There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of birds, sipping piping hot pour-over coffee as the sun rises over the trees, and gathering around a crackling fire under the stars before bed. If you’re thinking about a Wisconsin camping trip and like your nature with a little extra comfort—say, running water and flushable toilets—you’re both in luck and just like me. Wisconsin is full of beautiful, well-equipped campgrounds that make “roughing it” feel balanced and just right.
Great Wisconsin Campgrounds with Running Water and Flushable Toilets:
Whether you’re headed north for a Lake Superior breeze or staying closer to home, here are a few great campgrounds to check out:
- Peninsula State Park (Door County) – A Wisconsin classic with flush toilets, showers, and biking trails galore.
- Wyalusing State Park (Southwestern WI) – Incredible bluff views, modern restrooms, and a peaceful vibe.
- Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo) – Iconic lake views, great hikes, and full campground amenities.
- Kohler-Andrae State Park (Sheboygan) – Lake Michigan dunes, shady campsites, and clean bathrooms.
- Governor Dodge State Park (Dodgeville) – Wooded seclusion, beautiful lakes, and modern facilities.
- Copper Falls State Park (Mellen) – Scenic waterfalls, forest trails, and flushable toilets.
- Big Bay State Park (Madeline Island) – A short ferry ride on Lake Superior, but so worth the trek—camp on an island with full amenities. This also happens to be one of my favorite places on this planet!
What to Pack: Your Essentials List
Here’s a practical, pared-down packing list based on our recent trip—built for comfort, ease, and minimal last-minute scrambling:
Shelter & Sleep:
- Tent, tarp for under and an extra tarp for over in case of rain
- Inflatable mattress, air pump
- Lots of blankets, pillows
- Camping chairs
- Headlamps/flashlights, extra batteries
- Picnic blanket (this will also come in handy if it’s cold at night. Layers matter!
Kitchen & Cooking:
- Charcoal, matches, and torch
- Cast iron skillet, pot for boiling water
- Roasting sticks for s’mores (or you can scavenge some at the campsite if you want to save a couple dollars)
- Cooler with ice packs
- Plates, utensils, cups, mugs (paper & plastic are fine, just be sure to carry out what you carry in)
- Cooking tools: spatula, tongs, knife, cutting board
- Foil, trash bags, food containers
- Biodegradable soap, sponge, dishtowel, extra bin for washing
- Water bottles & big water container
- Coffee/tea setup
- Swiss Army knife, salt, pepper, oil
- Hand sanitizer, paper towels, hot mitts
Food Ideas:
- Plan ahead with prepped foil pack meals that reheat over an open fire or bring the ingredients and make meals on site. Be sure to include marshmallows and all the fixings for your favorite s’mores.
Clothing & Personal Items:
- Day clothes & layers for chilly nights, sleepers, swimsuits
- Rain jacket, gloves, hats
- Hiking/walking shoes, sandals or slip-ons (bonus if they double as shower shoes)
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, first-aid kit
- Toiletries, toilet paper, any prescriptions
Extras That Make a Difference:
- Phone battery pack
- Printed campsite reservation & park contact info, maps or downloaded area guides (signal may be spotty!)
- Tablecloth, games, binoculars
- Camping stove (if needed), small charcoal bag
- Water jugs
Camping in Wisconsin has a way of giving you just enough simplicity to reset, but enough amenities to keep everyone smiling. Whether you’re hiking up a bluff or roasting marshmallows by the fire, it’s about finding the balance that works for you.
Pack smart, plan ahead, and soak it all in.
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