The 19 Best Campgrounds in Wisconsin for Camping with the Family in 2023

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If you have never visited Wisconsin for a camping trip, then you are doing yourself a disservice.  In fact, the Badger State has some of the best campgrounds for camping with your family than anywhere in the United States.

Some of the best memories from my childhood are camping trips with my family.  Come to think of it, some of my fondest memories as an adult are camping trips with my family.

It’s all about spending time with your family and the people you love. At the end of the day, while you are all sitting around the campfire, and the stars are too many to count as they twinkle in the heavens, it’s about the day’s adventures and the warm glow of the fire at your feet. Today, we are going to review and offer 19 of the best campgrounds in Wisconsin for camping with the family in 2023.

Countdown to the 19 Best Campgrounds in Wisconsin For Camping with the Family in 2023

There are more than 19 great campgrounds in Wisconsin for camping with your family.  We would have to write a book to cover all of the great places to spend time in the wilderness with your loved ones. Oh wait – I am working on one right now with a talented team from the Midwest Travel Writer’s Network!!

In fact, there is government land that is not even considered campgrounds that make for a great camping environment for the entire family.  We will talk a little bit more about BLM land and places to camp for free another time. 

For now, we will focus on 19 campgrounds we have determined to be a great camping experience for families to enjoy the great outdoors and the dynamics of family adventure.

These Wisconsin campgrounds are organized by state location: Nothern, Central, or Southern Wisconsin.  Some are privately owned, while others are Wisconsin State Parks.  Each with its own unique qualities to give you and your family members a lifetime of adventurous memories.

Northern Wisconsin Private Campgrounds

1 – Patricia Lake Campground

Patricia Lake Campground is a privately owned campground in Northern Wisconsin.  Only two and a half hours northwest of Green Bay and just 73 miles south of Lake Superior.

Nearby Activities and events include a Lumberjack Show, golfing, restaurants, shopping, a casino, and arts and craft shops. 

RV Hook-Up: Yes

Tent Sites: Yes

Pet Friendly?: Yes

Amenities:

• RV rentals
• Spring-fed 32-acre lake
• Beach
• Playground
• Flushing toilets
• Hot Showers
• Sanitary dump station
• Laundry
• Sewer hookups for RVs
• Camp store
• Firewood
• Ice
• Wifi available for a premium
• Cable television

Water Sports: Yes
Things To Do:

• Camping
• Boating
• Fishing
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Basketball
• Swimming

2 – Wagon Trail Campground

Wagon Trail Campground is a privately operated campground located in the picturesque northern Door County.  The campground is only 1 hour away from Sturgeon Bay and 1.5 hours from Green Bay.

Door County is often referred to as the Cape Cod of the Midwest. 

With 51 years of servicing campers, Wagon Trail Campground is committed to being environmentally sustainable.  Offering campers a relaxing location to connect with nature.  You can choose from 145 campsites spread out over 80 acres.

RV Hook-Up:  Yes

Tent Sites:  Yes

Pet Friendly?: Yes, but all pets must remain on a leash, and proof of vaccinations will need to be provided.

Amenities:

• Yurt rentals
• Log cabin rentals
• Rv rentals
• Primitive campsites
• Full hook-up sites
• Dump station
• Flushing toilets
• Showers
• Free Wifi
• Propane available
• Recycling stations
• Fire rings
• Picnic tables
• Camp store
• Fishing gear and bait rentals
• Laundry room
• Game room
• Lodge with fireplace

Water Sports: Yes
Things To Do:

• Hiking
• Cycling
• Swimming nearby
• Camping
• Fishing nearby
• Boating nearby

3 – Pine Pointe Resort and Campground

Pine Point Resort is located just outside of Tomahawk, WI.  It is 45 miles north of Wausau and 140 miles Northwest of Green Bay.

Located on the north shore of Lake Alice offering just shy of 1,400 acres of wilderness and camping.

RV Hook-Up: Yes
Tent Sites: Yes

Pet Friendly?: Yes.  Pets are to be leashed at all times.  All vaccinations are required and picking up after your pet is required.  Failure to do so will result in a $60 fine.

