18 Wisconsin Campgrounds With Dog-Friendly Trails Near The Site
Wisconsin quietly stacked the deck for campers with dogs. Some parks here set aside their own pet swim beaches, pet picnic spots, and trails that start a few steps from the tent flap.
That means less driving, fewer rules to memorize, and more time sniffing pine needles together. From Mississippi River bluffs to Lake Superior waterfalls, these 18 campgrounds pair a good night’s sleep with paths your pup can legally pad down.
Grab a water bowl and read on.
1. Devil’s Lake State Park Campgrounds, Baraboo
Twenty-nine miles of pet-welcome trails wrap around this famous quartzite lake, and most of them begin near camp.
Pets must be kept on a physical leash no longer than eight feet when they are outside the water. Devil’s Lake has designated pet swim areas, including an off-leash pet swim area near the south shore boat launch.
A pet picnic area sits on the north shore, east of the railroad tracks. Skip the main beaches, playgrounds, and buildings with your dog.
2. Governor Dodge State Park Campgrounds, Dodgeville
More than 40 miles of trails extend throughout Governor Dodge State Park, providing plenty of options for exploring with your dog.
Dogs are welcome throughout the campgrounds and trail system on an eight-foot leash. Two pet swim and picnic areas serve as cool-down stations, one of them on Cox Hollow Lake.
Morning walks through the oak hills feel quiet. Pack a towel, because most dogs discover that lake water quickly.
3. Mirror Lake State Park Campgrounds, Baraboo
Glass-calm water gave this Baraboo park its name, and the reflections really are that still on quiet mornings.
Dogs join you in the campgrounds and on trails when they are not snow-covered, leashed to eight feet.
Echo Rock Trail and other park trails offer sandstone scenery. Dogs may walk through picnic areas only when traveling to or from a hiking trail, and pets must remain on a leash no longer than eight feet.
Beaches remain off-limits.
4. Wildcat Mountain State Park Campgrounds, Ontario
Ridge-top views over the Kickapoo River valley make this Ontario park feel taller than it is.
Dogs are allowed in the campgrounds with a leash of six to eight feet. Twenty miles of hiking, nature, and equestrian trails spread across the Driftless Area.
Horse traffic shares some paths, so a short leash helps everyone pass politely. Cooler shoulder seasons suit thick-coated breeds best here.
5. Perrot State Park Campgrounds, Trempealeau
Few campgrounds put a Mississippi River bluff this close to your picnic table.
Leashed dogs, six to eight feet, are welcome in camp and on most of the park’s 12.5 miles of trails.
Brady’s Bluff Trail climbs hard and pays out in huge river views. Riverview Trail runs gentler for older pups.
Buildings, beaches, and swimming areas stay people-only, so plan water breaks at your site.
6. Harrington Beach State Park Campgrounds, Belgium
Harrington Beach State Park has a designated pet swim area at South Beach, along with several pet-friendly trails.
Pets are permitted in the camping areas and on trails with a six to eight foot leash.
The one-mile Quarry Lake Trail is universally accessible, which is a gift for strollers and senior dogs. Add the 1.7-mile Service Road Trail or the 0.8-mile Whitetail Trail for a longer loop.
7. Point Beach State Forest Campgrounds, Two Rivers
Sand, pine, and a tall white lighthouse set the scene along this Two Rivers shoreline.
Dogs are allowed at the tent sites and cabins, plus throughout the forest, on an eight-foot leash.
Seventeen miles of hiking trails wander through dune ridges and hardwoods. A separate dog beach sits south of the lighthouse.
Nature trails and the beach north of the lighthouse are closed to pets.
8. Copper Falls State Park Campgrounds, Mellen
Tannin-dark water tumbling through a rock gorge makes this Mellen park unforgettable.
Dogs are welcome in the campgrounds, and a designated pet area next to the main picnic area offers water access to the Bad River.
Leashes are required everywhere, which matters near steep overlooks. Morning light in the gorge is worth an early wake-up.
Bring a grippy harness for the boardwalk stairs and wooden bridges.
9. Lake Kegonsa State Park Campgrounds, Stoughton
Just south of Madison, this Stoughton park keeps things simple and swimmable.
