Door County Campgrounds: Discover 20+ Camping Spots

Door County, Wisconsin offers one of the Midwest's most spectacular camping destinations, where families can pitch tents beneath towering white cedars, wake to Lake Michigan sunrises, and explore charming villages filled with cherry orchards, lighthouses, and fish boils.

This narrow peninsula stretching 70 miles into Lake Michigan contains an extraordinary diversity of camping experiences, from full-service RV resorts with waterslide parks to primitive wilderness sites accessible only by hiking trail and ferry.

Whether your family dreams of swimming pools and jumping pillows or stargazing at an International Dark Sky Park, Door County delivers camping memories that bring families back generation after generation. This comprehensive guide covers every campground on the peninsula, organized from south to north, with the practical details families need to plan their perfect Door County camping adventure.

Southern Door County anchors the peninsula

The gateway to Door County begins in the Sturgeon Bay area, where several outstanding camping options establish the region as a camping destination in its own right rather than merely a pass-through to northern villages.

Potawatomi State Park at 3740 County Road PD in Sturgeon Bay provides families with 123 campsites in the Daisy Field Campground, including 40 sites with electrical hookups and an exceptional fully-accessible cabin called "Cabin by the Bay" that was designed with input from people with disabilities. The park's 1,200 acres along the shores of Sturgeon Bay feature a 75-foot observation tower offering views stretching 16 miles across Green Bay, making it a must-climb for kids of all ages. Families appreciate the park's kayak, canoe, paddleboat, and bicycle rentals available seasonally, while the naturalist programs running from Memorial Day through Labor Day introduce children to Door County's unique ecology. The park serves as the eastern terminus of Wisconsin's 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail, offering families a chance to hike along ancient glacial terrain. Camping reservations open 11 months in advance through wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or by calling 888-947-2757, and sites fill quickly for summer weekends. Pets are welcome on leash, and winter camping attracts hardy families seeking a different kind of Door County experience.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Door County at 3677 May Road in Sturgeon Bay holds the distinction of being the original Jellystone Park campground, established in 1969 and operating for over four decades as a family camping institution. The campground offers tent sites, RV sites with electrical hookups, fully furnished cabin rentals, and rental trailers, giving families options at every comfort level. Children delight in meeting Yogi Bear and Boo Boo during character appearances, while the resort features indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, a jump pad, mini golf, train rides, a game room, and an outdoor theater. Themed weekends throughout the season keep families entertained with planned activities and special events. Reservations can be made through campspot.com, and the Club Yogi Rewards program offers benefits for frequent guests. Contact the campground at 920-743-9001 or email camp@doorcountyjellystone.com for current seasonal dates and availability.

Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort at 3668 Grondin Road in Sturgeon Bay operates as part of the Thousand Trails network and offers 276 spacious sites on more than 48 acres directly adjacent to Potawatomi State Park. Families can choose from RV sites with full hookups, park model rentals, cabins, and unique yurt accommodations that introduce children to a different style of camping. The resort features a heated swimming pool, mini golf, golf cart rentals, wireless internet, and a general store, creating a self-contained vacation destination. The 2026 season runs from May 1 through October 17, with both nightly and Thousand Trails membership options available. The campground's proximity to the state park means families can enjoy resort amenities while hiking directly into protected parkland.

Harbour Village Resort at 5840 Highway 42 North in Sturgeon Bay distinguishes itself as the only outdoor water park campground in Door County, making it an irresistible destination for families with water-loving kids. The resort features two 350-foot waterslides, a family pool, an adults-only pool, a zero-entry pool for toddlers, and a swimming pond with a sand beach. Beyond the water attractions, families enjoy a giant jumping pillow, nature trails, a basketball trampoline, a fishing pond with rental poles, an RC racing track, mini golf, tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field, a game room, and an outdoor theater. Camping options include wooded and non-wooded tent sites, RV sites with water and 30 or 50 amp electric hookups in both pull-through and back-in configurations, and deluxe park model cabin rentals. The resort does not offer full sewer hookups but provides a dump station. Weekly themed weekends feature planned activities, and day passes allow non-campers to experience the water park. Rates range from $30 to $260 depending on season and site type, with the campground operating seasonally from spring through fall. Pet-friendly policies include designated dog areas, and families can reach the resort at 920-743-0274 or through harbourvillageresort.net.

