The best camping near Watertown with swimming

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Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a camping experience near Watertown, Wisconsin with swimming as your preferred activity, you're in luck. We have over 230 options available that cater to your specific preference. Whether you're into a serene lake or a refreshing river, you'll find the perfect spot to take a dip. For top-rated campsites, be sure to check out Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), Linden Campground (190 reviews), and Toadally Natural Garden (127 reviews). With popular amenities such as pet-friendly spaces, toilets, and showers, your camping experience will be comfortable and convenient. Plus, you can enjoy other activities like surfing, climbing, and off-roading (OHV) during your stay. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to make a splash!

99% (762)

Top-rated campgrounds

Purplehaze Acres

1. Purplehaze Acres

98%
(952)
17mi from Watertown · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging · Rubicon, WI
Purplehaze Acres is a 60-acre organic rustic farm in Rubicon, WI and resides at the beginning of the approx. 650-mile Niagara Escarpment--known locally as "The Ledge". We are in close proximity to the Ice Age Trail, and the natural treasures of the great Horicon Marsh, Lake Sinnissipi/Rock River with canoeing/kayaking/fishing, Ledges County Park, and the world-renowned Holy Hill Shrine. Nearby Hustisford ("Husti") offers unique shopping and dining experiences. Need a few organic groceries? Make sure to visit Back To The Best Organic grocer only 3 miles away, featuring food raised on local organic farms including Purplehaze Acres. We offer a variety of camping alternatives, with 7 tent sites, 1 group site, and a cabin. There is potable water, charcoal grills, firepit grates, eggs and, available for purchase, firewood. COMING SOON: Did you forget something? If so, check out our Camp Cupboard Store. Your approach via 1/2-mile dirt drive up the hills and through the woods . . . to not your grandmother's typical house you go. You'll find wonderful vistas, wildflowers, berries, trails up into the woods, a 900' grass runway for aviators on an overall great "peace" of earth. ☮
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Beaver Point Cabin

