The Best Camping in Wisconsin—18 Spots to Sleep Under the Stars (or Under a Roof)

Camping options in Wisconsin are plentiful. There are literally 6,000 unique campsites in the Wisconsin State Park System, plus private camping zones, rentals (like VRBO) and more. Seasoned outdoorsy types looking to unplug and die-hard RV fans alike can find a spot. The key is planning ahead so you know what you’re signing up for—and you do have to sign up because campsite reservations are almost always required. The busy season for camping in Wisconsin is Memorial Day through Labor Day. Some parks are open year-round, so if you want to ensure you don’t run into many other people, try snagging a campsite in April or October or pick a more secluded area. No matter where you go, be sure to pack swimsuits and sturdy hiking boots.

While you don’t necessarily need a permit to camp, you do need a reservation. You can reserve campsites on the Wisonsin Department of Natural Resources website. Use their filters to find the perfect site for your group, equipment and needs. The cost to reserve a campsite varies depending on these same factors. You’ll typically pay $20 to $45 per night for a standard campsite. There are some parks with remote campsites that don’t require reservations or fees. Call the specific park to find out whether you need a permit if this is your plan.

Most parks also require vehicle passes for cars. These cost $8 to $16, depending on the park and whether or not you’ve got Wisconsin plates. If you plan on camping multiple times this year or visiting a few different parks, it might be worth getting an annual vehicle pass for $28 (or $38 for out-of-state plates).

Some activities actually require permits! Anyone age 15 and older will need a fishing license to fish. Biking, horseback riding, in-line skating and cross-country skiing all require state trail passes for those age 16 and older in some parks. You don’t need a permit to hike, walk, or build and burn a campfire in a designated fire pit, so bring s’mores ingredients!

Know thyself when choosing a campsite. Setting up a tent and going to the bathroom in the woods responsibly is not for everyone. Here are a few different types of campsites to choose from:

• Standard or family campsites: These make up most of the Wisconsin State Park System sites. You’ll typically get a picnic table, a fire pit, road access and a natural, wooded setting. Hook up an RV or set up a tent. Often there’s a camp host and facilities are maintained. Sleeps up to six people.
• Primitive campsites: Very secluded sites usually without any modern amenities, but they’re maintained and reservations are needed.
• Remote campsites: No reservations or fees required. No vehicles allowed. Not maintained by park rangers. Often only accessible by water.
• ADA Accessible campsites: These are sites (and cabins) with paved pathways and accessible amenities for people with disabilities and their guests.
• Group campsites: Group sites accommodate anywhere from 10 to 200 people. Most only allow tents but come with picnic tables and fire pits.
• Glamping: When luxury and camping come together, you get glamping darling!

According to the Wisconsin DNR, state parks and forests allow pets. However, they typically aren’t allowed in buildings, on beaches or along marked nature trails. Plus, you’ve got to keep them on leashes no longer than eight feet the whole time (not ideal when your pup wants to run free, but it’s the rule). That said, some parks are more pet-friendly than others, so take that into consideration when choosing your locale.

Without further ado, here are 18 of the best camping spots in Wisconsin. We start in the southern area of the state and move north—way north.