Door County KOA Holiday at 4906 Quietwoods Circle in Brussels represents the southernmost campground in Door County proper, sitting on 58 wooded acres at the gateway to the peninsula. This full-service KOA offers 250 to 265 sites including tent sites, RV sites with full hookups featuring 30, 50, and 20 amp service, pull-through sites accommodating big rigs, KOA Patio upgraded RV sites, deluxe cabins with full bathrooms, camping cabins, and rental campers. Three swimming pools plus a water slide and splash pad keep kids entertained for hours, while a catch-and-release fishing pond, mini golf, horseshoes, volleyball, a rec room, and an on-site restaurant and bar round out the amenities. The KampK9 Dog Park provides an enclosed off-leash area for four-legged family members, and bike rentals enable exploration of surrounding areas. Theme weekend activities including Halloween celebrations add special memories, with daily rates ranging from $50 to $150 and weekly rates from $300 to $700. Extended stays of 28 or more days require calling for special arrangements. Reservations can be made through koa.com/campgrounds/door-county or by calling 920-825-7065, and the KOA Rewards program provides benefits for members.

Geitner Homestead Equine Campground at 5883 Oak Road in Sturgeon Bay presents a unique camping option for horse-owning families, standing as Door County's only campground specifically designed for equestrian camping. This century-old dairy farm converted to campground operation offers 29 total sites including 15 traditional camping sites and 14 equine sites, all with water and electric hookups in 30 or 50 amp service. Equine sites feature two 12x12 gated steel paddocks for horses, with additional paddocks available for rent, and amenities include a 100 by 160-foot outdoor riding arena, a 60-foot round pen, and more than six miles of riding trails through woods, prairies, farm fields, and cornfields. The property connects to the 48-mile Ahnapee State Trail, which opens to equestrians from April 15 through November 15. Beyond equestrian facilities, families without horses find a sand volleyball court, playground, horseshoe pits, tetherball, and cornhole, along with brand new spotless bathrooms with free showers and free WiFi. A gift shop offers country and horse-related crafts. The campground hosts seasonal events including a Halloween Horse Fun Show, costume contests, campsite decorating competitions, and a haunted cornfield. Rates range from $44 to $49 per night with a two-night minimum, and overnight stallion stays are not permitted. Contact the campground at 920-493-7669 or through geitnerhomestead.com, noting its convenient location ten minutes north of Sturgeon Bay and three minutes east of Carlsville.

Egg Harbor and Fish Creek

The central villages of Egg Harbor and Fish Creek provide families with easy access to Door County's most beloved attractions while offering diverse camping experiences from glamping retreats to family-focused resorts.

HTR Door County, formerly known as Egg Harbor Campground and RV Resort, occupies 20 acres at 8164 Egg Harbor Road adjacent to The Orchards at Egg Harbor Golf Course. This campground has evolved into a diverse destination offering 160 campsites ranging from basic tent sites with a rustic feel to 72 pull-through sites with full hookups featuring recently upgraded 30 and 50 amp electric service. Unique accommodation options set this campground apart, including A-frame cabins, log cabins, park-model cabins, glamping tents, cottages, and bungalows that appeal to families seeking elevated camping experiences. Amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a video arcade and game room, a TV and reading room, playgrounds, a pavilion, a camp store, laundry facilities, and a dump station. The 2025 season runs from April 21 through October 26, with the 2026 season scheduled from May 1 through October 25, and seasonal camping options allow families to establish a summer home base. Rates from around $42 to $95 per night make this an accessible option, and pets are welcome with some restrictions. Reservations can be made through bookingsus.newbook.cloud/htr-door-county, by calling 920-868-3278, or by emailing info-dcc@htrresorts.com.