Leashed dogs, six to eight feet, may use the campgrounds and every hiking trail except the White Oak Nature Trail.
A pet-friendly swimming area gives retrievers their moment. Main picnic areas, playgrounds, buildings, and the main beach stay pet-free.
Short trails make it a friendly choice for a first camping trip with a young dog.
10. New Glarus Woods State Park Campgrounds, New Glarus
Campers here get a rail-trail on one side and quiet woods on the other.
Dogs are allowed in the campgrounds and designated areas, leashed to six feet and attended at all times.
The 24-mile Sugar River State Trail is surfaced mostly with crushed stone and has direct access from New Glarus Woods State Park. The park also has its own hiking trails through woods and prairie.
Hilltop sites catch a breeze on warm evenings.
11. Peninsula State Park Campgrounds, Fish Creek
Door County’s biggest park hands you five campgrounds and more than 20 miles of trails.
Leashed dogs, six feet, are welcome in camp and on the paths, but never left alone at a site.
Try the two-mile Sentinel loop, the rugged Eagle Trail, the 1.8-mile Hemlock Trail, or the 2.2-mile Nicolet Bay Trail.
A pet picnic area waits in the Pines near Nicolet Beach.
12. Big Bay State Park Campgrounds, La Pointe
Getting here involves a ferry ride to Madeline Island, and yes, dogs travel too.
Big Bay State Park in La Pointe welcomes pets in the campground and on most of its seven miles of trails.
Leashes run six to eight feet, and dogs must be attended. Sandstone cliffs and Lake Superior views line the route.
The main beach and boardwalk are off-limits to pups.
13. Buckhorn State Park Campgrounds, Necedah
Sand prairie, oak savanna, and a big flowage: Buckhorn mixes habitats fast.
Leashed dogs, eight feet, are allowed in the campgrounds and most park areas. A small dog swimming beach sits off Water Street.
Nature trails and cross-country ski trails are closed to pets, so check the map before setting out.
Ten trails total, including the park’s main loop and the Sand Prairie Trail, keep legs busy.
14. High Cliff State Park Campgrounds, Sherwood
A limestone escarpment rises above Lake Winnebago, and the trails climb right along the edge.
The 118-site campground in Sherwood welcomes leashed pets on eight-foot leads, along with the wooded hiking routes.
Two pet picnic areas exist, and one even includes a swimming pond. A dog beach sits near the marina.
Sunset over the lake from the ledge is a fine way to end a walk.
15. Willow River State Park Campgrounds, Hudson
The Willow Falls Trail leaves straight from the campground, which is about as convenient as trails get.
Willow River State Park near Hudson allows leashed dogs, eight feet or less, on most of its 13-mile trail network.
The falls roar through a gorge and make a great turnaround point. Buildings and beach areas are closed to pets.
Rocky sections favor sturdy paws and steady footing.
16. Kohler-Andrae State Park Campgrounds, Sheboygan
Dunes, marsh boardwalks, and Lake Michigan surf all sit within a short walk of the Sheboygan campsites.
Pets are welcome on the Black River Hiking Trail, Black River Marsh Boardwalk, Marsh Trail, Fishing Pond Trail, and marked sections of the Kohler Dunes Cordwalk.
Eight-foot leashes are the rule. A pet-friendly beach lies north of the Sanderling Nature Center, so bring a rinse jug for sandy feet.
17. Brunet Island State Park Campgrounds, Cornell
Water wraps this island park near Cornell, and shade covers nearly every path.
Two pet-friendly campgrounds welcome leashed dogs, six to eight feet, across most outdoor areas.
Walk the Island Loop Trail, the nature trail, River View Trail, or the handy Campground Connector Trail between sites and scenery.
A designated pet picnic and swim area rounds out the day. Bring bug spray for calm summer evenings.
18. Pattison State Park Campgrounds, Superior
Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall anchors this Superior park, and there is literally a one-mile dog trail here.
The 59-site campground is pet-friendly, and leashed dogs may use the four-mile Logging Camp Trail, Big Falls Trail, and that dog trail connecting to it.
Over nine miles of paths deliver waterfall views. A pet picnic area near camp starts a 3.5-mile combination hike.
Cool northern air makes summer hiking comfortable.
