Top 22 Wisconsin Bike Trails near Campgrounds

For cyclists looking to camp overnight, Wisconsin offers many bike trails with nearby campgrounds. Some avid cyclists link trails together for multi-day rides, while others simply enjoy camping and day of cycling. This list includes trails are ranked according to the number of nearby campgrounds, their proximity to the trail, and facilities available.

#1 Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Journeying through west central Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail is the nation’s oldest rail-to-trail path. It is part of a network of bike paths called Bike4Trails. Bicyclists may travel 101 miles on four connected trails from Reedsburg northwest to Marshland. Many avid cyclists traveling this route look for campgrounds along the way. Elroy-Sparta State Trail has several options right off the path.

There are two Wisconsin DNR campgrounds on the trail. In Elroy, there is the DNR Allen Thompson Memorial Park and Walk-In Campground, located on Wisconsin State Highway 71 highway across from a trailhead. A paved service road on the south side of the highway is gated to prevent vehicles from entering the campsites. Cyclists lift their bikes over the gate and proceed up a steep 0.2 mile road to the 13 tent campsites. Toilets and a water pump are provided. An onsite drop box allows for campsite registration.

The Sparta Walk-in Campground connects 5 campsites to the main path via a short spur trail. The campground has restrooms, a hand pump for well drinking water, self-registration station, and information kiosk. Campsites are hike-in tent sites with a fire ring, picnic table and no vehicle access. Campers are required to make reservations online before setting up camp. No firewood is available for sale.

Wilton and Norwalk have local parks and campgrounds. Wilton Community Park and Campground is at the end of East Street. It has 50 sites with electric hook-ups, restrooms, showers, sanitary dump station, and drinking water at the bathhouse. The adjoining park features a swimming pool, playground, athletic courts, ball diamond, and wi-fi.

The Village of Norwalk Park and Campground is on Mill Street, next to the trail. It has 10 sites for RVs, which come with a gravel pad, fire ring, picnic table, and electrical hook-up. Free tent camping is provided in another area of the park with no campsite amenities. The park has restrooms, pay showers, two covered picnic shelters, and a playground.

Tunnel Trail Campground is a full-service private campground located on the trail between Wilton and Kendall. It is reached by car from Wisconsin State Highway 71. There are over 50 campsites with water and electrical hook-ups for tents and RVs. Cabin rentals are also available. Amenities include restrooms, showers, a swimming pool, mini-golf course, grocery store, playground, wi-fi, game room, athletic courts and horseshoe pits, a laundry facility, and sanitary dump station. The campground also offers bike rentals for its patrons.

#2 Sunset Trail at Peninsula State Park

Sunset Trail meanders for ten miles through Peninsula State Park in northeastern Wisconsin. One of five state parks in Door County, Peninsula State Park is the third largest in the state and is well-equipped with amenities. This includes five campgrounds with 468 sites. There are also three group campsites for tent camping. The wood yard is located on Bluff Road, and the dumping station is on Shore Road by Tennison Bay campground All five family campgrounds are all found along Sunset Trail. Trail-goers may pick from Tennison Bay, North Nicolet Bay, South Nicolet Bay, Weborg Point, or Welcker’s Point Campgrounds.

Weborg Point Campground has 12 reservable, electric sites. There is one hot water shower and and a flush toilet building. Other amenities include drinking water, garbage and recycling receptacles, and a fishing pier. It is accessed by departing Sunset Trail at Nelson’s Bay and going south 175 yards on Shore Road to Weborg Point.

Welcker’s Point Campground has 81 campsites with no electrical hookups. All sites are reservable. This campground has two shower buildings and one flush toilet building. There is drinking water, garbage and recycling receptacles, and vault toilets. From Sunset Trail, the campground is accessed from a spur trail near Nicolet Bay Boat Launch, or further west, by leaving the trail to enter the campground off Shore Road.

