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Lake Wisconsin Campgrounds

TOP 10 CAMPGROUNDS ON LAKE WISCONSIN

Lake Wisconsin Campgrounds are among the extremely popular things to do during the summer in WI. You won’t have to do much searching to realize that the hard part isn’t finding them but choosing one. From lake camping/tent camping to RV camping, South Central Wisconsin provides plenty of campsites, each offering its own set of unique experiences and amenities.

Some campsites are on beautiful Lake Wisconsin itself giving your access to public boat launches and water activities and some of the most incredible sunsets imaginable. Others are more remote, with the focus being on hiking trails, and captivating rocky bluffs worthy of an Instagram photo, peace, and solitude.

Campgrounds near Baraboo, WI and surrounding lake Wisconsin provide plenty of natural beauty, fun activities for the entire family, and ways to unplug. We have put together a list of campsites in northern Wisconsin and southern Wisconsin within a 30 miles radius of Lake Wisconsin as of March 2023. But first, let’s cover the basics.

a large body of water

WHERE IS LAKE WISCONSIN?

Lake Wisconsin is shared by Columbia County and Sauk County, the line separates the lake almost perfectly. Lake WI is surrounded by a number of towns and cities, including Lodi wi, Poynette wi, Baraboo wi, and Merrimac, wi. This lake is a very popular destination largely because of its close proximity to Devils Lake State Park, the Wisconsin River, and the twenty-five-plus campsites near Baraboo WI.

READ MORE: Camping in Lake Wisconsin 2023 – Ultimate Guide

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CAMPGROUNDS ON LAKE WISCONSIN

Lake Wisconsin Campground llc

Lake WI Campground is a beautiful and well-maintained campground located on the shores of Lake Wisconsin in Poynette, WI. It’s been there a long time, and is well known for lake wisconsin camping.  This campground is right next to Remi’s Thirsty Moose restaurant and Whalen bay so fishing is very popular. The campground offers camping options like tent sites, RV sites, and cabin rentals.

The location is perfect for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing & boating. The campground also features a playground, basketball court, and volleyball court for those looking to stay active. One of the standout features of Lake Wisconsin Campground is its stunning views of the lake and surrounding natural scenery. The campground is one of the few on this list that is located directly on Lake Wisconsin.

a group of people walking down a dirt road
a sign on the side of a river
a man doing a trick on a skateboard
a group of people in a park
a river running through a park
a group of people in a field

Pros:

  • Easy access to Lake Wisconsin for boating, fishing
  • Large, wooded campsites offer privacy and a rustic feel.
  • Nearby attractions such as Devil’s Lake State Park and Lake Wisconsin Watersports are within a short drive.

Cons:

  • Some campsites may be more exposed to noise from the nearby highway.
  • Limited amenities compared to larger, resort-style campgrounds.
  • Campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis and may fill up quickly during peak season.

Amenities:

  • Boat launch for easy access to Lake Wisconsin.
  • Showers and flush toilets for convenience.
  • Playground area for kids to enjoy.

Lake Wisconsin Campground is a great option for those seeking a quiet and natural camping experience. While it may lack some of the amenities of larger campgrounds, it offers easy access to the lake and nearby restaurants and things to do in Lake WI.

Lake Wisconsin Resort

Lake Wisconsin Resort is a popular spot on the eastern side of Lake Wisconsin right next to Lakeside bar & grill. The resort offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and modern amenities for an unforgettable vacation experience. The resort’s cabins provide a rustic charm and come with all the modern conveniences for a comfortable stay. The closest big city is madison, WI and approx 30 minutes from Devils Lake State park.

