Wisconsin is located on the edge of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior and is known for its dairy farms which produce much of the milk and cheese that the United States consumes. Wisconsin also boasts many stunning natural wonders, such as rushing waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and colorful meadows, making it a sought-after destination for campers. The Badger State offers many beautiful parks and landscapes which range in their scenery. You’ll also find plenty of campgrounds located near or in these destinations providing you with a unique experience while exploring the great outdoors.
Buffalo Lake Camping Resort
Situated in the heart of Wisconsin, the Buffalo Lake Camping Resort is near Wisconsin Dells and offers plenty of amenities for guests to enjoy. It features 110 RV sites, cabins, and tent areas. It also has a bathhouse, picnic tables, fire rings, and a laundry room for guests to use. For those who want to spend some time outdoors, the resort has volleyball courts, a gaga ball pit, playground, and pedal bikes. Reservations are usually required and prices range based on the type of site you plan to rent.
555 Lake Avenue, Montello, WI 53949, Phone: 608-297-2915
Pinewoods Campground
Pinewoods Campground is situated within a thick forest and offers over 100 campsites. The campground is divided into two different sections with one featuring a 24-hour no noise policy. Some amenities at this campground include showers, toilets, and a dump station. Pinewoods Campground is open from May to October and is just a quick drive away from the Kettle Moraine State Forest. If you’d like to stay here, reservations are required. Pets are welcome to join you although they must be leashed at all times.
W348 S4695 Waterville Road, Dousman, Wisconsin 53118, Phone: 262-594-6220
Blue Mound Campground
Nestled inside Blue Mound State Park lies the Blue Mound Campground. This campground is open year-round and has 77 RV sites which are bordered by trees. There are cabins available, including a few that are ADA-accessible. Other services at the campground are restrooms, showers, and water fountains. Firewood is also available from May to September. Those staying at the Blue Mound Campground can venture out into the surrounding state forest to hike down its many trails or view the many animals that live in the forest.
4350 Mounds Park Road, Blue Mounds, Wisconsin 53517, Phone: 608-437-5711
Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park is located in the southern section of Wisconsin and offers visitors plenty of fun outdoor activities to do. As one of the largest state parks in Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake State Park is home to Devil’s Lake, which is known for its vibrant blue color. The park has hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and cycling and most will take you by Parfrey’s Glen which is one of the oldest natural areas in the state. Wildlife is abundant here and over 100 bird species nest in the park.
S5975 Park Road, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, Phone: 608-356-8301
Harrington Beach State Park
Spanning over 715 acres on the eastern edge of Wisconsin lies Harrington Beach State Park. The park gives visitors stunning panoramic views of Lake Michigan and provides you with lake-front access so you can fish, swim, or kayak. This state park is also known for its impressive forest which is packed with white cedars. Other highlights at the park include a lake built into a limestone quarry, grasslands, wetlands, and meadows. There is also an observatory which features a 2,000-pound telescope you can use to view the night sky.
531 County Road D, Belgium, Wisconsin 53004, Phone: 262-285-3015
Hartman Creek State Park
Hartman Creek State Park is an easy day trip from Green Bay and offers plenty of activities and camping sites for visitors. Covering over 1,500 acres, the state park contains parts of the Chain O’Lakes and a handful of trails for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Hartman Creek State Park is also home to the Hellestad House Log Cabin, a historic structure hidden away in the forest. The park is a sought-after destination in the winter thanks to its cross-country ski trails and large pond which can be used for ice fishing.
N2480 Hartman Creek Road, Waupaca, Wisconsin 54981-9727, Phone: 715-258-2372
High Cliff State Park
Located on the banks of Lake Winnebago, High Cliff State Park gets its name from a towering limestone cliff situated within it. A few steps away from this cliff is a massive statue of Chief Red Bird who stands high on a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape. High Cliff State Park features a marina and picnicking areas. You’ll also find trails, a nature center, and swimming spot on the grounds. These locations are near many beautiful landscapes which are often filled with plants and animals, especially purple martins.
N7630 State Park Road, Sherwood, Wisconsin 54169, Phone: 920-989-1106
Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit
The Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit is situated near Lake Michigan and features one of the largest outdoor displays of rural life in the United States. While here, visitors can view historic log cabins built by immigrants back in the 1800s. In addition to its historical sites, the state forest also has many trails which vary in their scenery and elevations. There is also a Natural History Museum which tells more behind the history of the area with a few hands-on exhibits.