2. Beaver Point Cabin

100%
(249)
47mi from Watertown · 2 sites · Lodging · Belleville, WI
cabin is an off-grid, 12'X20' insulated structure, with a 7'X8' loft and a 12'X6' screened covered porch/deck. That overlooks a small stream and a cattail marsh. It is in the center of our 90 acres and is very private but near to some rural houses, only our house is (barely) visible in winter and you might see some lights of one other neighbor when the leaves are off the trees. We are 1 and a half miles from the village of Belleville and 5 miles from New Glarus. The Badger State Trail runs across the western edge of our property. It connects with the Sugar River State Trail 8 miles away. Near by New Glarus has many shops, restaurants, Baily's Run winery and the famous New Glarus Brewery (tours daily). Everything can be easily reached by bike or, in season, snowmobile. The marsh is a haven for all sorts of birds and wildlife. Spring brings an abundance of winged migrators and returning residents. There are: sand hill cranes, red wing blackbirds, a number of ducks; buffleheads, mergansers, woodducks, blue winged teal and shovelers just to name a few. The American woodcock can be heard overhead most spring mornings and evenings. The spring peepers (small frogs) are a symphony on their own and they continue into early summer. The woods has many spring flowers and the fall colors are wonderful. In summer there are many song birds like: bluebirds, finches, orioles, humming birds, cedar wax wings, robins, cardinals and herons. Sitting on the screened in deck one can hear a kaleidoscope of bird songs and activity. And an abundance of fireflies in later May through late July and then some. The cabin is off-grid, what that means is: there is NO RUNNING WATER in the cabin and only a chemical toilet (port-a-potty). A limited amount of water is supplied for drinking and washing. There is a sink with a drain in the cabin but no bathroom or refrigerator so bring a cooler. Very limited electricity. There is basic LED lighting and you will be able to charge your phones/devices. The power is supplied from batteries/inverter charged by solar panels on the roof. There are LED lights and a coffee maker. There is NO air conditioning but excellent ventilation and a small, cozy wood stove for heat. If you're uncomfortable or unfamiliar with a wood stove, it may not be wise to stay here in the winter heating season, but we can show most people how to use the stove safely. This is still considered "camping" so be prepared to bring camping gear: your own pillows, sleeping bag, food, drinks, cups, plates, cooking utensils etc. There are carryout options a short drive away. The only thing you won't need is a tent, the cabin is very cozy, warm on the cold days and cool on the warm ones and there is a picnic table, lawn chairs and a gas grill with a side burner. There are a few spots around the cabin for tents if you have additional friends staying. There is an additional charge for additional guests (over 2) but please be advised: any loud "parties" or disturbances and you will be asked to leave. This is a place to enjoy nature and quiet time. To get away from it all. No extra charge for children 12 or under. Insects are a part of the woods environment, if you're afraid of bugs this may not be the right fit for you. We rarely have any real issues, so we're reluctant to use toxic chemicals to kill most (normal) bugs. Normal bug repellent is about all that is necessary. Why we have this cabin; It's a way to share this special place that, judging from the artifacts found here has been a camping area for thousands of years. We want to let others enjoy the seasons; the return of the migrating birds, the spring peepers in the marsh, the fall colors, the silence of a winter day in the woods and the warmth of a wood stove. (many people have found the stove to be their favorite feature) The cabin gives you a front row seat in the middle of, comparatively, pristine nature. Campers will have access to our fine trails for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and biking. (we would allow a snowmobile from the State trail to the cabin). All campers take note: 1. Please do your best to arrive/check in before dark! The cabin is dark; no yard lights, no streetlights, and if it isn’t a moonlit night, it IS very dark. Some of you are not used to real darkness. We provide some flashlights and headlamps (if you forgot yours) and there are LED lights in the cabin we keep charged for you. Camping headlamps are great for cooking, using the port-a-potty and finding your way around, etc. Bring yours or you can borrow ours, just ask. 2. Take safety precautions with the wood stove and learn how to use it correctly. The only source of heat in the cabin is a small, very nice wood stove. Those without any experience with using wood for heat are advised not to stay at the cabin during the cold season. Those that are eager to learn--we can help you, but safety is very important and you must at least have some basic skills to handle wood heat: using a propane torch, using kindling, splitting wood, operating the stove airflow. 3. Campfires: Campfire wood can be purchased for a reasonable price @$10 for a tote, or @$20 for a large pot/container. We do allow people to bring their own if they are coming from less that 50 miles away. Some exceptions do apply. 4. It has been very enjoyable meeting the many campers. Everyone has been very well prepared and it has been a pleasure seeing them have fun. We especially have enjoyed the families with young children and people with their dog(s). All have been very well behaved and very enthusiastic. 5 Dogs are welcome, but please let us know if your dog does not get along well with other dogs, so we can let others know. We have a young golden retriever that is very friendly and does very well with other dogs, kids and all people. If your dog doesn't get along with others (dogs or people) please let us know in advance, so we can warn others and please, for safety, keep them on a leash. Your hosts, Dan and Anne
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$94
 / night
The resident kiddos in the tent.