Tennison Bay Campground is best accessed from Sunset Trail by going up the driveway from the Tennison Bay Kayak Launch. This road travels through the campground. It has 188 sites; 97 are electric. All sites are reservable. Drinking water and garbage and recycling receptacles are found there. Two hot water showers and flush toilet buildings are centrally located. Three flush toilet buildings without showers are located throughout the campground. The campground has a playground and boat launch.

North Nicolet Bay Campground is the next campground. It has 44 sites with no electrical hookups. All sites are reservable. The campground has hot water showers, flush toilet facilities, and a cold water flush toilet building without showers. Additional showers are in the beach area. Drinking water and garbage and recycling receptacles are found there. The campground extends north from Nicolet Beach. It is reached by departing Sunset Trail at Nicolet Beach and taking a road into the campground.

Lastly, South Nicolet Bay Campground is west of Nicolet Beach and is accessed from Sunset Trail by taking Shore Road at Nicolet Beach to the southwest. The campground has 143 sites; 54 with electricity. South Nicolet Bay campground has two hot water, shower, and flush toilet facilities. Additional showers are in the beach area. Drinking water and garbage and recycling receptacles are found there also.

#3 Lake to Lake Trail

Located in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, the seven-mile Lake to Lake Trail connects Long Lake Recreation Area and Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Along its route, the trail travels through the picturesque glaciated landscape of the state forest. It also passes through the small community of Dundee where snack and dining options are located.

Long Lake Recreation Area has 200 campsites, some with electricity. There are flush and vault toilets, as well as showers. Drinking water is located by the showers and restrooms. A sanitary dump station and recycling/garbage station are provided also. Firewood is available for sale. Long Lake Campground is open for camping the first weekend in May through mid-October. Other amenities there include swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking.

Mauthe Lake Recreation Area provides 135 campsites, including 51 electrical sites. There is one shower building with flush toilets and several vault toilets throughout the campground. Drinking water is located in each section. A dump station and recycling/garbage station are provided also. Firewood is for sale there. Mauthe Lake campground is open year-round. It has a swimming beach, playground, and picnic areas with shelters. Food and drink concessions and kayak/canoe rentals are available seasonally.

#4 Old Highway 131 Trail

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is home to the Old Highway 131 Trail. The reserve contains 26 primitive campsites, some accessible by vehicle and others for trail-users. About six campsites are directly on the Old Highway 131 Trail or a short distance from it. These are primitive sites with no electricity, restrooms, potable water, or picnic tables. Guests are allowed to burn dead and downed wood found on the reserve. Additionally, they are asked to use existing fire pits, not burn garbage, observe posted camp area capacity limits, prevent human waste from entering water, and pick up and pack out all litter. 

The fee for campsites vary. Vehicle-accessible sites are $15/night. Canoe-accessible and hike-in, bike-in, or horseback-accessible are $10/night. All campers are required to register and obtain camping permits prior to setting up camp. Permits are available online or at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center on the day of arrival or up to 45 days in advance. Potable water and bathrooms are available at the Visitor Center near the parking lot and Village of La Farge Campground. Firewood is sold in La Farge. Additional camping is available at nearby Wildcat Mountain State Park.

#5 Ahnapee State Trail: Maplewood to Algoma

There are two campgrounds located along this northeastern Wisconsin trail segment. The path from Maplewood to Algoma is 10.6 miles. Less than two miles up the trail from its end at Algoma are Ahnapee Shores Camping Resort and Timber Trail Campground. Both are easily accessible from the trail, and have ample amenities to serve trail-going campers.

Ahnapee Shores Camping Resort has 72 sites on 33 acres. It features restrooms, showers, dumping station, pool, playground, hiking trails, and recreational spaces. The campground sits next to the Ahnapee River. Timber Trail Campground has sites with electricity and water, but also primitive tent camping sites. Their amenities include showers, restrooms, dumping station, pool, playground, store, laundry, and game room.

#6 Lower Yahara River Trail

South of Madison, this trail passes by William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park. It journeys 5 miles along Lake Waukesha and through McFarland. The trail boasts the longest inland boardwalk bridge for non-motorized vehicles in North America.

