Are you planning to go camping in Wisconsin? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, I’ve put together 15 of the best campgrounds and campsites in Wisconsin to help you find the perfect place to stay.
Wisconsin is full of beautiful places to explore, from charming small towns and scenic lakes to forests and incredible state parks. There are plenty of things to do in Wisconsin, especially if you love spending time outdoors.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside campsite, a family-friendly campground with plenty of activities, somewhere to park your RV, or a more adventurous wilderness experience, Wisconsin has something for everyone.
The Wisconsin State Park System alone offers more than 6,000 campsites, so choosing where to stay can be a little overwhelming.
To make things easier, I’ve rounded up 15 fantastic places for camping in Wisconsin, from secluded island campsites to family resorts with all the facilities you could need.
Best Places for Camping in Wisconsin at a Glance
| Campground | Best For |
|---|---|
| Rock Island State Park | Secluded island camping |
| Devil’s Lake State Park | Hiking and outdoor adventures |
| Smokey Hollow Campground | Families with children |
| Copper Falls State Park | Waterfalls and scenic trails |
| Peninsula State Park | Door County camping and beaches |
| Newport State Park | Stargazing and wilderness camping |
Tips for Camping in Wisconsin
Before heading off on your Wisconsin camping adventure, there are a few things worth knowing to help you plan your trip.
Book your campsite early. Wisconsin state park campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance, and popular locations can fill up quickly during summer weekends and holidays.
Check camping fees and park passes. If you’re staying at a Wisconsin state park, you’ll generally need to pay for your campsite and purchase a vehicle admission pass. Private campgrounds have their own fees and booking arrangements.
Choose the right type of campsite. Not all Wisconsin campgrounds offer electric hookups, showers, or RV facilities. Some of the more secluded locations, such as Rock Island and Newport State Park, require you to carry your camping equipment to your site.
Check seasonal opening dates. Some Wisconsin campgrounds only operate during the warmer months, while others offer camping throughout the year. Always check before travelling.
Be prepared for changing weather. Even during summer, evenings can be cool, particularly near Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Packing a few extra layers and waterproof clothing is always a good idea.
15 Epic Places for Camping in Wisconsin
Rock Island State Park
One of the most unique places for camping in Wisconsin, Rock Island State Park offers a peaceful escape on a secluded island in Lake Michigan.
Part of Door County, this beautiful state park is only accessible by boat. To reach it, you’ll need to take a ferry to Washington Island and then a second passenger ferry to Rock Island.
With no cars or bicycles allowed on the island, it’s the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy nature.
There are 40 primitive walk-in campsites, including two group sites. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring, while drinking water and vault toilets are available nearby.
You’ll need to carry your camping equipment and supplies onto the island, so it’s best suited to campers who don’t mind a little extra adventure.
Apart from camping, you can explore miles of hiking trails, relax on the beach, and visit the historic Pottawatomie Lighthouse.
The Rock Island ferry generally operates from Memorial Day weekend until the second Monday in October, so check the schedule before planning your visit.
If you’re looking for secluded camping in Wisconsin, Rock Island State Park is an unforgettable choice.
Devil’s Lake State Park
Location in the southern part of Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake State Park is one of the best choices for camping in Wisconsin state parks.
It is the largest state park in Wisconsin and is a great place to visit in each season, especially to experience fall in Wisconsin, This state park features a sandy swimming beach and lots of fun activities for you to enjoy.
There are miles of hiking and bicycling trails, and the park is great for rock climbing too. This Wisconsin state park camping location has three campgrounds with over 423 campsites.
These campsites offer both camping options with and without electric hookups, allowing you to choose a comfortable or a rustic camping experience.
All campsites require reservations, which can be made up to 11 months in advance. Although the campgrounds aren’t directly beside the lake, they offer easy access to the park’s hiking trails and other attractions. If you love exploring the outdoors, there are plenty more hiking trails in Wisconsin worth discovering.
Devil’s Lake State Park is one of the best parks for camping in Wisconsin.
Smokey Hollow Campground
One of the best WI campgrounds for kids, Smokey Hollow Campground in Lodi has camping options for everyone.
From tents to yurts to RVs, this campground offers a range of camping options, including sites with electric hookups. Kids are going to love the fun activities planned here. There are shopping carts to ride, dance parties, firetruck water fights, and a lot more to enjoy here.
They also have several themed weekends and events that the full family can enjoy. Plus, you have access to an on-site general store to ensure that you have everything to make the most of your camping vacation. Other activities include mini golf, a jumping pillow, playgrounds, and a swimming pond. There is plenty here to keep children entertained throughout their stay.
This is a private campground for families and is one of the top places for camping in Wisconsin. And would make an outstanding Wisconsin road trip stop off .
Hucklberry Acres Campground & Resort
Hucklberry Acres Campground & Resort is a great choice for experiencing the best camping in Wisconsin. This is a small family-owned campground that offers services to families who wish to enjoy a Wisconsin camping experience.
