Looking for the perfect glamping experience near Whitefish Bay? Glamping near Whitefish Bay, WI is a great way to go camping with the tastes of home. The Dyrt's camping photos, reviews, and tips are an easy way to find the right Wisconsin glamping spot for you.
Ottawa Lake’s campground is located in the southern unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, situated within half an hour’s drive from Milwaukee. Wisconsin campers of all ages love these grounds thanks to lakefront sites, modern facilities, and access to trails for hikers of every experience level. South Kettle Moraine is also home to over 160 miles of trails, including 87 miles open to horse use. Connect to the Ice Age Scenic Trail and various others within the John Muir and Emma Carlin trail systems.
Don’t forget to bring your rods when camping at Ottawa Lake! You’ll want to take full advantage of the boat dock and fishing pier where you can catch panfish, walleye, muskie, trout, bass, and northern pike – then you can grill them up at your campsite. Keep in mind, motorboats are not permitted on this small lake, which allows for peaceful wading and quieter camping all around.
Though Ottawa Lake is open year-round, it is recommended to check the weather in Dousman and Whitewater before planning trips in the colder months, as freezing temperatures and snow are common. Cold-weather campers who are willing to brave the Wisconsin winter will enjoy snowmobile trails, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. No matter when you visit, Ottawa Lake will leave you satisfied.
When you’re relaxing on the warm, sandy beaches at Kohler–Andrae State Park, gazing across the watery expanse of Lake Michigan, you’re not likely contemplating the area’s nearly two-million-year history. This is when Ice Age glaciers carved out the lake basin and rising and falling water levels dramatically changed the landscape. Soon after, the first Paleo-Indians began inhabiting the area, who hunted mammoths and giant musk ox around the northeastern regions. Moving into the Christian Era, the Hopewell, Chippewa, Potowatomi, and Sauk took turns residing here. Then came European settlers in the 19th century, who had no interest in beachfront property, as it couldn’t be farmed. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that Americans started to value outdoor recreation as a form of relaxation and entertainment. Today, you can enjoy this 1000 acres of sandy beaches, rolling dunes and mixed woods, where you’re more likely to be contemplating the cool breeze what to barbecue for dinner.
For grilling up your tasty burgers, be they beef, beet, or anything in between, Kohler–Andrae State Park offers a large campground with fire rings and picnic tables in each site. There are more than 130 tent and RV sites to choose from, some with electrical hookups. There is also two group tent sites. The campground provides flush restrooms with showers, picnic areas and shelters, a playground, amphitheater, and laundry facilities; a dump station is located nearby. The campground is open year-round, but some amenities may not be available in winter months. Dogs are permitted in the campground and on some trails, but must remain leashed. Campers can access the beach through the picnic area or via a short nature trail. There is also an ADA accessible cabin available to rent. Campsite reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance; seasonal rates are $15–$40/night.
While soaking up the sun and splashing in the lake are the main draw to Kohler–Andrae State Park, there’s much to do. Visit the Sanderling Nature Center at the north end of the park where you can explore interactive exhibits about the area’s natural history, and native flora and fauna. Kids can become Wisconsin Explorers and earn a patch for completing activities. For some paddling fun, you can launch your kayak or paddleboard right from the beach, or for fishing, head over to the fishing pond on the Ancient Shores Trail. And speaking of trails, the park has 8.5 miles of nature paths and hiking trails to explore, many of which are barrier-free. A walk on the aforementioned Ancient Shores Trail reveals where the lakeshore existed more than 5,000 year ago; the Marsh Trail along the Black River is a good place for bird and wildlife watching; and the Dunes Cordwalk explores the park’s dunes, wetlands and white pine forest.
Located within the Villages of Menomonee Falls and Lannon, Menomonee Park is filled with a historical background from the stone quarrying period of 1880-1900. Historical remnants include an old stone crusher and the railroad spur from the quarry to the Bugline. The Park totals 464 acres of rolling field, high quality maple woods, cattail marsh, wetlands, and a 16 acre quarry lake. During your travels through the miles of trails, you may spot a warbler, thrushes or other songbirds. The rolling hills provide challenges to hikers, cross-country skiers and those on snowshoes.
Enjoy a bike ride along the historical Bugline Recreational Trail that was once the railroad that served Stone City. The 16-mile paved trail is a treasure for hikers, bikers and runners. A separated portion of the trail is set aside for equestrian use. Rent Stand Up Paddleboards and Canoes on site.
$25 - $80 / night
Naga-Waukee Park and Golf Course are located just north of I-94 spanning the lands between the shores of Nagawicka Lake and Pewaukee Lake.
This 414-acre parcel consists of a regional park, a championship 18-hole golf course, and two lake access sites. The diverse topographical features were created during the glacial age, which enhances the beauty of the site. Naga-Waukee Park spans 206 acres and offers a spectacular view of Nagawicka Lake as you meander down the boardwalk to the lake access or beach.
Another boardwalk awaits you as it winds through the trees along the lakefront. It is a splendid view and a great photo opportunity. The oak hickory forest and thick undergrowth define the trails that wind throughout the park, which is home to many different species of wildlife. Many Baltimore Orioles make Naga-Waukee their home, as well as Great Horned Owls.
$25 - $80 / night
Lazy days campground Inc. Lazy Days Campground was started in 1963 by my father Joseph C. Waters. Joseph purchased the property that the campground on, in 1962 for a little more than $76,000.00.
