Mendota County Park

General: Small county park campground (28 sites) located on Lake Mendota 

Site Quality: All sites were level and generous in size. Camper pads were somewhat gravel but not well-defined. Long enough to accommodate the largest RV or additional cars (friends visited us when we were there and could easily park two cars in addition to our van at the site). The power box is located at the very end of the camper pad, but extension cords are available from the camp host. Thank goodness that there were ample shade trees in most sites as it was humid and in the high 90s when we were there. 

Bath/Shower house: Located a short walk from the campground to accommodate the day-use people as well. Reasonably clean. The bathroom had three stalls and two sinks but could have used a couple of hooks for toiletries in addition to the one small shelf. Two shower stalls, including one ADA-accessible one. There is also a vault toilet closer to the sites.

Activities: Fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, etc. There were kayaks that looked like they could be rented but did not find information on how to do so. Basketball, Volleyball and a playground. The maintenance employee mentioned that people were catching fish with hot dogs! 

Note that this park will be closed in spring 2025 for improvements. Note also that this park is located in a residential area, and I imagine it would be packed on weekends, but it was relatively quiet when we were there on a Monday at the end of August. Shortly after we arrived, a loud plane flew overhead, and we were worried this would be a problem, but we didn’t hear any more. The bugs (gnats and mosquitoes) were relentless, especially in the grassy areas so bring bug spray!

Pulled into the loop, and the host greeted us immediately. Confirmed our spot and backed in. Level spot with a fire ring and metal picnic table. Our spot was back by the road but was still nice. They have very clean bathrooms with showers. Volleyball net, swings, and spots for boats. Would definitely stay again and enjoy the lake a bit more.

My husband and I stayed here and had a great time! The camp grounds were clean and ready to stay at. Like other reviewers have stated, be prepared to be close to others. We didn’t mind at all and found everyone to be super nice. There are clean showers and bathrooms, a playground, and a pace yo swim. If we come back to Wisconsin to camp we would be happy to stay here again!

Nice little campground right on Lake Mendota. 29 sites available with electric, but bring an extension cords!! Some sites electric is close by, others not so much! Everything from huge class A's to little tents here this weekend. Has Kayaks available for use.

Great location on the lake and short drive to downtown Madison. Bring you kayak and fishing poles. 30 amp hookups no water at the sites.

The campground is basically a mowed park field with some mature trees around it. No privacy from neighbors and the campground is on the roadside of the park instead of the lake side of the park. Because of its location, you are going to hear road noise.

Relatively short walk to the bath house and the lake. Bath house seemed old, showers were not something I wanted to use but would do so in a pinch.

Electric poles are old but power seems to hold steady. Strong cell signal on T-Mobile and you're quite close to Madison, University of Wisconsin, etc., so location could work well for lots of folks.

The sites are nice and level, and they include an aluminum picnic table and a fire ring.

$38 a night, when you include the reservation fee of $10, is a bit steep for what's here. I would stay here again if I needed a spot, but there are better places in the area to consider.

This is a lovely little campground with just 30 sites, though it feels like half that because it is so quiet. Thirty amp power is reliable though the potable water spigot is way too close to the dump station for comfort. The waterfront is pretty, though weedy as this is the west side of the lake.

Excellent campground on lake Mendota. Great for family camping . Lots of places to eat near by if you dont want to cook and still want to be outside. I like kayaking from Olbrich park and spending a night or two. If the weather takes a turn for the worse or your kids get sick you can go home.

We visited for a short stayover and the staff were accomodating for our unique timing request. Seemed all spots were for campers though and we were tenting.

This campground is pleasant but literally in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I stayed in this campsite while driving across the country last July 2015 and came upon this campground as a good no reservations option for staying near Madison, WI. I stayed at site 10 near the back of the main loop close to the park border. While the park offered nice bathrooms with showers and many amenities, waking up from my tent in the morning to the sounds of morning rush hour traffic on the road not 100 yds away was quite un pleasant. The sites are mostly shaded with many trees and grass to put the tent on and they are well spaced so as not to feel too crowded. The park offered lake access with swimming, fishing and a boat launch, a playground and volleyball, tennis and basketball courts. The lake was beautiful – I only wish the campground was closer . . . maybe they should have switched the playground and campground. There were suburban houses beyond the edge of the park that could be seen from our tent site.
On the upside the park was not far from downtown Madison where I drove to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants. Madison was a very wonderful town and I couldn’t recommend it more. I can’t say as much for this campground. Overall the location and layout of the park was confusing and definitely not advised to those seeking a respite in nature though it may be perfect for families looking to dip their toes into the idea of camping.