Richard Bong State Recreation Area's Sunrise and Sunset Campgrounds permit pets throughout their campsites, providing options for tent, RV, and cabin camping near Waterford. Both campgrounds feature wooded sites with good privacy, particularly along the outer loops where tree coverage creates secluded spots for camping with dogs. Ottawa Lake Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit and Big Foot Beach State Park Campground also welcome pets across their facilities. Most sites require pets to remain on leashes no longer than 8 feet, with owners responsible for proper waste disposal and preventing excessive barking during quiet hours. The relatively quiet atmosphere of Sunrise Campground during weekdays makes it particularly suitable for campers with noise-sensitive pets.
Muskego Park by Waukesha County Parks offers pet-friendly camping with several hiking trails where leashed dogs can explore wooded areas and prairie landscapes. The 20 campsites, while not providing much privacy, connect to multiple wood-chipped trail loops suitable for daily dog walks. Richard Bong Recreation Area provides additional pet exercise opportunities with extensive trail systems throughout its 4,500 acres, though some campers note the area can be quite buggy during summer months, requiring pet owners to pack insect repellent appropriate for animals. Park rangers actively monitor camping areas, enforcing pet policies to maintain the natural environment. Water-loving dogs can enjoy access to multiple lakes and ponds throughout these campgrounds, though owners should check for seasonal algae warnings before allowing pets to swim.
"I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"
"Pros: great hiking trails, nice lake to kayak on, family friendly beach and picnic areas Cons: Not great fishing, no dog friendly swim area, the beach/fishing pier/boat launch are all pretty far from"
"Rocket launch (bring your own,) atv (no rentals-bring your own), water fowl hunting (during season), fishing, wildlife watching, swimming at the beach, playground for kids, and my favorite- nice trails"
"Plenty of space & foliage between sites and a nice network of trails surrounding the campground. Close to some small towns and the interstate as well, but not close enough to hear traffic."
"Huge beach area, dog park, fishing as well. Shop to buy items you may need and absolutely wonderful place. Open all year round"
"Some have a beautiful view of lake. Some water fountains did not work, however sinks were always working. So many little trails all throughout the campsite."
"We love private campsites, far enough away from other campers, yet close enough to amenities. We chose a walk in site #16 which was nice but I wish we chose one a bit further in."
"Nice large sites. gravel spot for arc/trailer. fire pit and picnic table. trails for hiking are nice, but the overall camping area isn’t very big. 100 sites only. 30 with electric. this was the first time"
$18 - $30 / night
"I've stayed here twice, both times in August (of different years), both times in Loop 1 which is the quiet loop (no pets, no radios or other noise, 24 hours a day)."
"I camped for two nights in Loop 1, site 21 (24-hour quiet enforced - no pets or speakers allowed). My site was pretty open, but still had nice shade and flat areas for my tent."
$25 - $80 / night
"Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."
"I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in. This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."
"Petting zoo, camp store, pool, lake/pond for swimming and fishing. Cell signal for ATT just one bar. No internet. Lots of full time residents. Lots of activities for kids. Pet friendly."
"we’ve been RV camping here for 2 months now and love it. the bathrooms are older but still nice and cleaned daily. the pool is fantastic, lots of fun playgrounds around, and there’s a neat walking trail"
$25 - $80 / night
"The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested."
"Swim or fish in the lake, archery or huge picnic sites."
"This location did not dissapoint. We have not gone to this location during the warmer months but looks to be a great campground"
$32 - $35 / night
"We took our dogs on all the trails (oops) but saw other people doing the same. Short drive to local attractions and all the normal things you need."
"The campground is located about 8 miles from I-41/94 so while it is a little distance from the interstate, the drive was worth it because the park was very quiet and made for a nice restful evening. "
GuideWe love private campsites, far enough away from other campers, yet close enough to amenities. We chose a walk in site #16 which was nice but I wish we chose one a bit further in. Bathrooms where very clean. Trails are great. Pet friendly - we brought our small, quiet dogs. Dog friendly restaurant right next to the camp site.
TravelerJust became KOA met local campers that love this park! Good sites, trash pickup at side! They even have a snack bar and deliver to your campsite! No enclosed dog park but plenty of area to walk your dog!
GuideAbsolutely beautiful, reasonable prices, electric available. Tons of restrooms, showers, laundry, and wonderful camp hosts. Huge beach area, dog park, fishing as well. Shop to buy items you may need and absolutely wonderful place. Open all year round
TravelerGreat park with swimming beach, trails, dog park, and archery range. Campsites were ok, not much separation or privacy at all. Pit toilets and metros desperately need to be cleaned more often. We had very noisy neighbors that did not respect the quiet hours rule and park staff did nothing to intervene. Very convenient that they drive through the Campground to sell/deliver firewood tho. I'd stay here again because the park overall is great, but I would try to choose a better site. #9 looked alright, and in the 20#s looked a bit more tree lined and bigger.
