When the weather is warm and sunny, it leaves me itching to get out and explore the wonderful parks and forests we are so lucky to have throughout the state. With tons of lakeshore and rivers, Wisconsin has way more beachfront than anyone would ever expect from a Midwestern state. There are tons of great places to camp throughout the state, but there’s something about beach camping in Wisconsin that you’ll love! Here are a few of the most beautiful places you can camp in Wisconsin right on the beach, close to water, sand, and a great time.
- Goose Island - LaCrosse
Facebook/GooseIslandCampground This huge campground just south of the city right on the Mississippi River is the largest county campground in the state. If you’re thinking about camping in Wisconsin, you need to check out the lovely Goose Island campsites. Make sure you check out camping fees and availability before you head out. Located at 9700 County Road K, Stoddard, WI 54658.
- Harrington Beach State Park - Belgium
TripAdvisor/MKE1978 Located right along Lake Michigan’s shores, this park has camping spots specifically for kayakers that are right along the shore. It doesn’t get any better than that! You can also birdwatch, picnic, or check out the stars in the observatory’s monthly viewings. Located at 531 County Road D, Belgium, WI 53004.
- Point Beach State Forest - Two Rivers
YouTube.com True to its name, this campground is on a point that juts out into Lake Michigan. The views are spectacular. This spot is one of the best beaches in Wisconsin to stay at, and there are 6 miles of sandy beach to explore. Located at 9400 County Rd O, Two Rivers, WI 54241.
- Buckhorn State Park - Necedeh
Yelp/Kati W This park occupies a peninsula on Castle Rock Lake, a reservoir formed at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Yellow Rivers. There’s plenty of beachfront to relax on. If you’re looking for outdoor recreation in Wisconsin, look no further than Buckhorn State Park! Located at N8450 Buckhorn Park Ave, Necedah, WI 54646.
- Blackhawk Memorial County Park - Argyle
Yelp/Jack P One of the best kept secrets, this county park is tucked in the southwest corner along the Pecatonica River and you’ll probably miss the sign the first time. Small and beautiful, these 120 acres will stun you with its beauty, peace, and quiet. Located at County Road Y, Argyle, WI 53504.
- Rock Island State Park - Washington
Trip Advisor This one isn’t for amateurs, but if you don’t mind hauling your stuff over on the ferry, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most gorgeous, unique camping you could ever do. Take the ferry to this gorgeous island, and don’t forget your admissions sticker before you head out! Located at 1924 Indian Point Rd, Washington, WI 54246.
- Newport State Park - Ellison Bay
Flickr/Martin Hale-Hoffman Near the very tip of Door County there’s a part of land that juts into the lake and creates Ellison Bay. That’s where you’ll find Newport State Park and all the beautiful, relaxing camping that comes along with it. And don’t forget the 30 miles of hiking trails! There are tons of fun ways to enjoy this beautiful state park. Located at 475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210.
- Brunet Island State Park - Cornell
Flickr/WIDNR Every site in this park has water frontage allowing access to the Chippewa River. The best part about this spot? No vehicles are allowed on the island, so you can enjoy the silence of nature and truly relax. You’ll get to see the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, as well as other historical buildings. Located at 23125 255th St, Cornell, WI 54732.
- Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sheboygan
Flickr/Yinan Chen The beautiful sand dunes are what will bring you here. Beach camping in Wisconsin doesn’t get much better than these majestic sand dunes and stunning sunsets right on Lake Michigan. Located at 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081.
- Bagley Rapids – Mountain
Facebook/GooseIslandCampground
This huge campground just south of the city right on the Mississippi River is the largest county campground in the state. If you’re thinking about camping in Wisconsin, you need to check out the lovely Goose Island campsites. Make sure you check out camping fees and availability before you head out. Located at 9700 County Road K, Stoddard, WI 54658.
TripAdvisor/MKE1978
Located right along Lake Michigan’s shores, this park has camping spots specifically for kayakers that are right along the shore. It doesn’t get any better than that! You can also birdwatch, picnic, or check out the stars in the observatory’s monthly viewings. Located at 531 County Road D, Belgium, WI 53004.
YouTube.com
True to its name, this campground is on a point that juts out into Lake Michigan. The views are spectacular. This spot is one of the best beaches in Wisconsin to stay at, and there are 6 miles of sandy beach to explore. Located at 9400 County Rd O, Two Rivers, WI 54241.
Yelp/Kati W
This park occupies a peninsula on Castle Rock Lake, a reservoir formed at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Yellow Rivers. There’s plenty of beachfront to relax on. If you’re looking for outdoor recreation in Wisconsin, look no further than Buckhorn State Park! Located at N8450 Buckhorn Park Ave, Necedah, WI 54646.
