Wisconsin RV Camping

Wisconsin RV camping locations offer great scenery, solitude, and outdoor recreation opportunities for the whole family. From RV resorts, to basic service public campgrounds, there is something for everyone in Wisconsin. Wisconsin RV camping is available at federal, state, and local campgrounds, private RV parks and resorts, and dispersed RV camping (boondocking) is encouraged by the US Forest Service.

Wisconsin RV Parks

Wisconsin RV Parks – Research tools for finding the best RV parks and campgrounds in Wisconsin.

Federal RV Camping Information

National Park Service – NPS information about Wisconsin RV camping at National Park administered campgrounds.

US Forest Service – USFS information about free dispersed Wisconsin RV camping (boondocking) and developed campgrounds in the National Forest.

USACE – Army Corps of Engineers – Information about Wisconsin RV camping and water recreation at COE managed lakes.

US Fish and Wildlife Service – FWS information about camping near National Wildlife Refuges in Wisconsin.

State RV Camping Information

County Forests Association – 28 Wisconsin counties administer forest properties with RV camping opportunities. The County Administrator’s have official maps and campground information.

State Tourism Website – Where to go and what to do. Includes Wisconsin RV camping suggestions and trip planning ideas.

State Forests – Information and locations of outdoor recreation and camping opportunities.

State Parks – Information about RV camping and recreation at Wisconsin state parks.

Wisconsin RV Camping Reservations

Camping Reservations – Wisconsin State and Federal Campground Reservations.

Wisconsin RV Dump Stations

RVDumps.com – Places to dump in Wisconsin.

Sanidumps.com – Where to dump in Wisconsin. Listed by town.

Public Wisconsin RV Camping

Public Wisconsin RV camping is available at federal, state, county, and town park campgrounds. The following is only an example of the many public Wisconsin RV camping locations available.

AMERY

North Park RV Campground is operated by the town of Amery. Outdoor recreation includes boating, hiking, fishing, motorized ATV/motorcycle trails, and much more.

APOSTLE ISLANDS

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located on Lake Superior. No RV camping within the parks boundary but here is the Official NPS Wisconsin RV camping information page.

BAGLEY

Located at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, Wyalusing State Park is a popular Wisconsin RV camping destination. Scenic overviews, hiking trails, a canoe trail, Native American burial mounds, bird watching, fishing, boating, bicycling and picnicking.

DRUMMOND

Two Lakes Campground offers 90 campsites on Lake Owen. Fire rings, picnic tables, and room for RVs up to 50 feet. Drinking water, vault toilets, fishing pier, swimming beaches, boat ramps, RV dump station, and a hiking trail.

EAGLE RIVER

If you like to swim, boat, camp, hike, fish, or just relax, then Anvil Lake Campground might the place for you. 18 campsites suitable for RV camping.

FISH CREEK

Peninsula State Park offers 468 campsites, summer theater, 18-hole golf course, sand beach, bike trails, a lighthouse and eight miles of Door County shoreline. A very popular Wisconsin RV camping destination.

HAYWARD

Black Lake Campground has 26 campsites suitable for RVs up to 45′. Each site has a fire grate and picnic table. Water pumps, accessible vault toilets, two boat ramps, a swimming beach.

MOUNTAIN

About 1/3 of the campsites at Bagley Rapids Campground are located next to the Oconto River. Fishing, berry picking, rafting, canoeing, and swimming available.

SPRING VALLEY

Eau Galle Lake is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Electric and non electric sites, picnic tables and dump station. RV camping reservations available

We recommend the DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer to find Wisconsin RV camping locations. This Wisconsin topographic atlas offers comprehensive detail including trails, back country roads, lakes and streams, boat ramps, forests, wetlands, campgrounds, public lands, and hunting and fishing locations. Information about family trips, wilderness outing possibilities, and more are included.

Free Wisconsin RV Camping

Free dispersed Wisconsin RV camping (boondocking) is available throughout the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The US Forest Service (USFS) has developed Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) that show what forest roads are open to motorized travel and what restrictions are in effect.

The MVUM’s in our opinion are difficult to read, but they are the official road maps for the forest and you must stay on open roads. The USFS maps state you may park your vehicle within 30′ of any road providing you follow the published rules on the maps. Often these MVUMs will lead you some of the most secluded Wisconsin RV camping locations.

More Free Wisconsin RV Camping Ideas

Here’s a list of places to consider when looking for a free overnight Wisconsin RV camping or parking location. We always recommend asking for overnight RV parking permission when looking for a free spot to spend the night. The smaller your RV, the better chances you will have finding places to stay if you choose not to ask permission. If you don’t ask permission, you end up “sneaking” into places and hoping nobody bothers you or issues you a trespassing ticket before you move on.

Be smart and Be Safe…Ask Permission.

Truck Stops – Asking permission is usually not a requirement Be considerate of the big rigs!

Walmart – Not all stores allow overnight RV parking in Wisconsin due to city ordinances. Check store for policy.

Nightclubs – Had one too many or just pretending?

Grain Elevators – Ask where you can park your RV out of the way for the night.

Fraternal Organizations – VFW, Elks etc. may allow members free overnight RV camping.

Cemetery – Sounds creepy to us, but we’ve also heard they may have water available.

Fairgrounds – State and County facilities may allow RV camping when not otherwise in use.

Parks – City, County, State, and Community parks often have free RV camping.

Churches – You can almost make “reservations” by calling ahead for permission.

Hotel Parking Lots – Assuming a nightclub/bar is inside, had one too many or just pretending?

Truck Terminals – Parking areas for large trucks might allow you free RV camping permission

RV Dealers – Pretty brave to us, but you could fit right in.

Cracker Barrel – These nationwide restaurants usually allow free overnight RV parking.

Movie Theaters – Too tired to drive home after the late show?

Highway Rest Areas – All rest areas allow a few hours of free RV parking, but noisy.

Drive In Movies – Got a small RV, park in the back row and enjoy the show. Fell asleep by accident right?

Vehicle Repair Shops – Need to see the repairman first thing in the morning?

Big Box Retailers – Kmart, Best Buy, Sams Club often allow free RV camping.

Roadside Parks & Picnic Areas – The early day version of the rest area.

As you can see, there are a lot of free Wisconsin RV camping and parking possibilities. If you are not asking permission, it’s best to keep a very low profile. If your RV has slide outs, jacks and TV antennas, don’t use them so as not to draw attention to yourself. Consider your surroundings carefully and if you feel uncomfortable with the area, move somewhere else.

Public lands offer great Wisconsin RV camping. State, Federal, and private campgrounds have basic service campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, to full hookup RV resorts. Free dispersed camping (boondocking) is available in Wisconsin National Forests. Use the links to the public lands websites above for specific information about camping and public lands access. Research and explore, and you should have no trouble finding a great Wisconsin RV camping location.