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Whitewater Lake Campground

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Whitewater Lake Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (262) 473-7501

Address N8095 Hi Lo Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190, USA

Website http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/kms/camping.html

Hours

Whitewater Lake Campground Location & Map

WisconsinWalworth CountyWhitewaterHi Lo Road

Whitewater Lake Campground About

Welcome, fellow Wisconsin nature enthusiasts! If you're looking for an escape into the great outdoors without straying too far from home, Whitewater Lake Campground might just be your next favorite spot. Nestled in the heart of southeastern Wisconsin, this campground offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy recreational activities, and unwind amidst picturesque surroundings. Designed with the local camper in mind, Whitewater Lake Campground provides a convenient and engaging experience for families, solo adventurers, and groups alike. While it offers a rustic charm that many seek in a true camping experience, it's also important to have a clear understanding of its offerings to ensure your visit aligns with your expectations. Let’s dive into what makes Whitewater Lake Campground a noteworthy destination for those in the Badger State seeking a natural respite.

Location and Accessibility

Whitewater Lake Campground is conveniently located at N8095 Hi Lo Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190, USA. Its position in southeastern Wisconsin makes it a relatively accessible destination for many residents across the state, particularly those in the southern and eastern regions. The campground is situated near Whitewater, a charming Wisconsin town that offers the convenience of local amenities within a short drive. While the specific directions to individual campsites might require careful attention upon arrival, general access to the campground itself is straightforward, navigating typical Wisconsin country roads. For those relying on supplies, a BP gas station offering provisions is approximately 10 minutes away, and a Walmart is about 20-25 minutes by car, ensuring that last-minute necessities are within reach. It is always advisable to confirm your specific route to your campsite beforehand, as directions provided on confirmation letters have, at times, led visitors to the headquarters rather than directly to their designated site, which can add extra travel time, especially after dark. Additionally, be mindful of posted speed limits on local roads, as enforcement is diligent in the area, with speeds sometimes as low as 15mph, and stop signs at railroad crossings instead of gates.

Services Offered

  • Campsites: Whitewater Lake Campground provides spacious and roomy campsites, allowing for a comfortable stay for various types of campers.
  • Kayak Rentals: For those looking to enjoy the clean waters of Whitewater Lake, kayaks are available for rent directly on-site, offering a convenient way to explore the lake.
  • Pit Toilets: The campground is equipped with pit toilets. Visitors should be prepared for a rustic experience in this regard, as these facilities can sometimes have strong odors and be prone to insects like flies and mosquitoes.
  • No Showers or Flush Toilets On-Site: It is important to note that the campground does not offer showers or flush toilets directly on the premises.
  • Off-Site Shower Access: The nearest public showers are approximately 12 miles away, which translates to about a 25-minute drive one way on country roads. It is worth noting that the water at these off-site showers may be lukewarm and has been reported to have a sulfurous odor.

Features / Highlights

  • Clean Lake Access: One of the standout features of Whitewater Lake Campground is its direct access to Whitewater Lake, known for its clean waters, ideal for activities such as kayaking and general enjoyment.
  • Proximity to Ice Age Trail: The campground boasts a connection to the renowned Ice Age Trail, offering a challenging but rewarding hiking experience with beautiful views and excellent photo opportunities. While the trail connection from the campground may be poorly marked with limited mileage information, the trail itself is a significant draw for hikers.
  • Roomy Campsites: Campers consistently praise the spaciousness of the individual sites, providing a comfortable and less crowded feel.
  • Natural Surroundings: The area offers a genuine outdoor experience, appealing to those who appreciate a more rustic and less developed camping environment.
  • Cellular Reception: For those who need to stay connected, Verizon LTE generally has 3 bars of cellular reception, although actual connection performance may vary.

Promotions or Special Offers

Specific promotions or special offers for Whitewater Lake Campground are not publicly detailed in the provided information. It is always recommended to check the official Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website or contact the campground directly for any current promotions, seasonal rates, or special packages that might be available. Often, state-run campgrounds may offer discounts for Wisconsin residents, senior citizens, or during off-peak seasons. Planning your trip during less busy times could also potentially lead to a more peaceful experience and, at times, reduced rates or bundled offers with other state park passes, though this is not confirmed for Whitewater Lake Campground specifically. Inquire directly about any available rental packages for kayaks or other watercraft that might enhance your lakeside experience.

