Camping in Wisconsin

A complete guide to camping in Wisconsin

Vibrant fall colors in Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine State Forest

Photo Credit: D Hoefler

Overview

Wisconsin camping follows the water. The state sits between Lake Michigan and Lake Superior with over 15,000 inland lakes filling the space between. The Northwoods region from Crivitz and Birchwood through the Apostle Islands draws campers into boreal forest terrain where lakefront sites outnumber any other type. Canoe-access camping on the Boundary Waters-adjacent Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest provides genuine wilderness experience.

The southern half of the state holds a different character. The Wisconsin Dells corridor anchors the state's most heavily marketed camping destination, with large private campgrounds catering to families. Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo ranks as one of the most visited state parks in the Midwest. The Driftless Area in the southwest corner features unglaciated terrain with steep valleys, trout streams, and quiet rural campgrounds around Dodgeville and La Farge that feel removed from the lake-country tourism of the north.

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Best Seasons to Camp in Wisconsin

Spring

Mar-May

High 47°F · Low 35°F

Ice-out on northern lakes happens through April. Campgrounds begin opening in May. Black flies emerge in the Northwoods by late May. Southern Wisconsin warms faster with April camping possible at lower elevations.

Summer

Jun-Aug

High 72°F · Low 60°F

Peak season statewide. Northwoods lakes and the Door Peninsula fill on weekends. Wisconsin Dells campgrounds operate at full capacity. Apostle Islands sea kayak camping sees its busiest window. Water temperatures in inland lakes warm enough for swimming by late June.

Season	Months	Avg High	Avg Low	Conditions
Spring	Mar-May	47°F	35°F	Ice-out on northern lakes happens through April.
Summer	Jun-Aug	72°F	60°F	Peak season statewide.
Fall	Sep-Nov	47°F	35°F	Fall color moves south through October.
Winter	Dec-Feb	22°F	10°F	Most campgrounds close.

Camping Regions in Wisconsin

Region	Terrain	Key Areas
Northwoods and Lake Country	Lakefront	Birchwood, Crivitz, Danbury, Hayward
Apostle Islands and Lake Superior	Coastal	Bayfield, Washburn, Cornucopia
Wisconsin Dells and Central	Lakefront	Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo, Waupaca, Reedsburg
Driftless Area	Plains	Dodgeville, La Farge, Viroqua, Spring Green
Door Peninsula	Coastal	Fish Creek, Sturgeon Bay, Ephraim, Sister Bay

Northwoods and Lake Country

Lakefront · Birchwood, Crivitz, Danbury, Hayward

Dense boreal forest, thousands of lakes, and quiet campgrounds define the northern third of the state. Birchwood, Crivitz, Danbury, and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest provide both developed and dispersed options. Canoe-access camping on remote lakes is a signature experience. Loons, eagles, and wolves inhabit the deep forest. Lincolnwood Resort near Birchwood and Peshtigo River Campground near Crivitz provide lakefront and river camping in the deep Northwoods.

Apostle Islands and Lake Superior

Coastal · Bayfield, Washburn, Cornucopia

Twenty-one islands off the Bayfield Peninsula in Lake Superior. Sea kayak camping on island beaches with sandstone caves and old-growth forest. Mainland campgrounds at Bayfield and Washburn serve as staging areas. Lake Superior water stays cold year-round. The most rugged camping experience in Wisconsin. Apostle Islands Area Campground in Bayfield and Dalrymple Park serve as staging campgrounds for island kayak trips and Lake Superior shore access.

Wisconsin Dells and Central

Lakefront · Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo, Waupaca, Reedsburg

The state's tourism hub with the highest concentration of private campgrounds. Baraboo and Wisconsin Dells cater to families with water parks, attractions, and full-service RV resorts. Devil's Lake State Park provides the natural counterpoint with quartzite bluffs and clear water. Waupaca and the Chain O' Lakes area add inland lake camping. Sherwood Forest Camping and RV Park in Wisconsin Dells and Jellystone Park of Wisconsin Dells near Baraboo anchor the region's largest campground corridor.

Driftless Area

Plains · Dodgeville, La Farge, Viroqua, Spring Green

Southwestern Wisconsin's unglaciated terrain features steep wooded valleys, cold trout streams, and family farms on the ridgetops. Dodgeville, La Farge, and Viroqua anchor a quieter camping scene. Wildcat Mountain and Governor Dodge state parks offer developed campgrounds. The landscape feels more like the Ozarks than the Great Lakes. Tom's Campground near Dodgeville and La Farge Village Park provide simple bases for exploring the unglaciated valleys and trout streams.

Door Peninsula

Coastal · Fish Creek, Sturgeon Bay, Ephraim, Sister Bay

The narrow peninsula separating Green Bay from Lake Michigan. Cherry orchards, limestone bluffs, and small harbor towns line the coast. Peninsula State Park near Fish Creek is one of the most popular campgrounds in the state. The peninsula operates as a summer resort destination with a New England character. Fish Creek Campground and South Nicolet Bay Campground in Fish Creek sit within Peninsula State Park, while Door County Jellystone in Sturgeon Bay adds a family resort option.

Camping Tips for Wisconsin

Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo is the most popular camping destination in the state. Summer and fall weekend reservations should be made months ahead. Weekday availability is better.
Wisconsin State Park reservations open 11 months in advance. The Apostle Islands, Devil's Lake, and Peninsula State Park are the first to fill.
Black flies and mosquitoes in the Northwoods from late May through July are intense. Head nets and DEET-based repellent are necessary. Campgrounds with breeze from lakes have fewer issues.
The Apostle Islands sea caves are accessible by kayak in summer and by ice walk in winter. Conditions change rapidly on Lake Superior. Check marine forecasts before paddling.
Wisconsin allows campfires in designated fire rings at most campgrounds. Firewood transport restrictions apply. Buy wood locally to prevent spread of invasive species.
The Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin has rattlesnakes on bluff prairies. Stay on trails when hiking in this region.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for lake camping in Wisconsin?

Late June through August. Inland lakes warm enough for comfortable swimming by late June. July and August are peak season with the warmest water temperatures. September offers quieter lake camping but water cools quickly. Northern lakes freeze by late November.

How do I camp on the Apostle Islands?

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has designated campsites on multiple islands accessible by kayak, sailboat, or the park shuttle. Permits are required and available through Recreation.gov. Stockton Island has the most sites. Bring all water and supplies. Lake Superior conditions can change rapidly.

Is dispersed camping available in Wisconsin?

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin permits dispersed camping. State forests also allow camping at designated primitive sites. State parks require reserved sites. County forests in the Northwoods offer additional options, many of them free.

What is the Driftless Area?

The Driftless Area covers southwestern Wisconsin, a region that was never covered by glaciers. The terrain features steep valleys carved by streams, exposed sandstone and limestone bluffs, and cold trout streams. Camping here is quieter than the lake country to the north, with a more agricultural character.

How cold does it get at Wisconsin campgrounds?

Northern Wisconsin campgrounds can drop below freezing in May and September. January averages 14 degrees statewide. Lake effect snow from Lake Superior adds extra accumulation in the Northwoods. Summer nights in the 50s are common. Bring warm layers for any camping outside of July and August.