Amenities:

• Laundry
• Cabin rentals
• Apartment rental (above Pine Point Bar & Grille
• Water
• Electric
• Picnic tables
• Fire rings
• Boat dock space
• Laundry
• Dump station
• Showers
• Flushing toilets
• Fish cleaning station
• Boat rentals
• Bar & Grille
• Lake swimming with a sand beach

Water Sports: Yes
Things To Do:

• Boat rentals
• Fishing
• Camping
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Horseshoes
• Kayaking & Canoeing

4 – Hayward KOA Holiday

The Hayward KOA Campground and Resort is the perfect family-friendly campground in northern Wisconsin.  Located just north of Hayward and approximately 150 miles from Minneapolis, MN.

RV Hook-Up:  Yes

Tent Sites: Yes

Pet Friendly?:  Yes.  Pets must be kept on a leash and vaccinations up to date.

Amenities:

• 9’ deep heated pool
• 300’ water slide
• Rental bikes
• 18-hole mini-golf course
• Two playgrounds
• Jumping pillow
• On-site cafe
• Cabins
• Lodges
• Free Wifi
• Firewood for purchase
• Propane for purchase
• Dump station
• Flushing toilets
• Showers
• Pavilion
• ATM machine on site

Water Sports:  Yes
Things To Do:

• Outdoor sports (tetherball, volleyball, basketball)
• Horseshoes
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Movies
• Video Games
• Themed Events
• Friday Night S’mores Time
• Friday Night DJ party
• River Tubing
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Wagon Rides
• Mini-golf

Northern Wisconsin State Parks

5 – Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is located on Lake Michigan off of the northern tip of Door County.  It is accessible by passenger ferry only.  All camping gear and equipment must be carried in. 

There are 40 primitive walk-in campsites for tents.  Two of them will accommodate group camping.

RV Hook-Up: No.  No vehicles are allowed on the island.
Tent Sites:  Yes, primitive camping only

Pet Friendly?:  Yes, but all pets must remain on a leash at all times.

Amenities:

• Lighthouse
• Ferry
• Miles of beach/shoreline
• Primitive campsites
• Vault toilets
• Drinking water is available near the dock and boathouse.
• Firewood is available for purchase

Water Sports: Yes
Things To Do:

• Swimming
• Hiking
• Boating
• Canoeing & kayaking

6 – High Cliff State Park

High Cliff State Park is a beautiful state park.  It is located on Wisconsin’s largest lake, Lake Winnebago just 30 miles south of Green Bay. There is a majestic 12-foot statue of Winnebago Chief Red Bird overlooking the lake on a huge granite rock.

RV Hook-Up: Yes.  Group, as well as family campsites, are available by reservation.
Tent Sites:  Yes

Pet Friendly?:  Yes, but all pets must remain on a leash.

Amenities:

• Flushing toilets
• Showers
• Dump station
• Refuse and recycling station
• Cabins available to rent
• Firewood available for purchase
• Group Campsites
• Potable weather stations throughout the campground

Water Sports:  Yes
Things To Do:

• Swimming
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Off-road biking
• Winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Picnicking
• Horseback riding
• ATV trails
• Canoeing, kayaking, and boating

Central Wisconsin Private Campgrounds

7 – Sheffield’s Hideaway Campground

Sheffield’s Hideaway is located in Central Wisconsin on Lake Michigan 42 miles southeast of Green Bay.  Sunrises over Lake Michigan make this privately owned campground the perfect place to spend some quality time with your family. 

5 minutes from the historical downtown of two rivers, locally renowned restaurants, and shopping.

Nestled between Point Beach State Forest and Lake Michigan, there are many outdoor recreation opportunities nearby.

RV Hook-Up: Yes, full hook-ups with dump station.
Tent Sites: Yes

Pet Friendly?: Yes, pets must remain on a leash with updated vaccinations.  Breed restrictions apply.  Please abide by all Pet Policy Rules.

Amenities:

• Free wifi
• Dump stations
• Fresh water fill
• Laundry
• Showers
• Pull-through sites
• Firewood for sale
• Ice for sale
• Campsites with sewer hookups

Water Sports: No
Things To Do:

• Campfires
• Nearby hiking
• Nearby Cycling
• Activities and events in nearby Two Rivers

8 – Arrowhead RV Resort

Arrowhead RV Resort is located in Wisconsin Dells and is a part of the Thousand Trails RV membership campground and resort system.  You do not have to be a member of Thousand Trails to book a reservation here.