LegendMy first impression when I first arrived here was the overwhelming scent of a newly minted campground, what with the freshly laid gravel, the mint condition security gates, finely manicured and recently raked greenery (as it was October when we visited, it might be better described as brownery) surrounded by a fairly decent gated enclosure lined with perfectly pruned tall towering oaks. Upon arrival, you’ll find what looks to be a brand-spanking new log cabin office on the right after passing a seemingly freshly-minted activities center / community lodge complete with in-ground heated swimming pool and jacuzzi on the left.
Amenities? As you could guess, this pet-friendly 60-acre RV resort has all the attractions in spades from pickleball, playgrounds, volleyball, log pergola patio, full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water & sewage), picnic tables, fire pits, BBQ grills, wagon rides, river access, picnic areas, bathhouses w/ showers & restrooms, cable TV WiFi (pretty poor connection though), gaga ball, game room, community room, billiards table, playground, wet bar, tabletop shuffleboard, community living room with large screen TV, DVD player w/ DVD library, clubhouse, dog park, horseshoes, hot tub, covered pavilions with picnic tables, catch & release ponds, inflatable water toys, jumping pillow, laundr-O-mat, propane refueling station and dump station.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) This place isn’t EZ to find – for some reason, if you plug the campground into your GPS, you’ll literally be on the wrong side of the tracks, where you will arrive at a dead end with a sign that says you are in the wrong place and that you’ll need to double-back, cross the train tracks heading north and turn right just before arriving to High Road School of Belvidere (so if you see a school, you’ve gone too far); (2) You will want to take note that yes, you actually cross train tracks to get to this campground, so if you’re sharp, you’re going to want to ensure you haven’t booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours, this specifically means avoiding sites #E1-#E5 and #FS23-#FS36 as well as #FE1-#FE20; (3) If you’re a tent camper, you can certainly stay here, but you will want to note that this is very much an RV outpost; (4) The best sites IMHO are those on the northernmost perimeter, as far away from the train tracks as you can get and that also border the Kishwaukee River with sites #S9-#S20 being excellent, as well as #S25-#S81, which are equally amazing; (5) If you are planning on using that amazing pool that you saw as you came in, make sure you call management a good day or two before you come in to ensure that they turn on the heater – when we were there for 2 days, by the time we left, the pool was still too cold to go for a dip; and (6) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up a meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler and want to venture out to try some local fare, just a short walk into the nearby town is Garden Prairie Café, which has a very simple menu offering no shortage of fried everything (fish, shrimp, chicken, etc.) and then there’s Pleasant Street Tavern, but that’s mostly cheap national beers and frozen pizza fare, so if you want something a bit more substantive, head west of here to Miles Bar N’ Grill that serves up typical Midwestern fare like cheese curds, pork tenderloin, Italian beef and a variety of fried fish like blue gill, cod and catfish.
Happy Camping!
RangerI was here for three months this time as i get to business completed. The park was still kept up very nicely and this time I was here long enough to be able to see how. The grass is mowed every week. There is patroling at all hours for security. The laundry machines are great the dryers ore good. The dog park is clean and secure. The lake is natural and kept free of litter and garbage. The park is much bigger than i thought it was last year. The store has many items you may need. The showers are cleaned and work great. The camp water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit.
ScoutStaff was polite and helpful. They escort you to your spot. They hand out activity sheets for the weekend. Petting zoo, camp store, pool, lake/pond for swimming and fishing. Cell signal for ATT just one bar. No internet. Lots of full time residents. Lots of activities for kids. Pet friendly. They charge extra if you have visitors.
ScoutWe love camping here. It truly feels rural. Small shower house but water pressure is amazing. It’s always quiet and the view is beautiful. Bugs were awful this stay. They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly.
ScoutSo much good about this campground! Great management, really great food at the bar & grill. Clean sites, friendly people, great mix of full and part time residents. Holiday weekends get a little crazy, in both good and bad ways. WiFi was great in some areas, Non-existent in others. No cell carrier works well here at all, so non-functional WiFi areas can be a deal-breaker for connected campers unless you get a spot where WiFi is really good. There are several areas of great coverage, the dead spots just need some work. Starlink works in many areas, though the heavily wooded sites will need an elevated “dishy” to make it work. So many amenities. Horseshoes, bags pavilion, craft areas, fantastic pool and water slides, outdoor bar and ice cream shop. Don’t forget the lake and floating obstacle course. Dog park, baseball field, the list goes on.
The dump station lanes need some attention, more than gravel would be great. Andy being honest, there needs to be a few longer term sites with sewer hookups or a reasonable pump out service option.
For the list of pluses at this campground, the nits seem trivial. But those few details would put this location from 4 to 5 stars in a heartbeat if addressed.
Waterford, Wisconsin sits on the western edge of the Kettle Moraine region, characterized by unique glacial landforms and spring-fed lakes. Camping elevations range from 750-900 feet above sea level across the area, with summer temperatures typically 5-8 degrees cooler than nearby Milwaukee. Many campgrounds experience high mosquito activity from June through August due to the numerous wetland areas and ponds that dot the landscape.