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a large lawn in front of a house
an empty road with grass and trees
a sign in front of a house
a large body of water
a young boy standing in a room

Pros:

  • Lakefront access with sandy beach area for swimming
  • walking distance to the restaurant
  • Wide range of outdoor activities including, volleyball corn hole

Cons:

  • Limited dining options on the property
  • No pets allowed
  • Limited availability for larger groups or families

Amenities:

  • Sandy beach for swimming and lounging
  • Showers, modern resort essentials
  • Outdoor volleyball court for group games

In conclusion, Lake Wisconsin Resort offers a perfect escape for people wanting the modern amenities of city life. It’s clean and well-kept and the staff friendly. The peaceful surroundings and numerous amenities make it an ideal destination for families, couples, or groups of friends seeking an outdoor adventure. If you’re Looking for boat rentals such as kayak rental or pontoon boat rental you will need to book with us.

CAMPGROUNDS NEAR LAKE WISCONSIN

When it comes to campgrounds on Lake Wisconsin, It’s important to remember Lake Wisconsin is a very big lake. Not all the campsites will be “on” the lake, many will be near or advertise they are on the Lake but are not. So if water sports and lake activities are on your list be sure to choose one. Don’t worry, most of the campgrounds near Baraboo WI have their own man-made lake or have pools. But a couple of sites are right on lake WI.

Devils Lake Campground

Devil’s Lake state park Campground is a popular camping destination located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, about 15 minutes drive north of Lake Wisconsin. With its own dedicated swimming beaches on the North & South shores and concessions available at both sites, it’s a hot spot for tourists and locals. The beaches are well-maintained and clean, but very rocky swimming shoes are recommended. It offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding natural scenery.

With multiple campsites to enjoy, we will highlight the 4 most popular within the state Park itself. This campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV camping, and will likely satisfy your desire for sandy beaches and calm waters. A Special permit is required to use the park. For more info read our article about Devils Lake State Park because there is a lot more to do than this short list!

 

a group of people sitting on a rock next to a body of water
a man in a park
a group of people in a park
a group of people standing in front of a large rock
a group of people on a beach
a person standing in front of a large rock

Pros:

  • Beach Concessions
  • Beautiful natural surroundings. Great for hiking and outdoor activities
  • A large number of campsites are available, making it easier to find a spot even during peak season
  • Access to Devil’s Lake, one of the most scenic lakes in the area

Cons:

  • Can be crowded during peak season
  • Limited privacy between campsites due to the sheer number of campsites
  • May be noisy at night due to large crowds and recreational activities in the area

Upper & Lower Ice Age Campground

Located near the Ice Age Trail, Lower Ice Age Campground is perfect for hikers and nature lovers. The campsite is surrounded by lush forests and boasts several hiking trails, which is great for anyone who loves outdoor activities. However, there is no electricity, and the nearest town is several miles away. You will need to go head over to Devils Lake state park to get basic things such as a shower, restroom, food, and swimming.

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a tent in a forest
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a tree in the middle of a forest

Pros:

  • Peaceful surroundings for relaxation
  • Beautiful hiking trails
  • Affordable prices

Cons:

  • No electricity
  • Limited amenities
  • Remote location

Amenities:

  • Picnic tables and fire pits
  • Drinking water and vault toilets
  • Hiking

 

Summary Conclusion:

Lower Ice Age Campground is a great spot for nature enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors. Though it may lack some of the luxuries of other campgrounds, its peaceful location and scenic trails make it worth the visit.

Northernlights Campground

Situated down the road from the ice age trail campsites and inside the massive Devils Lake Campground, Northern lights Campground is a great spot for those who was peace, and quiet and to experience a more authentic style of camping. The campground offers you the ability to unplug, camp in a RV style, or pitch a tent and really take in the outdoors. No power, no typical amenities like larger campsites. However, it can get crowded during peak season, and the sites are close together.

a tree in a forest
a group of people walking down a dirt road
a group of people in a park
a group of lawn chairs sitting on top of a grass covered field

Pros:

  • Great location for water activities
  • Variety of amenities
  • Kid-friendly activities

Cons:

  • Crowded during peak season
  • Sites are close together
  • No hiking trails

Amenities:

  • Boat rentals and launch
  • Playground and volleyball court
  • Firewood and ice for sale

Summary Conclusion:
Northernlight Campground is an excellent option for families and anyone who love the outdoors but doesn’t want to be too far from the action. Though it can get crowded, the wide range of amenities and fun activities make it a great spot for a summer vacation. Only being 7-minutes from Lake Wisconsin River if you want to enjoy more of a fast-paced watersports activity Lake Wisconsin watersports Hourly Jet Ski Rental is a great option close by.