Right off of Interstate 90, Arrowhead R Resort is right in the middle of the state.  A little over an hour from La Crosse to the west and Madison to the South.

A family-friendly RV resort with tons of amenities and activities for everyone. You won’t want to go anywhere else.

RV Hook-Up:  Yes, full hook-ups with dump station available.
Tent Sites:  Yes

Pet Friendly?: Yes, pets must remain on a leash with updated vaccinations.  Breed restrictions apply.

Amenities:

• Individual campsite fire ring and picnic table
• Cabins available
• Themed activities and events
• Crafts
• Pool
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Recreation areas
• RV storage
• Clubhouse
• Outdoor pavilion
• Laundry
• Store

Water Sports:  Yes
Things To Do:

• Swimming
• Nearby hiking at Mirror Lake or Devil’s Lake State Parks
• Nearby Golf Courses
• Nearby Shopping
• Horseshoes
• Pickleball
• Basketball
• Mini-golf
• Volleyball
• Gameroom/billiards
• Tennis
• Playground
• Soccer/football field
• Shuffleboard

9 – Deerhaven Campground

Deerhaven Campground is another privately-owned family-style campground in Central Wisconsin.  Located about an hour southwest of Green Bay, this is a beautifully located campground.

RV Hook-Up: Yes
Tent Sites: Yes

Pet Friendly?:  Yes.  Pets are to be leashed at all times and guests are expected to pick up after pets.

Amenities:

• Firewood for sale
• Refuse dumpster available
• Fire ring and picnic table for each campsite

Water Sports: No
Things To Do: Near-by activities such as

• Clear Water Harbor boat tours
• Strawberry Fest in downtown Waupaca
• Iola car show each June in downtown Iola, Wi.
• Golfing
• Chain O Lakes is only 1.5 miles away

10 – Great Northern Campground

Great Northern Campground is a private campground locally and family-owned.  This campground was built and designed for the ultimate outdoor and camping experience.

It is located in Gleason, WI off of Highway H.  Approximately 30 miles North of Wausau. 

RV Hook-Up: Yes
Tent Sites: Yes

Pet Friendly?: Yes

Amenities:

• Swimming Pond with sand beach
• Flush toilets
• Showers
• 38 campsites with electric and water
• 15 campsites with electricity only
• Dog exercise area
• Firewood available
• Ice available
• Pavillion
• Changing room

Water Sports: Yes
Things To Do:

• Bass Lake Gold Course is only 16 miles away
• X to C Gold and Supper Club is 8.9 miles away
• Merry’s Berries is 13 miles away
• Cornhole
• Gaga Ball pit
• Volleyball
• Horseshoes
• Playground
• Pond
• Swimming
• Water slide

Central Wisconsin State Parks

11 – Kohler Andree State Park

Just a few miles south of Sheboygan is Kohler-Andree State Park.  On the shores of Lake Michigan, there is so much to do between these two state parks.  The two parks are managed and considered as one, even though Andree State Park has been in service since 1925 and Kohler State Park was just established in 1966.

137 campsites and 52 with electrical hookups.  Camping is available year-round.

RV Hook-Up: Yes
Tent Sites:  Yes

Pet Friendly?: Yes, but all pets must remain on a leash

Amenities:

• Nature center
• Nature trails
• Gift Shop
• Showers
• Flushing toilets
• Dump station
• Refuse and recycling stations
• Amphitheater
• Pavillion

Water Sports: Yes
Things To Do:

• Cycling
• Boating
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Camping
• Picnicking
• Winter activities such as snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing
• Nature Center

12 – Rocky Arbor State Park

Rocky Arbor State Park is a 244-acre park just outside of the Wisconsin Dells area.  Sandstone bluffs and grand pines define this state park and set it apart from all of the others.
It is open to campers between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.  The campground has 89 campsites available for reservation and many of them have electrical hookups as well.

