Camping with kids can be is hard. So, why do it? As a kid who was lucky enough to grow up camping, I will tell you that most of my happiest memories were at a campground. I am so grateful my parents had a love for camping and shared that with me. Now I hope to share that with you. Choosing the right campground can help the trip be more enjoyable for everyone!
What Makes a Campsite “Kid-Friendly”?
- On-Site Fun
- I can’t be the only one who loathes packing the kids into the car. Having activities on site to keep the kids (and parents) happy is important.
- Amenities
- Backcountry camping was fun before kids entered the picture. I know many families still enjoy that primitive style even after kids. Not me. I would like a camp store for the things I surely forgot to pack, or laundry on site in case my toddler has more accidents than I packed for.
- Cleanliness
- I live by the “kids are washable” motto. A kid covered in mud makes me smile. That being said, I want clean bathrooms—I just won’t budge on that. You can tell your toddler 100 times not to touch the toilet, but you bet that’s the first thing they’re going for.
- Rules/Rule enforcement
- I appreciate when campgrounds enforce quiet hours and speed limits. Speed limit in a campsite is usually 5 mph- I sometimes walk quicker than that, but as a mom to three young children, it is added peace of mind to know that the kiddos can have fun and be safe!
- Location
- A campsite that is located near other fun attractions helps families make the most of their trips. When you’ve experienced all the on-site fun there is to be had, it’s nice to be able to take a short drive and explore the area around you! Also, being near a convenient store is a plus!
1. Indian Trails Campground- Pardeeville WI
Where: W6445 Haynes Road
Pardeeville, WI 53954
Visit the campgrounds website here
We first visited this campground in 2025. The worst part of our stay was finding out about this campsite as late as we did!
WHY
Simply, you get treated like family at a place that has something for everyone and prioritizes safety, cleanliness and family fun.
This campsite set a high standard for campsite bathrooms. They are beautifully maintained, and a big plus I didn’t know I needed was a family shower room. With three young kids who get very dirty, I appreciate a family-style shower room so my husband and I can work together to hose them down.
You will not be bored. Check out everything this campground has to offer here. They also host many fun events, be sure to peek at their events page before booking! Our favorite amenity was the heated outdoor pool. There’s a kiddy pool as well as the large pool for older kids and adults.
They also have a spacious deck area by the pool, providing ample space to enjoy the ice cream you can purchase from the snack bar. If you’re concerned about germs, you can rest assured that the campsite emphasizes cleanliness. The pool is equipped with a state-of-the-art UV sterilization system to ensure a hygienic environment.
Bringing your furry friend? Behind the pool area there’s two enclosed dog parks!
Another stand out feature of this campsite is the camp store/restaurant. The camp store is stocked with everything you need and more! Lots of souvenirs, games, snacks, and the necessities of course.
This campsite is conveniently located about 30 minutes from Wisconsin Dells, an hour from Madison, and 1.5 hours from Milwaukee. It serves as an ideal base for exploring other exciting activities in the area.
2. Peninsula State Park- Fish Creek WI
Where: 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Visit the campground website here
Why Peninsula State Park makes the list:
Located in beautiful Fish Creek, Peninsula State Park is great to visit every season! Before children I would camp at a lot of State parks, I was not worried about if there was a playground near my campsite or if there was a nice camp store for something I may have forgotten. Peninsula State Park is the third most visited state park in Wisconsin, and because of that it offers more amenities than most other state parks do. Amenities such as a well-groomed beach area with a beautiful playground nearby, clean bathrooms with flushing toilets and showers, walking trails, a camp store filled with all the necessities and water sport rentals!
There are 3 different campgrounds within the state park, some sites offering water and electric, others just a space to unpack and enjoy the views. Be sure to double-check your site amenities before booking!
Our favorite campground was South Nicolet Bay Campground because of its convenience to the beach, where we spent much of our time!
Another reason this State Park is a great place to bring the kids is because of what they have to offer at their nature reserve!
The White Cedar Nature Reserve hosts many events throughout the year to help you & the family learn more about the history of the park as well as the animals, insects that are in the area. The nature center also has an explorer booklet for kids, similar to the junior ranger program at national parks! While there, we were also able to rent out a bug catching and animal tracking backpack which my boys loved!
If we weren’t at the beach, we were hiking. Most trails are near the water, offering beautiful views. Biking is very popular at the park, so be aware bikes and use proper trail etiquette.
So, why does this make our list? It allows kids to get out and explore nature, while also having the comforts of a large campground. We hope you give it a try!
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