Happy Camping: Campgrounds for Every Type of Traveler
Published
If you think planning a camping trip is about the same everywhere you go, you’ve never done it in Door County. From sandy shores to the forest's quiet depths to making the most of your getaway outdoors and in, we offer a tailored experience that is truly something special. Choose your traveler type, and we’ll give you the inside scoop on the area that will ensure your camping spot is one you’ll want to revisit time and again.
For the Tour Taker: Rock Island State Park
Leave your car and your cares on the mainland and explore the rustic wonder of Rock Island State Park. Choose from one of 40 walk-in campsites, all offset by beautiful blue waves, miles of shoreline, stone buildings that date back to the early 1900s, and the landmark Pottawatomie Lighthouse.
At Rock Island, the ferry is the way to get around, setting the stage for travelers to tour other hidden island gems during their stay. Ride out to Washington Island and take a narrated tram tour with Cherry Train Tours or the Viking Train, where you can experience all of the must-sees, from the serene Stavkirke Church to the charming Washington Island Farm Museum. In addition to providing you with transportation and a local guide, these tram tours stop for about 15 minutes at each point of interest to give you time to explore. Want to wander for a while on your own? Step into the delicate purple blooms at Fragrant Isle Lavender & Farm Shop, take in waterfront history at the Jacobsen Museum or blend a love of arts with the great outdoors at the Art & Nature Center.
For the Solo Explorer: Ellison Bay Campgrounds
Recommended Campgrounds: Wagon Trail Campground, Hy-Land Court, and Newport State Park.
Find your peace and disconnect from daily stress in Door County by setting up your tent at campgrounds on Ellison Bay. Newport State Park, the state’s only designated wilderness park, is the perfect place to venture into the wild and develop a genuine connection with nature.
Take the stillness of your solo trek to a vital wildlife refuge at the Mink River Preserve, where birds, fish, and even an uncommon breed of dragonfly thrive in their natural habitat. Put a little speed in your tour of the lush, green forest by booking a trip with Off-Road Segway Adventures, or treat yourself to a cliff-framed view of the water at Ellison Bluff County Park. If you’re ready to come inside for a while, don’t pass up the chance to explore the area’s heritage at the Liberty Grove Historical Society or take a peek at remnants of a Lake Michigan shipwreck at Death's Door Maritime Museum.
For the Water Seeker: Sister Bay Campgrounds
Recommended Campgrounds: Dovetail Acres Campground and Aqualand Campground.
Visitors who love a day on the water will find their happy place in Door County, and camping in Sister Bay is an excellent example. Best known for endless outdoor activities on crystal clear waves, the impressive 1,900 feet of gorgeous shoreline appeals to those who crave a camping trip along the waterfront. Sail away for the day and enjoy neighboring islands on a Sister Bay Scenic Boat Tour or cruise around with Sail Door County. If you want to be the captain of your own ship, check out Sister Bay Boat Rental or Northern Door County Boat Rental for top-notch pontoon and speed boats. For those looking for a little heart-pounding water adventure, they also have jet skis, wakeboards, lily pads, and more ready and waiting.
Should the weather threaten to dampen your lake daydreams, don’t worry — Sister Bay has plenty of options to round out your stay right in town. In addition to excellent restaurants, you can knock out a few frames at the Sister Bay Bowl, putt the afternoon away on 18 holes at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, or indulge your historical curiosity at Corner of the Past Museum.
For the Creative Type: Fish Creek Campgrounds
Recommended Campgrounds: Fish Creek Campground and RV and Peninsula State Park.
Calling all creatives: looking for a way to inspire your inner muse? Let the natural beauty of Door County kick it off, and camping at Fish Creek will finish the job. Sing and dance along with an energetic show at Northern Sky Theater, indulge in a performance where nature is on the stage with the Peninsula Players at the Theatre in a Garden, or see what masterpiece you can create at Hands-on Art Studio.