Hiking trails for dogs: At Pinewoods Campground, the trail system connects directly to the campground between loop 3 and the group sites. "We asked the ranger about hiking and she gave us a map to a trail system that connects to this campground between the group sites and loop 3. We enjoyed a 4 mile hike from camp to the observation trail. While the view was mostly hidden it was still a nice hike. The trail is wide which meant my doggo hiked by my side," notes camper Art S.
Swimming with pets: Ottawa Lake Campground offers a clean swimming beach where both humans and dogs can cool off. "The lake is very clean and the site are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!" reports Neysha R. The spring-fed water tends to be clearer than many other lakes in the area, though weekend crowds can make it challenging to find space.
Wildlife watching: The wetland areas at Sunset Campground provide excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting with your pet. "We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. But back to the fun part... I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two," shares Tim H. Morning and evening offer the best wildlife viewing times.
Private wooded sites: Camping with pets at Pinewoods Campground gives you privacy through natural vegetation. "The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain. Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight," reports Abbe W. These more secluded sites offer better experiences for reactive dogs or pets that need more space from other campers.
Multiple dog-friendly ponds: Muskego Park features several water bodies where leashed dogs can explore. "This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach. There are nicely-groomed volleyball courts, picnic shelters and abundant picnic tables," writes Josh F. The spring-fed pond provides clean swimming for both people and pets during summer months.
Variety of terrain: Campers appreciate how Mukwonago Park offers diverse landscapes for walking dogs. "Sites are large and well spaced out. The campground is clean and well kept. The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested. Great landscape and wildlife. We were lucky enough to have a couple of Sandhill Cranes walk through our camp early one morning," shares Abbe W. The mix of prairie and wooded areas creates interesting walking routes.
Bug preparation essential: For pet-friendly camping near Waterford, Wisconsin, pack appropriate bug protection for both you and your animal companions. "It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go. We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable," writes Tim H. about Sunset Campground.
Weekend crowds: Ottawa Lake Campground experiences significant crowding during summer weekends. "This was our first visit to Kettle Moraine and this site was completely booked. We were able to grab a nonelectric site and transfer to an electric site when one cancelled last minute," reports Linda N. Reservations for pet-friendly sites should be made 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Limited dog access at some parks: Not all areas within certain parks permit dogs. "So this place is much less dog friendly than is advertised. Dogs aren't allowed in large swaths of the park nor on the (tiny tiny, bordered by loud highway) beach," notes Alexandria P. about Big Foot Beach State Park Campground. Always check park maps for designated pet-allowed areas.
Dog-friendly pond swimming: The swimming areas at Muskego Park provide clean, safe options for families with pets. "A small campgrounds in a small country park. The best thing is probably the small man made pond. I believe it's stocked with fish and offers a very family friendly swimming area. There's a nice little concessions stand, a little sand area, and a small pier to jump off of," shares Darren L.
Nature programs for kids and pets: Richard Bong State Recreation Area runs educational programs where leashed pets can join. "The Weekend we were here they had a free Kids fishing weekend and John the naturalist was amazing!! There is a ton to do at this park the nature center has activities all weekend long," says Jill G. about Sunrise Campground.
Pet-friendly hiking for all abilities: Ottawa Lake offers accessible trails suited for families with varied hiking abilities and pets. "We've stayed here twice. Nice, clean, well-run campground with some electric sites and several bathroom/shower buildings if needed. Nice little lake to swim or paddle on. 20 minute drive to the awesome Kettle Moraine biking trails," notes Heather H. The flatter trails around the lake work well for younger children and dogs.
Electric sites for climate control: When camping with pets, securing an electric site helps maintain comfortable temperatures. "We were in loop 3 site 273 as we were camping in the early season and loops 1-2 were closed. The site was well wooded and very spacious! It had a decent clearing for some sun and the driveway was longer setting it back from the loop road. One of the best sites in loop 3," explains Jack D. about Pinewoods Campground.
Water access considerations: At Mukwonago Park, campers note that water sources aren't at every site. "Nice quiet campground in a huge, green and spacious park. Enjoy the numerous birds and fireflies and the peace and quiet of very private sites. Swim or fish in the lake, archery or huge picnic sites," shares ryan S. RVers with pets should bring extra water hoses to reach spigots.
Level sites for easier setup: Cliffside Park Campground offers pet-friendly camping with level sites. "Flat sites, some shade in the center sections. Outer sites backed to woods for most sites. The campground takes reservations 7 days out or drive up. We saw a lot of bigger rigs but so much space between sites it didn't feel like we were crowded," notes Peggy A. The flat terrain makes it easier to secure pets safely around your RV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Waterford, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Waterford, WI is Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Waterford, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 74 dog-friendly camping locations near Waterford, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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