The best waterside campgrounds near Madison, Wisconsin

Perched between two lakes and surrounded by rolling hills, Madison is a hub for outdoor activities. Cyclists fly past local farms, and kids splash in Wisconsin’s clean lakes and streams. You don’t have to go far for camping—a 30-minute drive takes you out of the city and into the wild.

Live the midwestern lake life at Lake Farm County Park, which offers an RV park and tent sites with picnic tables. In the summer, the calm water is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. In the winter, try cross-country skiing. A few miles away, the wooded campground at Lake Kegonsa State Park is a favorite with local families.

Looking for great hiking and biking? From your campsite at Blue Mound State Park, you can hop on the Military Ridge State Trail or tackle the singletrack system. Or, head north to Devil’s Lake State Park for rocky, challenging hikes. Slip on your scuba gear and explore the clear water, or simply paddle along the shore.

Closer to Madison, you’ll find several campgrounds, some with full hookups and dump stations. While you’re in town, bike the paths along Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. On hot days, stop at Governor Nelson State Park and swim from the sandy beach.

Camping in Madison is possible year round, but it’s most pleasant from spring through fall. Summers are hot; book a lakeside campsite to stay cool. Many campgrounds close in the winter, but cabin rentals make a great home base for ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

98% (676)

Top-rated campgrounds

Your own vintage glamper with your own private fridge, record player, vinyl and porch!

Perched between two lakes and surrounded by rolling hills, Madison is a hub for outdoor activities. Cyclists fly past local farms, and kids splash in Wisconsin’s clean lakes and streams. You don’t have to go far for camping—a 30-minute drive takes you out of the city and into the wild.

Live the midwestern lake life at Lake Farm County Park, which offers an RV park and tent sites with picnic tables. In the summer, the calm water is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. In the winter, try cross-country skiing. A few miles away, the wooded campground at Lake Kegonsa State Park is a favorite with local families.

Looking for great hiking and biking? From your campsite at Blue Mound State Park, you can hop on the Military Ridge State Trail or tackle the singletrack system. Or, head north to Devil’s Lake State Park for rocky, challenging hikes. Slip on your scuba gear and explore the clear water, or simply paddle along the shore.

Closer to Madison, you’ll find several campgrounds, some with full hookups and dump stations. While you’re in town, bike the paths along Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. On hot days, stop at Governor Nelson State Park and swim from the sandy beach.

Camping in Madison is possible year round, but it’s most pleasant from spring through fall. Summers are hot; book a lakeside campsite to stay cool. Many campgrounds close in the winter, but cabin rentals make a great home base for ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

98% (676)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

100%

(208)

29mi from Madison · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Blanchardville, WI

Camp in style on a beautiful Driftless Farmstead! This tiny valley farm once had stanchions to milk 8 cows in the barn. That was in 1890. Now we are home to sheep, steers, hogs, cats, dogs, chickens and myriad wild critters and pollinators and migrators. We are a conservation farm and on a mission to heal our wetland, improve our trout stream and bring people out to the land. We are in Driftless Southwest Wisconsin - gorgeous hills and quilted cropland bisected by oak woods and switchback rivers. Pitch your tent, park a small camper/rv, or stay in one of our three vintage campers. You will share an indoor bathroom, or our open-to-the-sky hot outdoor shower, and an outdoor sink with other campers. We serve a pick-up community breakfast with coffee and tea. We have a Cedar Sauna you can reserve. This is easy camping with a view of the stars, nestled in a farm-to-table farm community with lots of goods to buy. We LOVE our Driftless neighborhood in SW Wisconsin and can recommend many amazing activities for everyone from fisherman to families! We're close to shopping, antiquing, Amishing and good eating. We're within a half hour of 3 great rail trails, two state parks and one amazing ATV rental. Go to an old-fashioned drive in movie, a local farmers market, dirt-track stock care races, tractor pulls, a u-pick apple farm or a Toy Train Museum. Go kayaking, boating or biking - you can rent what you need. Or sit on one of the porches to watch the chickens peck and the pigs dig. We can't wait to introduce you to all the livestock, cats, our Great Pyrr Willie and our Border Heeler Dolly! We are a five minute walk from our cute downtown with a playground, library and several great places to eat. Ten minutes from New Glarus Brewery. A half hour from Mineral Point (Fall Art Tour), Mount Horeb (Troll Way), Dodgeville (House on the Rock) and Monroe (Cheese Days). Fifteen minutes from hiking, fishing and boating at Yellowstone Lake State Park. Campfire with s'mores every night, coffee and scones in the morning. Wifi is reliable on some spots on the property, and a sure thing on the front breakfast porch. We do require a two-night minimum to stay in the campers. Tent camping we have no minimum. Please reach out to us on the app to see what is available.

