Your Ultimate Guide to Camping in Wisconsin

Are you dreaming of a camping adventure in the great outdoors of Wisconsin? Well, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top 10 camping places in Wisconsin, the must-haves for your trip, and some handy tips to make your camping experience unforgettable.

No matter whether you're a camping expert or a novice, this guide will help you have the best trip possible.

So, let's dive into some of the best camping grounds in Wisconsin and start planning your camping adventure!

Top 10 Camping Spots in Wisconsin

1. Smoky Bear Campground & RV Park

Smoky Bear Campground & RV Park is a serene camping spot located in the North East section of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, near the local favorites: Greenbrier and Cosby entrances. This campground is about 13 miles outside of Gatlinburg and 18 miles outside of Pigeon Forge. It offers a variety of amenities including a bathhouse, laundry, full-hookup sites with water, sewer, electric, cable and wifi, tent sites, cabins, a clubhouse, a community area with benches and a fire pit, a store, picnic tables, fire rings, a swimming pool, a hot tub, a playground, and it's pet friendly.

• Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• Best Visit Time: All year round
• Best Campsites: Full-Hookup sites, Tent Sites, Cabins
• Activities: Hiking, bird watching, and fishing

2. Wyalusing State Park

Wyalusing State Park, one of Wisconsin's oldest state parks, is a fantastic camping destination. The park is located 500 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, offering breathtaking views and a unique camping experience. You can also enjoy picnicking on bluff top overlooks. For those interested in astronomy, the Huser Astronomy Center offers programs for visitors.

• Location: Bagley, Wisconsin
• Best Visit Time: Open year-round, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Best Campsites: Family and Group Campsites
• Activities: Hiking, canoeing, bird watching, fishing, boating, bicycling, picnicking, and astronomy programs

3. Camp Riverslanding

Camp Riverslanding is a hidden gem in Pigeon Forge, TN. This family-friendly campground is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers a heated pool, a luxurious bathhouse, a newly upgraded playground, a brand new community firepit, and much more. Even if you don’t have your own RV, they have vacation rentals and RV rentals available.

• Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
• Best Visit Time: All year round
• Best Campsites: RV Sites, RV Rentals, Vacation Rentals
• Activities: River tubing, fishing, swimming

4. Devil's Lake State Park

For a more traditional camping experience, Devil's Lake State Park is a must-visit. This park is known for its stunning quartzite bluffs and clear blue lake. Whether you're interested in hiking, rock climbing, or simply relaxing by the water, this park has something for everyone.

• Location: Baraboo, Wisconsin
• Best Visit Time: Spring to fall
• Best Campsites: Quartzite Campground and Northern Lights Campground
• Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, swimming, and fishing

5. High Cliff State Park

High Cliff State Park offers a unique camping experience with its panoramic views of Lake Winnebago and historic effigy mounds. The park is a haven for bird watchers and fishing enthusiasts, and its family and group campgrounds provide a perfect setting for a memorable camping trip.

• Location: Sherwood, Wisconsin
• Best Visit Time: Spring to fall
• Best Campsites: Family Campground and Group Campground
• Activities: Hiking, bird watching, and fishing

6. Kohler-Andrae State Park

Kohler-Andrae State Park, located in Sheboygan, is one of the last natural preserves along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It's renowned for its sand dunes, miles of golden beach, and the nature trails that wind through the park. This is a perfect spot for those who love beachside camping.

• Location: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
• Best Visit Time: Spring to fall
• Best Campsites: Family Campground and Group Campground
• Activities: Hiking, bird watching, and fishing

7. Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park, situated in Fish Creek, is one of the most popular camping destinations in Wisconsin. With its 468 campsites, a summer theater, an 18-hole golf course, and a lighthouse, this park offers a diverse range of activities for all ages.

• Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
• Best Visit Time: Spring to fall
• Best Campsites: Weborg Point Campground and Tennison Bay Campground
• Activities: Hiking, bird watching, and fishing

8. Perrot State Park

Perrot State Park, located in Trempealeau, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park is known for its majestic bluffs along the Mississippi River and the ancient Native American burial mounds found within its boundaries.

