Sometimes, you just want to escape life for a few days on short notice - pack up the car, 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 some of the best campgrounds in Wisconsin, of varying sizes, with sites that are available on a first come, first served basis. 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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!
8. Memorial Park - Washburn
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
It turns out, the best campgrounds in Wisconsin aren't always booked months in advance. What are the best county parks in Wisconsin for camping you have stayed at?
If you are looking for more camping in Wisconsin we've got you! Check out these rustic spots in Wisconsin that are perfect for folks who enjoy old-school, primitive camping in WI.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/wisconsin/secluded-campgrounds-wi/
Wisconsin is filled with beautiful places to go camping, many of which are by incredible lakes. Here are some of our favorite Wisconsin lakes - how many of them have you been to?
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