Sometimes you just want to escape life for a few days on short notice – pack up the car and enjoy nature and not think about things for too long. All of Wisconsin’s state parks have a reservation system and many of them fill up months in advance. But lucky for you, those aren’t the only parks and places to camp in Wisconsin. Here are a number of campgrounds in Wisconsin of varying sizes that are first come, first served. So even though the weekend is here, you can still head on out and relax for a few days without having to plan ahead.

1. New Wood County Park - Merrill
Camp New Wood County Park, N4781 State Rd 107, Merrill, WI 54452, USA
Wikipedia/johnwurl
Set right along the Wisconsin River, the seven campsites at New Wood County Park are not reservable and offer gorgeous views. There aren't a ton of amenities, but this is a gorgeous, secluded spot to get away for a day or two.
2. Blackhawk Memorial Park - Argyle
Yelp/Jack P
Nestled alongside Bloody Lake, Blackhawk Memorial Park is a bit remote and there's just one road in and out. But once you're there, you won't be surrounded by crowds and you'll love the easy water access.
3. Calumet County Park - Hilbert
Calumet County Park, 6150 Co Rd EE, Hilbert, WI 54129, USA
Anna Corne / Google
With year-round camping and a ton of in-park activities, Calumet County Park has to be on your radar. Pads for RVs, 59 sites with electric hookups, a winter tubing hill and many sites on the shores of Lake Winnebago only sweeten the deal.
4. Castle Rock County Park - Friendship
Adams County Castle Rock Park, 2397 County Rd Z, Friendship, WI 53934, USA
Liz DeHaan / Google
Castle Rock County Park has 200 sites, making it a sure bet when you need to escape on short notice. They've got lake and boat access and in the winter, a snowmobile loading zone. This gorgeous location is truly paradise.
5. Gordon Dam County Park - Gordon
Gordon Dam County Park, 7201 Co Rd Y, Gordon, WI 54838, USA
SuperiorChamber.org
An outdoorsperson's dream, Gordon Dam County Park has a boat and canoe launch, a fish cleaning house and a wildlife viewing area.
6. McMullen County Park - Warrens
McMullen Memorial County Park, 1703 Atlantic Rd, Warrens, WI 54666, USA
Yelp/Leigh A
A 1,000-acre park with a 50-acre lake, showers, a boat launch, electricity, and 67 sites, along with nighttime security: that is the awesomeness that is McMullen County Park. It's an absolutely gorgeous spot in the middle of cranberry country!
7. Lucius Woods County Park - Solon Springs
Lucius Woods County Park, 9231 E Marion Ave, Solon Springs, WI 54873, USA
Aaron O'Connell / Google
Lucius Woods County Park actually has a performing arts shelter alongside all their other amenities. Half of its 24 sites have electrical and water hookups. Great views of Upper St. Croix Lake, too!

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8. Memorial Park - Washburn
Dave Amaro / Google
Atop a bluff overlooking Chequamegon Bay in a forest of old growth pines, Memorial Park has been around nearly a century. It offers gorgeous views of the water, tons of interesting walking paths and 51 campsites.
9. Menomonee Park - Menomonee Falls
Menomonee Park, W220 N7884 Town Line Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051, USA
Michael Toll / Google
There are 35 first come, first served campsites at Menomonee Park right outside Milwaukee. There is no electricity, but each site has a fire pit and picnic table.
10. Mooney Dam County Park - Gordon
Mooney Dam County Park, Fowler's Cir, Gordon, WI 54838, USA
SuperiorChamber.Org
Each site at Mooney Dam County Park has benches, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Close to Lower Eau Claire Lake, there's a boat launch as well as grilling and picnicking areas.
11. Pecatonica River Trails Park - Darlington
Pecatonica River Trails Park, 400 Washington St, Darlington, WI 53530, USA
Craig Hamill / Google
Right along the Pecatonica River and Tri-County Recreational Trail, Pecatonica River Trails Park is an ATV rider's dream.
12. Pier Natural Bridge State Park - Richland Center
Pier County Park, 17520 State Rd 80, Richland Center, WI 53581, USA
Google/TedTelios
There are jut six sites at Pier Natural Bridge State Park, but they are first-come, first-served. There's a 60 foot rock formation of layers of sandstone in this beautiful park.
13. Smith Lake County Park - Park Falls
Smith Lake County Park, Omaha Rd, Park Falls, WI 54552, USA
Andrew Kinney / Google
All the sites at Smith Lake County Park have a fire ring, picnic table, and electricity. Located on the Smith Lake section of the North Fork of the Flambeau River, there's all the water activities as well as hiking and ATV trails.
14. Thompson's West End Park - Washburn
Thompson's West End Park, 8th Ave W, Washburn, WI, USA
CityofWashburn.org
Take off for the gorgeous shores of Lake Superior at the city-run Thompson's West End Park with killer views. There are 45 RV sites as well as tent sites off paved roads. They make camping as easy as possible on 27 acres on the shoreline.
15. Veterans Memorial Park - Crandon
Veterans Memorial Park, 14300 Veterans Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191, USA
St McCarthey / Google
With 70 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis at the edge of Lake Metonga, Veterans Memorial Park has a lot to offer. Volleyball, piers, a boat landing and a beach are all accessible from the campgrounds.

Looking for more camping in Wisconsin? We got you! Check out these rustic spots in Wisconsin that are perfect for folks who enjoy old-school, primitive camping in WI.

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Campgrounds in Wisconsin

Tori Jane | April 17, 2023
  1. What are some of the best county parks in Wisconsin? 

Wisconsin is a wonderful state for anyone who loves the great outdoors. It’s filled with National Parks, state parks, and even amazing local county parks! Some of the best county parks in Wisconsin are ones like:  

  • Cave Point County Park – Found in Door County, this stunning county park is home to a white-pebble beach. It’s amazing!  
  • Pier County Park – This one’s in Richland County and is home to one of the largest natural bridges in the state. Cool!  
  • Buena Vista Park – The name means “good views”, and... well, yeah. That’s a major reason to visit this one!  

Learn more about Cave Point County Park and all its beautiful glory. 

  1. Which campgrounds in Wisconsin are the best ones? 

With so many amazing options in terms of parks in Wisconsin, you just know there are some excellent options for camping, too! And there are; some of the downright best campgrounds in Wisconsin include ones such as:  

  • Chain O’ Lakes Camping Resort – This place is a gorgeous little slice of paradise right here in the Midwest. Take your pick from cabins or tents – everything here is awesome.  
  • Pine Grove Campground – This campground is a doozy. It’s got so much to do and experience that you’ll definitely want to stay for at least a few nights. It’s even got a waterpark!  
  • Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Wisconsin Dells – We don’t call this one the “Disneyland of Campgrounds in Wisconsin” for no reason; come see why!  

Learn more about each of these awesome campgrounds in Wisconsin.   

  1. Where else can I go camping in Wisconsin? 

Obviously, the above list is nowhere near conclusive! There are so many awesome places to go camping  

  • Goose Island – Found in Lacrosse, this is a gorgeous campground right up on the Mississippi River.  
  • Harrington Beach State Park – Yes, you can absolutely camp on the beach in Wisconsin, and you can do that right here.  
  • Buckhorn State Park – This one’s on a peninsula, so it’s another excellent option for anyone who wants to camp near the water. 

Learn more about these wonderful places to go waterfront camping in Wisconsin!   

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