back in spaces when plenty pull throughs were available."
Limited utility hookups: Many county parks offer minimal connections. A camper at Naga-Waukee Park notes: "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."