Rustic Timbers Door County Camping at 4906 Court Road offers families a truly special camping experience on 80 wooded acres that preserve a portion of Door County's famous Boreal Forest. Named one of the Top 10 Most Charming Campgrounds in Wisconsin in 2020, this family campground operated by Sherrie and Brian Patten provides 100 large wooded transient campsites, 120 seasonal sites, 5 rustic cabins, and 15 deluxe cabins. Many full hookup sites with 50 and 30 amp service accommodate large RVs while maintaining the wooded character that makes this campground special. A heated swimming pool with waterslide anchors the recreation area, complemented by two jumping pillows, trampoline basketball, multiple playgrounds, gem and fossil mining that fascinates young rockhounds, and Saturday night wagon rides through the forest. The Pickled Egg Pub and Grub serves as both a full-service restaurant and camp store with ice cream, a beer bar, and a snack shack, meaning families can enjoy meals without leaving the campground. Beautiful, clean, updated bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise from visitors. Themed weekends including Christmas in July and Pumpkin Fest create cherished memories, while nature trails wind through the preserved Boreal Forest on the property. Located three miles south of Egg Harbor and nine miles from Peninsula State Park, the campground sits central to all Door County attractions. Pet-friendly policies include designated walking areas. Contact the campground at 920-868-3151 or rustictimbersdcc@gmail.com, with reservations available through app.fireflyreservations.com.

Frontier Wilderness Campground at 4375 Hillside Road has served families for over 40 years under the ownership of Jeri, Orv, and Todd Rasmussen since 2003. Spreading across 40 wooded acres just two miles from Egg Harbor village, this campground offers 240 total sites including 63 tent sites and sites with electric and water hookups in 20, 30, and 50 amp service, with four pull-through sites accommodating big rigs. Cabin rentals provide an alternative for families preferring four walls and a roof. The indoor heated swimming pool sets this campground apart from competitors, providing swimming regardless of Door County's sometimes unpredictable weather. Families enjoy nine-hole miniature golf, an arcade game room, volleyball courts, horseshoes, and play areas designed for younger children, while an adult center with big screen TV, pool table, and reading area gives parents a retreat. Clean modern showers and toilets earn this campground a reputation for having among the cleanest facilities visitors will find anywhere. A camp store sells ice cream and treats, and the campground provides firewood, picnic tables, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Activity programming throughout the season includes Mother's Day breakfast, Father's Day donuts, a chili cook-off, and Halloween festivities. Rates range from $35 to $125 daily, and pets are welcome with some restrictions. The 2026 season runs from May 1 through October 31. Reservations can be made through frontierwildernesscampground.com or by calling 920-868-3349.

Fish Creek Campground and RV LLC positions families within 1.5 miles of both downtown Fish Creek and the entrance to Peninsula State Park, making it an ideal base for families wanting village access without state park reservation challenges. This family-owned campground offers 83 total sites including 35 seasonal sites and 3 rustic cabins, with all sites featuring water, electricity, fire pits, and picnic tables with 30 amp electric hookups. Under new ownership since 2019, the campground has earned a reputation for accommodating hospitality and exceptionally clean facilities. Amenities include a game room, basketball court, playground, shuffleboard, laundry room, hot showers, clean well-lit bathrooms, a fish cleaning station, camp store, WiFi throughout the park, dump station, and outside sinks for washing dishes. The property occupies a former apple orchard with apple trees still growing among the campsites, adding unique character during late summer harvest season. The 2026 season runs from May 8 through October 21, with reservations currently requiring a phone call to 920-495-2267 while online booking is being developed. The short walk or bike ride to downtown Fish Creek gives families easy access to shops, restaurants, and the famous Fish Creek fish boil experiences without needing to drive.

