The weather in fall is fantastic here in Wisconsin. This is the best time to bring those waterproof boots, flannels, and cozy hats out! Dress for the weather, be colorful, and enjoy colors around you. Camping in the fall also offers better campsite selections and has become a favorite tradition for my family!
Favorite Fall Campgrounds within 3 Hours of Madison, WI
High Cliff State Park is near Appleton, and this park is my favorite because you’re never too late for the party. If you miss the fall colors, it also offers winter camping. It has a family-friendly campground and an accessible cabin for people with disabilities.
Perrot State Park is in La Crosse along the Mississippi River. Right on the Great River Bike Trail and with great views from the top of the bluffs, a short hike away, you will start noticing the elevation change while hiking in this park. Lovely area to visit, and not too crowded for camping!
Hartman Creek State Park is in Waupaca. My family adores this park, and we have been going here for years – all season. We can’t get enough of this area. While you are here, try to find the old house, which offers super cool history in the park. Trails are small and narrow but relatively easy, with benches along the way to take in the beautiful views of the lakes and colors.
Bigfoot Beach State Park is in Lake Geneva, and I love this park because it has an RV site. It’s right in the middle of Lake Geneva with so many things to do and see in town. I highly recommend this park if you enjoy city life, lots of great places you can walk to as a family to eat, it is a gentle 2 miles walk to downtown. The path goes behind some beautiful mansions in Lake Geneva, kid-friendly, (but not stroller friendly). The fall colors in the area are beautiful.
Potawatomi State Park is in Sturgeon Bay. I love this park. If you like a campsite in the woods, then this place is for you. If things go wrong, you’re in a great area to leave the grounds for few hours and keep the family busy all day. There are endless activities for everyone in Sturgeon Bay, especially fall activities!
Reasons We Love Camping in the Fall
Leave Hunts and Hikes
We enjoy hiking in the fall and going on a ‘leave hunt’. So many activities happen along the way – and often ends with making a pile of leaves to jumping on. If you can reserve a campground off the trails… take it. It allows the family to spend more time outdoors hiking longer, enjoying the scenery.
Fewer Bugs
As a frequent camper, bugs have made for some rough camping in the summer. That is why I highly recommend fall camping… imagine sitting around the campfire in the morning and sipping coffee. You feel like you are truly living in the moment.
Fewer Crowds
Most families camp less after Labor Day – which means your chances are higher to find a great spot to enjoy the foliage. My family and I want opposite campsite playgrounds, water, and bathrooms, making camping fun and more accessible for everyone.
Campgrounds Offer Different Activities
Some RV campgrounds that we have visited in the fall have various activities every night. They will have special nights to host all the families by the campfire and offer free apple cider, popcorn, donuts and so on.
Quieter
We also love camping in the fall because we get a good night’s sleep; the campground is quieter at night during off-peak times (after Labor Day).
The fall season is the best time to go camping. Check out the fall colors in Wisconsin – take the scenic route. Kids are back in school, but don’t let that stop you from exploring… the weekend getaways are a must. All the camping reservations in Wisconsin State Parks should be done online before you go.
❤️