• Location: Trempealeau, Wisconsin
• Best Visit Time: Spring to fall
• Best Campsites: Family Campground and Group Campground
• Activities:Hiking, bird watching, and fishing

9. Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park, located in Washington, is a remote and picturesque island perfect for a secluded camping experience. With its stone buildings and Viking-like water tower, the park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

• Location: Washington, Wisconsin
• Best Visit Time: Spring to fall
• Best Campsites: Family Campground and Group Campground
• Activities: Hiking, bird watching, and fishing

10. Wildcat Mountain State Park

Wildcat Mountain State Park, located in Ontario, offers some of the best views of the Kickapoo River Valley. Whether you're interested in hiking, horseback riding, or canoeing, this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Location: Ontario, Wisconsin
• Best Visit Time: Spring to fall
• Best Campsites: Family Campground and Group Campground
• Activities: Hiking, bird watching, and fishing

Each of these locations offers a unique experience, so whether you're looking for a traditional camping experience or a more comfortable stay in a hotel with easy access to outdoor activities, Wisconsin has something for you.

The Must-Haves for Camping in Wisconsin

When it comes to camping in Wisconsin, there are a few essentials that you should never leave home without. These items will not only make your camping experience more comfortable but also safer and more enjoyable.

1. Tent: This is your home away from home when camping. Make sure it's weather-resistant and spacious enough for your needs.
2. Sleeping Bag: Nights can get chilly, so a good quality sleeping bag is a must. Look for one that's suitable for the season and temperature range you'll be camping in.
3. Cooking Equipment: Whether it's a portable stove or a simple fire pit grill, you'll need something to cook your meals on. Don't forget utensils and cookware!
4. Food and Water: Pack enough food for your trip, plus a little extra just in case. Always bring plenty of water, or have a way to purify water from a natural source.
5. First Aid Kit: Accidents can happen, so it's always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, and pain relievers.
6. Navigation Tools: Even if you plan to stay on the campground, having a map and compass or a GPS can come in handy. You never know when you might need to find your way back to camp.
7. Lighting: A good flashlight or headlamp is essential for those late-night trips to the restroom or for any emergency situations that might arise after dark.
8. Portable Power Stations: In this digital age, having a reliable power source while camping is crucial. Portable power stations can power up your devices, cooking equipment, and even some small appliances. They're compact, easy to carry, and can be a real lifesaver when you're out in the wilderness.

When it comes to portable power stations, our Anker 767 PowerHouse stands out as an excellent option. This remarkable portable power station incorporates the advanced and durable InfiniPower™ technology, ensuring a lifespan of over ten years, even with regular usage. It boasts the ability to simultaneously power over 12 devices, featuring a unique RV port, three USB-C charging ports, four AC outlets, two USB-A ports for standard phone chargers or other devices, and even includes two car outlets.This means you can keep all your devices charged, power your cooking equipment, or even run a small heater or fan. With a superior 5-year full-device warranty, we ensure a worry-free experience, making the Anker 767 a fantastic choice for your camping trips.

Remember, these are just the basics. Depending on your needs and the nature of your camping trip, you might also want to bring along items like camping chairs, a cooler, hiking gear, fishing equipment, or a camera to capture the beautiful Wisconsin scenery.

Tips for Camping in Wisconsin

Camping in Wisconsin is an experience like no other, but it's important to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your camping adventure:

1. Plan Ahead: Research your chosen campsite in advance. Make reservations, check the weather forecast, and understand the rules and regulations of the campsite.
2. Pack Wisely: Make a checklist of all the essentials you'll need, from clothing and food to camping gear and emergency supplies. Remember, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
3. Respect Nature: Leave no trace. Keep your campsite clean, don't disturb wildlife, and respect the natural environment. Remember, you're a guest in nature's home.
4. Stay Safe: Always let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return. Familiarize yourself with basic first aid and know what to do in an emergency.
5. 5. Plan Your Meals: Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. Remember to pack a cooler to keep perishable food items fresh.
6. 6. Stay Hydrated: Always have plenty of water on hand. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, especially during strenuous activities like hiking or biking.
7. 7. Pack Layers: Wisconsin's weather can change quickly, so it's a good idea to pack layers. This way, you can add or remove clothing as needed.
8. 8. Know the Campground Rules: Each campground has its own set of rules and regulations. Make sure you're familiar with them before you arrive.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it! You're now equipped with all the knowledge you need for an unforgettable camping trip in Wisconsin. From the best places to pitch your tent to the essential gear you'll need, you're all set for your adventure.

Remember, camping is all about disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnecting with nature. It's about the peaceful mornings, the crackling campfires, and the starlit nights. It's about making memories that will last a lifetime.