The Lower Yahara River Trail directly passes by a campground at William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park. It has 54 reservable sites, including 39 electrical hookups for RVs. The campground has restrooms, showers, wi-fi, and a sanitary dump station. A group campsite is also available at the county park, and is accessed from the trail.

#7 Capital City State Trail

Running 17 miles through Madison and Fitchburg, the paved Capital City State Trail is a popular route in southern Wisconsin. It traverses scenic countryside and urban areas. The trail connects with several other trails, including the Military Ridge State Trail and the Badger State Trail. Future plans call for expansion east to the Glacial Drumlin State Trail.

A campground is found near the Capital City State Trail’s junction with the Lower Yahara River Trail. It is part of William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, located on the northern shore of Lake Waubesa. It has 54 reservable sites, including 39 electrical hookups for RVs. Other facilities include restrooms, showers, wi-fi, and a sanitary dump station. A group campsite is also available at the county park.

#8 The “400” State Trail

Named for a historic train that traveled 400 miles between Chicago and Minneapolis in 400 minutes, the “400” State Trail opened in1993. The path follows part of the rail line for 22 miles from Reedsburg to Elroy. Scenes of the picturesque Baraboo River valley in west central Wisconsin are found along the route.

The “400” State Trail has three nearby campgrounds. Baker’s Field Campground is on the north side of Wonewoc and directly off the path. It is an open field next to the path, used by trail-goers for tent camping. It has no amenities, except firewood and fire ring. Guests are asked to carry out refuse. Campsites are free. Another campground is half a mile away at Wonewoc Legion Park. It is a full-service campground with many amenities.

Schultz Park is in Elroy across Wisconsin State Highways 80-82 from the trail. It serves as a fairground, and has restrooms, showers, playground, swimming pool, and athletic fields. Tent and electric campsites are available. Fees are paid at the Elroy Commons Trail Shop.

#9 Pine Line Trail

In Northwestern Wisconsin, the Pine Line Trail heads south from Prentice to Medford. The route features scenic forests and farmland. The surface of the rugged trail is gravel, so mountain bikes are recommended. Five miles north of Medford, the surface turns to screened stone, making the ride easier.

There are three campgrounds along this 26-mile trail. In Ogema, Pioneer Park and Campground sits on an old mill pond. There are seven camp sites with fire rings or grills, and picnic tables. No fee or reservations are required. It’s first come, first serve. The park has a pavilion, gazebo, flush toilets, shore fishing, playground, and nature trail.

Near Whittlesey, a modest campground is at Lion’s Park. It is directly on the trail, and has a few sites with portable toilets. The Medford City Park has nine campsites with concrete slabs for RV campers. Water and electrical hookups are available, and sanitation disposal is at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Restrooms and showers are nearby at the public pool.

#10 Military Ridge State Trail

Traveling 40 miles in southwest Wisconsin, the Military Ridge State Trail runs along a large ridge and follows an old railroad line. Its name comes from the ridge, on which U.S. soldiers built a road in the 1830s. The trail passes through rolling countryside from Dodgeville to Madison. There, it connects with other trails to allow for an expanded biking trip.

From the trail’s junction with County Highway Z, it is a short ride north to a spur trail into Governor Dodge State Park and it two campgrounds. There are 269 standard campsites in Twin Valley and Cox Hollow Campgrounds. Electrical hookups are available at 80 sites. Both campgrounds have showers, restrooms buildings, dumping stations, and playgrounds.

West of Blue Mounds, a paved spur trail leads north to Blue Mounds State Park. Perched atop the highest point in southern Wisconsin, the park has spectacular views and unique geological features. Its campground has 77 wooded sites and 12 bike/hike-in sites. There’s a restroom and shower building, with pit toilets and water fountains throughout the campground. A dump station is at the campground entrance.

#11 Tomorrow River State Trail

In east central Wisconsin, the Tomorrow River State Trail journeys 30 miles from Plover to Manawa. The route traces an abandoned rail line past rolling fields, thick forests, and swampy marshes. It travels through the picturesque countryside of Portage and Waupaca counties, and the communities of Amherst Junction, Scandinavia, and Ogdensburg.