S91 W39091 Highway 59, Eagle, Wisconsin 53119, Phone: 262-594-6200
Whitewater Lake Campground
Located within the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the Whitewater Lake Campground features 63 campsites which come with amenities such as toilets and a trash station. This campground is open from May to October and sites need to be reserved ahead of time. There is a firewood station available. The campground is situated near various trails, such as the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the John Muir Trail System. You’ll also find the Palmyra Environmental Learning Center nearby which is housed inside a former one-room schoolhouse.
S91 W39091 Highway 59, Eagle, Wisconsin 53119, Phone: 262-594-6200
Kohler-Andrae State Park
Kohler-Andrae State Park is popular for its majestic sand dunes that border the edge of Lake Michigan. The park is considered to be one of the last remaining natural preserves near Lake Michigan. Visitors can go swimming or beachcombing while at the park, or head out and explore its many trails which wind through towering pine forests. Some of these trails can also be used for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing during the winter. Kohler-Andrae State Park has a small nature center which tells more about the animals and plants that live in it.
1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081, Phone: 920-451-4080
Newport State Park
This park resides in Ellison Bay and is one of the state’s only designated wilderness parks. Newport State Park covers over 2,373 acres and features 30 miles of hiking and biking trails which meander through wetlands, meadows, and forests. The state park is also just a short distance away from Lake Michigan providing you with easy access to the lake for swimming and fishing. Newport State Park is part of the International Dark-Sky Association making it the perfect spot for stargazing.
475 County Highway NP, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin 54210, Phone: 920-854-2500
Peninsula State Park
As the third largest state park in Wisconsin, Peninsula State Park sees over one million visitors a year and offers a spectacular amount of natural wonders for park-goers to view. Some highlights are the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Horseshoe Island, and Eagle Tower. During the summer, the park hosts a theater group that performs family-friendly shows. The state park also has many trails, a golf course, and fishing piers. Kayak and boat rentals are also available. Toward the end of the day, you can climb up one of the many cliffs in the park to get a beautiful view of the sunset.
9462 Shore Road, Fish Creek, Wisconsin 54212, Phone: 920-868-3258
Point Beach State Forest
Point Beach State Forest was established in 1938 and covers 3,000 acres. Featuring views of Lake Michigan, the forest is also home to the Rawley Point Lighthouse which has been in operation since the 1800s. Point Beach State Forest offers plenty of hiking trails, including part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This state forest also contains the Nipissing Swamp which is filled with red maple and cedar trees making it a favorite hiding spot for the Phyllira tiger moth.
9400 County Highway O, Two Rivers, Wisconsin 54241, Phone: 920-794-7480
Wisconsin Ridge Campground
Located near Wisconsin’s border with Iowa, the Wisconsin Ridge Campground is hidden inside Wyalusing State Park. The campground offers over 109 camping sites that are faced toward the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. Some amenities included are showers, a trash station, firewood, and laundromats. Campers can head out to explore the surrounding state park while staying here which features Indian burial mounds, numerous birdwatching locations, and a canoe trail. Reservations are recommended and should be made at least a few days ahead of time.
13081 State Park Lane, Bagley, Wisconsin 53801, Phone: 608-996-2261
Yellowstone Lake State Park
Yellowstone Lake State Park spans over 1,000 acres and is known for its massive 455-acre lake. The park offers 13 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. These trails vary in their elevations and some will take you up cliffs for impressive panoramic views of the park. Visitors can also go fishing, boating, swimming, and hunting while here. There is a campground at the park and numerous nature programs held during the year. Wildlife is abundant here, especially brown bats who roost in the hundreds of bat houses located throughout the park.
8495 Lake Road, Blanchardville, Wisconsin 53516, Phone: 608-523-4427
Black River State Forest
Situated on the western edge of Wisconsin is the Black River State Forest . The forest was founded in 1957 and is known for its massive elk population. Black River State Forest is home to numerous natural wonders which include towering geological formations created during the Ice Age. Because of its vast amount of plants, the state forest is a favorite hiding spot for the endangered Karner blue butterfly. Some activities to do while at the park include ATVing, hiking, camping, biking, picnicking, and hunting.
W10325 Highway 12, Black River, Wisconsin 54615, Phone: 715-896-1096
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest was built in 1925 as a way to help protect the surrounding local rivers, such as the Flambeau and Wisconsin. This large forest covers 225,000 acres and features a nature center that has a handful of natural history exhibits inside. Park-goers can also head out into the forest to go hiking or cycling thanks to the many loop pathways winding around the grounds. The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is also home to the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area which is surrounded by bogs and swamps.