Peninsula State Park at 9462 Shore Road in Fish Creek stands as Wisconsin's most popular camping destination and most complete state park, attracting families to 3,776 acres of land stretching between Fish Creek and Ephraim along eight miles of Green Bay shoreline. Five distinct campgrounds provide 468 family campsites plus group camping options, each offering different character and amenities. North Nicolet Bay Campground provides 44 sites without electrical hookups near the park's only sand swimming beach, complete with a public boat launch and fishing pier. South Nicolet Bay Campground offers 143 sites including 54 with electricity, with ADA accessible sites 776E and 779E, plus beach access, volleyball courts, playground, camp store, and boat and bike rentals. Tennison Bay Campground provides 188 sites with 97 featuring electricity and offers winter camping for hardy families, along with a kayak and canoe launch and playground. Weborg Point Campground offers 12 fully electric sites with a fully accessible shower and toilet building and concrete fishing pier. Group campsites at Lakeshore, Orchard, and Meadow areas accommodate larger family gatherings with tent camping only. Hot showers, flush toilets, and a sanitary dump station on Shore Road serve campers throughout the park.

Beyond camping facilities, Peninsula State Park offers families an extraordinary range of activities including an 18-hole championship golf course, Northern Sky Theater productions featuring professional musical comedies performed outdoors under the stars, the historic 1868 Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, White Cedar Nature Center, the accessible Eagle Tower canopy walk, Nicolet Beach with sand volleyball courts and lifeguarded swimming areas, and extensive hiking and biking trail systems that transform into cross-country ski trails in winter. An all-terrain outdoor wheelchair is available for loan to families needing accessibility assistance. Reservations through wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or 888-947-2757 open 11 months in advance, and summer weekend sites often fill within minutes of becoming available, making early planning essential. Pets are welcome on leash but not in buildings or on beaches.

Sister Bay and Ellison Bay

The northern villages of Sister Bay and Ellison Bay offer families a more relaxed atmosphere while maintaining excellent access to both Green Bay and Lake Michigan shores, with several newer campgrounds joining established favorites.

Aqualand Campground at 2445 County Road Q in Sister Bay has operated as a family destination for three generations since 1982, spreading across 67 acres that blend serene ponds, winding paths, towering trees, and open fields. The campground provides 150 campsites including 10 tent sites and 140 RV sites with electric and water hookups in 20 and 30 amp service, with 3 pull-through sites available. A heated swimming pool with adjacent gazebo creates a central gathering spot, while stocked trout fishing ponds that require no license let children experience the thrill of catching fish at $2 per fish caught. Wooded walking paths wind through the property, and a playground with sandbox, swing set, and "Cedar Grove" climbing trees provides natural play opportunities. Solar-heated showers, firewood and ice availability, WiFi, fire rings, picnic tables, and a dump station round out practical amenities. The campground closes for the season on October 20, with specific opening dates varying by year. Its location two miles from Peninsula State Park's back entrance and minutes from Sister Bay's shops, restaurants, and beaches makes it an ideal base for exploring northern Door County. Leashed dogs are permitted. Contact the campground at 920-854-4573 or through aqualandcampground.com.

Dovetail Acres Campground represents one of Door County's newest state-of-the-art camping facilities, located just outside Sister Bay village limits off Highway 57 on a 29-acre property with tree cover. The family behind this campground has roots in Sister Bay dating to the 1920s, bringing generational knowledge to modern camping amenities. The campground offers 70 total sites including 27 pull-through RV sites measuring 34 by 75 feet that easily accommodate big rigs, 33 back-in RV sites, and 10 premium tent sites with water and electric hookups that elevate tent camping beyond the basics. New state-of-the-art facilities include modern showers, a full-service convenience store, and 50, 30, and 20 amp electric service throughout. The 2026 season runs from May 15 through October 19, with rates ranging from $45 to $49 per night for tent sites, $57 to $61 for back-in RV sites, and $61 to $69 for pull-through sites. Booking minimums require three-day stays for Memorial Day, July 1 through August 21, Labor Day, and Fall Fest weekends, with two-day minimums for all other dates. Pets are allowed according to posted policies. Easy access to Sister Bay's waterfront, beaches, shops, and restaurants makes this an excellent choice for families wanting modern amenities near village attractions. Visit dovetailacrescampground.com for reservations and current information.

