Seasonal camping occurs year-round in the Wisconsin Dells area with summer highs averaging 80-85°F and winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. Located where the Wisconsin River cuts through sandstone formations, the area features over 20 miles of hiking trails connecting various campgrounds. Highway noise affects several campgrounds close to Interstate 90/94, particularly sites at Rocky Arbor State Park.
What to do
Water sports on Mirror Lake: The flat-water lake at Mirror Lake State Park provides excellent kayaking opportunities. "The lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs," notes Julia B., who appreciated the well-maintained hiking trails. Another camper adds, "You can rent kayaks and canoes! Plenty of hiking trails and geocaches!"
Rock climbing at Devil's Lake: Devils Lake State Park offers popular climbing areas suitable for beginners and experienced climbers. "Climbing is popular and there are people to help teach you," explains Mike T. The park features multiple climbing routes on quartzite formations with varying difficulty levels. Mark J. confirms, "Beautiful bluffs surround Devils Lake that allow campers to hike up and see great views of the lake."
Disc golf close to amenities: Fox Hill RV Park maintains a disc golf course on its property, allowing campers to play without leaving the campground. "Nice campground with spacious sites... They deliver ice and firewood. Nice playground and pool, swimming pond too," reports Ryan L. The course winds through wooded areas and is suitable for various skill levels.
What campers like
Secluded sites with privacy: Rocky Arbor State Park Campground offers woodsy sites separated by dense vegetation. "Many of the sites are separated from others by some space and numerous trees, tucked back away in the pine forest," explains Lisa S. Paul N. adds context: "On the positive side of things, the sites are (for the most part) secluded from one another with lots of trees."
Clean, modern facilities: Wisconsin campgrounds maintain high sanitation standards. At Fox Hill RV Park, Joan notes, "The bathrooms were immaculate. Even the Men's room was super clean." Another camper confirms, "The pool was nice...There are well kept large outdoor games like chess, connect 4, and checkers."
Kid-friendly entertainment: Yogi Bear Camp-Resort specializes in family activities. "There is TONS OF STUFF for kids to do here!!! It was Halloween theme weekend so there was trick or treating, a haunted house, dance party… lots of stuff," writes Kelli V. Another camper adds, "They do Yogi Bear Cartoons each night which is neat!"
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Several campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby highways. At Cliffwood Campground, Larry A. warns, "The campground is really nice. The facilities are excellent. However it's really close to the interstate and the road noise is awful." B.M. suggests specific sites: "We had site 138 it's in the Cliffwood loop at the end where the circle is...we had a private trail behind the campsite that leads to a view of the lake."
Seasonal pricing fluctuations: Wisconsin Dells campgrounds charge premium rates during summer peak season. At Devils Lake, one camper reported, "Cost at end of September, Sunday night was $76/night PLUS $16 parking fee." Weekday camping in spring or fall can reduce costs by 30-50% compared to weekend summer rates.
Campsite conditions vary by loop: Within each campground, there are significant differences between camping loops. At Northern Lights Campground, Siobhan R. notes, "If you want privacy, some spots are better than others. There are a lot of wide open sites with no trees or vegetation, so it's like staying on someone's yard with a bunch of strangers."
Tips for camping with families
Reserve well ahead for summer weekends: Popular Wisconsin Dells campgrounds fill months in advance, especially holiday weekends. Nicole T. advises about Devils Lake: "The sites here are large but get reserved quickly! You need to book 11 months in advance, especially for holiday weekends."
Consider off-peak timing: Weekday camping offers a more peaceful experience. "We camped on a Tuesday morning right now. Quite a peaceful campground...There's only about 4 other campsites occupied right now," notes Jennifer K. about her stay at Bluewater Bay Campground.
Seek dog friendly campgrounds near Wisconsin Dells: Several campgrounds accommodate pets with designated areas. Jo Ann V. reports about Devils Lake: "They also have several doggy swimming areas, but only on the south side could she be in the water without a leash." For pet-friendly Wisconsin Dells camping options, Rocky Arbor includes a pet exercise area and trails suitable for walking dogs.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose sites carefully based on your RV size and hookup needs. At Wisconsin Dells KOA, Jeff G. warns, "Small clean park. Super tight sites." For larger RVs, Kim L. suggests, "If you have a big rig and need pull through with full hook up, [the new section] may be worth it."
Be prepared for unlevel sites: Several campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring leveling equipment. One camper at Devils Lake reported, "Our sight was very unlevel as well as extremely muddy." Jennifer K. found better conditions at Bluewater Bay: "Sites are pretty level sandy fine gravel. We are in site 37 and didn't need to level at all."
Utility placement varies: Full-hookup sites have different arrangements for water, electric and sewer connections. Ryan L. notes about Fox Hill: "All site are pretty level with gravel pad and logically positioned utilities." Another camper found different conditions: "Water pressure was good, no power issues and the sewer connection was clean and accessible."
