Best Campgrounds near Ripon, WI
The central Wisconsin landscape surrounding Ripon features a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas within a 30-mile radius. Green Lake Campground and Hattie Sherwood Park, both located approximately 10 miles northwest of Ripon, offer waterfront camping with full hookup options for RVs and tent sites nestled among wooded areas. Waupun Park Campground, situated 15 miles south of Ripon, provides spacious, private sites with electric hookups and modern facilities. The region includes several state parks and county-managed recreation areas that accommodate various camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-service RV pads with 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, with limited winter camping options. As one camper noted about Waupun Park, "The deep spots offer gorgeous private, well wooded areas that make you feel like you're all alone in the woods." Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Wisconsin's variable climate means spring camping can encounter muddy conditions while summer brings occasional thunderstorms and high humidity. Fall camping offers spectacular foliage viewing with cooler temperatures ranging from the 30s at night to 60s during the day. Many campgrounds provide firewood for purchase on-site to comply with emerald ash borer regulations that restrict bringing outside wood.
Wooded sites receive consistently positive reviews for their privacy and natural setting. Campers frequently mention the well-maintained shower facilities and clean restrooms at most established campgrounds. Sites backing up to water features or forest edges tend to book first, particularly those at Green Lake where fishing access is prized. Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds, swimming beaches, and hiking trails connecting directly to campground loops. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near Oshkosh and patchy reception in more remote areas. Proximity to small towns allows for convenient supply runs, with most campgrounds located within 15 minutes of grocery stores and restaurants, making the area suitable for both weekend getaways and longer stays.