Contact Information

  • Address: N8095 Hi Lo Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190, USA
  • Phone: (262) 473-7501
  • Mobile Phone: +1 262-473-7501

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Wisconsin locals seeking an authentic outdoor adventure, Whitewater Lake Campground presents a compelling option that balances accessibility with a genuine rustic camping experience. While it's crucial to acknowledge the more basic amenities, such as the absence of on-site showers and flush toilets, these aspects contribute to its appeal for those who prefer a less commercialized and more natural setting. The campground’s roomy sites offer ample space for relaxation and privacy, a significant advantage for campers who appreciate a sense of openness. The true gems of Whitewater Lake Campground lie in its direct access to the clean waters of Whitewater Lake, perfect for kayaking and enjoying the tranquility of the water, and its connection to the renowned Ice Age Trail. This proximity to a demanding yet incredibly scenic hiking trail is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves and immerse in Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Despite some navigational quirks regarding trail markers and initial directions, the rewarding views and photographic opportunities along the trail are well worth the effort. For those who understand and embrace the more traditional camping experience, complete with pit toilets and reliance on off-site facilities for more extensive needs, Whitewater Lake Campground offers an escape into nature without requiring extensive travel. It serves as a reminder that some of the best adventures can be found right in our own backyard, providing a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to reconnect with Wisconsin’s stunning landscapes. While it's always wise to manage expectations regarding amenities like showers and general noise levels, the core offerings of spacious sites, lake access, and trail proximity make it a suitable and memorable destination for many local campers.

Customer Reviews

4.0
114 reviews
T
Tenshii
Sep 06, 2021

Photos are of campsite and nearest hiking trail (ice age trail). The maps are very confusing as to location your campsite and then referencing the nearest trails. (whitewater for reference). No showers or flush stalls on site which we knew of. However the nearest showers are 12 miles away or so, which through country roads translates to 25min drive one way. To top that off, the water was lukewarm at best and absolutely reeked of sulfur (horse rider campground) not about to drive an hour to another camp site. Pit toilets smelled pretty bad and laden with flies and mosquitoes. People here don't really respect the rules regarding noise. Nor does dnr enforce them. Lot of people driving down the wrong way down one ways. Very little wildlife to be seen? Nearest trail was marked very poorly (only one that connects this camping area). With no mileage or good maps close together. Ironically enough the trail was very demanding but with beautiful views and great photo ops. (went about 5 miles up on ice age trail). DNR website very misleading with photos too. It showed a mountain side which isn't even in the southern section lol. What really bothered us is the directions they give you on the confirmation letter are to reach the headquarters and not your camp site. (Why the heck would anyone want to go there? Took us away from our site with another 25 min wasted driving after it already got dark....) There is a BP where you can get some supplies about 10 min away, and a Walmart about 20-25 min away. Weather for this location is very poor. 0% chance of rain and it pours randomly. Cellular reception is 3 bars on Verizon LTE but connection doesn't reflect that. Not a terrible camp by any means, but most definitely take everything into consideration before you come here. Governor dodge state park isn't far away, and it is a much better experience overall. Also be wary of the posted speed limits. Lots of cops in the area, waiting to increase their revenue with speeds as low as 15mph, and no RR crossing gates only stop signs.

E
Erica Phillips
Aug 30, 2024

Nice campground with roomy sites. Lake was clean and you could rent kayaks on site.

R
Robert Przybylowski
May 30, 2023

Recommend site 757, nice open area, wind breeze. Restrooms, pit (in and out:) ) but fairly clean. No showers, the only downside. Definitely hike Ice Age Trail.

A
Al Ellisande
Jun 28, 2017

Nice quite campground. All the site are spread out witth plenty of room around them. Stayed in site 771 which is a walk in. The walk was farther back then expected (Over 1/4 mile) but we'll worth it.

F
Fiona Schimke
Jun 22, 2024

Camped at group site N in the Hickory Woods Group Camp. We easily fit 2 eight person tents and 3 four person tents with a 10x10 canopy to give some coverage over some of the picnic tables. This site is mostly surrounded by trees and you will be far from other campsites but not too far from the bathroom! The toilets are pit toilets with little or no lighting in the building so bring a flashlight or your phone to see clearly! The toilets not having much light and being pretty messy is why I am leaving a 4 star review instead of 5. The other reason for 4 stars is that it was difficult to find a ranger at the ranger station and buy firewood (as advertised) so we bought firewood from Casey's in town. For a few surprises, there is also a steep trail leading into the woods at this site, which was nice and there is a cast iron grill attached to the fire pit. I highly recommend camping here as it is surrounded by trails, it's not even 5 minutes away from Whitewater Beach, and only 10 minutes away from town and anything you could need!