Here are three quick facts about Wisconsin – the state is the leading dairy producer in the country, it is home to the Wisconsin Dells, which is considered the “waterpark capital of the world” and the state’s Door County peninsula has more shoreline than any other county in the US at over 250 miles of shoreline. Here’s another fun fact – there are 9 campgrounds to choose from if you want to spend some time camping in the Badger state (btw, the nickname has nothing to do with the animal, but rather the housing choices of the state’s miners from the 1820s). So do a deep dive into wonderful Wisconsin this summer and check out these fabulous campgrounds and all the great things to do nearby to each.
Two great campgrounds, Blackhawk Camping Resort and Lakeland RV Campground, are located in Milton, a city rich in history with ties to the Underground Railroad. Milton House, now the Milton House Museum, was in fact a stop on the Underground Railroad, and is open daily for tours (miltonhouse.org.) From an outdoor adventure standpoint, Milton has access to Wisconsin’s National Scenic Ice Age Trail which is great for hiking and biking while Storrs Lake is great for swimming and fishing. Madison, Wisconsin’s capital city, is about a 40-minute drive from camp where highlights include the Capitol Building, Olbrich Botanical Gardens and the Henry Vilas Zoo.
Arrowhead RV Campground and Yukon Trails Camping Resort are the choice for camping if you’re looking to explore The Dells and this part of Wisconsin known as the Driftless Area. For a quick hike, consider Chapel Gorge Trail, an easy 1.8-mile loop, or the Scenic Wisconsin River Walk, which winds along the Wisconsin River on a paved path stretching about a quarter mile. Other area highlights include the historic Circus World Museum, strolling the Dells downtown with its shops and galleries (and fudge!), and of course, the waterparks, which include the 70-acre Noah’s Ark Waterpark and Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, to name just a few of the more than 20 found here.
Those miles of shoreline in Door County are yours for exploring when you book a stay at Tranquil Timbers Campground. If fishing is on the schedule for outdoor fun, the 250 miles of shoreline are a great spot to try your luck for rainbow trout, giant northern pike and walleye. Bike riding is big here with beautiful scenery along the way – check out Glidden Drive, a six-mile ride along the Eastern shoreline or Bay Shore Drive, a longer (13-mile) ride along a paved roadway on the Western shore of the peninsula. A unique Door County “don’t miss” are the amusing goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant.
If you’re looking for a lakeside retreat, look no further than Fremont RV Campground, which sits on the shoreline of Partridge Lake, which lends itself perfectly to catching the “big one”, whether it be bluegill, northern pike or walleye, to name a few. If you want to enjoy the water here in a different way, there’s a super fun water slide and boat rentals are available at the campground. Say cheese, please with a visit to the Union Star Cheese Factory (unionstarcheese.com) and get some insight, plus a tour and some cheese curd samples, as to why Wisconsin produces the most cheese in the US.
Neshonoc Lakeside Campground is another great lakeside resort perfect for the camper who’s angling for a great fishing trip, or someone who just wants to relax poolside in a serene, wooded setting. Of course, the campground has the lake, full of northern pike, bass and perch, but also sports courts, including volleyball and horseshoes, and the afore-mentioned pool for a quick dip or lounging poolside. For offsite activity, head into the village of West Salem and visit the historic Hamlin Garland Homestead, Brambleberry Winery, an artisanal craft winery or Jolivette Family Farm for fresh produce and baked goods.
A stay at Lake of the Woods Campground in Wautoma will give you the nostalgic feeling of your childhood summer at camp because everything you can imagine about summer camp can be found here. From the outdoor movie theater to the 18-hole mini golf course, fun is all day, all night here. There are also shuffleboard, basketball and tennis courts and even a baseball field (think competitive family reunion fun on the old diamond!). The lake is great for boating, fishing, canoeing or paddle boarding and canoe rentals are available at the campground.
Discover Plymouth Rock Camping Resort Wisconsin-style and explore this great campground located in Sheboygan County. Another great campground with a summer camp feel thanks to the sports courts, mini golf, Friday outdoor movies and a host of arts and crafts fun. The lake is great for fishing and boating and the swimming pool is great for swimming and relaxing. Head into town and take pics with Antoinette, a large fiberglass bovine that pays tribute to the town’s dairy industry and then visit the Cheese Counter and Dairy Heritage Center to learn more about cheese-making in Plymouth.
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