CAMP Door County at 10663 County Road ZZ in Sister Bay emerged recently as a luxury camping destination that appeals to families seeking upscale outdoor experiences. The campground features 77 spacious RV and camper sites including 54 pull-through and 23 back-in sites, all with full hookups providing 50, 30, and 20 amp power plus water, sewer, and WiFi. New for 2026, the campground introduces 4 Scandinavian-style cottages and 25 primitive tent sites, expanding options beyond RV camping. A brand-new camping clubhouse houses restrooms with 7 heated showers, a laundry room, a game room, and the "Pine Provisions" camp store emphasizing healthy, sustainable, and organic options. The "Pine Lounge" beer and wine lounge provides adults with a social gathering space, while kayak, SUP, and e-bike rentals enable exploration of surrounding waterways and trails. Weekly music, trivia, and karaoke events create community among campers, and the CAMPGrass Music Festival scheduled for October 2 through 4, 2026 promises a special destination event. Five minutes from downtown Sister Bay and 20 minutes from most northern Door County attractions, this campground balances luxury amenities with natural surroundings. Reservations can be made through Campspot, and contact information includes 920-673-3116 and camp-door.com.

Wagon Trail Campground at 1190 County Road ZZ in Ellison Bay stands as the northernmost private campground on the Door County peninsula and has earned a reputation as a "camper's campground" that specializes in quiet nights and secluded sites. Spreading across 75 acres bordering the Mink River Nature Conservancy Preserve, this campground offers 145 sites including tent sites, electric and water sites, full hookup sites that welcome big rigs, and unique accommodation rentals including yurts, rustic cabins, a deluxe cabin, and a travel trailer. Deluxe clean restrooms with free air-conditioned private shower stalls, a laundromat, game room with pool table, adult sitting lounge, gift shop, playground with sandbox, dish washing sinks with drying racks, fish cleaning station, and full dump station provide all necessary amenities. Hiking trails lead directly from the campground to Sandy Bay Beach and to Grandma's Swedish Bakery at nearby Rowley's Bay Resort, creating car-free exploration opportunities. Morning yoga sessions add to the peaceful atmosphere, with quiet hours starting at 10pm maintaining the tranquil environment that earns this campground consistent 9.8 out of 10 ratings. Very dog-friendly policies welcome leashed pets. The 2026 season runs from Friday, May 8 through Monday, October 19. Contact 920-854-4818 or visit wagontrailcampground.com for reservations, noting that seasonal sites currently maintain a waitlist.

Hy-Land Court RV Park and Campground at 11503 Highway 42 in Ellison Bay has operated as a family-owned hidden gem since 1966, offering beautifully landscaped wooded sites between Sister Bay and Ellison Bay. The campground provides more than 80 spacious sites including tent sites and RV sites with full hookups featuring water, sewer, and 20, 30, or 50 amp electric service, with pull-through sites available for larger rigs. Free WiFi covers the entire park, cable TV connects at most sites, fire pits and picnic tables furnish each site, and garbage pickup service keeps things tidy. Free showers, bathrooms, a new laundry facility, ice and firewood delivery to sites, a fish cleaning station, and a large mowed field for dogs complete the amenities. The quiet no-frills atmosphere and excellent dark sky viewing for stars appeal to families seeking peaceful camping without constant activities. Located on Highway 42 with short drives to both Ellison Bay and Sister Bay, the campground sits near Seaquist Orchards Market for cherry picking from mid-July through mid-August, near Newport State Park for wilderness hiking, and convenient to Gills Rock fishing for smallmouth bass. The 2026 season runs from May 8 through October 22, with daily, monthly, and seasonal camping options available. Note that payment is cash or check only. Contact 920-854-4850, camp@hylandcourt.com, or visit hylandcourt.com for bookings through Campspot.

