Group Campground

For Wisconsin families, friends, or organizations looking to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors together, the Group Campground within Lake Kegonsa State Park in Stoughton, WI, stands out as an exceptional choice. Unlike individual campsites, this dedicated area is specifically designed to accommodate larger gatherings, providing ample space and a setting conducive to communal enjoyment. It has garnered a reputation as a go-to spot for large family camping trips, offering the room needed for multiple tents and a comfortable shared experience. Part of the broader Lake Kegonsa State Park, which spans 342 acres along the shores of the 3,200-acre Lake Kegonsa, the Group Campground allows visitors to immerse themselves in a natural environment featuring woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. It’s a place where the simplicity of nature is celebrated, offering a refreshing escape from daily routines while providing enough infrastructure to make group camping enjoyable and manageable. The park system itself is a testament to Wisconsin's commitment to preserving natural spaces for public recreation, and the Group Campground perfectly exemplifies this mission for collective outdoor experiences.

The Group Campground is nestled within the beautiful Lake Kegonsa State Park, located at 2405 Door Creek Road, Stoughton, WI 53589, USA. While the provided address references "Group Camp Rd," this typically refers to the specific access road within the larger state park. Lake Kegonsa State Park itself is situated on the northeast shore of Lake Kegonsa, offering campers convenient access to the expansive lake.

The park's location in Stoughton, Dane County, ensures excellent accessibility from various parts of Wisconsin. For those traveling from Madison, it’s a relatively short and straightforward drive, making it a viable option for a quick weekend getaway. From I-90, visitors can take exit 147 (Hwy N) and follow directional signs to the park. The journey leads through scenic rural landscapes, setting the tone for a relaxing outdoor experience.

One of the major advantages of this location is its proximity to Lake Kegonsa itself. A boat launch is available within a mile of the campground, providing easy access for fishing, boating, water-skiing, and sailing on the 3,200-acre lake. This is a significant draw for groups who enjoy water-based activities as part of their camping adventure. While the group campsites are for tents only, the overall park is equipped to handle a variety of visitors. The park is well-marked with signs, making navigation simple once inside. This combination of easy road access and immediate proximity to a major recreational lake makes the Group Campground a highly desirable and convenient choice for group outings in southern Wisconsin.

• Large Group Campsites: The core service offered by the Group Campground is its provision of spacious sites specifically designed for large gatherings. There are six dedicated group campsites within Lake Kegonsa State Park, each capable of accommodating up to 20 campers. This ample space is ideal for multiple tents, as noted by visitors who could set up 8 tents with room for more.

• Vault Toilets: For convenience, two vault toilets are strategically located within the group camping area. While not flush toilets, they provide essential facilities for larger groups.

• Water Fountains: Two water fountains are available within the group camp, ensuring access to potable water for all campers. This is crucial for hydration and basic needs during a group stay.

• Picnic Shelter (at Group Site B): One of the group sites (Group Site B) includes a picnic shelter, offering a covered area for communal meals, activities, or shelter from the elements. This is a valuable amenity for group events.

• Common Recreational Area: Nearby the group campsites, there is a common area equipped with a sand volleyball court and a horseshoe pit, along with a ball field. These amenities provide organized recreational opportunities for group members, fostering interaction and fun.

• Limited On-Site Parking with Overflow: Each group site has limited parking for up to six cars, but an overflow parking area is conveniently available near the beach, accommodating larger groups' vehicle needs.

• Firewood for Purchase: While not directly at the group camp, a concessionaire sells firewood on all weekends during the camping season (and daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day) at the park office/woodshed, ensuring campers can enjoy a campfire.

• Access to Lake Kegonsa State Park Amenities: Campers at the Group Campground have full access to all other amenities within Lake Kegonsa State Park, including the swimming beach, picnic areas with grills, hiking trails, a boat launch (within a mile), and excellent fishing opportunities on Lake Kegonsa.

• Generously Sized Group Sites: The most significant highlight is the sheer size of the group campsites. Designed to hold up to 20 campers, these sites offer ample room for numerous tents, ensuring that even large families or multiple families camping together have plenty of space and do not feel crowded. This feature is consistently praised by those who utilize it for big gatherings.

• Abundant Shade and Rain Protection: The campsites boast plenty of trees, providing natural shade from the sun and a degree of shelter from rain. This natural canopy enhances comfort, especially during warmer Wisconsin summers, and adds to the rustic charm of the camping experience.

• Proximity to Lake Kegonsa: Being part of Lake Kegonsa State Park means direct and easy access to the expansive Lake Kegonsa. This is a major draw for activities like fishing, swimming at the beach, boating, and kayaking, allowing groups to combine land-based camping with water recreation.

• Variety of On-Site Recreational Facilities: The presence of a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and a ball field near the group campsites offers built-in entertainment options for all ages. These common areas are perfect for friendly competition and group bonding activities.