2. Ice Age Retreat

99%

(57)

45mi from Madison · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Palmyra, WI

Surrounded by the Kettle Moraine Forest, we purchased this property in October of 2022 to be closer to nature and to share this property with you. We look forward to hosting you. The forest provides many opportunities enjoy! Close to the Ice Age Hiking Trail, Blad Bluff Scenic Overlook within walking distance of our retreat. Hiking, Moutain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe, Horse Back Riding and much more

3. Bear Hill

100%

(95)

48mi from Madison · 2 sites · Lodging · Lyndon Station, WI

Welcome to Bear Hill There is the Love Shack 15ft by 32ft park model camper Site #2 Just add LULU 5th wheel one slide out on site#2 (the Jayco is gone) Bear Hill is a pet friendly fenced in three acre get away, minutes away from Wisconsin Dells and the Upper Wisconsin River. There is a park model camper at $125 night sleeps 2-4 adults/ 2-3 kids. kids 15 and under free! Tents are available for $20/ night extra with the rental your kids of any age can tent it But PLEASE bring your own sleeping things and relaxing. Let us help you explore the river from a boat or we have 2 kayaks and (1) 2/3 person canoe. Rent or bring your own and we will guide you to where you want to go. Enjoy campfires and grilling and games with family or friends. Feel free to enjoy the local night life as I offer a designated driver to get you home safe and worry free. This is where the road ends and the country begins. Three acres of an enclosed Pet friendly Private Property camping. We offer wood for your campfire charcoal and propane grilling. pizza oven electric FOR A LITTLE EXTRA FEE you may be interested in asking Kevin about a couple Kayak's or the canoe we have. We can drop you off and pick you up at our favorite Swimming Hole. WE also have a boat Kevin can take you out on for an upper Wisconsin River Completely Private owned Fenced in property Credit or cash accepted

4. Spring Creek Organic Farm

78%

(18)

49mi from Madison · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Winslow, IL

Beautiful country setting in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois. Dating from 1890, this land has never been plowed or disturbed. Beautiful nightscapes of stars and constellations and nearby lakes and rivers make this an ideal camping spot. The permaculture gardens and the land need constant care and upkeep. When a tree dies it becomes home to the redhead woodpecker. The hummingbird loves the trumpet vine! We never spray chemicals and would appreciate it if you did not smoke or vape. Lake Le-Aqua-Na is just 3 miles away and reopened in 2022 with brand new roads, nature walks, and swimming hole. Other lakes nearby are Apple River Canyon and Mt Carroll. Shop in nearby Lena, Cedarville or Freeport, IL and Monroe, Wisconsin. Learn more about this land: The trees shade the camping sites at Spring Creek Farm. The wood swing can be enjoyed by guests as they relax and enjoy the view. Birds frequent the property and you may be visited by our ginger male cat as he surveys his territory. Night skies are beautiful, and on clear nights the Milky Way is visible along with the Big Dipper and other constellations.   There is an outdoor fire pit to cook meals, or you can use a low copper fire pit for campfire enjoyment. Parking is available on the campground for smaller cars. Please leave your campsite clean so no woodland creatures are harmed and the landscape is kept in a safe condition for the next camper. The Composting Toilet (weather permitting) is available and plenty of potable water from our Spring-fed Well.  We recycle in the country so please separate trash, paper, glass, and plastic into separate bags which can be left on the driveway when you leave. Please let Dr. Wanona know if you'd like to join for a gentle flow yoga mat class, 30 or 60-minute massage, or a Permaculture Garden Tour.  Add a deeper experience to your stay at Spring Creek Farm!

Stories from the community

What a great touch with the record player and great selection of albums

M

Michele

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

A beautiful piece of property in a great location for exploring New Glarus.

C

Craig

November 2025

10 ft pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

Our recent stay at Kriss and Shannon’s amazing farm was one of the most unique and memorable camping experiences we’ve ever had. They’ve done an incredible job creating a welcoming, and interesting farm environment, that feels both relaxing and inspiring. The camping options offered us as much privacy as we wanted, but more often we found ourselves happily spending time with our hosts—learning about the area, their farm operations, and their involvement in conservation and education programs. We were lucking to have had the pleasure of meeting their son, Eli, over coffee and muffins on the porch. He helped us map out a perfect day trip to Monroe and New Glarus, along with a short but awesome hike at Yellowstone Lake. Such an interesting and memorable stay. We will absolutely be back.

