Wisconsin’s campgrounds are increasingly becoming destinations, not just for traditional camping enthusiasts but for those seeking a variety of water-based recreational activities. From swimming and fishing to more unique offerings like floating obstacle courses and waterpark features, these independently owned and operated facilities cater to a broad audience.
One of the standout options includes the availability of houseboats for journeys along the Mississippi River, with WisconsinCampgrounds.com featuring campgrounds with an array of water activities.
Wisconsin’s natural geography, which has close to 15,000 lakes, significantly increases the appeal of its outdoor hospitality sector. This abundance makes it a prime destination for campers from neighboring metropolitan areas such as Chicago and the Twin Cities.
According to a press release, beyond conventional camping activities like fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, visitors to Wisconsin’s campgrounds can enjoy a plethora of water parks, water slides, and Wibits—floating obstacle courses that add a modern twist to lake swimming.
For campground, glamping, and RV park owners, the expansive offering of water-based activities in Wisconsin can offer new insight into recreational water activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Highlighting the range of experiences available, Great River Harbor Campground & Marina in Alma offers an illustrative example of how water-based activities can enhance camping. The Nikki and Eric Jandro-run establishment offers not only conventional camping amenities but also houseboat vacation options on the Mississippi River. With 198 campsites, 70 boat slips, 11 houseboat rentals, and additional cabins for rent, the campground caters to a wide range of visitors, including multi-generational families.
For those seeking adventures beyond the confines of a campground, Lake Chippewa Campground in Hayward offers the opportunity to boat to one of the lake’s 140 islands for picnics or overnight camping.
Another unique activity is found at Tilleda Falls Campground in Tilleda, where crayfish races offer a quirky and engaging way to draw children away from their screens and into the natural environment. This event, held every Saturday morning, involves children catching crayfish in the stream and racing them across a designated path, highlighting the campground’s commitment to interactive and educational outdoor activities.
Duck Creek Campground in Pardeeville and Hiles-Pine Lake Campground in Hiles showcase the variety of fishing experiences available across Wisconsin’s campgrounds. Duck Creek provides a spring-fed swimming pond and a separate fishing pond, while Hiles-Pine Lake offers extensive shoreline fishing opportunities on a 1,673-acre lake.
The state’s campgrounds are not just limited to natural water bodies. Many have introduced man-made features such as Wibits and water parks to enhance the camping experience. For example, Champions Riverside Resort in Galesville and Merry Mac’s Campground in Merrimac have developed water ponds and swimming ponds, respectively, equipped with inflatable climbing structures and slides, demonstrating the evolving nature of campground amenities in Wisconsin.
Additionally, Kinney Lake Campground in Marion offers a diverse water play experience with its 1.5-acre pond featuring a floating water sports park, alongside a fishing and swimming lake, plus a heated pool for relaxation. In Hancock, Oasis Campground brings fun and frolic with its Wibit inflatable waterpark and a cozy heated swimming pool, perfect for all ages looking to make a splash.
Stoney Creek RV Resort in Osseo provides a scenic aquatic escape with a one-acre swimming pond, complete with a sandy wraparound beach and playful inflatables, and a feature-rich swimming pool for endless water-based enjoyment.
Water parks within campgrounds have become a significant attraction, offering features ranging from splash grounds for young children to complex climbing structures for older kids. Harbor Village Resort in Sturgeon Bay and Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Warrens are examples, each providing a range of water-based recreational facilities that cater to families seeking a more adventurous camping experience.
Nestled in Montello, Wilderness Campground delights with its sandy beach pond, fun inflatable structures, a cozy heated pool, and tranquil fishing lakes, offering a perfect mix for all ages. Meanwhile, Hayward KOA Holiday offers visitors its inviting heated swimming pool and thrilling 300-foot waterslide.