Located near New London, this campground sits on 95 acres and offers over 200 campsites, along with waterfront cabins and a large family lodge.
This is one of the most fun campsites in WI as it features a 12-acre lake where you can swim, fish, and kayak. There is a beach to chill here and recreational activities such as mini-golf, an arcade, volleyball, basketball, and more to enjoy.
There is also Squirly’s Tiki Shack serving food and drinks by the beach, along with Huck’s Grill for burgers, pizzas, and other meals.
This is one of the best places for camping in Wisconsin. You will find all kinds of campsites here including group sites, seasonal sites, dry tent sites, and tent sites with water and electricity.
Whistle Stop Campground
Whistle Stop Campground is located in Marshall and is one of the fun WI campgrounds to explore. This campground was opened in 2017 and offers the best camping in Wisconsin experience for the visitors.
The campground offers pull-through and back-in RV sites, all with full hookups. Tent camping may also be possible on certain sites, but you’ll need to contact the campground before booking.
This WI campground also has large and beautiful cabins. One cabin can accommodate 10-12 people and is great for large families or friends group. Whistle Stop Campground offers fun activities for the entire family.
You can enjoy biking, swimming ponds, games, and many planned events held in this campground.
One of the most unusual things about this campground is its connection to Little Amerricka Amusement Park. You can take the historic Whiskey River Railway from the campground to the amusement park, making it a particularly fun place for families with children. Park admission and train rides cost extra.
Copper Falls State Park
If you wish to experience camping in Wisconsin state parks, then check out Copper Falls State Park. It is located near Mellen in northern Wisconsinand features beautiful waterfalls in Wisconsin and scenic beauty for the campers to enjoy.
This 3,068-acre state park has also been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2005. There are lots of fun things to do here such as trout fishing on Loon Lake, exploring the hiking trails, and so on.
For the Wisconsin state park camping experience, there are 55 campsites across two campgrounds where you can enjoy sleeping under the stars. The North Campground has 32 sites, including 28 with electric hookups, while the South Campground offers 23 non-electric sites for a more rustic camping experience.
There is also a primitive backpacking campsite overlooking the Bad River, reached by a hike of approximately two miles.
If you are also looking to camp in a WI state park, then this is one of the best state parks for camping in Wisconsin.
Kettle Moraine State Forest
Do you want to go camping in a Wisconsin state forest? Well, then Kettle Moraine State Forest is a great choice.
The main camping areas are found in the Northern and Southern Units of Kettle Moraine State Forest. Together, these cover over 50,000 acres of beautiful landscapes featuring lakes, rolling hills, grasslands, and recreational areas.
There are many WI campgrounds available throughout the forest, with options for everything from traditional tent camping to RVs and more secluded backpacking sites.
Popular camping areas include Mauthe Lake and Long Lake in the Northern Unit, and Ottawa Lake, Pinewoods, and Whitewater Lake in the Southern Unit. Facilities vary between campgrounds, so it’s worth checking which one best suits your camping style before booking.
Whether it is rustic camping or a more comfortable camping experience, you can enjoy different types of camping in this forest.
Apart from camping, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, horseback riding, skiing, and many other fun activities here. It is one of the best state forests for camping in Wisconsin.
Oak Island – Apostle Islands National Lakeshore One Of The Best Places For Camping In Wisconsin
To enjoy Apostle Islands camping experiences, Oak Island is one of the best places to visit due to the gorgeous scenery that it offers. The inland valleys and the surrounding cliffs make for the perfect camping experience at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
There are five individual and two group camping sites available on this island. The campsites offer basic facilities including picnic tables, fire rings, food lockers, and access to vault toilets. Some sites also have designated tent pads.
Oak Island is only accessible by boat, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport or a suitable water taxi service. Camping permits are required and campsites must be booked in advance.
Apart from camping, there are other fun activities to enjoy here including hiking, kayaking, swimming, and more.
If you have always wanted to experience Apostle Islands camping, then this is a great choice. This is one of the best places for camping in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Ridge Campground
Located in Wyalusing State Park, Wisconsin Ridge Campground is one of the top WI campgrounds to experience camping.
Wyalusing State Park has 109 regular campsites spread across Wisconsin Ridge and Homestead campgrounds, with Wisconsin Ridge offering beautiful views over the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. Campground facilities include toilets and showers, while individual campsites have amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings.
The park sits high above the meeting point of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, making it a particularly scenic location for camping in Wisconsin.
Apart from camping, there is a lot to do and explore around here.
You can check out the Native American burial mounds, enjoy birdwatching, or go canoeing near the campground.
If you wish to camp here, then make sure you reserve your spot well in advance, especially during summer weekends. Reservations can be made up to 11 months ahead.
This is undoubtedly one of the best campgrounds for camping in Wisconsin, which would definitely make for an interesting Wisconsin weekend getaway.
