4 Must-Visit Waterfront Campgrounds in Southern and Central Wisconsin

If your summer adventures must involve water, plan a trip to one, (or all), of these 4 waterfront campgrounds in Wisconsin that are just a short drive from Illinois.

Summer Vacation Planning

Summer is just around the corner...have you planned all your family fun getaways yet? I sure haven't!

READ MORE: 5 Illinois Summer Day Trips Your Kids Will Thank You For

With a summer calendar already full of sports games and other engagements, finding time for a full-blown family vacation probably won't happen this summer, but getting away for long weekends certainly will...So, where should we go?!?

Wisconsin Waterfront Campgrounds Close to Illinois

Camping isn't something my family usually does, but if we have direct contact to water fun, it is definitely something we'd consider. Since it might be fun to try a something new this summer, I went on a hunt for waterfront campgrounds in Wisconsin, and found this great article from Travel Wisconsin. 

The article featured waterfront campgrounds located all over Wisconsin, but let's highlight the ones that are closest for those of us living in Northern Illinois.

1. Buckhorn State Park – Castle Rock Lake (Necedah, WI)

(This picture is one my cousin took while camping at Buckhorn State Park two summers ago...gorgeous!)
Buckhorn State Park is located on the shores of Castle Rock Lake, which is one of Wisconsin’s largest and most popular lakes. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, and hiking through scenic pine forests at this campground, and choose from private, walk-in campsites, group sites, and even cart-in sites for those who like to "rough it".

2. East Fork Campground – Merrillan, WI

Located on the banks of the Black River, this quiet, no-frills campground is perfect for nature lovers who want to be right by the water.

3. Kickapoo Valley Reserve – La Farge, WI

Kickapoo Valley Reserve features many campsites along the Kickapoo River, and campers can even paddle right up to their site. This campground is a favorite for kayakers, birdwatchers, hikers, and fishermen.

4. Blackhawk Memorial Park Campground – Woodford, WI

Located on the the banks of the Pecatonica River, this campground has many shaded sites with riverfront views. You can fish, take off on a tubing adventure, or just relax in the water right at your campsite.

Craving more unique Wisconsin vacation inspiration? Here ya go...