If there’s one thing Wisconsin does well, it’s spending summer outdoors. Wisconsin Campgrounds offer everything from lakeside beach days and biking trails to themed weekends and floating waterparks.
Below you’ll find our top picks for fun campgrounds for kids whether you want full-resort style camping with pools and jumping pillows or quieter state park campgrounds surrounded by hiking trails and wildlife. They’re great for tent campers and RVers alike!
This article also includes personal experiences, planning tips, and what makes each spot especially fun for families.
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What are the best campgrounds for kids in Wisconsin?
The best campgrounds for kids combine family-friendly amenities with easy outdoor adventure.
They have swimming beaches, playgrounds, nature centers, bike paths, kayaking, and organized activities that keep kids entertained all weekend long.
Some families prefer private campgrounds because they often include pools, inflatable fun, themed weekends, mini golf, and packed activity schedules.
Others love Wisconsin’s state and county parks for the hiking, scenic views, and quieter atmosphere.
We like to choose ours based on proximity to nearby attractions and opt for a mix of public and private campgrounds each summer.
Kid Friendly Amenities
When searching for kid friendly campgrounds in Wisconsin, amenities make a huge difference in taking some of the hard work out of the trip and giving the adults a chance to unwind too.
Some of the features we always look for include:
- Modern (and clean) bathrooms and showers
- Swimming beaches or pools
- A firepit at every site
- Water and Electric site
- Playgrounds
- Easy, but engaging walking trails for younger kids
Finding a couple of these is icing on the cake:
- Floating Waterparks
- Jump Pillow
- GaGa ball
- Bike rentals
- Nature centers
- Organized crafts and games
- Kayak or paddleboat rentals
- Mini Golf
- Conveniently located to explore more attractions, sights in the area.
- Camp stores
- Laundry facility
- Golf Cart rentals
Kid Friendly Activities
No matter which campground you choose, you can enjoy the best parts of a camping trip:
- Nature scavenger hunts
- Campfire cooking
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Biking campground loops
- Beach days
- Camping games after dark
This Camping Games for Kids article is packed with more easy-to-pack activity ideas and rainy day options.
Private Kid Friendly Campgrounds
A major draw of private campgrounds is the resort feel with loads of amenities for families.
Another plus is that private campgrounds typically do not sell out as quickly as State Park electric sites so it is easier to snag a site without planning far in advance.
Private campgrounds often go all out with jumping pillows, wagon rides, mini golf, outdoor movies, and hosted events.
Merry Mac’s Campground in Merrimac
Merry Mac’s Campground is located near Wisconsin Dells and Devil’s Lake.
We love their pool, playground, themed weekends, sports courts, mini golf, barrel train rides, and activities geared toward younger kids. They have a new theme every weekend throughout the summer, with some of the best being Halloween trick or treating (in September), pirates and princesses, and Stars & Stripes for the 4th.
We particularly like the sites that surround the main lagoon, however they have limited shade. From there it is easy to see our kids on the jumping pillow and sports courts and a short walk with gear to the pool and lagoon.
One of the biggest perks is its easy access to nearby attractions like Devil’s Lake State Park, downtown Baraboo, Circus World, and Wisconsin Dells fun.
Price range: $61-102 per night depending on accommodations and time of year.
When to book: Online bookings open up on January 1st for the calendar year.
Distance from Waukesha: 2 hours
Green Lake Campground
Located near Ripon, Green Lake Campground’s most unique feature is a full Par 3 golf course (included with your stay!)
Families return year after year for the outdoor movies, fishing access, swimming, beach, events like the Water Olympics, crafts in the barn, and more. They have theme weekends every weekend throughout the summer.
I loved having low cost laundry on site and lattes in the morning from the camp store!
Nearby activities include downtown Green Lake shops and restaurants, Patina Vie in downtown Ripon, and Lawsonia golf course.
Price range: $82-96 for campsites nightly. Cabins run $250-310 per night.
When to book: Summer weekends book quickly, especially pool and lake-adjacent sites. Early reservations are recommended.
Distance from Waukesha: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Wilderness Campground in Montello
Montello is home to Wilderness Campground.
Families flock here for the water features, playgrounds, mini golf (extra fee), themed activities, outdoor games, and kid-focused entertainment throughout the season.
Reservations for summer weekends and themed events should be made early, especially if you want cabins or premium RV sites.
Price range: Campsites $77-102 per night. Cabins $190-200 per night
When to book: Early in the year. Make sure to check out their special offers before you book!
Distance from Waukesha: 2 hours
Public Kid Friendly Campgrounds in Wisconsin (State/County Parks)
State parks tend to focus more on nature-based experiences like hiking, ranger programs, beaches, and wildlife viewing. You’ll typically save 50% per night or more by opting to stay in a public vs. private campground.
Obviously the outdoors is inherently family friendly so any state park will do, but we chose the following for their spacious campsites, ranger programs, and water-based fun.
Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park is easily one of the most popular family campgrounds in Wisconsin.
This park is famous for its dramatic rock formations, sandy beaches, and incredible hiking trails.
We love using Devil’s Lake State Park as a base to explore more of the Baraboo and Wisconsin Dells area. Not to mention hiking the stunning trails within the park itself.
Families can spend one day climbing the East Bluff trails and another cooling off at the beach.
Nearby activities include Circus World, downtown Baraboo, Ishnala Supper Club, Wisconsin Dells attractions, and more local hiking spots.
Price range: $28-55 nightly plus fees
When to book: Campsites here are extremely competitive, and reservations should be made the moment booking windows open 365 days in advance – especially for electric sites.