5. A Vegetable & Flower Farm

98%
(54)
42mi from Watertown · 1 site · Tent · Fredonia, WI
Our little chunk of paradise is about 8 acres. It is a diverse piece of land allowing for micro environments. A hilltop with an orchard a few terraced garden beds, about an acre or so of wooded area with a waterway down below, and another 1.5 acre of garden, intermixed with pasture, out buildings and our home. The land is surrounded by 120 acres of adjacent farmland. Across our street is wetlands and woods. Adjacent to the 120 acres of farmland is another 80 acres of public hunting land. We are blessed to live so close to nature without a view of a neighbors house. Stars, crickets, frogs, woodcocks in spring, hummingbirds and sandhill cranes in summer, and more all in abundance at our Willoway Farm. We bought our home in 2006. Before then it was in the same family that settled there in 1840s-1850s. At one time there was a log cabin, then they built our cream city brick farmhouse in 1893. The farm in the 1980s and before was a dairy farm. When we bought it half of where you see the garden was either grass or part of the conventional farm adjacent to our property. Our farm logo is taken from the builder of the barn-many pioneer barn builders often signed their barn work with a symbol. We liked the symbol and kept it to use as our own yet honor the builder of our barn. We have great appreciation for those that built with such beautiful large trees and all by hand. The Produce Wash Building is a timber frame built by Dan our farm owner and farm doer. The timber frame was made from reclaimed timbers and reclaimed barn siding, the shingles were made from scratch by Dan also. Learn more about this land: Willoway Farm is a small scale organic vegetable &and flower farm established in 2007, located 35 minutes north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's situated upon a glacial hill over looking a Milwaukee river flowage to the south and the kettle moraine state forest to the northwest. Our 8 acre land with cut flower & heirloom vegetable garden is surrounded by over 200 acres of uninhabited land, ( Farmland & state wild land). We are just 5 minutes from hiking trails into the state forest, which is beautiful all times of the year! A 55 acre secluded lake with public access is only 1.5 miles from Willoway - we hear the fishing is good. New now is across the street is a 283 acre land trust- Biehl Nature Preserve on Lake Twelve. The roads near the farm traverse through mixed forest and farm land with only slight traffic offering exceptional bicycling! The camp space is primitive and private yet offers gentle vistas upon the surrounding landscape with often both amazing sunrises and sunsets - situated upon the high point of the farm nestled in a young apple orchard. We have a spacious outhouse on site. We feel so fortunate live and farm where we do & love offering the natural beauty it offers to others. Our garden is lush with flowers, herbs and vegetables great for observing our plethora of pollinators. There are so many places to visit within 10 miles of our Campsite. A favorite is Riveredge Nature Center only 9.6 miles offering 3 miles of trails including 1 mile along Milwaukee River. Riveredge Nature Center has vast landscapes with so many lovely native wild flowers.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night
Badgerland Campground

7. Badgerland Campground

29mi from Watertown · 32 sites · Stoughton, WI
Discover the charm of our family-run campground, uniquely nestled just outside Stoughton, Wisconsin, where a warm, welcoming atmosphere meets the beauty of nature. Located only 2 miles off the interstate and less than 20 minutes from downtown Madison, our campground is the perfect getaway for all types of campers, including seasonal visitors, overnight guests, and those looking for monthly stay specials. As you immerse yourself in the heart of Badger and Packer country, you’ll find that we embrace all fans—don’t be surprised to see a few Bears flags flying on Sundays during the fall! Our campground prides itself on providing a memorable camping experience in a clean, safe, and tranquil environment. If you haven’t visited Badgerland recently, now is the perfect time to check out our ongoing upgrades and improvements based on guest feedback. We offer a variety of weekend events and fun wagon rides for the kids, while parents can unwind at our on-site bar, perfect for catching the game. Our spring-fed swimming pond maintains a refreshing 69 degrees year-round, making it an ideal spot to cool off during those warm Wisconsin summers. For those who love fishing, we are conveniently located just 2.8 miles from the Lake Kegonsa public boat launch, and our on-site catch-and-release
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Silver Springs Campsites

9. Silver Springs Campsites

30mi from Watertown · 26 sites · Rio, WI
Nestled on 170 acres, our campground stands out due to its stunning natural spring-fed pond, which provides crystal-clear water for swimming, exciting water toy attractions, excellent fishing, and enjoyable canoeing and paddle boating experiences. This unique feature sets us apart from other campgrounds, allowing families to create unforgettable memories. Relax under the sun as your children delight in the water toys on our expansive 10-acre pond, or take a refreshing dip in our heated swimming pool. Explore the tranquility of our picturesque pine forest on a leisurely hike, or let your kids enjoy our two playgrounds. We also offer canoe and paddle boat rentals, a game room, and a dedicated fishing pond, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. At Silver Springs, we provide 300 campsites equipped with 30-amp electric and water hookups, making it the perfect destination for your family getaway, whether for a weekend or an extended vacation. With numerous pull-through sites and spacious group areas, we are ready to accommodate your needs and help you create lasting memories in the great outdoors.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a camping experience near Watertown, Wisconsin with swimming as your preferred activity, you're in luck. We have over 230 options available that cater to your specific preference. Whether you're into a serene lake or a refreshing river, you'll find the perfect spot to take a dip. For top-rated campsites, be sure to check out Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), Linden Campground (190 reviews), and Toadally Natural Garden (127 reviews). With popular amenities such as pet-friendly spaces, toilets, and showers, your camping experience will be comfortable and convenient. Plus, you can enjoy other activities like surfing, climbing, and off-roading (OHV) during your stay. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to make a splash!