Quartzite Campground (opens in new window)

Another campsite in Baraboo, (we know there are a lot) it’s Nestled in the Baraboo Hills, within the same area as the Upper ice age trail campsite. Quartzite Campground is known for its quiet atmosphere. The campground is perfect for those who love hiking and exploring the great outdoors. However, like the ice age trails, there is no electricity, and the sites are first-come, first-served. The nearest body of water is the North Shore of Devils Lake.

a view of a large body of water with a city in the background

Pros:

  • Beautiful views
  • Great for hiking
  • Quiet atmosphere

Cons:

  • No electricity
  • Limited amenities
  • First-come, first-served sites

Amenities:

  • Picnic tables and fire rings
  • Vault toilets and drinking water

Summary Conclusion:

Quartzite Campground is an excellent choice for nature lovers looking for a peaceful camping experience. Though it may lack some of the amenities of other campgrounds, its stunning views and quiet atmosphere make it a great spot to relax and unwind.

 

Smokey Hollow Campground (opens in new window)

Smokey Hollow Campground in Lodi wi, is the largest (2nd to Devils Lake) and the 2023 Campspot award winner. Offering a tranquil and serene destination southeast of Lake Wisconsin in the town of Lodi. It’s the furthest camping site being a 17-minute drive to Lake WI. It takes the #3 spot with 419 google reviews it’s awesome for camping enthusiasts The campground is a massive piece of land and is an ideal spot for families, couples, and solo travelers. The amenities available at the campground seem endless but are designed to cater to the needs of all visitors, making it a popular choice among campers.

a sign on the side of a road
a group of people walking down a dirt road
a boat in the water
a group of people in a swimming pool
Smokey Hollow Campground 3
a large body of water

Pros:

  • The campground has spacious and well-maintained campsites, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.
  • Jumping pillow, wagon rides, face painting, bocce court
  • The campground has a variety of recreational activities, including hiking trails, fishing, and volleyball, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cons:

  • The campground can get crowded during peak season, making it difficult to find privacy and seclusion.
  • The availability of Wi-Fi is limited, which may be inconvenient for some visitors.
  • The sound of trains passing by can be heard at night, which may disturb light sleepers.

Amenities:

  • Heated swimming pool
  • On-site laundry facilities
  • Camp store with basic supplies

In conclusion, Smokey Hollow Campground is a fantastic option for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing camping experience. The staff is welcoming and attentive, and the range of amenities ensures that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. While the campground may get crowded, the abundance of recreational activities on offer makes it worth a visit. checkout our smokey hollow campground photos!

Sky High Campground & Resort (opens in new window)

It’s not possible to talk about camping in WI without mentioning Sky high campground in Portage WI. The resort is spread across 75 acres and is an outstanding choice for a family getaway. The Resort is Large and has grown year after year with things to do and visitors. The resort offers a wide range of accommodations, including tent camping, RV sites, cabins, fire pits, hiking, a large swimming pool, mini golf, volleyball and more! It’s definitely not going to disappoint anyone with the features.