Lake Emily County Park sits about a mile west of Amherst Junction, and the trail runs next to the south campground. Between its north and south campgrounds, this well-outfitted park offers 69 campsites. All have electric hookups, except three tent sites located by the Tomorrow River State Trail. Both campgrounds have restrooms, showers, drinking water, and dump stations. The county park also features a swimming beach, boat ramp, picnic area and shelters, playground, nature trail, and ball field.

#12 Chippewa River State Trail

In northwest Wisconsin, the Chippewa River State Trail runs 30 miles through Eau Claire, Dunn, and Pepin Counties. The trail begins in Eau Claire and ends in Durand, It travels near the Chippewa River, through the small communities of Caryville, and Meridean.

Tarrant City Park and Campground is located at the trail’s end in Durand. It offers a swimming pool and bathhouse, picnic shelters, playgrounds, athletic courts, and restrooms. The campground has 10 RV concrete pad sites with electric and water hookups. There also are 8 tent sites with electricity. The campground has restrooms and a dump station. Camping fees are paid at a payment drop box there.

#13 La Crosse River State Trail

The La Crosse River State Trail travels 21 miles through an unglaciated river valley in west central Wisconsin. The trail runs between Sparta and La Crosse, through beautiful forests, farmfields, and marshes. It also passes through Rockland, Bangor, and West Salem. Each community offers trail-goers a glimpse into its unique history and character.

About 1.5 mile west of West Salem, a spur trail leads north under a railroad bridge to Veterans Memorial County Park and Campground. The campground has over 100 sites with electrical hookups. Other amenities include a dump station, drinking water, firewood for sale, flush toilets and showers, and a camp store. The park has playgrounds, a fishing pond, canoe landing, walking trails, shuffleboard, and horseshoes.

#14 Great River State Trail

For 24 miles, the Great River State Trail runs along the Mississippi River in west central Wisconsin. It travels between La Crosse and Marshland through the scenic river valley. Along the way, it passes farmlands, forests, wetlands, and high bluffs. There are many opportunities for birdwatching.

North of Trempealeau, a spur trail branches off to Perrot State Park. Named for a 17th-century French fur trader, Perrot State Park is nestled among 500-foot bluffs where the Trempealeau and Mississippi Rivers meet. The spur trail leads directly to a campground with 102 sites (47 with electric hookups). Amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station.

#15 Old Abe State Trail

In northwestern Wisconsin, the Old Abe State Trail begins in Cornell at Brunet Island State Park, and follows the Chippewa River to Eau Claire. This 37-mile trail follows an old route of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. The path traverses forests and farmland, passing through Chippewa Falls. The trail’s name commemorates “Old Abe,” a bald eagle used as a mascot by soldiers of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War.

There are two campgrounds at Brunet Island State Park. The South Campground has 24 sites with electricity, and a shower building with flush toilets. The North Campground has no electric service, but many of its 45 campsites are on the shore of the Chippewa River and its inlets. This campground has pit toilets. Drinking water is available at both campgrounds.

#16 Hiawatha State Trail: Heafford Junction to Tomahawk

In north central Wisconsin, the Bearskin-Hiawatha State Trail travels south from Minocqua to Tomahawk. The 32-mile route passes beautiful pine forests, clear lakes, and wetland marshes. The trail is named for Bearskin Creek that runs adjacent to much of the trail, and The Hiawatha, the old streamliner train whose line the trail now follows.

The Hiawatha Trail is the southern section of the route. It ends in Tomahawk by SARA Park. The city park is on the banks of the Wisconsin River on the north side of the city. Amenities include a public boat landing, swimming beach, ball diamonds, ice arena, dog park, picnic area, and restrooms. The campground has 10 sites on the banks of the Wisconsin River. Each one has electric and water hookups. There are also restrooms with showers.

#17 Rawley Point Trail

Rawley Point Trail travels through Point Beach State Forest in northeastern Wisconsin. The scenic trail traverses a forest of hemlock, pines, and cedars. Additionally, it meanders over sandy ridges and low swales. These swales are long and narrow channels of water in which vegetaion grows. The topography reflects the ancient shoreline of glacial Lake Nipissing. Today, Point Beach State Forest sits on a piece of land that juts out into Lake Michigan.

