Wisconsin is known for its many winter camping destinations, with an abundance of snow-filled forests, sparkling lakes, and sweet-smelling pine trees. In addition to providing a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Wisconsin’s winter camping sites offer unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.
With activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, Wisconsin provides a variety of opportunities for visitors to enjoy the beauty. You would definitely want to experience the thrill of being in nature during the coldest months of the year.
So, pack your gear, bundle up, and get ready to explore the great outdoors of Wisconsin this winter season!
Here we have the 10 best winter camping destinations in Wisconsin. These would definitely provide an adrenaline-filled experience that’s sure to make memories that last a lifetime.
Blue Mound State Park
Location: Near Madison, in Southern Wisconsin
The Blue Mound State Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities. The park is 1,153 acres in size and is home to several hiking trails and beautiful accommodations. It is one of the popular winter camping destinations in Wisconsin for hiking and swimming. There are also two observation towers for visitors to enjoy.
There are 77 campsites available at the Blue Mound campground. These campsites include traditional wooded sites, walk-in sites, and RV sites. The campground also offers restrooms and showers. A few of the campsites are handicap accessible, but you may need to book in advance. However, there are only a few sites with water and electric hookups.
For hikers, the Blue Mound State Park trail is a 1.3-mile easy hike that leads to spectacular views of the region. The park is open year-round.
Kettle Moraine State Forest
Location: In Southeast Wisconsin
Kettle Moraine State Forest offers a variety of activities and features. Unlike most state forests, this park does not allow hunting in designated areas. However, it does offer hiking and snowmobiling trails in the winter.
This 30,000-acre forest includes a large portion of national forest land. Moreover, you get to see one of the two national scenic trails, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which leads through the backcountry.
The park has several campsites that are open in the winter, including Mauthe Lake, Pike Lake, and Ottawa Lake. These remote sites are secluded on their own little lakes and have incredible scenery. Some of them have outhouses and fire pits. They also have rustic roads that lead to them.
If you are looking for an adventure, you should try hiking the Ice Age Trail, which leads along the edge of the glacier. It has some hills and is challenging, but it is fun, and it is a good way to build muscle while wearing a pack.
Kohler-Andrae State Park
Located: In Northern Wisconsin
Kohler-Andrae State Park campgrounds offer modern, well-maintained facilities. There’s a family campground and a group campground, providing electric hookups and cabins for people with disabilities. The park is also open for hunting and kayaking, making it one of the best winter camping destinations in Wisconsin.
Visitors to Kohler-Andrae can hike or ride a bike along the boardwalk-lined trails. There are many camping activities that you can try out. The center beach is dotted with sand dunes, and there are picnic areas.
Those with disabilities can also use the Black River Marsh Boardwalk, which is a unique opportunity to explore the marsh. It’s also a great place to catch a glimpse of dozens of bird species.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
Location: In the Northwoods
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers hundreds of miles of trails and more than 1.5 million acres of forest. There are over twenty campgrounds, which makes it one of the most recommendable winter camping destinations in Wisconsin. From tiny secluded spots with a few sites to dozens of campgrounds that are close to amenities, there’s a spot for everyone.
Moreover, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is one of the best places to stay in the area for scenic primitive camping. You can find campsites near lakes and waterfalls and set up your hot tent. In addition to providing excellent camping, this forest offers a pleasant view of numerous wildlife.
Peninsula State Park
Location: In Door County, Wisconsin
Peninsula State Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in the state. It offers several outdoor activities, including biking, golfing, and hiking. It also has several animal species, including beavers, coyotes, cougars, foxes, and red foxes.
This 3,776 acre park is the third-largest state park in Wisconsin. It has many unique features, including 150-foot bluffs, scenic overlooks, and sandy beaches. But, amid this, you must be prepared to hike in the cold, so proper layering is quite important.
The Park offers several different hiking trails, including an 18-hole golf course. The 1860s lighthouse is also located within the Park. Moreover, the Park’s Nature Center offers educational programs.
You can find five campgrounds in the Park. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities, including flush toilets and water hookups.
