Best Tent Camping near Williams Bay, WI

Recent Tent Reviews near Williams Bay, Wisconsin

648 Reviews of 7 Williams Bay Campgrounds

• 

  Josh F.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 25, 2020

  Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake

  RV campground with lake access

  I did not stay here, but I spend some time walking through to get a feel for the place.

  This is primarily an RV/mobile home campground, but there are some nicely tucked away tent camp sites that I'll recommend later in this review. Gravel roads connect the three loops and the landscaping is well kept and maintained. The campground sells ice, firewood and rents boats.

  There is a very clean bathroom and bathhouse, freshwater for campers, and some electric tent campsites. The property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake. The tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below (and the RVs). 

  The Galapagos tent campsite is elevated and a short distance from the loop road, and has a nice view of the lake. The Box Turtle site is also a bit elevated above the main driveway as is Snapper 7, though I am not sure where you are supposed to put your tent in that site.

  Now, Snapper 4, 5,6 and 7 would be nice for group camping because they are all very close to one another and a bit more private, set away from the rest of the campsites. There are lots of electrical sites for campers and RVs, most of which look like they are quite permanently in place.

• 

  Josh F.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 25, 2020

  Milton-Madison SE KOA

  RV/Mobile Home Campground with lots to do

  I did not stay at this campground, but drove through it to see the place. I was looking for tent campsites and if there are any, they were under the tires of an RV. There are lots of things to do here, but tent camping is not one of them. I have nothing bad or good to say about the place, just letting tent campers know that this might not be the place for them.

• 

  Josh F.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 3, 2020

  Hebron Campground

  Small, Tidy with Lots of Waterworks

  This is a relatively small, private campground mostly for RVs though there are some very nice sites that would be lovely for tents. There are a dozen tent sites that back up to a very charming river, each one has a picnic table and fire pit. The view of the river from these sites is lovely. Adding to the waterworks, there is a cute pond with a charming fountain in the center of the RV sites, and a nice horseshoes pit. There are a number of RV sites with full hookups. 

  I spoke with the owner and they did not have tent camping in 2020. They were worried about people in too close proximity in the restroom. In 2020 they only allowed RVs that had their own restroom facilities. The owner told me that maybe there will be tent camping in 2021.

• S

  Sadie R.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 2, 2020

  Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

  Good Tent Sites

  We visited this spot last summer as a place to stay for 1 night on our way farther north.

  We really enjoy tent camping and prefer walk-in/hike in sites so we can have some privacy away from other campers. The campsites were decently dispersed and the ground was nice and grassy so it was pretty comfortable.

  We always want more space between campsites, but I think the privacy level was fine. The tent sites are right off the parking lot where the boat ramp is so maybe on a busy weekend it would be a little loud, but overall a nice night for us!

  We left in the morning to continue our drive so we didn’t spend much time checking out the hiking trails.

  We did however go checkout the beach which wasn’t much to write home about. If I remember correctly, we had to pay a fee to enter. Always happy to support a state park. We just figured since we were already paying to camp there, it wouldn’t cost extra. I’m pretty sure we paid an admission fee and didn’t stay for long. It was across the way and requires a drive instead of a hike to get there.

• 

  Marisa A.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 16, 2020

  MacQueen Forest Preserve

  Secluded Hike-in Tent Campsites on the Kish

  This is where to go if you don't like pitching a tent in a field of RVs. There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy. This is a very primative campground with 1 set of Vault toilets. The other campsites require a walk/hike along a gravel path for completely wooded sites or cross a football sized meadow for open air sites. There are several well-water pumps "not for drinking." Each campsite has a fire pit and a picnic table. Pack out your garbage for the dumpster in the parking lot. There are only 9 sites total. VERY private and secluded. Tents only! Massive forest preserve area for excellent hiking. Some fellow campers were doing a diy tubing right to the campground. (About a 2 hr lazy river tube from Kingston or 5hrs from Genoa on the slow moving S. Branch of the Kishwaukee River which can be pretty deep in places.) Absolutely NO ALCOHOL. Cost for tent sites is only $4 per tent or tent-like structure. There are primitive cabins for rent and a large lodge if you rented the structure for an event here. By their facebook page, it looks like there have been beautiful weddings here. This is a former scout camp flanked by more forest preserves. The ranger is very nice and the entrance is locked from sunset to sunrise. I hesitated even posting this tent-camping primitive heaven, because I almost want to keep it for myself and the locals. Please practice leave no trace and follow the rules if you go so this place stays open. Dog friendly, but must be leashed all of time or a $50 fine. My dog loved the trails and river crossings! Gorgeous hidden gem about an hour into cornfield country from Chicago NW suburbs like Woodfield Mall. I had cell service at one spot in the parking lot, but it was fleeting with T-mobile. A fellow camper had the best private spot (#2) which other than the ada site was the best because it was closest to the parking lot, yet she still had a festival/yard cart to pull her gear up a gravel path. Make sure you bring yours or are outfitted with backpacking gear. Like anywhere, prevent insect deforestation and don't bring firewood, it's fine, they have plenty.