Newport State Park at 475 County Road NP in Ellison Bay delivers Wisconsin's only formally designated wilderness state park and holds distinction as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a bucket-list destination for families seeking true wilderness and exceptional stargazing. The park's 2,373 acres along 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline on the peninsula's quiet eastern side offer 17 backpack campsites including 16 individual sites and 1 group site, all requiring hikes of 0.5 to 3.5 miles from parking areas. This is genuine backpack camping with all gear carried in and all garbage carried out, no carts available. Each site provides a pit toilet nearby, a fire ring with flip-up grill, a steel lock box for food storage, and one or two wooden Leopold benches, but no electricity, no showers, and no picnic tables. Water is available at the park office or at a seasonal solar pump near Lot 3 picnic shelter. Firewood is not sold at the park, with visitors permitted to gather only dead and down wood.

For families with older children ready for a true outdoor adventure, Newport State Park rewards the effort with pristine undeveloped beaches, 30 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles open to off-road bicycles, Europe Lake for paddling and fishing, a wheelchair-accessible Fern Trail, and a Poetry Trail featuring nature-inspired poems. The Dark Sky designation means stargazing here reveals celestial wonders invisible from light-polluted areas, creating magical nighttime experiences for children learning about astronomy. Cross-country skiing on 26 miles of trails extends the season for winter-camping families. Reservations through wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or 888-947-2757 open 11 months in advance and fill quickly given limited site availability. Leashed pets are welcome on designated trails and campsites but not in buildings, picnic areas, or at Newport Bay swimming beach. The park remains open year-round, with a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker required.

Baileys Harbor

The Lake Michigan side of Door County, known as the "quiet side," offers families a distinctly different experience featuring pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, and a more relaxed pace that several excellent campgrounds capture perfectly.

Baileys Grove Campground at 2552 County Road F in Baileys Harbor provides 95 sites in a park-like setting with mature shade trees, making it an excellent base for exploring the eastern shore. All sites include water, electric, fire ring, and picnic table, with many full hookup sites featuring sewer connections and 50-amp electric service. Pull-through sites accommodate RVs up to 45 feet, while tent sites with afternoon shade provide cooler camping during summer days. A heated outdoor swimming pool anchors recreation facilities that include a playground, basketball court, game room, and fitness center. A professional fish cleaning station with freezer storage supports the excellent charter fishing available at the nearby town marina, where boat launching and slip rentals are available. Free WiFi and laundry facilities add convenience. Less than one mile from downtown Baileys Harbor places families within easy reach of shops and restaurants, while Cana Island Lighthouse and The Ridges Sanctuary nearby provide educational adventures. Lake Michigan sandy beaches lie minutes away, and the campground sits just a 10-minute drive from Sister Bay, Ephraim, Fish Creek, and Egg Harbor. Pet-friendly policies welcome four-legged family members. Reservations are available through Campspot.com, with contact through 920-839-2559 or info@baileysgrovecampground.com.

Baileys Woods Campground at 2701 County Road EE in Baileys Harbor offers families an "old school" traditional camping experience reminiscent of Wisconsin state parks but with hookups available. The campground's 85 heavily wooded sites sit tucked in dense woods providing exceptional seclusion and privacy, earning descriptions of "days-gone-by camping" that appeals to families seeking escape from modern life. Sites feature 20 and 30 amp electric hookups and water, with fire pits at each site. A camp store with ice cream and snacks, a dump station, bathhouses with clean showers, free WiFi, firewood availability, and 24/7 on-site management provide practical support. An excellent playground with toys keeps children entertained while parents enjoy the peaceful wooded atmosphere. Big rig-friendly sites and a group site accommodate scout troops and large family reunions. Located on Door County's quiet side just a 1-2 mile drive or bike ride from Baileys Harbor, families find sandy beaches, shopping, dining, fabulous fishing, The Ridges Sanctuary, and Cana Island Lighthouse all close at hand. The typical season runs from May through October, and pets are welcome. Contact 262-470-7091 or visit baileyswoodscampground.com for reservations through Campspot.