99% (762)

Top-rated campgrounds

Purplehaze Acres

1. Purplehaze Acres

98%
(952)
17mi from Watertown · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging · Rubicon, WI
Purplehaze Acres is a 60-acre organic rustic farm in Rubicon, WI and resides at the beginning of the approx. 650-mile Niagara Escarpment--known locally as "The Ledge". We are in close proximity to the Ice Age Trail, and the natural treasures of the great Horicon Marsh, Lake Sinnissipi/Rock River with canoeing/kayaking/fishing, Ledges County Park, and the world-renowned Holy Hill Shrine. Nearby Hustisford ("Husti") offers unique shopping and dining experiences. Need a few organic groceries? Make sure to visit Back To The Best Organic grocer only 3 miles away, featuring food raised on local organic farms including Purplehaze Acres. We offer a variety of camping alternatives, with 7 tent sites, 1 group site, and a cabin. There is potable water, charcoal grills, firepit grates, eggs and, available for purchase, firewood. COMING SOON: Did you forget something? If so, check out our Camp Cupboard Store. Your approach via 1/2-mile dirt drive up the hills and through the woods . . . to not your grandmother's typical house you go. You'll find wonderful vistas, wildflowers, berries, trails up into the woods, a 900' grass runway for aviators on an overall great "peace" of earth. ☮
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Beaver Point Cabin

