Best Camping in Wisconsin

Camping in Wisconsin

By Alex Murphy

There are plenty of options when it comes to camping in Wisconsin. Many may not realize the Midwestern State has access to two Great Lakes. Lake Michigan to the east and Lake Superior to the north with a long list of spots to check out.

Besides two major cities to visit with Madison and Milwaukee, the state also has the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, two National Scenic Trails, and the St. Croix River.

Get ready to meet some Cheeseheads in the Badger State with some great campgrounds.

See a map of all camping in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin State Parks

Wisconsin has dozens of State Parks to choose from, covering all different regions, and have some surprising scenery many would not expect to see in Wisconsin, like boulder fields and large rock walls that give way to lakes.

Some of the most popular include Devil's Lake State Park with a lake surrounded by large boulders and rocky bluffs, Mirror Lake State Park where true to its name, the water is smooth and reflects the surrounding woods, and Buckhorn State Park where you can camp on a peninsula with great views of the surrounding area.

Learn more about Wisconsin State Parks.

RV Parks in Wisconsin

When it comes to RV Parks in Wisconsin, you have a lot to choose from and options for cities like Madison and Milwaukee or more remote areas like the northern part of the state.

Check out Badgerland Campground outside Madison or Jellystone Park Caledonia, a short drive from Milwaukee for close access to cities. Explore islands in Lake Superior by camping in Apostle Islands Area Campground or stay in an actual marina and have easy boat access in Lakehead Boat Basin. Visitors can also stop in the heavily wooded Door Peninsula surrounded by Lake Michigan and find campsites at Hy-Land Court RV Park.

Wisconsin National Parks

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a popular destination made up of 21 islands on Lake Superior off the northern coast of the state. Many visitors choose to kayak from island to island to explore the entire area.

Some heavily visited campgrounds include Little Sand Bay Recreation Area which is a short walk to the beach or you can try your luck and camp next to a casino at Buffalo Bay Campground.

Free Camping in Wisconsin

For a state where most of the northern part is fairly rural, there is less free camping than one would think, but there are still a few spots that make travel easier. One of those includes the Black River Falls Rest Area, conveniently located right off I-94 between Eau Claire and Madison. You can also park your RV for free near Potawatomi Carter Casino Hotel and get access to the hotel's amenities for a small additional fee.

Learn more about Free Camping in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin National Forests

More than 1.5 million acres of Wisconsin is made up of National Forests and is split into two sections, Chequamegon and Nicolet. Due to the proximity, the U.S. Forest Service works collectively with these two areas in the northern part of the state. In the summer, visitors will find easy access to hiking and fishing spots, while in the winter, people can enjoy ski trails and other outdoor fun.

When it comes to camping, many popular sites can be found near lakes, including Franklin Lake in Nicolet, where campsites are available on the water. In Chequamegon, you can find similar spots at Black Lake.

Learn more about:

• Chequamegon National Forest
• Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
• Nicolet National Forest