Beantown Campground at 8398 County Road F in Baileys Harbor combines traditional camping with diverse accommodation options that give families flexibility in their outdoor experience. Tent sites, full hookup RV sites with 30 or 50 amp service, and various cabin rentals including single, double, and three-bedroom options provide choices for every family size and comfort preference, while "D' Sleepy Yurt" introduces children to alternative camping styles and on-site RV rentals allow families to experience RV camping without owning one. All RV sites are pull-through with full hookups including sewer, water, and electric, featuring spacious layouts of minimum 60 to 80 feet with level grassy and gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. A heated swimming pool open all summer, Rainbow Playground Systems equipment, train rides for children, and a jump pad create memorable recreation. Well-maintained bathhouses support comfortable camping. The 2026 season offers pre-season camping opening April 28, summer camping from June 9 through September 3, and fall camping beginning September 4. Located just one mile from downtown Baileys Harbor, families find beaches, shops, state parks, bike trails, hiking trails, music performances, theaters, and fishing all nearby. Pet-friendly policies welcome dogs, and reservations are available through Campspot.com, by calling 920-839-1439, or through beantowncampground.com.

Washington Island and Rock Island

For families seeking the most unique camping experiences Door County offers, the islands accessible by ferry from the northern tip of the peninsula provide adventures that create lifelong memories.

Washington Island Campground at 745 Eastside Road on Washington Island introduces families to island camping that requires planning but rewards with unmatched experiences. Reaching the island involves taking the Washington Island Ferry from Northport Pier at the end of Highway 42, a 30-minute crossing through Death's Door Passage that accommodates RVs of all sizes up to 42-foot fifth wheels with 13'2" clearance. Ferry rates run $15 per adult round trip, $8 for children ages 6-11, and free for children under 5, with additional vehicle fees. The ferry operates year-round with daily service, and leashed pets ride free. Contact the Washington Island Ferry Line at 800-223-2094 or wisferry.com for current schedules.

The campground itself, operated by hosts Mike and Kayla Stults, offers diverse camping on 75 acres. Non-electric tent sites at $30 per night accommodate one large or two smaller tents with fire pits and picnic tables, and vehicle camping is permitted though generators are not. Electric and water RV sites at $45 per night accommodate all RV sizes. Unique horse sites at $55 per night include water and electric hookups with one included corral, with additional corrals available for $10 per night; a negative Coggins test is required and stallions are not permitted for overnight stays. A group site at $15 per adult per night requires a 10-adult minimum. Cabin rentals range from rustic cabins without toilet at $95 per night to rustic cabins with toilet at $125, deluxe cabins with air conditioning and heat at $140, a premium cabin with full bathroom at $170, and a travel trailer rental at $175. Pets are welcome at campsites and in rustic cabins only for an additional $10 per night, but not in deluxe cabins, premium cabins, or the travel trailer.

A large swimming pond with sandy beach and inflatables including a slide beloved by kids anchors recreation, complemented by a mini golf course, playground, sand volleyball court, pool table, and game room in the main lodge. Newly remodeled bathrooms with free showers, coin laundry, free dump station for campers, firewood and ice sales, and pit toilets scattered throughout the campground support comfortable stays. The 2025 season opens May 16, with holiday weekends including Fourth of July and Labor Day adding $5-10 per night. Cancellation policy requires two weeks notice for refund minus fees, with less notice forfeiting deposits. Island attractions including Schoolhouse Beach with its unique smooth limestone rocks, Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, Washington Island Farm Museum, and excellent fishing at various harbors make the ferry trip worthwhile. Contact 920-847-2622, info@washingtonislandcampground.com, or visit washingtonislandcampground.com.

