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Best Tent Camping near Wisconsin Dells, WI

745 Reviews

Several tent campgrounds surround the Wisconsin Dells region, ranging from state park group sites to backpacking options within a reasonable drive. Devils Lake State Park Group Campground offers wooded tent sites with shade and privacy, featuring tent pads and access to clean shower facilities. Governor Dodge State Park provides backpack campsites requiring a half-mile to one-mile hike from parking areas, offering seclusion for tent campers seeking a more primitive experience.

Tent camping facilities vary significantly across these locations. Devils Lake sites are primarily dirt with leaf cover due to heavy tree canopy, which provides good protection during rain but creates uneven surfaces. Most campgrounds include amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, though water often requires collection from central pumps. Group sites at Devils Lake feature pit toilets and full bathroom facilities with showers within walking distance. Governor Dodge backpacking sites offer more seclusion but fewer amenities, requiring campers to pack supplies to their sites.

The tent camping experience in this region includes diverse hiking opportunities and water access. Devils Lake offers extensive trail systems with challenging routes along the East and West Bluffs, providing excellent views from locations like Devils Doorway. Governor Dodge State Park features two main lakes with fishing opportunities and trail networks including the scenic Lost Canyon Trail with bluffs and a small waterfall. Wildlife encounters are common near campgrounds. Weekend visits bring higher occupancy levels, particularly at popular locations like Devils Lake. A camper noted, "The group sites are well spaced out from each other and offer pit toilets and full bathroom facilities with sinks, toilets and showers within walking distance from all sites."

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Best Tent Sites Near Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wisconsin Dells, WI

6 Photos of 7 Wisconsin Dells Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Wisconsin Dells, WI

745 Reviews of 7 Wisconsin Dells Campgrounds

  • Olivia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Arrowhead RV Campground

    Family Fun

    • Great campground for families with kids and teens. Tons of activities all around the campground. There were outdoor movies, put-put, corn hole, two pools, huge trampoline, volleyball nets, disc golf, and a Christmas in July festival all happening when we were there.
    • Just up the road from Wisconsin Dells, which is fun for the whole family, even though there is plenty to do at the campground, this option is nearby also.
    • We stayed in the primitive tent sites for this trip and this was the farthest I have ever had to walk to get to the bath house at any campground, but it was still manageable.
    • We found this site through Bring Fido, because we were bringing our pup with us. However, there is a dirt track with racing just adjacent to the campground, so our poor guy was pretty nervous the whole time. The race ended at 11 and we had no problem sleeping, but it is something to keep in mind.
  • Janet B.
    Jun. 3, 2023

    Buckhorn State Park Campground

    Pretty good one for the weekend

    Snagged a spot (#102) right before the Memorial Day weekend. Spacious site, somewhat private because of the surrounding trees. If you want to be surrounded by hammock-able trees, i suggest sites 94-99. Our site was both close to vaulted toilets/water and shower building, which was a plus. Shower head pressure was lovely and hot water was great! One downside was that people were loud and playing music till midnight but oh wells.

    Was worried about bugs but I think it was okay. Maybe we were there before it began. i did find some ticks on my camping chair though so beware.

    Though we didnt explore much of the Buckhorn SP, we chose this site because it was under an hour drive from Mirror Lake SP and Devils Lake SP. Making a day trip to those parks and Wisconsin Dells was a breeze.

  • Cristina S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Blue Mound State Park Campground

    Clean and Modern

    Campsites, trails and facilities were immaculate. Staff was friendly. drive in and hike in sites available. great for families; trails have info markers to educate hikers on geology and flora of area. Drive in campsites had fire rings and picnic tables, vault toilets available.

  • Josh F.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Blue Mound State Park Campground

    Close to Madison, near Military Ridge Trail, Some sites are Far, Far Away

    I spent two nights in the campground at Blue Mound State Park. Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water. Both tent and RV/camper sites are on a typical one-way road pattern with a couple of loops there are plenty of sites with and without electricity. At the time I was there, the camp host sold high-quality hard wood for $5/bundle from a trailer on the honor system, so if you run out in the middle of the night, wood was easy to replenish. One of the park's highlights are lookout towers with views above the treetops, Unfortunately in 2020 both were closed, presumably because it would be difficult to keep a safe distance from others when on the stairs or while at the top. Pity, it'll be a reason to return. Still, there are several observation areas that are maintained well enough to keep the undergrowth from blocking the view of the Wisconsin River Valley nearly 15 miles to the north. This is where the "Blue Mound" name must come from, the hills at that distance did have a bluish cast to them.

    If you've read any of my other reviews you know what's next, my list of the best campsites. While I've visited several parks now that have "walk in" sites, with cars parked a minute or two from the campsite, about a dozen sites in Blue Mound State Park take "walk in" to a new level. Cars can drive to a barrier across the road, and the sites are a 10-15 minute walk downhill, The park provides ONE medium-sized cart (250 lb weight limit, 20-minute use limit) that I guess would be in high demand during load in and load out. (NOTE TO SELF, camp Thursday through Monday if going here, or arrive EARLY to get a cart). Most of these sites are quite sunny; 105 is nice and shady and private, 106 slightly shaded 109 and 110 are shaded, very close to one another and would be good for a group camp setup 111 is quite shady. There's water and toilets in the walk-in camp ground. You'd want to sip wood for campfires and cooking, the nearest source is a 15-minute walk uphill and back, and then if using the cart, you have to return it for another round trip.