Give your artsy getaway a jolt of the great outdoors by speeding along scenic pathways with Segway the Door Tours, put a little speed behind your two-wheel exploration at Edge of Park Bicycle & Moped Rental, or enjoy the greenery in more ways than one at Evergreen Miniature Golf. Why not bike the shoreline with a Nor Door Sport & Cyclery rental or give the trip a historical twist by venturing to the beautiful Eagle Bluff Lighthouse? Get out of town in style with Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours, or end the day with a vintage vibe at Skyway Drive-In Theatre.
For the Outdoor Adventurer: Baileys Harbor Campgrounds
Recommended Campgrounds: Baileys Grove Campground and Baileys Woods Campground.
Some visitors don’t just want to soak in the outdoors; they want to get out there and shake it up! For the adrenaline seekers among us, Baileys Harbor is the place to set up camp. Lakeshore Adventure Center is where to see the sights from the heights while cruising down a zipline, pounding the waves in a kayak, or learning a smooth new way to surf on an e-foil electric board. Get your kicks hiking the trails at The Ridges Sanctuary, and catch your breath while observing the historic Baileys Harbor Range Lights.
Speaking of a hike, 97 steps are all that separate you from the top of the Cana Island Lighthouse, a Lake Michigan mainstay with a fascinating history and an incredible view. Book a seat on the Shoreline Boat Tours to get there easily, and if you find you want to spend more of your getaway afloat on the waves, check out Halcyon Fishing Adventures for private charter, motorboat, and wade fishing trips.
For the Whole Family: Egg Harbor/Carlsville/Jacksonport Campgrounds
Recommended Campgrounds: Frontier Wilderness Campground, HTR Door County, Harbour Village Resort, and Geitner Homestead Equine Campground.
Getting away from it all means reconnecting with the ones who matter, and that is best done in the wonder of nature. Camping in Door County couples scenic charm with activities suited for the entire family, like catching a retro ride on the Door County Trolley in Egg Harbor or a day of go-karts, games, and ice cream treats at Egg Harbor Fun Park. Get hands-on with a cast of furry friends at Plum Loco Animal Farm, where visitors of any age can feed and pet sheep, goats, ponies, and more.
There are so many ways to play outdoors with the family in Door County. Tee off for nine holes and have a delicious snack at Stone Hedge Golf and Pub. Cast a line for walleye, bass, and salmon with Big Bite Adventures. Grab a pontoon from Egg Harbor Boat Rental for some tubing, or drift along the harbor's sparkling waters and relax. Take your crew on an underwater expedition at Cave Point County Park, and if you're bringing along little ones, take advantage of the excellent park playground. If you encounter a rainy day, bring the family to the Door County Candle Company, where you can blend fragrances and curate a candle that is truly your own.
For the Historical Wanderer: Sturgeon Bay Campgrounds (and Beyond)
Recommended Campgrounds: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Bark of Door County, Monument Point Camping, Door County KOA, and Potawatomi State Park.
Aside from the breathtaking scenery and warm, sandy beaches, Door County’s heritage is evident everywhere you go. History buffs will love camping out in the Sturgeon Bay area, where they can learn more about those who traveled the water before at the Door County Maritime Museum or walk through the pioneer days at the Heritage Village at Big Creek. Dive deeper into local lore and artifacts at the Door County History Museum, and stop by the area’s premiere spot for all things art at the Miller Art Museum.
Bring it all back outside and enjoy the view on an electric bike from Dirty Spokes E-Bike Adventures, or bring up your heart rate with zip lining, kayaking, or rock climbing at Door County Adventure Center. Excitement on the waves abounds with your choice of watercraft from Door County Boat Rental, including sail and fishing boats, or hit the surf your way with a sweet ride from Door County Jet Ski Rentals. For a truly unique bird’s eye view of the peninsula, take to the sky with Grizzly Tours, or keep your feet on rural ground with a visit to The Farm.
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