• M

  Mike T.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 31, 2016

  Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

  Illinois beach

  We stayed here on a nice warm weekend. There is a huge building you can rent a room in or over 200 campsites with water and electricity. We camped in a tent and enjoyed the swimming and fishing from Lake Michigan. Very nice and clean. Employees were helpful and told us of a great fishing spot!!!

• D

  Doug

  Guide

  

  Jul. 12, 2022

  Paul Wolff Campground

  Clean and Nice

  I've stayed in a tent and a trailer here. Love this place. Super clean, everyone is pleasant. The tent sites are kind of away from the RVs. There's only 10 tent sites, but you could land your tent at an RV site if you wanted water or electric. Love coming here.

• 

  Abby W.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 24, 2019

  Sycamore RV Resort

  Nice fishing ponds

  And fun beach!! But no tent camping

• 

  Gypsy G.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 24, 2021

  Thousand Trails Pine Country

  Very nice!

  Tent camped here one night. Very nice, private sites. Not many campers, lots of RVs. Folks in the office were very helpful.

• 

  Juliya R.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 22, 2020

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

  Secluded and not too busy

  Making reservations at the group site was easy and ensured no other campers were near us. Beach access and a great tree canopy allowed for comfortable tent camping.

• 

  John M.

  Traveler

  

  May. 29, 2023

  Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

  State park close to Chicago

  This is a great state park not too far from Chicago. Has a lot of rv sites and dedicated tent site close to the lake.

• 

  Chloe N.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 18, 2022

  Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

  Great for kids

  We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. There are about 8 tent/pop up sites and the rest of the campground is for RVs. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site! The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms (no hot water in the showers) right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids! We’re going back this summer. This is not private or rustic camping but still very fun and relaxing.

• D

  Doug

  Guide

  

  Jan. 3, 2022

  Thomas Woods Campground

  Great Campground

  Have stayed here a few times tent camping. Smaller campground in McHenry county. Good staff. Other campers relatively friendly and quiet. County police make a presence in the camp ground. Clean. Decent sites, some have hike in (kind of). Decent toilets.

• 

  Casey M.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 9, 2020

  Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

  Weekend getaway

  We tent camped in the staghorn section, less packed that the other options. Nice place, bathroom and showers were decent. Lot of trails, rentals of kayak, great for dogs and kids. Meijer is also close by in case you forget anything.

• A

  Amy R.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 17, 2019

  Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

  Tent camping near lake

  Tent sites are in hickory hills area. Easy walk to showers/toilets over across from site 100. Tent sites are much more shaded and private than electric sites. We were traveling with another family so had two sites. If you have two parties I'd recommend sites 27 and 31 which have a little private path and potentially 53 and 5 which also appeared to have a path between them. Our sites 47 and 53 were big and shaded but not very flat for sleeping. Boat launch very close if you bring your own kayaks or canoes. There are also some for rent at the other end of the park. Park and ice at concessions.

• 

  Mitchell S.

  Scout

  

  May. 20, 2019

  Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

  Easy get away

  Nice quiet place to get away. Large lake for boating and fishing. Sights are good sized for campers and pop-ups. Tent sites are a little sloped. Easy trails around the lake.

• C

  Claire S.

  Scout

  

  May. 31, 2017

  Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

  Typical State Park Campsites

  The state park is larger than expected with decent amenities (boat rentals, concessions, relatively clean pit toilets) and areas designated for trailer camping and tent camping.