Peninsula State Park
Are you looking for a good Door County camping site? Then, check out Peninsula State Park in Door County. This is one of Wisconsin’s most popular state parks and attracts visitors throughout the year.
This Wisconsin state park camping area offers campsites for RVs and tents, with both electric and non-electric options available. There are 468 family campsites across five campgrounds, along with three group campsites and lots of fun recreational activities to enjoy.
Nicolet Bay is a particularly popular camping area because it offers access to the park’s sandy swimming beach, while Tennison Bay is another good choice for campers looking for a mixture of wooded sites and electric hookups.
This park features several scenic hikes, beaches, cliffs, and lighthouses that make it perfect for adventure-seekers. If you enjoy spending time by the water, there are also some beautiful beaches in Door County worth exploring.
You will also find an 18-hole golf course and a summer theatre to explore in this park. Whether you choose a campsite near the shore or a more secluded spot, you will not be disappointed with your Door County camping experience.
This is why it is such a lovely place for camping in Wisconsin.
If you are staying in Door County for a while, and you want to venture from your campsite for dinner, there are quite a few restaurants in Door County that may be of interest to you.
Baraboo RV Resort (Formerly Baraboo Hills Campground)
One of the top things to do in Wisconsin Dells is camping. For this, Baraboo RV Resort, formerly Baraboo Hills Campground, is a great choice.
This is one of the best Wisconsin Dells campsites for families. There are different types of camping options available here for guests too. For added comfort, visitors can choose to stay in a cabin or yurt.
You also have the option of parking your RV in one of the full hook-up RV sites or enjoying a more traditional camping experience in a tent site.
This Wisconsin Dells campground features many facilities and attractions such as a swimming pool, water slides, mini golf, a jumping pillow, a game room, and more.
This is one of the best WI campgrounds to go camping with your family.
Big Bay State Park Is One Of The Best Places On Madeline Island Camping In WI
Do you want to enjoy a Madeline Island camping experience? Then, Big Bay State Park is one of the best state parks on Madeline Island to do just that.
This 2,350-acre state park is a family-friendly camping destination that offers lots of fun activities for you to indulge in. Of course, it is one of the best places for Madeline Island camping but that’s not it.
You can also enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, kayaking, skiing, and so much more here.
Big Bay State Park also features a 1.5-mile-long beach and several nature trails for you to explore. For camping, there is a family campground with 60 campsites, with toilets, showers, and access to drinking water.
Out of these, 21 have electric hookups and seven are walk-in campsites.
So, if you are looking for a good and scenic spot for camping in Wisconsin, then check out Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island.
Jack Lake Campground
Another great WI campground to explore, Jack Lake Campground is located in Veteran’s Memorial Park. It is one of the best places for Wisconsin camping experience and has 48 campsites with electric hookup for an adventurous experience.
For those who do not wish to sleep outdoors, there are comfortable cabins available here as well. These cabins can easily accommodate up to five guests.
They are also equipped with amenities such as a fireplace, grill, dining tables and chairs, bunk beds, and more.
This is one of the best campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts and luxury campers to enjoy camping in Wisconsin.
Newport State Park
Another great Door County camping location, Newport State Park is one of the best places for lakeside camping in Wisconsin.
It is one of Wisconsin’s designated wilderness parks and covers an area of over 2,300 acres. This park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a perfect camping site for stargazing too.
One of the best Door County campgrounds, this state park offers 17 backpacking campsites to visitors, including one group site. Campers must hike or bike their equipment to their campsite, and reservations are required.
Explore the 30 miles of hiking trails through meadows and forest land to discover what this park has to offer. You can also enjoy kayaking from the waterfront locations available in this park.
Ada Lake Campground
Located in the heart of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is this amazing WI campground, Ada Lake Campground.
This campground offers 19 campsites where you can camp with your family or friends, with space for both tents and RVs.
Many of these campsites can accommodate motorhomes around 30 feet long or larger. Campsites can now be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, so it’s worth booking before your visit.
Guests have access to basic amenities such as drinking water and vault toilets. There are no electric hookups, but the campground also features a swimming beach, picnic area and boat landing.
Since this WI campground is located in a national forest, it offers plenty of fun recreational activities to visitors. Explore the woods through the hiking trails or enjoy a drive on the beautiful roads here.
If you are looking for a unique campground for camping in Wisconsin, then this is it.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, a family-friendly campground packed with activities, or a secluded spot in the wilderness, there are so many wonderful places for camping in Wisconsin.
From the beautiful scenery of Door County to the forests, lakes, and state parks scattered throughout the state, there is something here for every kind of camper.
With so many amazing Wisconsin campgrounds to choose from, you’re sure to find somewhere that suits your camping style and makes for a memorable outdoor adventure.
So, pack your camping gear, choose your favourite spot, and get ready to explore some of the best camping in Wisconsin!
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