Kayaking, fishing, and swimming on Lake Mendota draw campers to this 28-site county park on Madison's western shore. Boat-in access is available alongside standard drive-in sites, and kayaks appear to be rentable on-site, though campers should confirm rental details with the camp host on arrival. The park sits within a residential neighborhood, which shapes the experience in practical ways: road noise is audible from some sites, suburban houses are visible from the campground edge, and weekends tend to bring crowds given the park's proximity to Madison.
Sites are level and generously sized, with gravel pads that can fit large RVs up to 50 feet as well as extra vehicles. Most sites have mature shade trees overhead, a meaningful detail during Wisconsin's humid summers. Electric hookups run at 30 amps, but the power boxes are positioned at the far end of pads on some sites, so bringing a long extension cord is advisable. The bathhouse, a short walk from the sites, has three toilet stalls, two sinks, and two shower stalls including one ADA-accessible unit. A vault toilet sits closer to the camping area. T-Mobile users report strong cell coverage throughout. Campers planning a broader trip can explore campgrounds near Mendota Park for additional options in the region.
As Ari A. notes, "because of its location, you are going to hear road noise," which is worth weighing against the convenient lake access and the short drive to downtown Madison's restaurants and amenities. Bug spray is worth packing, particularly for evenings in grassy areas. Campers who come prepared for an open, amenity-equipped county park rather than a secluded retreat will find this a functional and well-located base.
Description
Mendota County Park is located off County Rd M near the intersection of County Rds Q and M in the Town of Westport, a few miles southwest of Governor Nelson State Park. The park has a 30-unit campground and a 5-unit boat camping area. Each campsite has a 30-amp electrical hook-up. Please note an extension cord may be needed to connect some recreational vehicles to the electric pedestal. Camping amenities include bathroom and shower facilities and a dump station. The park also offers two shelter facilities, unsupervised swimming area with an accessible swimming ramp, volleyball courts, play equipment and a shallow launch for small boats, kayaks and canoes.
To make a reservation online go here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html
(All reservations must be made online or by calling 608-224-3730
Find rules and regulations here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules
See Opening and Closing Dates Here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMendota County Park is located in Wisconsin near Middleton
Directions
From north jct US 142 & US 12: Go 1 mi N on US 12, then 2-1/4 mi E on CR M (Century Ave).
Address
5130 County Hwy M (Century Ave)
Middleton, WI 53562
Coordinates
43.1109853781565 N
89.46832842489346 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/27/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/27/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 14 min from Madison, WI
- 46 min from Janesville, WI
- 1 hr 16 min from Fond du Lac, WI
- 1 hr 16 min from Rockford, IL



