Yelp/Jack P
One of the best kept secrets, this county park is tucked in the southwest corner along the Pecatonica River and you’ll probably miss the sign the first time. Small and beautiful, these 120 acres will stun you with its beauty, peace, and quiet. Located at County Road Y, Argyle, WI 53504.
Trip Advisor
This one isn’t for amateurs, but if you don’t mind hauling your stuff over on the ferry, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most gorgeous, unique camping you could ever do. Take the ferry to this gorgeous island, and don’t forget your admissions sticker before you head out! Located at 1924 Indian Point Rd, Washington, WI 54246.
Flickr/Martin Hale-Hoffman
Near the very tip of Door County there’s a part of land that juts into the lake and creates Ellison Bay. That’s where you’ll find Newport State Park and all the beautiful, relaxing camping that comes along with it. And don’t forget the 30 miles of hiking trails! There are tons of fun ways to enjoy this beautiful state park. Located at 475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210.
Flickr/WIDNR
Every site in this park has water frontage allowing access to the Chippewa River. The best part about this spot? No vehicles are allowed on the island, so you can enjoy the silence of nature and truly relax. You’ll get to see the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, as well as other historical buildings. Located at 23125 255th St, Cornell, WI 54732.
Flickr/Yinan Chen
The beautiful sand dunes are what will bring you here. Beach camping in Wisconsin doesn’t get much better than these majestic sand dunes and stunning sunsets right on Lake Michigan. Located at 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081.
A post shared by Christine Anne (@christine.anne.fam4) on Sep 4, 2016 at 7:48pm PDT
A post shared by Christine Anne (@christine.anne.fam4) on Sep 4, 2016 at 7:48pm PDT
This campground deep in the Chequamegon National Forest puts you right up close with the Oconto River and the gurgling rapids. Located at Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Lower Bagley Rapids Rd, Mountain, WI 54149.
What are you favorite waterfront camping locations? Have you gone beach camping in Wisconsin at any of these beautiful sites? Tell us about it in the comments!
Looking for more Wisconsin campgrounds? Check out These 10 Rustic Spots In Wisconsin Are Extraordinary For Camping.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 9700 County Rd K, Stoddard, WI 54658, USAAddress: 531 Co Rd D, Belgium, WI 53004, USAAddress: 9400 County Rd O, Two Rivers, WI 54241, USAAddress: 8450 Buckhorn Park Ave, Necedah, WI 54646, USAAddress: 1924 Indian Point Rd, Washington, WI 54246, USAAddress: County Hwy Y, Wisconsin, USAAddress: 475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, USAAddress: 23125 255th St, Cornell, WI 54732, USAAddress: 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USAAddress: Lower Bagley Rapids Rd, Mountain, WI 54149, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Beach Camping In Wisconsin April 20, 2021 Megan McDonald What’s the best time of year to go camping in Wisconsin? Spring and summer tend to be the more popular months for people to go camping, but fall is a great time to get out and explore this wonderful state. There’s less crowds, perfect temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold, and you’ll be able to beat the crowds and choose your perfect site. Can you camp in the winter in Wisconsin? Absolutely! There are plenty of wonderful places to camp in Wisconsin during the winter, including many of the beautiful state parks. Just be sure to pack well, including plenty of food, water, heat sources, and layers of clothing. Make sure to stay dry, and have fun!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Beach Camping In Wisconsin
April 20, 2021
Megan McDonald
What’s the best time of year to go camping in Wisconsin? Spring and summer tend to be the more popular months for people to go camping, but fall is a great time to get out and explore this wonderful state. There’s less crowds, perfect temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold, and you’ll be able to beat the crowds and choose your perfect site. Can you camp in the winter in Wisconsin? Absolutely! There are plenty of wonderful places to camp in Wisconsin during the winter, including many of the beautiful state parks. Just be sure to pack well, including plenty of food, water, heat sources, and layers of clothing. Make sure to stay dry, and have fun!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Spring and summer tend to be the more popular months for people to go camping, but fall is a great time to get out and explore this wonderful state. There’s less crowds, perfect temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold, and you’ll be able to beat the crowds and choose your perfect site.
Can you camp in the winter in Wisconsin?
Absolutely! There are plenty of wonderful places to camp in Wisconsin during the winter, including many of the beautiful state parks. Just be sure to pack well, including plenty of food, water, heat sources, and layers of clothing. Make sure to stay dry, and have fun!