2. Beaver Point Cabin

100%
(249)
47mi from Watertown · 2 sites · Lodging · Belleville, WI
cabin is an off-grid, 12'X20' insulated structure, with a 7'X8' loft and a 12'X6' screened covered porch/deck. That overlooks a small stream and a cattail marsh. It is in the center of our 90 acres and is very private but near to some rural houses, only our house is (barely) visible in winter and you might see some lights of one other neighbor when the leaves are off the trees. We are 1 and a half miles from the village of Belleville and 5 miles from New Glarus. The Badger State Trail runs across the western edge of our property. It connects with the Sugar River State Trail 8 miles away. Near by New Glarus has many shops, restaurants, Baily's Run winery and the famous New Glarus Brewery (tours daily). Everything can be easily reached by bike or, in season, snowmobile. The marsh is a haven for all sorts of birds and wildlife. Spring brings an abundance of winged migrators and returning residents. There are: sand hill cranes, red wing blackbirds, a number of ducks; buffleheads, mergansers, woodducks, blue winged teal and shovelers just to name a few. The American woodcock can be heard overhead most spring mornings and evenings. The spring peepers (small frogs) are a symphony on their own and they continue into early summer. The woods has many spring flowers and the fall colors are wonderful. In summer there are many song birds like: bluebirds, finches, orioles, humming birds, cedar wax wings, robins, cardinals and herons. Sitting on the screened in deck one can hear a kaleidoscope of bird songs and activity. And an abundance of fireflies in later May through late July and then some. The cabin is off-grid, what that means is: there is NO RUNNING WATER in the cabin and only a chemical toilet (port-a-potty). A limited amount of water is supplied for drinking and washing. There is a sink with a drain in the cabin but no bathroom or refrigerator so bring a cooler. Very limited electricity. There is basic LED lighting and you will be able to charge your phones/devices. The power is supplied from batteries/inverter charged by solar panels on the roof. There are LED lights and a coffee maker. There is NO air conditioning but excellent ventilation and a small, cozy wood stove for heat. If you're uncomfortable or unfamiliar with a wood stove, it may not be wise to stay here in the winter heating season, but we can show most people how to use the stove safely. This is still considered "camping" so be prepared to bring camping gear: your own pillows, sleeping bag, food, drinks, cups, plates, cooking utensils etc. There are carryout options a short drive away. The only thing you won't need is a tent, the cabin is very cozy, warm on the cold days and cool on the warm ones and there is a picnic table, lawn chairs and a gas grill with a side burner. There are a few spots around the cabin for tents if you have additional friends staying. There is an additional charge for additional guests (over 2) but please be advised: any loud "parties" or disturbances and you will be asked to leave. This is a place to enjoy nature and quiet time. To get away from it all. No extra charge for children 12 or under. Insects are a part of the woods environment, if you're afraid of bugs this may not be the right fit for you. We rarely have any real issues, so we're reluctant to use toxic chemicals to kill most (normal) bugs. Normal bug repellent is about all that is necessary. Why we have this cabin; It's a way to share this special place that, judging from the artifacts found here has been a camping area for thousands of years. We want to let others enjoy the seasons; the return of the migrating birds, the spring peepers in the marsh, the fall colors, the silence of a winter day in the woods and the warmth of a wood stove. (many people have found the stove to be their favorite feature) The cabin gives you a front row seat in the middle of, comparatively, pristine nature. Campers will have access to our fine trails for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and biking. (we would allow a snowmobile from the State trail to the cabin). All campers take note: 1. Please do your best to arrive/check in before dark! The cabin is dark; no yard lights, no streetlights, and if it isn’t a moonlit night, it IS very dark. Some of you are not used to real darkness. We provide some flashlights and headlamps (if you forgot yours) and there are LED lights in the cabin we keep charged for you. Camping headlamps are great for cooking, using the port-a-potty and finding your way around, etc. Bring yours or you can borrow ours, just ask. 2. Take safety precautions with the wood stove and learn how to use it correctly. The only source of heat in the cabin is a small, very nice wood stove. Those without any experience with using wood for heat are advised not to stay at the cabin during the cold season. Those that are eager to learn--we can help you, but safety is very important and you must at least have some basic skills to handle wood heat: using a propane torch, using kindling, splitting wood, operating the stove airflow. 3. Campfires: Campfire wood can be purchased for a reasonable price @$10 for a tote, or @$20 for a large pot/container. We do allow people to bring their own if they are coming from less that 50 miles away. Some exceptions do apply. 4. It has been very enjoyable meeting the many campers. Everyone has been very well prepared and it has been a pleasure seeing them have fun. We especially have enjoyed the families with young children and people with their dog(s). All have been very well behaved and very enthusiastic. 5 Dogs are welcome, but please let us know if your dog does not get along well with other dogs, so we can let others know. We have a young golden retriever that is very friendly and does very well with other dogs, kids and all people. If your dog doesn't get along with others (dogs or people) please let us know in advance, so we can warn others and please, for safety, keep them on a leash. Your hosts, Dan and Anne
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$94
 / night
The resident kiddos in the tent.

