i need suggestions for camping in milwaukee area

[patrickgpe]

I'm looking for some help here. The last couple summers my friends and i went camping to buckhorn state park but we decided that it was time for something new and i was wondering if anyone had ideas around milwaukee. what we are looking for is this:

 

2 hr driving distance from milwaukee

backpack camping

hiking and swimming

secluded campsites

 

 

does anyone have any state parks that they can recommend?

[Patrick425]

I'm not really much for camping, but have you looked at this spot (Kettle Moraine)? It's a little over an hour from Milwaukee:

 

http://wisconsinstateparks.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=WI&parkId=60068

 

My in-laws "camp" there all the time. I'm not sure what they do is considered camping though. They have a trailer and many of the comforts of home and don't really take advantage of the park when they are there. They basically just grill out and sit in their lawn chairs. Not sure why they even go. Basically what they do could be done in their back yard.

 

I never explored the park that much when I was there to visit the in laws, but it seems like a pretty big park with most of the items you mentioned in your post.

[Houlie24x]

There is Menomonee Park in Lannon/Menomonee Falls

 

http://www.waukeshacounty...tupMetaId=10980&id=11088

[logan82]

Governor Dodge is a nice state park. I don't think it has all the stuff you are looking for though. You might also look into Devil's Lake although it may be on the outside of how far you are willing to travel and I really have no idea about the camping there.

[OglivieHomePerm]

Harrington Beach State Park just added camp sites: http://www.dnr.state.wi.u...ic/harrington/index.html

[jjkoestler]

Patrick - What do you mean by "backpack camping?" Are you looking for the type of camping where you park your vehicle and then hike to a camping site?

[patrickgpe]

yes, something where you park your vehicle and walk say a half mile to your campsite. I think we are leaning towards governor dodge, as there is swimming on two different lakes and plenty of trails. There seems to be rougher and easier terrains too for hiking so the lazier ones (like myself) can go hiking without too much exertion.

[NeedMoreFans]

Gov. Dodge, Kohler-Andre (not sure about backpacking sites, though), big vote for the Kettle Moraine Northern unit (they have backpacking sites along the Ice Age trail), High Cliff...

 

I've camped at all of them, and all are fairly nice.

[Bikeage77]

check out spring green...they might have something up your alley...and they have river tubing, which rules!!!

[jjkoestler]

yes, something where you park your vehicle and walk say a half mile to your campsite. I think we are leaning towards governor dodge, as there is swimming on two different lakes and plenty of trails. There seems to be rougher and easier terrains too for hiking so the lazier ones (like myself) can go hiking without too much exertion.

I think Devil's Lake is probably your best bet, but I suggest making reservations now.

If you want to do more hiking, be more secluded, and not pay for a site, I suggest checking out the Ice Age Trail.

Another secluded option that does not involve hiking is Pine Woods campground near Ottawa Lake.

 

[hawing]

Every time I look at the subject line for this thread, I want to post the suggestion that you not go camping in February.

 

Sorry. I just had to get that out. Carry on.