Camping options near Ripon, Wisconsin range from family-oriented resorts to basic overnight stops for travelers. The region's rolling glacial terrain features numerous lakes and pine forests, with elevations averaging 800-900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall campers can expect cooler nights requiring additional layers.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: Lake of the Woods Campground has both a pool and a clean pond for water activities. "Nice shady sites, very family oriented a lot of stuff for kids to do, planned events every weekend. Bar has great food. Pool and kiddie pool were clean and the beach/pond was so nice," notes one visitor.
Water recreation: Fremont RV Campground offers waterfront camping with multiple water activities. "Great waterfront camping. Great outdoor waterpark. Fun dance for kids on Saturday night," explains a camper. The campground includes waterslides, mini golf, and river access.
Special events: Weekend activities are common at River Bend RV Resort, especially during summer months. "We had a great time with our group. The staff did a great job cleaning and supervising the amount of people in the store due to the pandemic," reports a camper. Activities include volleyball tournaments, themed weekends, and seasonal celebrations.
What campers like
Affordability: Omro RV Park provides budget-friendly options for RV camping near Ripon, Wisconsin. "It is $15 per night. Dump station and water available, but not at your site. Quiet, clean, well kept," states one visitor. The park offers basic amenities at lower rates than resort-style campgrounds.
Family atmosphere: Lake of the Woods Campground receives high marks for family friendliness. "The group campsite is phenomenal... tons of space for each family and a great community area for your group. They have a store, a bar, coin op laundry, a pool, a clean little pond & a great playground," one camper shares.
Halloween celebrations: Pearl Lake RV Campground hosts special Halloween events that many visitors enjoy. "We stayed for their Halloween celebration and the place was decked out! They had trick or treating and a golf cart parade," reports a camper, noting the festive atmosphere created by seasonal and permanent residents.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have proximity to racetracks or highways. At Plymouth Rock Camping Resort, "The amenities are pretty great, and the campground is decent, but the noise is annoying early in the morning and throughout the day. It is really close to a racetrack."
Seasonal population: Many campgrounds have a mix of weekend campers and seasonal residents. At Pearl Lake RV Campground, "This campground is nestled in a stand of tall red pine trees so shade is found everywhere... This campground is mostly all seasonal campsites and some are impeccably maintained and elaborate and some are REALLY run down."
Bathroom facilities: Shower quality varies significantly between campgrounds. One reviewer notes about Pearl Lake: "The bathrooms are ok but the showers are terrible. You must push a button every 20 seconds to keep the water coming."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Campgrounds with dedicated children's areas provide structured entertainment. "The group campsite is phenomenal... They have a store, a bar, coin op laundry, a pool, a clean little pond & a great playground... tons to do to keep busy!" notes a Lake of the Woods visitor.
Golf cart rentals: At larger properties, consider renting transportation. "It was nice to be able to rent a golf cart because the park is large and the activities are spread about," explains a visitor to Plymouth Rock Camping Resort.
Location selection: Osh Vegas Palms provides simple accommodations for families attending events. "We were there for the EAA air show, so we needed little. The owner is very laid back and friendly," notes one camper, highlighting its strategic location for festival attendance.
Tips from RVers
Site angle awareness: Back-in sites can be challenging at some locations. At Pearl Lake, "The roads connecting the sites are adequately wide. Just know that all of the sites are 90 degree back-ins which can be tight with longer rigs- especially if your neighbor across the road has their vehicle or toys parked right up to the paved surface."
Basic hookup options: Many RV sites near Ripon offer limited hookups. At Omro RV Park, "Is $15 per night. Dump station and water available, but not at your site. Quiet, clean, well kept. Is all pull through sites, they will fit any length rig, 80' long."
Internet connectivity: Cell service and Wi-Fi vary throughout the region. One Pearl Lake visitor reports: "Starlink was accessible if the dish could be placed around the pool with access to the sky." Consider portable signal boosters when camping in heavily wooded areas.