    Back in the family campground where mortals and RVs park, I think the following are the nicest in terms of shade, level, size and privacy.

    42, 45, 47, 51, 64, 66, 69, 71, 73

  • Kim The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Wonderful cart in sites

    The cart in sites are fantastic at Wildcat Mountain! Each site is spacious with most heavily treed for shade. Each site has a nice large flat pad for a tent or two, fire ring, bench and picnic table. Proximity to potable water, vault or modern toilets and designated parking are all within 400 yards of all sites. 

    The park is located in the Kickapoo valley area where the driftless area is amazing to hike. You can kayak or tube down the river that is flanked by high limestone bluffs. The hiking trails are well maintained. There is also extensive horse trails, a beautiful outdoor ampitheater for viewing sunsets and access to the river right in the park. 

    The campers were respectful and quiet. Our campsite was fairly clean when we arrived. Contactless registration due to covid 19. That made getting set up quick and easy!  The cart provided was fairly big for less trips. I would happily camp here again!

  • Alex S.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Red Oak Campgrounds

    Great for car camping!

    This is our favorite campground for when we want to take trips to Devil’s Lake State Park! The campgrounds all vary in size, and many have a good amount of tree cover so you have some privacy from your neighbors. Every campsite has at least one picnic table and fire-pit. You can pull your car right up to the campsite. There is a store where you check in and you can buy fire wood and little odds and ends like bug spray or tent stakes. There is a pool that is really clean along with bathrooms and showers.

  • D
    Aug. 22, 2017

    Wisconsin Dells KOA

    Great location, close to everything but on a private road away from noise

    My family and I stayed at this Wisconsin Dells KOA location for two nights (site 61) as the first stop on a 3+ week trip, and it fully met our expectations. The hosts and office workers were very nice when we checked in and each time we visited the large camp store / office, and the campground itself was one of the nicest KOAs we’ve camped at. Our site was level and had everything we needed (fire ring, picnic table, electric), and was across the road from a wonderful bathhouse / restroom. The facilities were very clean, and we appreciated that the showers (3 or 4, including a handicap one and a family one) each had separate entrance doors - you don’t see that often. The kids loved the pool and splash pad as well.

    This was our first time to the Wisconsin Dells area and I’m not a huge fan of ‘tourist trap towns’, so I liked the fact that the KOA was actually located about a mile and a half down a side road off one of the main routes in the area. The main reason we chose to stop here was to visit the water parks, specifically Noah’s Ark, and the ‘largest waterpark in the US’ (and Wisconsin Dells is known as the ‘water park capital of the US’) did not disappoint. It was not the ‘nicest’ water park we’ve ever been to, but the rides were great and everyone had an absolute blast.

    On a bit of a whim, I bought tickets to the night-time Tommy Bartlett show on nearby Lake Delton since the water park closed relatively early. They bill it as a “ski, sky, and stage” show; I had never heard of it prior to arriving in Wisconsin Dells, but apparently it’s a bit of a Big Deal for the area. We were a bit skeptical, but honestly everyone in our family loved it - it was a great time. The first hour or so is a water ski stunt show with a bunch of different acts doing all kinds of different stuff on the water and over the jumps (including a clown that was actually funny, and I’m pretty sure that’s the first time I’ve ever said that about a clown), and the second hour is almost like a miscellaneous ‘talent show’ style production, also with a variety of acts including the famous ‘Christian and Scooby’ from America’s Got Talent. All-in-all, it was just FUN, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

    For food in the area, we ate at High Rock Cafe in downtown Wisconsin Dells and the Dells Pizza Lab closer to the KOA, and I would highly recommend both. The cafe is great with reasonable prices and some healthier options and some great draft options. The Pizza Lab I was a little hesitant about because I thought it sounded too kid-oriented, but it was awesome. Really fantastic custom pizzas (and salads), or you can go with one of their own creations. They ALSO had great beers on draft, including our favs from New Glarus Brewing.

  • Kim L.
    May. 29, 2020

    Wisconsin Dells KOA

    Close to the Dells action but jam packed in summer

    Camping the in Wisconsin Dells area is always a challenge because there are such big crowds in the summer heading to the waterparks. If you are looking to stay in your camper while enjoying the Wisconsin Dells tourism, this KOA is fine. The lots are very small, but overall paved and level so you will have a quick set up. You are on top of your neighbor and your fire pit is close (too close) to all your stuff. There is a pool, but is was crazy crowded with obnoxious campers. If you have a camper (travel trailer, motorhome, pop-up) you should have everything you need for an in-town stay at the Dells. If you're in a tent, I wouldn't chose this campground and would stay further away from the main strip.