Distance from Waukesha: 2 hours
Kohler Andrae State Park
Kohler-Andrae State Park rewards you with a beautiful Lake Michigan beach and easy family camping.
Families enjoy the dunes, boardwalks, beach access, and peaceful campground atmosphere.
There’s so much fun to be had nearby in Sheboygan too, so be sure to plan a city day during your trip.
Note: I personally try to avoid this state park between late June and early July because Lake Michigan’s alewives tend to wash ashore during that time and unfortunately come with an unpleasant odor.
Nearby attractions include the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, free Art Museums, Bookworm Gardens, local beaches, and restaurants in Sheboygan.
Price range: $26-52 nightly plus fees.
When to book: 365 days in advance – especially for electric sites.
Distance from Waukesha: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Governor Dodge State Park
Governor Dodge State Park is one of the best campgrounds for kids who love outdoor adventure. The park features lakes for swimming and kayaking, hiking trails, a waterfall, fishing, and even horseback riding trails.
Families especially enjoy the large swimming beach and easy hiking options for younger kids.
Nearby attractions include House on the Rock, Cave of the Mounds, and downtown Dodgeville.
Madison makes a fun stop along the drive to Governor Dodge State Park from Lake Country.
Price range: $25–$40 plus reservation fees
When to book: Summer reservations are recommended well in advance. 300+ days for electric sites.
Distance from Waukesha: 2.5 hours
Peninsula State Park
Peninsula State Park is one of the crown jewels of Wisconsin camping.
The Door County park is packed with family-friendly activities including beaches, hiking, biking, kayaking, nature programs, and scenic overlooks.
Climbing the fully ADA accessible tower is absolutely a must for the incredible views over Green Bay. Bike rentals are available nearby, and the park is filled with excellent biking paths for all ages. Don’t skip the Nature Center either, especially with younger children.
Nearby activities include Fish Creek shopping, cherry picking, boat tours, mini golf, and all the classic Door County attractions families love.
Price range: $25–$50 nightly plus fees
When to book: Well in advance for summer or fall camping. The summer before if possible.
Distance from Waukesha: About 3 hours 15 minutes
Menomonee Park - A Waukesha County Park
Menomonee Park is a fantastic close-to-home camping option within the Waukesha County Park system.
This campground definitely feels a bit more rustic since there are no showers directly in the campground area and no electric sites. Pit toilets and portable toilets are available as well as a central water spigot.
That said, we absolutely love the quarry lake, beach, trails, wild blackberry picking on the trails in July, the archery range, bike trails, and kayak rentals.
There are showers and modern toilets near the beach area, so you won’t be completely roughing it.
Its location just outside Waukesha makes it especially convenient for first-time campers or quick weekend trips.
Price range: $25
When to book: Other than holiday weekends, it is easy to snag a campsite at Menomonee Park last minute.
Distance from Waukesha: 20 minutes
Wyalusing State Park
Wyalusing State Park is another of Wisconsin’s most scenic state parks, located near the meeting point of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers.
Families come for the incredible overlooks, hiking trails, canoeing opportunities, and educational nature programs.
One important thing to keep in mind with young kids is campsite selection. Some campsites are located close to ridges and steep drop-offs, so it’s worth studying the campground map carefully and choosing a site appropriate for your children’s ages and comfort levels.
Price range: $23-40 per night plus admission stickers and reservation fees.
When to book: 6 months in advance.
Distance from Waukesha: 3 hours
Themed Weekends, Organized Events, and More
One of the reasons Wisconsin campgrounds are so much fun for families is the constant stream of organized events throughout the camping season.
Both private and public campgrounds maintain engaging event calendars ranging from nature presentations and crafts to water Olympics, hayrides, outdoor movies, and holiday-themed weekends. Some campgrounds even host foam parties, glow parades, or campground-wide scavenger hunts.
Most campgrounds post event schedules online before your stay, but you can also ask for a printed activity schedule when you check in.
Planning a Trip to Wisconsin’s Best Campgrounds for Kids
When planning a camping trip in Wisconsin, timing matters. Summer weekends at popular campgrounds book extremely quickly, especially for:
- Holiday weekends
- Waterfront sites
- Cabin rentals
- Door County campgrounds
- Wisconsin Dells area campgrounds
For state parks, reservations open 365 days in advance and the best sites disappear quickly. Private campgrounds usually begin accepting reservations January 1st for the upcoming camping season.
A few things that help make family camping easier:
- Arrive before dark
- Bring bikes or scooters
- Pack layers for cool evenings
- Stock up on bug spray, itch cream, and sun screen
- Have backup rainy-day activities
- Choose a campsite close to bathrooms if traveling with younger kids
- Prep your food as much as possible at home (i.e. cut veggies, marinate meat, etc.)
- Use this Camping With Kids Checklist
Camping Tips for New Campers
If you’re new to camping with kids, start simple. You do not need elaborate gear setups or gourmet camp meals to have a memorable trip.
A few beginner-friendly tips:
- Practice setting up your tent at home first
- Keep meals simple
- Overpack clothes
- Bring headlamps for kids
- Expect dirt and embrace it
- Don’t over-schedule
Some of our best camping memories have come from the simplest moments — roasting marshmallows, biking campground loops at sunset, spotting wildlife, or letting the kids play for hours at a campground beach.
Check out these Hacks for Camping With Kids for more ways to take the stress out of family camping.
Tell Us Your Favorite Kid Friendly Campgrounds in Wisconsin
This summer we’re checking out new-to-us spots like Evergreen Campground, Hi Pines, and Ma Irvington’s while also returning to some of our tried-and-true favorites around the state.
We’d love to hear where your favorite campgrounds for kids are and what makes them special. Let us know in the comments below.