Rock Island State Park at 1924 Indian Point Road represents the most remote and arguably most magical camping destination in all of Door County, requiring two ferries and offering an experience unlike any other in Wisconsin. From the mainland, families first take the Washington Island Ferry to Washington Island, then drive 8-9 miles across the island to Jackson Harbor, where the Karfi passenger-only ferry provides a 10-minute crossing to Rock Island for approximately $11 round trip per adult. The Karfi operates from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, with schedules available at wisferry.com. No vehicles are allowed on Rock Island, meaning all camping gear must be carried or pulled in small carts permitted on the ferry and island.

The park's 906 acres contain 40 primitive walk-in tent sites plus 2 group campsites, with sites designated as either standard walk-in or backpack sites. The A through D backpack sites require approximately one-mile hikes and sit directly on the water with stunning Lake Michigan views. Each site provides a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets serving camping areas and flush toilets available near the dock. Drinking water is available near the dock and boathouse area, and firewood is sold for $7 per bundle from 4:30 to 5:30 pm with cash required. There is no electricity and no showers anywhere on the island, and no park entry fee or vehicle sticker is required.

What makes this primitive experience extraordinary includes Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse, the 1836 Pottawatomie Lighthouse available for self-guided or volunteer-led tours, the stunning 1929 Thordarson Boathouse built in Viking-inspired stone architecture, more than 2,000 feet of pristine beach, 10 miles of hiking trails, crystal-clear Lake Michigan swimming, and dark sky conditions providing exceptional stargazing. Families with older children who can hike and handle primitive conditions discover a truly special wilderness adventure, exploring historical buildings, swimming in remarkably clear water, and experiencing the kind of natural solitude increasingly rare in the modern world. Reserve through wisconsin.goingtocamp.com well in advance as sites book up a full year ahead for summer weekends. Practical tips include packing light since everything must be carried, bringing extra tarps for Door County's changeable weather, and preparing children for an authentic wilderness experience that rewards those who embrace its challenges.

Essential booking and planning tips

Planning a Door County camping trip requires attention to timing and reservation systems, particularly for the peninsula's extraordinarily popular state parks. Peninsula and Potawatomi State Parks often see their summer weekend sites fill within minutes of reservations opening 11 months in advance, making calendar alerts essential for families with specific dates in mind. Newport and Rock Island State Parks book up quickly despite their primitive nature, with wilderness and Dark Sky designations creating high demand among dedicated outdoor families.

Private campgrounds offer more flexibility but still fill for peak summer weekends from late June through mid-August, and popular holiday weekends including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day require booking months ahead.

Wisconsin State Park camping reservations are made exclusively through wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or by calling 888-947-2757, with a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker required for entry ranging from $8-13 daily to $28-38 annually depending on residency. Private campground reservations increasingly use Campspot.com while others maintain direct booking through their own websites or phone reservations.

Families should understand that Door County's campgrounds operate primarily seasonally from May through October, with most private campgrounds closing for winter. Peninsula State Park's Tennison Bay Campground and Potawatomi State Park offer winter camping for families seeking cold-weather adventure, and Newport State Park permits winter backpack camping for experienced outdoors families.

Firewood restrictions merit attention as Wisconsin prohibits moving firewood due to invasive pest concerns, meaning families should purchase firewood locally from campground stores or certified vendors rather than bringing wood from home. Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site, and state parks allow gathering dead and down wood within park boundaries.

The diversity of Door County camping means families can return year after year exploring different experiences, from resort-style waterpark camping at Harbour Village to wilderness backpacking at Newport State Park, from horse camping at Geitner Homestead to island adventures on Washington and Rock Islands. Each community along the peninsula offers its own character, from bustling Fish Creek to peaceful Baileys Harbor, ensuring families discover their perfect Door County camping destination while creating memories that span generations.

Need to grab a bit to eat outside of the campfire? Here’s your guide to lunch around Door County.