The state forest’s family campground sits next to Rawley Point Trail. The campground has 127 sites, 70 of them with electricity. All of the sites are within walking distance of Lake Michigan. All of the sites are wooded. Facilities include a playgound, flush toilets, shower building, firewood for sale, a dump station, and garbage and recycling receptacles. The state forest also has group indoor and outdoor camping available.

#18 Wild Goose State Trail: WI State Highway 60 to Burnett

In east central Wisconsin, the Wild Goose State Trail passes through Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties. It begins at Wisconsin State Highway 60 near Clyman and travels 34 miles to Fond du Lac. The route follows an abandoned railroad line, making its way through farmland and low marshes, bordering the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.

In Juneau, the trail passes through quaint Wild Goose Park. This city park has athletic fields, playgrounds, and picnic tables. The covered shelter has restrooms and drinking water. There are 8 campsites for tents and RV campers under 18 feet. Campsites do not have electric or water hookups, but campfire rings and cooking grills are provided. Camping fees are paid at a self-service station there.

#19 Bugline Trail: Sussex to Menominee Falls

The Bugline Trail journeys east from North Lake for 16 miles to Menominee Falls. The Waukesha County trail is paved and in excellent condition. While the scenery to the west is more rural, the eastern segment is suburban. However, most of the route travels through forests or is bordered by trees and bushes, providing for a secluded ride.

Between Sussex and Lannon, a spur trail leads to Menominee Park. Facilites include a pavilion and concession stand (with a summer beer garden), picnic areas, dog exercise areas, swimming beach, playgrounds, volleyball courts, archery range, and nature trails. For Bugline Trail users, the park has bike racks, an informational kiosk, and a self-service bicycle repair station. There are 30 family camping sites at the park. Drinking water is located near the pit toilets. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. None have electric hook-ups. The park charges for a daily park permit in addition to camping fees.

#20 Rountree Branch Trail: Platteville

The Rountree Branch Trail runs for 2.7 miles in Platteville. It connects to the Mound View State Trail and continues east to Belmont another 7 miles. In Platteville, Mound View Park and Campground is accessed by taking a spur trail north from Rountree Branch Trail. The Prairie View Trail goes north for a half mile to the park and campround.

Mound View Park and Campground has 15 campsites, all reservable online. A self-service pay station is located by the restrooms and showers. Campsites one through seven are tent sites, eight through fifteen are for recreational vehicles. Sites have electric and water hook-ups. There also is a sanitary dump station.

#21 Pine River Trail: Richland Center to Twin Bluffs

The Pine River Trail travels through southwestern Wisconsin from Richland Center to Lone Rock for slightly over 16 miles. The path journeys along the edge of the Ocooch Mountains in the Drifless Area and follws the Pine River for much of its distance. It also traverses the unique sandy landscape of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway.

Camping is available in Richland Center. At the start of the trail is Krouskop Park. Included in its amenities are five campsites with electric and water hook ups. Restrooms are nearby. Old Mill Pond Park also has five campsites with electric and water hook-ups. A portable toilet is onsite there. The park is just 400 feet west of the trail on Seminary Street.

#22 Sugar River State Trail: New Glarus to Monticello

In southwestern Wisconsin, the Sugar River State Trail travels 23.5 miles from New Glarus to Brodhead. The trail takes its name from the nearby Sugar and Little Sugar Rivers. It traverses gently rolling hills and meadows, as well as farmland and river bottoms. Along its route, the trail passes through Monticello and Albany.

Near the start of the Sugar River State Trail in New Glarus, a paved 1.5 mile spur trail heads south next to Wisconsin State Highway 69, to New Glarus Woods State Park. The park has a small, primitive campground with 18 drive-in campsites for tent and small RV campers. There also are 14 “walk-in” sites, solely for tent camping. The campground has drinking water and pit toilets, but no sanitary dump station.