We opened the campground with only 25 tent sites in 1963. While we were building the campground, we also farmed the property. This year we will have been in business for 57 years. Our family is very proud of this because not many small family businesses survive that long.
Our campground is located on Green Lake, a very nice and clean lake in West Bend, WI. We have approximately 1900 feet of lake frontage. We have a very nice sandy beach, and two piers for boats and for people to fish off of.
$31 - $43 / night
Designated backpack campsites are available by reservation at the following properties. These campsites may be several hundred yards to a few miles away from the nearest parking area and campers need to carry all gear in and out. Campsites typically feature a fire ring, seating, and a primitive privy or wilderness latrine, which may be shared with other campsites. There are also a limited number of opportunities for very primitive, remote camping on DNR lands.
Ranger
We were in route to visiting Green Bay Wisconsin and found this campground on Lake Michigan. We were able to secure a sight by calling directly to the park because the phone number was on the Wisconsin State Map. The had a staff of about 5 people at the and took a debit card for Payment. We paid $22 for the sight because it had electricity and an additional $9 day fee required in Wisconsin. You can pay $30 for a season, we were only in Wisconsin for two nights. The sight was nice for a tent and we were able to hang out on the beach of Lake Michigan. The bathrooms had hot showers. We got up early and made our way to Green Bay.
Scout
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!
GuidePerfect 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.
RangerNice long stretch of soft sand beach and cool board walk hikes through sand dunes. The sites are pretty typical, nice, wooded, maybe a little squeezed together but over all not bad. A lot of pines which I like. Showers etc... are also very nice. I believe there are two teepees you can rent as well. Over all my favorite Wisconsin sites for swimming on Lake Michigan thus far.
ScoutMade 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.
LegendAnother beautiful Wisconsin State Park. We’ve stayed in several of these now, and have found them to be consistently well maintained, clean, free showers (this one has a handle where you can actually adjust the temperature), with dumpsters, recycling, and a dump station and water fill.
We paid $40/night for an electric (30amp) site because we needed to run the a/c, but otherwise that’s far too expensive and we’d much rather pay $25 for a non-power site. There’s also the $13/day or $38 annual state park fee (residents pay a few dollars less), which we’re seeing more and more of at state parks now.
Rangers and hosts are super friendly and helpful as well. There are nice trails around the campground, and some of them even allow dogs. Only a portion of the beach allows dogs, so watch for that. Sites vary in levelness and amount of privacy from your neighbor.
There’s also laundry here, such a nice perk for full timers like us! Laundry day at the laundromat is such an unpleasant chore.
ATT had good service and Verizon had weak service.
Ranger
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.
Guide
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.
LegendCampground 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
What's not great
The verdict
Overall, it is a nice kit and I will be lending it to some friends to an upcoming backpacking trip.
LegendThis 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.
Scout
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.
GuideWe 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.
TravelerGreat 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.
ScoutWe 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.
GuideLive 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.
GuideGreat for fishing and hiking
GuideI 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.
Traveler
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. Would definitely go back! Most sites are nice and big, older sites are bigger than the newer Bear Paw area.
TravelerLarge campground, concrete spots are very nice.
TravelerThis pretty nice park is obviously aimed at kids and kids at heart. It has a lot of amenities that were not available when we were there. They have their hand out for everything which can make your stay rather expensive. The sit itself is pretty nice with level sites and good water and electric. The bath house was a little disappointing as there was no hot water and we were told that it had been that way all week. Wifi is purchased and not the best even though there were hardly anyone else in the park.
We stayed here because it was close to people we wanted to see and our other choices were not available.
RangerWe go at least once a year to see the Christmas lights. A great little after work trip on a Friday to cure the kiddos cabin fever a bit.
ScoutCamped here the past few years for my son’s birthday. Last year we heard out their fall package and got 3 weekends for a very much discounted price. Loved it so much we got it again this year! We will again spend most of September here! So many activities for the kids and adults! Yes it’s pricey, but you know that going into your reservation. It’s not like you have to pay extra for the wristbands at every other campground. They’re already included. The package we have includes 2 Halloween weekends. We have been to other campgrounds for Halloween, including 2 last year. We gave up standing reservations we’ve had for about 10 years now to spend Halloween at jellystone only.
Scoutvery nice campground it’s clean. very overpriced just for having a fancy pool.
ScoutYogi Bear campground is a nice, clean campground. Rental options and the big pool are wonderful. I can’t afford to go there often though because it is pricey.
LegendWe booked a site here for Halloween and had a great time. My kids love Halloween Weekend camping at the various JellyStone Campgrounds. This location did not dissapoint. We have not gone to this location during the warmer months but looks to be a great campground
TravelerIt was our 1st time there. Kids had lots of fun and there was plenty to keep them occupied. The store was expensive compared to other places but they had a large variety of things you may need or want. You can pay $6 to have Yogi, Boo Boo or cindy come visit your site and bring juice and a cookie.
TravelerSites are medium sized. We had full hookup which was nice. Plenty of things to keep kids busy. Store has lots of stuff and necessities. Was alittle more expensive than some other places but they had a large variety within. Staff all seemed to be new and weren't all on the same page half the time. They charged $8-12 for visitors which was ridicules. 70 year old people had to pay $13 because they might use their facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Whitefish Bay, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Whitefish Bay, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Whitefish Bay, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 glamping camping locations near Whitefish Bay, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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