Best Campgrounds near Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee's surrounding area has good camping options within driving distance. Kohler-Andrae State Park draws many campers with its beaches and hiking trails along Lake Michigan. The Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit has wooded sites where trees create natural barriers between campsites. Cliffside Park Campground sits just 17 miles from the city and has larger campsites than many other local options. Most camping areas around Milwaukee have basic needs covered with toilets, shower buildings, and tables for meals. Fishing is good in the area's waters if you bring your gear. Spring and fall camping tends to work best since summer can get hot and humid. You should look up any specific rules before heading out and pack for Wisconsin's changeable weather. Tent and RV campers alike can find spots that work well for weekend trips from Milwaukee.

Best Camping Sites Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin (71)

    1. Wisconsin State Fair RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Wauwatosa, WI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (414) 266-7035

    $40 - $63 / night

    "We stayed at State Fair RV Park in Milwaukee for two months while waiting to retire and work out bugs in our new RV. The park was all cement, it was clean and quiet."

    "This is the only RV site in the Milwaukee metro area. It was nice, clean, showers and laundry. Staff is friendly.

    Summer months May through April you do have to book 2 nights minimum."

    2. Cliffside Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Caledonia, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 886-8440

    $32 - $35 / night

    "We were also pleasantly surprise when found out about the close by trail - short trail beginner friendly ravine geography. Very beautiful view of the lake from the top of the cliff."

    "Month Stayed: September Site: gravel and level Spacing: very close to others Cleanliness: very clean Surrounding: trees throughout, playgrounds, nice bathrooms Noise: some noise due to closeness Access"

    3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort at Caledonia

    12 Reviews
    Oak Creek, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 835-2565

    "This location did not dissapoint. We have not gone to this location during the warmer months but looks to be a great campground"

    4. Menomonee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    7 Reviews
    Menomonee Falls, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."

    "There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."

    5. Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Muskego, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."

    "I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in.

    This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."

    6. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    35 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 594-6200

    "Nice little lake. Within 1/2 hour of Milwaukee. My favorite sites are the 2 walk to sites. I believe #334 and 335"

    "In that situation, I choose Ottawa Lake for several reasons."

    7. Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    21 Reviews
    North Prairie, WI
    25 miles
    +1 (262) 626-2116

    $18 - $30 / night

    "It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa LakeNearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "

    "Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."

    8. Pike Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit

    18 Reviews
    Slinger, WI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 670-3400

    "North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."

    "A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."

    9. Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    8 Reviews
    Delafield, WI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 548-7801

    $25 - $80 / night

    "Nestled in the heart of lake country (Waukesha County) and accessible from the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail, this county park is perfect for those just passing through or families looking for a"

    "Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it’s a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access."

    10. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    22 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    30 miles
    Website

    "I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"

    "Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots. Has a winery and cool dive bars all within 10 min. Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."

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Showing results 1-10 of 71 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Milwaukee, WI

586 Reviews of 71 Milwaukee Campgrounds



Guide to Milwaukee

Camping near Milwaukee offers a great escape into nature, with plenty of campgrounds that cater to different tastes and needs. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are options that will suit your style.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Kohler-Andrae State Park. One visitor mentioned, "There are nice trails around the campground, and some of them even allow dogs."
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park. A camper shared, "We stayed right by the showers which happened to be right by the beach as well!"
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Head to Mauthe Lake Campground for fishing. One reviewer noted, "We spent most of our time fishing at Long Lake, which we liked much better."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Kohler-Andrae State Park. A visitor remarked, "The amenities were very clean and well taken care of."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Cliffside Park Campground. One camper said, "The sites were clean, grass was trimmed, plenty of trees for shade."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Ottawa Lake Campground. A reviewer noted, "Rangers and hosts are super friendly and helpful as well."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park mentioned, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets. For instance, Cliffside Park Campground sells firewood but lacks a store.
  • Water Quality: Be cautious about water quality at some beaches. A visitor at Harrington Beach State Park mentioned, "Swimming at the beach... but the water is very murky."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Kohler-Andrae State Park, which has playgrounds and clean facilities. A camper shared, "Family friendly (parks, beach, pet friendly)."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Mauthe Lake Campground enjoyed the fishing pier and playground.
  • Check for Quiet Hours: Make sure to respect quiet hours to keep the peace. A camper at Sunset Campground noted, "Lots of people during the weekend didn’t abide by the 'Quiet Hours.'"

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Electric Hookups: Campgrounds like Kettle Moraine North - Mauthe Lake offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver in hot weather. One RVer mentioned, "We paid $40/night for an electric (30amp) site."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park said, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."
  • Check Dump Station Availability: Make sure to know where dump stations are located. A camper at Cliffside Park Campground appreciated the sewage dump for RVs.

Camping around Milwaukee offers a mix of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly fun. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Milwaukee, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Milwaukee, WI is Wisconsin State Fair RV Park with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.

What parks are near Milwaukee, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Milwaukee, WI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.