Wisconsin River Islands
32 mi north · Bureau of Land Management
to your public lands! Wisconsin is home to over 15,000 lakes, 84,000 river miles, and countless islands.
Outdoors
Camping near Madison
Campgrounds and camping areas near Madison on federal land, with which ones take reservations on Recreation.gov.
14campgrounds and camping areas
32 mito the closest
April–Octoberbest months
Good to know: Popular campgrounds book up months ahead on Recreation.gov; first-come sites fill early on weekends and holidays.
Closest picks
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
64 mi north · National Park Service
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles, traverses some of Wisconsin's finest geologic and glacial features, and passes through the ancestral lands of 15 Tribes.
Grant River
73 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
Spread along the banks of the Upper Mississippi River, the Grant River Campground, located in the "Catfish Capital of Wisconsin," is a modern campground that offers a plethora of outdoor and recreational activities.
Map of all 14 places
Map of 14 places loads as you scroll.
30 to 75 miles (5)
Wisconsin River Islands
to your public lands! Wisconsin is home to over 15,000 lakes, 84,000 river miles, and countless islands.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Kayaking
- Photography
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles, traverses some of Wisconsin's finest geologic and glacial features, and passes through the ancestral lands of 15 Tribes.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
Grant River
Spread along the banks of the Upper Mississippi River, the Grant River Campground, located in the "Catfish Capital of Wisconsin," is a modern campground that offers a plethora of outdoor and recreational activities.
- Birding
- Camping
- Evening Programs
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water Access
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
Fifteen campgrounds dot the shoreline along the upper Mississippi River Project. Facilities include campsites, boat ramps, picnic shelters, interpretive programs, hiking trails and eagle watching in the winter months.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Blanding Landing
Blanding Landing is situated in a lush river valley on the east bank of the great Mississippi, just 13 miles from Galena, Illinois. Rich deposits of minerals line the landscape.
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water Access
- Wildlife viewing
75 miles and farther (9)
Thomson Causeway
Thomson Causeway provides the unique experience of island camping on the great Mississippi River and it's well worth a try!
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Mississippi River - Pool 9
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Genoa, WI and Lynxville, WI.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area
Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is a hidden gem located on the Mississippi River. Whether you like camping, fishing, boating, or just taking in nature, Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is the perfect place.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
Wisconsin River islands in Wisconsin Rapids
Wisconsin, famed for its 84,000 miles of rivers that meander through varying terrain and its 15,000 lakes, is full of places to paddle, float, and fish.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Nature education
- Photography
- Snorkeling
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Blackhawk Park
Blackhawk Park is located on a forested bend of the main channel of the Mississippi River. The campground is the largest public use facility in Mississippi's Pool 9, offering a wide variety of recreational activities.
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
Mississippi River - Pool 8
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Dresbach, MN and Genoa, WI.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Fishermans Corner
With impressive views of the mighty Mississippi River, Fishermans Corner provides convenient RV and tent camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Bordered by steep wooded bluffs that rise 100 to 600 feet above the river valley, the Mississippi River corridor and refuge offer scenic beauty and productive fish and wildlife habitat unmatched in the heart of America.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
Clarks Ferry
Clarks Ferry is a outdoor lovers delight, with fantastic bird watching and lots of shore fishing opportunities with our new accessible fishing dock!
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Madison. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Madison
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Top 10 Things to Do in Madison, WI
A local activity Short shared by Destination Madison.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Free Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
A local activity Short shared by Samantha Angelie.
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More outdoors near Madison
Questions
Where is the closest place for camping near Madison?
Wisconsin River Islands (Bureau of Land Management), about 32 miles north of Madison as the crow flies. Next are Ice Age National Scenic Trail (64 mi) and Grant River (73 mi).
When is the best time for camping near Madison?
Based on Madison’s average highs, April–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Can I reserve a campsite near Madison?
7 of the 14 places listed here take reservations on Recreation.gov; others are first come, first served.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.