• Essential Facilities: While rustic, the provision of vault toilets and water fountains directly within the group camp area, along with flush toilets and showers at the main campground entrance, ensures basic needs are met comfortably.

• Natural Setting: The campground is set within the diverse ecosystems of Lake Kegonsa State Park, allowing for immersive nature experiences. Campers can explore hiking trails through oak woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and quiet reflection.

• Dedicated for Tents: The group campsites are specifically designated for tent camping (no RVs, trailers, or pop-ups allowed in the group camp area), preserving a more traditional and rustic camping experience for larger tent-based groups.

As a state park campground, Group Campground at Lake Kegonsa State Park primarily operates under the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fee structure. This means that special promotions or short-term offers are generally not common in the same way they might be for private businesses. The fees for group campsites are typically standardized and can be found on the Wisconsin DNR's state park reservation website or by contacting the park directly.

However, visitors can look for overall state park system benefits, such as:

• Wisconsin State Park System Vehicle Admission Stickers: Annual or daily stickers are required for vehicle entry into all Wisconsin State Parks, including Lake Kegonsa. Purchasing an annual sticker can be a cost-saving measure for locals who plan to visit multiple state parks throughout the year.
• "Free Fun Weekends": Periodically, the Wisconsin DNR hosts "Free Fun Weekends" where vehicle admission stickers and fishing licenses are waived across all state parks. While not specific to group camping, these weekends offer an excellent opportunity to experience the park without the usual entry fee. Check the Wisconsin DNR website for dates.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding reservation availability, specific fees for group campsites, or any broader state park system initiatives that might indirectly offer value, it is highly recommended to visit the official Wisconsin DNR website for Lake Kegonsa State Park or call the park office directly.

Contacting the park directly (phone number for Lake Kegonsa State Park is (608) 873-9695) is the best way to get details on booking group sites and understanding any associated costs or rules that may apply. Group sites often require advance reservations, especially during peak camping season (May 1 through October 31), so early planning is advisable.

To plan your group camping adventure at Lake Kegonsa State Park's Group Campground, or for any inquiries regarding reservations, park regulations, or amenities, you can utilize the following contact details:

Address: The Group Campground is located within Lake Kegonsa State Park, at 2405 Door Creek Road, Stoughton, WI 53589, USA. (While the specific "Group Camp Rd" is an internal park road, the main park address is used for external contact.)

Phone: (608) 873-9695 (This is the main phone number for Lake Kegonsa State Park, which oversees the Group Campground).

Reservations for Wisconsin State Parks, including group sites, can often be made online through the Wisconsin DNR's reservation system or by calling a toll-free number for state park reservations, which is typically (888) WI-PARKS or (888) 947-2757. It is highly advisable to make reservations well in advance, especially for group sites during peak season, as they can fill up quickly.

For Wisconsin locals, the Group Campground at Lake Kegonsa State Park presents an ideal opportunity to reconnect with nature and each other, making it an incredibly suitable and appealing destination. Its design and location cater specifically to the needs and desires of groups, from large family reunions to gatherings of friends or youth organizations.

One of the primary reasons for its suitability is the sheer space it provides. Unlike individual campsites, the dedicated group sites offer ample room for multiple tents, allowing extended families to set up comfortably without feeling cramped. This "plenty more room to set up" fosters a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, which is essential for successful group outings. The abundance of trees for "shade and rain" protection further enhances comfort, making it enjoyable regardless of the weather conditions that Wisconsin summers can sometimes bring.

Moreover, the campground's integration within Lake Kegonsa State Park opens up a world of accessible outdoor activities. Locals can enjoy direct access to the 3,200-acre Lake Kegonsa for fishing, swimming at the public beach, boating, and water-skiing. The park also boasts over five miles of hiking trails, perfect for exploring the diverse landscapes of oak woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. These opportunities for recreation, combined with the dedicated common areas featuring a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and ball field within the group camp, ensure there's always something to do for all ages and interests.

The "mellow atmosphere" of the park contributes to a truly relaxing escape. It's a place where the focus is on shared experiences and enjoying the natural environment. While the mention of chiggers in a review is a reminder of being in nature, it's a common consideration for any outdoor enthusiast and highlights the authenticity of the natural setting. Knowing that the park is part of the well-managed Wisconsin State Park system provides a level of assurance regarding maintenance and facilities, even if the group sites are more rustic (tent-only with vault toilets).

Ultimately, for Wisconsin residents looking for a dedicated space to host a significant outdoor gathering, complete with essential amenities and a wide array of recreational opportunities right on their doorstep, the Group Campground at Lake Kegonsa State Park is an excellent choice. It provides the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories, fostering togetherness, and experiencing the best of Wisconsin's natural beauty in a communal setting.