Mirror Lake Campground
Location: Just three miles from the Wisconsin Dells
Mirror Lake is a scenic lake in Wisconsin. The lake’s name comes from the glassy texture of the water. This state park has a wide variety of recreational activities. It is among the great winter camping destinations in Wisconsin for families and outdoor lovers. You would definitely like the beautiful shoreline. There is a small beach, perfect for younger kids.
Moreover, Mirror Lake is known for its crystal clear waters and beautiful reflection of the landscape. There is a boat launch and a concession stand that rents kayaks and canoes. A beach volleyball court is also available for use.
Mirror Lake State Park is a 2,179-acre state park that was opened to the public in 1966. There are three campgrounds and seven group sites. The best part is that the campgrounds are mostly forested with oak and pine trees, rendering a pleasant view.
Wildcat Mountain State Park
Location: Vernon County near the town of Ontario, Wisconsin
Among winter camping destinations in Wisconsin, Wildcat Mountain State Park has long been a favorite for Wisconsin residents and visitors. The park is situated on a steep ridge overlooking the Kickapoo River valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It also features a variety of recreational activities.
The park offers a variety of campgrounds. A family campground is located on the top of the mountain, providing scenic views of the Kickapoo Valley. There are also three reservable group sites, accommodating up to 75 people.
If you are planning a visit to the state park, you will need a vehicle admission sticker, and your pets will need to be on a leash no longer than eight feet. Moreover, there is also a fee for reservations.
Potawatomi State Park
Location: Along Sturgeon Bay in Door County
Potawatomi State Park is a spectacular location for hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and much more. The site covers more than one thousand acres of cliffs, beaches, and rolling hills.
Moreover, the state park is open year-round. During the winter, the campground offers three plowed sites for winter camping. In addition to winter camping, the site offers several miles of groomed ski trails. In addition, the park offers an 18-hole golf course.
The park is also home to a 75-foot observation tower. This tower provides stellar views of Green Bay and Sawyer Harbor. Moreover, it is also used for bird-watching, though the area lacks campsites.
In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy boating, skiing, fishing, and hunting. The most exciting news for pet lovers is that the park is also open to pets.
Governor Dodge State Park
Location: In Southwestern Wisconsin
Governor Dodge State Park is one of the state’s most scenic winter camping destinations in Wisconsin. With nearly 5,350 acres of land, the park offers plenty of outdoor activities and a variety of wildlife. Its landscape consists of sandstone bluffs, deep valleys, two lakes, and a scenic waterfall.
It also offers hiking, fishing, and boating. There are about 40 miles of trails in the park. During the winter, visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing.
Throughout the park, there are many types of trees and flowers. In fact, there are more than 150 species of birds, including woodchucks and red foxes. In addition, the park’s rocky cliffs and steep hills are home to a variety of wildlife.
There are more than 30 campsites at the park, including several group campsites for up to 40 people. Some of the park’s amenities include pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. In addition, there are a couple of backcountry campsites.
Menominee River State Park
Location: In Marinette County, Wisconsin (near the towns of Niagara, Pembine, and Beecher)
Menominee River State Park and Recreation Area is counted among the exciting winter camping destinations in Wisconsin. It is also a great spot for wildlife watching. Its shores are pristine, and there is ample room for hiking.
There are a few campgrounds within the park. You can choose to stay in a cabin or tent, along with that there are also several rustic campsites. However, there is no potable water source, however. And, you can easily rent a motel or hotel in nearby communities.
There are several boat landings and launches on both the Wisconsin and Michigan sides. The Wisconsin DNR owns four of them. Moreover, the area is known for smallmouth bass fishing and a large rapids section. There are also some public islands that you can explore.
It’s Time to Pack Your Bags
Do you want to enjoy the snow? Wisconsin has many fantastic options for winter camping.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet, secluded spot to spend a couple of days camping or you’re searching for a more active experience, there’s something for you at Wisconsin’s state parks.
You can enjoy swimming, cross-country skiing, fishing, and much more. Choose any of your preferred locations from our list of winter camping destinations in Wisconsin and get along with the wilderness experience.
So, if you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you with stories to tell after, look no further than Wisconsin winter camping destinations.