5. A Vegetable & Flower Farm

98%
(54)
42mi from Watertown · 1 site · Tent · Fredonia, WI
Our little chunk of paradise is about 8 acres. It is a diverse piece of land allowing for micro environments. A hilltop with an orchard a few terraced garden beds, about an acre or so of wooded area with a waterway down below, and another 1.5 acre of garden, intermixed with pasture, out buildings and our home. The land is surrounded by 120 acres of adjacent farmland. Across our street is wetlands and woods. Adjacent to the 120 acres of farmland is another 80 acres of public hunting land. We are blessed to live so close to nature without a view of a neighbors house. Stars, crickets, frogs, woodcocks in spring, hummingbirds and sandhill cranes in summer, and more all in abundance at our Willoway Farm. We bought our home in 2006. Before then it was in the same family that settled there in 1840s-1850s. At one time there was a log cabin, then they built our cream city brick farmhouse in 1893. The farm in the 1980s and before was a dairy farm. When we bought it half of where you see the garden was either grass or part of the conventional farm adjacent to our property. Our farm logo is taken from the builder of the barn-many pioneer barn builders often signed their barn work with a symbol. We liked the symbol and kept it to use as our own yet honor the builder of our barn. We have great appreciation for those that built with such beautiful large trees and all by hand. The Produce Wash Building is a timber frame built by Dan our farm owner and farm doer. The timber frame was made from reclaimed timbers and reclaimed barn siding, the shingles were made from scratch by Dan also. Learn more about this land: Willoway Farm is a small scale organic vegetable &and flower farm established in 2007, located 35 minutes north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's situated upon a glacial hill over looking a Milwaukee river flowage to the south and the kettle moraine state forest to the northwest. Our 8 acre land with cut flower & heirloom vegetable garden is surrounded by over 200 acres of uninhabited land, ( Farmland & state wild land). We are just 5 minutes from hiking trails into the state forest, which is beautiful all times of the year! A 55 acre secluded lake with public access is only 1.5 miles from Willoway - we hear the fishing is good. New now is across the street is a 283 acre land trust- Biehl Nature Preserve on Lake Twelve. The roads near the farm traverse through mixed forest and farm land with only slight traffic offering exceptional bicycling! The camp space is primitive and private yet offers gentle vistas upon the surrounding landscape with often both amazing sunrises and sunsets - situated upon the high point of the farm nestled in a young apple orchard. We have a spacious outhouse on site. We feel so fortunate live and farm where we do & love offering the natural beauty it offers to others. Our garden is lush with flowers, herbs and vegetables great for observing our plethora of pollinators. There are so many places to visit within 10 miles of our Campsite. A favorite is Riveredge Nature Center only 9.6 miles offering 3 miles of trails including 1 mile along Milwaukee River. Riveredge Nature Center has vast landscapes with so many lovely native wild flowers.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night
Badgerland Campground

7. Badgerland Campground

29mi from Watertown · 32 sites · Stoughton, WI
Discover the charm of our family-run campground, uniquely nestled just outside Stoughton, Wisconsin, where a warm, welcoming atmosphere meets the beauty of nature. Located only 2 miles off the interstate and less than 20 minutes from downtown Madison, our campground is the perfect getaway for all types of campers, including seasonal visitors, overnight guests, and those looking for monthly stay specials. As you immerse yourself in the heart of Badger and Packer country, you’ll find that we embrace all fans—don’t be surprised to see a few Bears flags flying on Sundays during the fall! Our campground prides itself on providing a memorable camping experience in a clean, safe, and tranquil environment. If you haven’t visited Badgerland recently, now is the perfect time to check out our ongoing upgrades and improvements based on guest feedback. We offer a variety of weekend events and fun wagon rides for the kids, while parents can unwind at our on-site bar, perfect for catching the game. Our spring-fed swimming pond maintains a refreshing 69 degrees year-round, making it an ideal spot to cool off during those warm Wisconsin summers. For those who love fishing, we are conveniently located just 2.8 miles from the Lake Kegonsa public boat launch, and our on-site catch-and-release
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Silver Springs Campsites

9. Silver Springs Campsites

30mi from Watertown · 26 sites · Rio, WI
Nestled on 170 acres, our campground stands out due to its stunning natural spring-fed pond, which provides crystal-clear water for swimming, exciting water toy attractions, excellent fishing, and enjoyable canoeing and paddle boating experiences. This unique feature sets us apart from other campgrounds, allowing families to create unforgettable memories. Relax under the sun as your children delight in the water toys on our expansive 10-acre pond, or take a refreshing dip in our heated swimming pool. Explore the tranquility of our picturesque pine forest on a leisurely hike, or let your kids enjoy our two playgrounds. We also offer canoe and paddle boat rentals, a game room, and a dedicated fishing pond, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. At Silver Springs, we provide 300 campsites equipped with 30-amp electric and water hookups, making it the perfect destination for your family getaway, whether for a weekend or an extended vacation. With numerous pull-through sites and spacious group areas, we are ready to accommodate your needs and help you create lasting memories in the great outdoors.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field