Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Wisconsin State Parks for RV Travelers: Where to Camp and Explore
Whether you're looking to hike scenic ridges, paddle through quiet wetlands, or explore caves and canyons, the Badger State delivers—and it's all remarkably accessible for RV travelers.
Overview
From the glacial ridges of the Driftless Area to marshlands teeming with wildlife and wild rivers cutting through deep valleys, Wisconsin’s state parks and public lands offer a spectacular range of outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike scenic ridges, paddle through quiet wetlands, or explore caves and canyons, the Badger State delivers—and it's all remarkably accessible for RV travelers.
Privately owned campgrounds throughout Wisconsin provide full hookups and family-friendly amenities, making it easy to explore state parks by day and relax in comfort at night. Here's your guide to some of Wisconsin’s top parks, along with nearby campgrounds perfect for your next RV trip
1
Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area
Located in central Wisconsin near the town of Endeavor, Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area spans 7,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, upland oak savanna, and open marsh. This property is managed primarily for waterfowl and wildlife habitat and is a favorite among hunters, paddlers, birders, and nature photographers.
Activities include:
— Canoeing and kayaking through cattail-lined waterways
— Wildlife viewing and birdwatching—especially during spring and fall migrations
— Hiking along primitive trails
— Seasonal hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, pheasant, and small game
Nearby Campgrounds:
Grand Valley Campground (Dalton, WI): A full-service campground just a short drive from Grand River Marsh. Offers pull-thru RV sites with full hookups, a pool, playgrounds, and a fishing pond.
Lake Arrowhead Campground (Montello, WI): Large shaded RV sites, full hookups, a heated pool, and planned activities make this a favorite for families.
2
Wildcat Mountain State Park
Located in the Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin, Wildcat Mountain State Park overlooks the scenic Kickapoo River Valley. This park is a treasure trove of recreational opportunities with 21 miles of trails, equestrian paths, and dramatic overlooks.
Top activities include:
— Hiking along the Old Settler’s Trail or Ice Cave Trail
— Paddling the Kickapoo River, which winds through sandstone bluffs and forested valleys (rentals available in the nearby village of Ontario)
— Horseback riding on designated trails
— Picnicking at scenic points with sweeping views of the river valley
Nearby Campground:
Whiskey Creek Family RV Park (Sparta, WI): A laid-back campground with RV hookups, wooded sites, and close access to hiking and paddling near Wildcat Mou
3
Devil’s Lake State Park
As Wisconsin’s most-visited state park, Devil’s Lake is a must-see for any RVer passing through the state. The park sits atop the Baraboo Hills and features 500-foot quartzite bluffs rising dramatically above a deep blue lake. It’s a haven for hikers, swimmers, and rock climbers.
Park highlights:
— Over 29 miles of hiking trails, including the steep East Bluff Trail and family-friendly Tumbled Rocks Trail— Two large beaches perfect for swimming or kayaking
— Rock climbing and bouldering along the bluffs
— Wildlife viewing and birdwatching in forest and wetland habitats
Nearby Campground:
Skillet Creek Campground (Baraboo, WI) – Just minutes from the park, this campground offers wooded sites, full hookups, a camp store, and peaceful surroundings ideal for relaxing after a day on the bluffs.
4
Governor Dodge State Park
Located near Dodgeville, this 5,000-acre park is one of Wisconsin’s largest and most scenic. With rolling hills, hidden waterfalls, and two lakes, Governor Dodge is ideal for outdoor recreation and long scenic hikes.
Popular features include:
— Stephens Falls, a picturesque waterfall accessible by a short, shaded trail
— Over 40 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking
— Swimming, fishing, and kayaking on Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake
— Diverse habitats ranging from hardwood forest to open prairie
Nearby Campground:
Tom’s Campground (Dodgeville, WI): A quiet, family-owned campground just a short drive from the park. Offers full hookup RV sites and easy access to both Governor Dodge and area bike trails.
5
Peninsula State Park
Jutting into Lake Michigan from the Door Peninsula, Peninsula State Park is often called the “crown jewel” of Wisconsin’s state park system. It offers iconic lake views, blufftop trails, and access to the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.
Things to do include:
— Hiking and biking the Sunset Trail and Eagle Trail
— Kayaking, swimming, or boating in Green Bay waters
— Exploring historic sites like the lighthouse or scenic overlooks
— Attending a performance at the park’s amphitheater
Nearby Campground:
Fish Creek Campground (Fish Creek, WI): This campground offers a rustic feel, with modern, comfortable amenities. RVers will find plenty of outdoor activities, a rec room, community bonfires, and even a fish cleaning station.
Plan Your Wisconsin RV Adventure
Whether you're paddling the Kickapoo, scaling the bluffs at Devil’s Lake, or enjoying lakefront views in Door County, Wisconsin’s state parks offer something for every style of camper. From rugged hiking and wildlife viewing to laid-back paddling and family-friendly beaches, the outdoor experiences here are second to none.
And with a wide variety of privately owned campgrounds close to the parks, RVers can enjoy both convenience and comfort while exploring Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Be sure to reserve early in peak summer months and check state park websites for trail conditions, seasonal closures, and local regulations.