 

a group of people in a library
a group of people in a field
a group of people riding on the back of a truck
a house covered in snow
a group of people on a golf course
a golf course with trees in the background

Pros:

  • Tons of activities for kids and adults
  • Family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of activities for kids and adults, including a swimming pool, miniature golf course, and playgrounds
  • Well-maintained facilities with clean restrooms and showers

Cons:

  • No on OR near a body of Water.
  • Limited availability of on-site restaurants or dining options
  • Some visitors may find the prices to be slightly higher compared to other nearby campgrounds

Amenities:

  • Swimming pool
  • Miniature golf course
  • Playground – Pool Tables

In summary, Sky High Camping Resort offers a beautiful and peaceful setting for a camping vacation in south central Wisconsin. If you’re looking to get out on the water you will need to travel. With a variety of accommodation options, activities for all ages, and well-maintained facilities, this resort is a great choice for families and nature lovers looking for a fun and relaxing getaway. The family is sure not to complain about the water sports fun

CONCLUSION

The list above represents the most popular campsites near Baraboo, WI. There are certainly many more, but these ones offer beautiful parks, two great lakes to choose from for kayaking or swimming, and seemingly endless things to do. If somehow the above camping sites closest to Baraboo aren’t what you desire but if your looking for sites in the city not near it hope isn’t lost. We have more campgrounds for you to do research on.

Food & Dining Tips for your Next Vacation

Alright, so all of that reading probably made you a little hungry. And you may be wondering where is there to eat while camping? So, head over and satisfy your appetite with our page Restaurants on Lake WI to try during your camping trip. We haven’t completed the list, but you can find all of the places accessible by boat and by car on this list.

Best time of year to go camping in Baraboo, WI

The best time to go camping depends on what you like. If you want it to be warm, sweating, and doing lots of stuff outside, then June through August is good if you don’t hate the smell of bug spray. But it can be really crowded and expensive. If you like more comfortable weather and fewer people, spring would probably be the best time for you to go. But you might not be able to do all the outdoor things you want. Winter is also an option if you like snow sports and peace and quiet.

Campgrounds in Baraboo WI – But still near Lake Wisconsin

Skillet Creek Campground

E11329 State Rd 136, Baraboo, WI 53913

Barabook Hiles Campground

E10545 Terrytown Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913

Double K-D Ranch Campground

E12442 County Rd W, Baraboo, WI 53913

Green Valley Campground

S5927 Oak Ct, Baraboo, WI 53913

Red Oak Campground

S2350 Timothy Ln, Baraboo, WI 53913

Fox Hill RV Resort & Campground

E11371 N Reedsburg Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913

Dell Pines Campground

E10562 Shady Lane Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913

HOURLY - DAILY - WEEKLY

RIDE THIS WAVE OF 5-STAR REVIEWS FROM FACEBOOK!

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Super fun family day

Larry was so great and even allowed us to add another Jet ski at the last minute. He filled the gas tanks and delivered them right to our lake, put them in and gave us wonderful instruction. We WILL definitely use Jet Ski Madison again!!

– Kelli C., Facebook
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Definitely recommend

Owner was down to earth and friendly. Rented the supercharged jet ski for 2 hours. It seemed new and in good condition. Full tank of gas. Had a great time and will definitely return as a customer when I'm in the area. Would definitely recommend to anyone. It was the highlight of my 4th of July.

– Michael D., Facebook
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Had a blast

My best friend and I had a blast. Everything was very professional but also extremely fun. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to sightsee the best way possible.

– Alex K., Facebook
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Excellent

This is an excellent venue for renting watercraft in Madison. The staff at Jet Ski Madison were friendly, courteous, and professional; they answered all of our questions regarding our rentals and accommodated our busy schedule. We will be back again!

– Patrick R., Facebook
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Awesome

These guys are just awesome. We arrived on time and they had us in the water as soon as they could. Couldn't be happier and the price was more than reasonable for flying around a lake at 40+ mph.

– Tanvirkamal B., Facebook
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High quality

We had a great time with Lake Wisconsin Watersports! Larry provided one on one service and thoroughly explained everything to us before we started our adventure. He helped us get our personal items stored properly in the Jet Ski and made sure all of our questions were answered. This was a high quality experience from beginning to end!

– Monica D., Facebook