  We stayed in the Turner South Loop, one of the older tent camping loops, and the age definitely showed. Most of the sites on this loop are pretty worn, with not much privacy. We stayed in T10, but would consider T9 if we returned to this loop for a different reserved site. The prairie loop looked a bit newer with bigger, less worn sites. Both loops had grill pits that were well-maintained for fires and campfire cooking.

  Trails were geared more towards horses and bikes, but there are plenty of walking paths, and we were able to find some hidden trails along the lake (read: unofficial). Overall, a place for relaxing and leisurely strolls and not hiking.

• C

  Cari B.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 10, 2020

  Paul Wolff Campground

  Nice enough for a stopover

  Well maintained park. We stayed at a tent site, nearby pit toilets are basic with no running water. Odd numbered sites had better shade than evens. The RV sites looked closely spaced but nice enough

• 

  Ken

  Guide

  

  Oct. 11, 2020

  Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

  Beautiful Spot

  We were camping here right in the middle of fall. The leaves were changing and our site was near the lake. Awesome family friendly spot. Adult beverages must be in a solo cup. Good for RV and tent camping. The bathroom isn’t too far of a walk from any site.

• 

  Marisa A.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 9, 2020

  Thomas Woods Campground

  Beautiful IL woods and prairie

  Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers. Hand pumps for water and well-kept pit toilets. Hiking galore! My "leashed" dog loves this place, as do I.

• M

  Martha

  Scout

  

  Jun. 2, 2021

  Paul Wolff Campground

  Not for #vanlife

  Full hook ups and electric sites plus some restricted Equestrian and walk in sites
  Not for #vanlife. I tried to pay for a tent site and was told “you’re not supposed to sleep in your car” “this campground is for RV’s only”

• P

  Phillip T.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 16, 2020

  Sycamore RV Resort

  Secret get away

  No tent camping allowed but pop up trailers on up are welcome. Very nice grounds that are quiet. 10 minute drive to town. 20 minutes from Dekalb. Some Covid 19 restrictions. Beach and restrooms are closed. Campers must have their own toilets. Other wise very clean shower house and restrooms if there were no Covid 19.

• 

  Therese T.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 24, 2021

  Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

  Beautiful serene park

  We had a great stay. Level well maintained shady tent site. Bathrooms were fine. The camp hosts were nice. Can’t beat the views of Lake Michigan! Nice trails through the park. Beaches were too cold and rough waters for swimming, but we had an awesome time!

• 

  Katie A.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 29, 2023

  Camp Reinberg

  Great little camp ground!

  Loved everything about this place. The staff is so helpful, well maintained, nice trail system. We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again. We also came back last weekend and stayed in one of the large cabins- game changer in the winter! It’s a perfect spot for a weekend away from Chicago, will definitely be back.

• 

  Josh F.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 25, 2020

  Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks

  A county park with lots to offer

  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. There are nicely-groomed volleyball courts, picnic shelters and abundant picnic tables. There are pit toilets throughout the campground and one flush toilet station in the public picnicking area.

  The campsites are up the hill from the public areas I just described. Sites 1 through 8 are in an oak savannah, semi-shaded but mostly in a grassland area. Sites are grassy with no gravel pads for parking.

  The group camping area is slightly shaded, but would be warm and sunny midday. Group site 19 is probably one of the shadiest areas.

  Now, sites 22 and 23, 24, 25 and 26 are very cool. The campsites are in the midst of a pine forest. It would be sweet to tent camp there and listen to the wind in those trees. Note, there is no camping IN among the pine forest, and these sites are going to be quite sunny and warm midday without much shade.

• 

  Kevin C.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 7, 2021

  Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake

  Nice quite lake

  I can not tell you how many times I’ve been here. My son lives within seconds of here so it is very convenient. They gave on site bathrooms and showers. Electric, water and sewer hookups. They also have tent sites. This season there will be née owners so I hope they keep some of the annual activities.

• J

  Judy

  Scout

  

  Sep. 24, 2022

  Paul Wolff Campground

  Very Noisy

  This campground is well maintained. The tent sites are nicely arranged for privacy. There are a few wooded trails from the campground. Just don’t count on sleep unless you are in the habit of sleeping through trains, traffic and planes taking off at least once per hour from nearby airport. It was torture. Bathrooms are okay not great.