RV Hook-Up: Yes

Tent Sites: Yes

Pet Friendly?:  Yes, but all pets must remain on a leash

Amenities:

• Flushing toilets
• Showers
• Firewood available for purchase
• Fresh water stations
• Refuse and recycling stations
• Dump station
• playground

Water Sports:  Yes
Things To Do:

• Camping
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Cycling
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Swimming
• Hunting and trapping
• Picnicking
• Playgrounds
• Winter activities (hiking and snowshoeing)

13 – Buckhorn State Park

Buckhorn State Park is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast.  An ideal state park for the entire family to bond with each other and Mother Nature.  This park is adjacent to two state parks and covers more than 8,000 acres along the Wisconsin River.

Located 32 miles north of Wisconsin Dells and 133 miles west of Green Bay, this state park is an easy destination in the upper central part of the state.

RV Hook-Up:  Yes
Tent Sites: Yes

Pet Friendly?: Yes.  Pets must remain on leash at all times.

Amenities:

• Cabin for those with disabilities
• Group campsite
• Cart-in campsites
• Canoe trail fishing pier
• Rentals
• Concessions
• Picnic tables
• Fire rings
• Firewood available for purchase

Water Sports: Yes
Things To Do:

• Swimming
• Camping
• Fishing
• River tube floating
• Boating
• Canoeing & kayaking
• Picnicking
• Photography
• Cycling

Southern Wisconsin Private Campgrounds

14 – Jellystone Park @ Fort Atkinson

Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is a privately owned campground park.  One of the most famous brands in family camping and this park lives up to its good reputation. A short 40-minute drive from Madison, Jellystone Park is a gem in Southern Wisconsin.

The amenities are galore here at Jellystone. A genuine family camping experience.  There is something for everyone and every age.

RV Hook-Up:  Yes.  Full hookup sites are available with complimentary dump stations and water.

Tent Sites: Yes.  Multiple tent sites are available for families as well as single tent sites.

Pet Friendly?:  Yes, all pets must remain on a leash.   Pick up after your pets, please.

Amenities:

• Hot showers
• Laundry
• Concessions
• Camp store
• Family pavilion
• Activities facility
• dump station
• Yogi Bear and Friends character appearances
• Special events
• Birthday parties
• Live entertainment most weekends
• Heated pools

Water Sports: Yes!  Swimming, heated pools, water slides, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Things To Do:  So many individual activities as well as family/group activities. 

• Gem mining
• Mini-golf
• Water wars
• Hayrides
• Water park
• Movie nights
• Volleyball courts
• Swimming
• Hiking
• RC race track
• Go-Cart course
• Water Slides

15 – Indian Trails Campground

Indian Trails is another private family-owned campground in Southern Wisconsin.  A short 40-mile drive north on H’way 22 from Madison. This park is also close to an amazing Amish bakery!

RV Hook-Up: Yes.  Also complimentary dump-site and water.

Tent Sites: Yes.  Electrical is available as well as primitive.   Cabins are also available for a premium price.

Pet Friendly?: Yes, pets must remain on a leash with updated vaccinations. 

Amenities:

• Two outdoor heated pools
• Indoor swimming pool
• Swimming beach/lake
• 15-acre Fishing pond
• BMX track
• Mountain Bike trails
• Hiking trails
• Two outdoor movie theaters
• Restaurant and snack bar
• Craft cabin
• Gift shop
• Game room
• Heated bathrooms
• Concessions
• Storm shelter
• Heated Showers
• Changing rooms
• 4 playgrounds
• 18-hole mini-golf course
• 2 Dog parks
• 24-hour on-site security
• ATM machine

Water Sports: Yes
Things To Do:

• Planned activities
• Themed parties
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Shuffleboard
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Cycling
• GaGa Ball
• Softball
• Miniature golf course
• Saturday Night movie night

16 – Hickory Hills Campground

Hickory Hills Campground is located in Edgerton, Wi. which is only a 30-minute drive from Madison.  This is a privately owned and operated campground that has been in business since 1929.

RV Hook-Up:  Yes.  Pull through as well as back-in sites.

Tent Sites: Yes

Pet Friendly?: Yes, pets must remain on a leash with updated vaccinations.  Breed restrictions apply.