4125 County Highway M, Boulder Junction, Wisconsin 54512, Phone: 715-542-3923
Great Northern Campground
The Great Northern Campground is located in the upper portion of Wisconsin and is about an hour away from Green Bay. The campground offers over 53 RV sites which come with amenities such as electric, a dump station, firewood, and water. These sites measure 50 x 50 feet and require reservations ahead of time. Besides these amenities, the Great Northern Campground also has over 13 miles of ATV trails, a dog park, picnic area, volleyball court, swimming pond, and playground. Rates vary depending on the time of year you visit and the type of site you plan to rent.
N6146 County Road H, Gleason, Wisconsin 54435, Phone: 715-623-2267
Fox Hill RV Park & Campground
The Fox Hill RV Park & Campground is a small campground hidden away in Wisconsin Dells. This campground offers numerous seasonal RV sites and a variety of cabins which include deluxe or basic sleeping lodging options. Some amenities available here include Wi-Fi, a heated swimming pool, laundry room, disc golf course, nature trails, and showers. There’s also a camp store which sells snacks, RV supplies, and souvenirs. The campground hosts many events during the year, such as pancake breakfasts and family craft days. Pets are also allowed to stay.
E11371 North Reedsburg Road, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, Phone: 888-236-9445
Ada Lake Campground
Situated within the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is the Ada Lake Campground . The campground offers 19 RV sites which can hold motorhomes at least 30-feet long. These sites are not reservable and are first-come-first-served. These travel trailer sites come with a handful of amenities which include water and toilets. Thanks to its location within a national forest, camp-goers will be able to easily venture into the woods to go hiking or take a scenic drive through its many picturesque roads.
WI-52, Wabeno, WI 54566, Phone: 715-362-1300
Bagley Rapids Campground
The Bagley Rapids Campground has 30 campsites which overlook the Oconto River. These sites are on a first-come basis and have water and restrooms. There are fees but some can be waived or reduced if you have an Interagency pass. While here, visitors can search for berries, go trout fishing, or hike up to the Mountain Fire Lookout Tower which is one of the last fire towers in the state. A short walk away from the campground is Cathedral Pines which is a large section of pine and hemlock trees that survived Wisconsin’s brutal logging era back in the early 1900s.
Lower Bagley Rapids Road, Mountain, Wisconsin 54149, Phone: 715-276-6333
Green Lake Campground
The Green Lake Campground is a family-run business which offers both daily and seasonal camping sites. RV sites and cabins come with features such as water, Wi-Fi, and electric. Other amenities this campground has include a sand volleyball court, nature trails, pool, and fishing pond. The Green Lake Campground is also one of the only campgrounds in the state to have a golf course. In addition to this, it hosts various activities during the year which range from Hawaiian luau nights to beach party weekends. Pets can stay here but must be leashed at all times.
W2360 WI-23 Trunk, Green Lake, Wisconsin 54941, Phone: 920-294-3543
Indian Trails Campground
First opened in 1965, the Indian Trails Campground is home to a handful of RV campsites and cabins. These options come with plenty of amenities which include showers, electric, water, Wi-Fi, and sewer. Other features you’ll find when staying here include two heated swimming pools, a fishing lake, BMX track, mini-golf course, and a hiking trail that goes through the nearby USFWS Waterfowl Production Area. The campground also has river trips which will take you on a peaceful one-hour kayak ride with a professional down the Fox River.
W6445 Haynes Road, Pardeeville, Wisconsin 53954, Phone: 608-429-3244
Scheffel's Hideaway Campground
Scheffel's Hideaway Campground was created in 2011 and rests next to the Point Beach State Forest. The campground has 50 pull-through travel trailer sites which come with water, Wi-Fi, electric, sewer, restrooms, and showers. Campers will find plenty of things to do while staying here, including biking down the Rawley Point Bicycle Trail which wraps through thick pine and hemlock forests and eventually takes you to the shores of Lake Michigan. Reservations are required and rates vary depending on the type of campsite you plan to use.
6511 County Road O, Two Rivers, Wisconsin 54241, Phone: 920-657-1270
Willow Mill Campsite
The Willow Mill Campsite is located on the grounds of a former flour mill. The campsites have waterfront views of the campground’s 40-acre lake and access to water, electric, Wi-Fi, picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and a laundry room. While here, campers can head out to go fishing in the lake, play in its arcade, or swim in the heated pool. There’s also a small store on the grounds which sells various types of necessities. Many events are held here which cater to both children and adults. The Willow Mill Campsite is a short drive away from a few major cities, such as Milwaukee and Madison.
N5830 Co. Hwy SS, Rio, Wisconsin 53960, Phone: 920-992-5355
