Wisconsin is one of the easiest states to camp in, as well as one of the most dog-friendly. From dog beaches to remote waterfront campsites, Wisconsin state parks are full of adventure for you and your dog.

Finding Campsites

Luckily, booking a campsite at a Wisconsin state park is easy! Simply go to the Wisconsin Going to Camp website, select your park and dates, and browse open campsites.

To find the best campgrounds near me, I use The Dyrt, an app that lets you browse nearby campgrounds with plenty of helpful filters, such as pet-friendly, electric, and showers. Once I’ve narrowed down the campground I want, I head on over to the Wisconsin State Park website and search available campsites for my trip dates (or put flexible dates to bring up more options).

For me, I can be less picky with my campsites, given that I have a truck camper and don’t use electric or water while camping, relying on my Jackery solar system and a camp jug of potable water. It is often much easier to find available nonelectric sites, even during busy times of year.

Here’s an example of what the search filters look like, and which ones I use to filter pet-friendly and non-electric:

After pressing “show results,” the site will show you available options, which you can view in list or map format to give you a better idea of site location, privacy, and distance from campground amenities like bathroom or water.

The Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit

Ottowa Lake Campground

This campground is ideally located 45 minutes West of Milwaukee, which means easy access to amenities and dining while feeling surrounded by nature. The lake is small and shallow, but features a walking path that connects to the campground, and allows dogs to the left of the boat launch. I stayed in nonelectric site 386, just behind the bathhouse, and found it nicely sheltered and flat, with ample space to relax with the dogs. The boat launch area was perfect for a morning swim with the dogs, as there was no one else there!

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit

Pike Lake Campground

Another easy drive from Milwaukee, Pike Lake sits northwest, near Hartford. Slightly more rural than Ottawa Lake, you can enjoy rolling hills, no traffic noise, and a decently-sized lake with a dedicated dog beach. While the dog beach area is small and can be busy during weekends, getting there early in the morning can give you a peaceful swim all to yourself. I stayed at site 18 and enjoyed it despite a very rainy trip.

Northern Highland American Legion State Forest

Buffalo Lake

The Northern Highland American Legion State Forest is an absolute wonderland for nature-lovers who want to be a little further off the beaten path. A true Northwoods experience, this massive state forest offers a number of small lake campgrounds that are rustic but still accessible. Definitely bring a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, as you’ll want to spend most of your time on the water! Some lakes have more waterfront sites, but the lack of crowds means you often have the water to yourself and can let your dog swim respectfully. I stayed at Buffalo Lake at site 2017, though I wouldn’t recommend it due to non-level ground and lack of lake access due to shoreline erosion closure. However, I brought my paddleboard and had a fantastic couple days exploring the lake with the dogs. Next time, I plan to check out Firefly Lake!

Peninsula State Park

Nicolet Bay Campground

This Door County Wisconsin State Park is a must-see. With stunning water views, hiking trails, and access to the rest of Door County, it’s a popular park for a reason. It features a dog-friendly picnic area, and plenty of hiking. I recommend going in the fall to catch peak colors and cooler temperatures. An October trip is already in the books!

Kohler Andrae State Park

Kohler Andrae Campground

One of the most popular camping destinations, this stunning campground sits just south of Sheboygan, Wisconsin and features impressive sand dunes along the Lake Michigan coastline. A highlight of this park is its exclusive dog beach, which makes a camping trip there well worth it for humans and dogs alike. Fees are high and sites scarce during peak season, so make sure you lock your site in ahead of time!

Honorable Mentions/To-Be Booked:

Astico Park, Harrington Beach State Park, Devil’s Lake State Park, Governor Dodge State Park, Point Beach State Forest

Essentials for Camping with Dogs

• Collars with tags/licenses
• Food and water
• Leashes and long-lines
• Tick key
• Slicker brush
• Pet wipes
• Towels
• Life jackets (for paddleboarding/kayaking)
• Dog camp bed

Want more tips for adventuring with dogs? Follow our blog here and on social media: @thesavvyshepherd