Amenities:

• General store
• Snack Bar
• Hot showers
• Bunk houses
• Dump-station
• Pool
• Full RV hookups
• Spring-fed lake with beach

Water Sports: Yes
Things To Do:

• Mini-golf
• Horseshoes
• Gaga ball pit
• Shuffleboard
• Playground
• Space ball
• Water wars
• Jumping pillow
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Fishing
• Swimming

Southern Wisconsin State Parks

17 – Blue Mound State Park

Blue Mound State Park is a jewel of a park.  Operated through the state park system, there are plenty of activities and amenities here for everyone.  The park is open year-round from 6:00 am until 11:00 pm.

The park is easy to get to just 30 miles west of Madison off highway 18.

RV Hook-Up: Yes

Tent Sites: Yes

Pet Friendly?:  Yes

Amenities:

• Rustic cabins
• Bike-in campsites
• Hunting
• Picnicking
• Sunrise and sunset observation towers

Water Sports: Yes
Things To Do:

• Hiking
• Off-road biking
• Fishing
• Cross-country ski trails
• Snowshoeing
• Snow sledding
• Swimming
• Kayaking & Canoeing

18 – Governor Dodge State Park

Governor Dodge State Park is one of the largest state parks in Wisconsin with over 5,000 acres, two lakes, a waterfall, and miles of hiking steep hills, bluffs, and deep valleys.

A great get-a-way for the outdoor and recreation enthusiast.  Great trails for biking, off-road biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

RV Hook-Up:  Yes, full hook up as well as primitive sites.
Tent Sites: Yes

Pet Friendly?:  Yes, but pets must remain on a leash.

Amenities:

• Pavilions
• Bathrooms
• Group campsites
• Equestrian campsites
• Remote backpack sites
• Firewood available for purchase
• Fire rings
• Picnic tables
• Pit toilets
• Concession stands
• Refuse and recycling centers
• Showers
• Drinking water
• Rental center

Water Sports: Yes
Things To Do:

• Nature center
• Nature trails
• Gift Shop
• Showers
• Flushing toilets
• Dump station
• Refuse and recycling stations
• Amphitheater
• Pavillion

Water Sports: Yes

19 – Devil’s Lake State Park

Don’t let the name of this state park mislead you.  Devil’s Lake State Park of one of the most beautiful and scenic parks in all of Wisconsin.  Located just along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Devil’s Lake Park offers stunning views of a 360-acre lake.

A beautiful hike around the lake offers some opportunities for some low-level rock climbing for the whole family.  The lake views from the trail are breathtaking and worth the hike alone!

This park is pet friendly as long as you keep your pet on a leash.  You can rent kayaks through October and fishing is allowed on both the north and south shores.

No gas motor vessels are allowed on the lake, but electric motors are permitted.

Devil’s Lake is located about 35 miles northwest of Madison.  Nearby is the city of Baraboo where you can load up on camping essentials such as fuel, food, and beverages.

Balanced Rock Winery is close by for a nice family atmosphere of local wines, great food, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere.

RV Hook-Up:  Yes.  Electric and non-electric campsites.  Dump-site and water fill stations are available.
Tent Sites:  Yes.  Many with electricity available.

Pet Friendly?  Yes.  Animals must remain on leashes in all public and communal areas. 

Amenities:

• Running water, bathrooms, and showers. 
• Concessions
• Camp Store
• Kayak and canoe rentals
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Canoeing and Kayaking (no motor boats)
• Biking
• Hunting
• Rock climbing

Final Thoughts About the 19 Best Campgrounds In Wisconsin for Camping with the Family in 2023

Wisconsin is so much more than the Green Bay Packers, delicious cheese and dairy products, and beer. Wisconsin has some of the most beautiful, raw, and untouched land and wilderness than anywhere else in the United States.  You do not have to be a Wisconsin resident to enjoy it, either. 

Whether you want to do a casual day or afternoon hike along a beginner’s forest trail or spend days at a time hiking backcountry, you can find it all here. Between the privately-owned Camping and RV Resort Campgrounds and the state or National Forest Campgrounds, there is something for everyone.

Our family members are the first best friends we have ever had.  Our responsibility is to continue cultivating and nourishing those relationships throughout our lives.

Spending time camping at some of the incredible campgrounds in Wisconsin is no better way to do that.  You will be creating lifetime memories for your family. Do not be surprised if you are establishing family traditions by camping at some of the campgrounds here in Wisconsin.

Get out in nature and experience the excitement, tranquility, and adventure Wisconsin’s parks offer.

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