  • Jimmy P.
    Apr. 2, 2015

    Sandstone Ridge Campground — Mirror Lake State Park

    Great for fall camping, not great for swimming

    We camped here in early fall and the full shade sites in mature forest were great. There are a lot of raccoons and the sites even come equipped with a pole for hanging your garbage out of reach of the coons.

    The lake, when we went in late August/Early September had a lot of algae on it and wasn't really good to swim, but they do have boat rentals and fishing. It is generally a beautiful lake.

    There is a good amount of hiking in the area and it is in close proximity to the Wisconsin Dells, so there is plenty to do.

Guide to Wisconsin Dells

Tent campsites near Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin provide camping opportunities across varied terrain including hardwood forests, rolling hills, and riverside locations. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and spring/fall temperatures fluctuating between 45-65°F. Backpack campsites typically require hikes ranging from half a mile to one mile from designated parking areas, with most tent pads situated on natural ground surfaces.

What to do

Fishing access points: Governor Dodge State Park features two main lakes with productive fishing spots accessible from backpacking sites. Nick C. notes, "Back packing sites are 1/2-1 mile hike from parking lot. Great hike threw out the state park. 2 main lakes with great fishing is a plus. Lots to do for the whole family."

Rock climbing opportunities: Devils Lake State Park Group Campground provides popular rock climbing routes suitable for various skill levels including family groups. AC S. reports, "Went with an outdoor adventure class, views were beautiful, climbing was great! Campgrounds were clean and had easy access to water, got a visit from some local raccoons at night, overall experience was great!"

Lost Canyon Trail: This scenic trail in Governor Dodge State Park features limestone bluffs and a small waterfall, creating a moderate hiking challenge. According to Nick C., "We did the lost canyon trail which is just stunning with bluffs, small water fall."

Dutch oven cooking: Group sites at Devils Lake State Park offer ample space for outdoor cooking activities. Charles M. shares, "Camp life was awesome, we ate very well since we brought two Dutch ovens. We are Cowboy Casserole, Mountain Man breakfast, peach cobbler, 7 can soup, hobo dinner and apple sausage casserole."

What campers like

Spacious group sites: Hickory Ridge Group Camp provides well-separated camping areas that accommodate multiple tents and gathering spaces. Matthew O. mentions, "Spacious sites, lots of availability to swim and hike. Will definitely come back."

Privacy between sites: Backpack sites at Governor Dodge State Park offer secluded camping experiences away from neighboring campers. Erin Z. states, "Great backpack base camp! Great views, plenty of privacy and an easy hike. We stayed at 806."

Water access near campsites: Hickory Ridge Group Camp features convenient water access for swimming during summer months. According to Lesley R., "Nice family campground. Has a lot of amenities including shower."

Winter camping options: Devils Lake State Park Group Campground remains open for cold-weather camping with sites protected by tree cover. Charles M. reports, "Spent a weekend here in one of the group sites (G3) in mid November 2021. It was in the 30s at night but got up to the high 40s during the day, great camping weather!"

What you should know

Site surface conditions: While tent pads are available at most Wisconsin Dells camping areas, natural terrain creates challenges. Kay K. observes at Devils Lake State Park Group Campground, "Adequate size site with a tent pad, shade and privacy. Trees for a hammock. Clean shower house. Lovely hiking. Decent cell reception."

Crowd levels: Weekday camping offers significantly reduced congestion compared to weekend visits. Jon D. notes, "We went during the week and it kept the crowds to a minimum. The south shore beach was best and we took the East Bluff trail to do some rock climbing with the kids."

Terrain for tent setup: Some backpacking sites have uneven ground requiring careful tent placement. Nick C. reports about Governor Dodge site 802: "Great hike to spot, small spot on rough ground not to level for tebts but still feaseable."

Wildlife encounters: Night visits from wildlife are common at established campgrounds. AC S. mentions, "Got a visit from some local raccoons at night, overall experience was great!"

Tips for camping with families

Bathroom accessibility: Bathroom facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with group sites offering more amenities. Dawn D. notes about Devils Lake State Park Group Campground, "Weekends are pack with campers. The beaches have hard pebbles and rocks."

Beach conditions: Lake beaches in the Wisconsin Dells area often feature rocky shorelines rather than sand, requiring appropriate footwear for children.

Youth hiking considerations: Trail difficulty varies significantly throughout the region. Charles M. shares, "Spent about 5 hours hiking the East Bluff, it was challenging for some of our younger hikers, bd when we decided to head home most were excited."

Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels during peak seasons. Kay K. observes, "Busy and rather noisy campground."

Tips from RVers

Limited electrical hookups: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Wisconsin Dells offer minimal electrical connections for RVs requiring power.

Access road conditions: Many backpacking campgrounds have limited vehicle access with unpaved roads leading to parking areas.

Water collection points: Campers must transport water from central collection points to individual sites. Sarah F. explains, "Next to the bathrooms is a water pump where you can collect water and haul it back to your site."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wisconsin Dells, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wisconsin Dells, WI is Devils Lake State Park Group Campground — Devils Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Wisconsin Dells, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Wisconsin Dells, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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