Far from the bland “dairy country” of its popular stereotype, Wisconsin actually has some of the premier destinations in the Midwest, both urban and outdoors. On the urban side, major Wisconsin cities like Milwaukee and Madison have underrated cultural attractions to share with visitors. Even outside of these cities, visitors can find plenty of amazing small towns, like the charming Wisconsin village of Oakfield, nestled between Madison and Green Bay. Still, Wisconsin’s cities, as worthwhile as they are, do tend to get overshadowed by even larger Midwestern cities like Chicago. The same cannot be said for Wisconsin’s outdoor destinations, however. Rich in authentic Great Lakes-area forests and stunning natural preserves, Wisconsin boasts some of the most spectacular public lands in the Upper Midwest. Within these public lands are some of the region’s best campgrounds.
The numerous campgrounds in Wisconsin’s national and state parks run the full spectrum of camping options, from premium “glamping” spots to primitive backcountry backpacking adventures. Yet while these kinds of options are present in many states, one area where Wisconsin stands out among camping destinations is its extensive offering of lakes. Like neighboring Minnesota, Wisconsin is a veritable land of lakes, featuring shorelines along two of North America’s five Great Lakes, and plenty of smaller, inland lakes to accompany them. Many of Wisconsin’s lakes, both big and small, protect extraordinary campgrounds, all offering some of the nation’s most beautiful lakeside views to wake up to in the morning. From epic Great Lake coasts to small, intimate forest lakes, these five Wisconsin campgrounds have the best reputations among seasoned campers for unforgettable lakeside camping experiences.
Buckhorn State Park Campground
Buckhorn State Park is a lush forested paradise, about an hour and a half north of Madison. The park’s status as a prime lake getaway comes from its location on a peninsula on the scenic Castle Rock Lake, a 13,955-acre reservoir along the Wisconsin River. Buckhorn State Park itself protects about 8,000 acres of Castle Rock Lake’s shores, with two neighboring wildlife areas (the 1,643-acre Buckhorn Wildlife Area and the 2,188-acre Yellow River Wildlife Area) and plenty of amazing hiking trails and paddling routes. Water recreation enthusiasts in particular will love Buckhorn’s boat landing along the picturesque Yellow River, which provides superb access to Castle Rock Lake’s many unforgettable paddling and boating excursions. On land, the park’s floodplain forests sit at the intersection of Wisconsin’s southern hardwood forests and northern conifer forests, providing visitors with a one-of-a-kind forest setting to complement their outdoor adventures.
Buckhorn State Park’s campground has 69 family campsites that can accommodate either tent or trailer camping, with additional amenities like picnic tables and campfire rings. The park also includes 20 campsites with electrical hookups, three of which are designated as ADA-accessible. While the park’s developed campsites are perfect for RVs, Buckhorn also offers more primitive backpacking sites (open year-round) for a more “back-to-nature” experience. Being on a peninsula, Buckhorn State Park is surrounded by shorelines to the east, south, and west. All campgrounds likewise provide amazing access to Castle Rock Lake’s epic beaches and boat launches. Overnight rates generally run from $18 to $32 (not including the park’s vehicle admission pass). Unsurprisingly, past campers rave about Buckhorn’s lakeside splendor, clean amenities, and peaceful nature, with several noting that they had “a little slice of the beach” all to themselves.
Quartzite Campground, Devil’s Lake State Park
While a park with the word “devil” in its name may not seem that inviting, Wisconsin’s breathtaking Devil’s Lake State Park proves that names can be deceiving. Located about an hour northwest of Madison, Devil’s Lake State Park is a dreamy Midwest camping spot with scenic bluffs and a shimmering lake. And, at over 10,000 acres, Devil’s Lake is also the largest state park in Wisconsin, ensuring that visitors have plenty of space for hikes and exploration even in the height of the busy season. And Devil’s Lake is certainly worth exploring. The park’s defining features are its dramatic displays of picturesque quartzite bluffs, towering as high as 500 feet above the shores of the namesake Devil’s Lake and providing some of Wisconsin’s most spectacular views…