K

Kasie

November 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Ice Age Retreat

Nice private location with great access to trails including the Ice Age Trail. Another site located across field at a good distance allowing plenty of space for all. Will definitely be back.

view of the camp area from across the pond

J

Jacob

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

This was one of the best campsites I’ve ever been to! I can’t recommend this place enough. Extremely peaceful and quiet with great views, sheep, and some of the nicest cats and dogs ever. Extremely clean and high quality bathroom and shower! Coffee and baked goods in the morning was one of the best parts. Will definitely be coming back!

N

Nicholas

October 2025

2 nights at Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

My fiancé and I had the best time! Kriss and Shannon are the nicest hosts and have created the most beautiful and relaxing property imaginable. Even on a cold October evening we were super cozy in our camper van. The sauna is a must, as are the delicious baked treats Kriss makes from scratch every morning. There is no kitchen so you can’t cook, but there is a fridge if you wanna bring cold food. All the animals; the sheep, the chickens, the dogs, and especially the adorable cats, are so sweet and approachable. We’re already planning our next visit!

Enjoy the view of our sheep pasture from your own private porch.

J

Joe

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

We have visited Circle M twice and hope to return every year. It is by far the best camping or glamping experience for children and families in the Driftless Area. It is a place for lifelong memories, including watching a shooting star, holding a baby lamb, and making s'mores at night.

Heidi

October 2025

23 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

We have stayed here in the past and have enjoyed the peace and quiet. It's a perfect camping spot. Chris is an awesome host!

V

Viviane

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Chris was accommodating and helpful. The site came with water and wood. A lot of room. Dogs loved it too!

D

David

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Great site! Host is friendly. Plenty of firewood, well-maintained compost toilet. Good access to hiking and regional attractions. No complaints.

K

Katie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Great spot to relax and view the stars at night! It feels really secluded when you get to your site, there’s 1 more in the vicinity but you still have plenty of privacy. You may hear some road noise during the day but it gets quiet and serene as it gets dark. Host was kind and communicative, she even came by around checkout to see if we needed any help. All around a great time, I can’t wait to spend another night here again in the future

K

Kelly

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

Our second time staying at the farm and it was even better than we remembered! Such a relaxing and wonderful place.

C

Christian

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Quiet and secluded campsite with lots of space. The site came with lots of good firewood which was super nice to not have to worry about.

J

Joseph

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Ice Age Retreat

We camped w a 20 ft trailer rv. It was a nice quiet semi remote site. Nature and peace n quiet. And mosquitoes. We had tiki torches n citronella n spray n really enjoyed our stay. Firewood was supplied n great quality. Until it rained, lol. Definitely will be coming back again. Thanks for the great spot

P

Pat

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Beautiful place. And great location -- near the Ice Age Trail, and Old World Wisconsin. Great hosts!

N

Nicholas

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Very quiet and secluded. Free firewood available so that was nice. Lots of bugs when we were there, but we were prepared.

P

Piers

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

The land and campers are all beautifully maintained. The family was friendly and more than accommodating for my daughter and I. I would love to come back and spend time here. Only issue I had was the restaurants in town aren’t always open when their posted hours say they will be, so I had two occasions where I’d planned to go try a place for dinner, and then they weren’t open when I got there. This does not reflect on the farm or the owners at all, but if we stay here again, I will plan on doing more of my own cooking to avoid those situations. The farm was amazing, it’s right outside of a super cute little town with a park, fishing and swimming, and less than 20 minutes from an incredible state park that offers even more of those things. I do plan on coming back.

W

William

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

3 nights at Ice Age Retreat

Good spot for us. Places to walk, nice cleared area to camp. Thank you.

C

Christian

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

The location of this campsite is prime for exploring the South Unit of the Kettle Moraine Forest. It felt very private and secluded. The water situation was confusing, the spigots were not working but there was an unmarked water jug left by the toilets.

Cute little trail labeled the Enchanted Forest.

Kris

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Great little spot so close to the ice age trail. I was able to walk over to the trail which was great. Plenty of room and nice view of night skies! Loads of firewood. There were even a few trees for my hammock. Would definitely book again.

George (if the goats are out of their pen, Sheri is watching them to make sure they don’t jump on your car lol)

D

Dana

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Bear Hill

We had a wonderful time glamping in the Love Shack! The weather was hot, then rainy most of the weekend unfortunately so we didn’t get to spend as much time at the property as we wanted to. It was great to be 15 min from the Dells, so we took advantage of that more than anticipated. The Love Shack has A/C which was amazing. The setting is peaceful, and we loved getting to hang out with the goats - shoutout to George. Sheri and Kevin were fantastic hosts, making sure we had everything we needed and offering help. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with great hosts and a bit of country charm, this place is definitely worth considering!