Blue Mound State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Stunning Blue Mound State Park is located on the tallest hill in south Wisconsin. The park is enclosed in 1,153 acres of land, was established in 1959, and is well-known for its host of activities.
Blue Mound State Park is popular for swimming, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The park is also known for its beautiful and serene environment which serves as a place of interest to nature lovers and home to animals. Prickly pear cactus blooms between June and July, thereby adding beauty to the park and its surrounding environs. You can choose from a variety of hiking and biking trails that are suitable for all levels. If you want to take in panoramic views of the park, you can climb up one of the two 40-foot tall observation decks located within the park. After your long day of outdoor fun, make sure to take advantage of one of the many beautiful picnic spots dotted around the park.
This is definitely the place to be if you want both action-packed fun and a relaxing and scenic landscape. The camping area is open throughout the year and welcomes everyone to one of the most amazing camping experiences in the state, so pack up the motorhome and head to Blue Mound State Park.
RV Rentals in Blue Mound State Park
Transportation
Driving
You'll find Blue Mound State Park just a half-hour to the west of Madison, WI, off of US Highway 18/151, immediately north of the village of Blue Mounds, and only 25 minutes east of Dodgeville. You should have no problem driving your rig on the nearby highway, although some of the local roads closer to the park may be a bit narrow.
If you are staying overnight, it will probably be easiest to leave your RV at the campsite and explore the park on foot or by bike. With over 15 miles of trails open to hiking and biking, it's easy to discover every corner of the park.
Parking
Parking can be found scattered around the park, such as at the park office and near the Nature Center.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Blue Mound State Park
Campsites in Blue Mound State Park
Reservations camping
Blue Mound State Park Campground
The Blue Mound State Park Campground is open year round, offering 78 campsites. Only a handful of these sites have electric service, some are paved, and most have shade. This campground can accommodate rigs up to 100 feet in length, but the larger spots are few and in-demand. Two ADA sites are available. Grates, fire rings, and picnic tables are provided at each site.
No water hookups are available, but showers, restrooms, and a water fountain are within walking distance. A dump station, dumpster, and recycling bin are located at the campground entrance. Pets are welcome, so you are free to bring Rover along on this RV trip. Although the campground is open all year long, only some sites can be reserved, and only from May to October.
First-come first-served
Winter Camping
From November to April, the family campground at Blue Mound State Park Campground offers sites exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-in and ski-in campers only are allowed during the winter season. Some amenities and facilities may be closed during the winter months. You can still enjoy the use of the picnic table at your campsite. Your site will provide a cozy home base for you to return to after a thrilling day of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome too!
Bike and Hike Campground
Twelve sites are set aside exclusively for hike-in or ski-in only and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These spots include a grate, fire ring, and picnic table but no hookups are available as they are tent-only sites. Campers will have access to restrooms, drinking fountains, and showers nearby.
Seasonal activities in Blue Mound State Park
Off-Season
Hunting
If you enjoy hunting, then you will be right at home during your RV trip to Blue Mound State Park. During the fall and the winter, many hunters flock to this park for deer hunting season. Bow hunting season for white-tailed deer is a popular draw in the fall, and trapping for small game is allowed as well. Hunters will also find bear, turkey, and waterfowl in the area. Make sure to check with the local fish and game department for season dates and regulations. Hunting is allowed in designated areas only. Additional firearms regulations may be in effect in campgrounds and other areas of the park.
Snowshoeing
Once the snow deepens, winter adventurers can enjoy a trek through this winter wonderland by donning their snowshoes. Twelve miles of trails in the park are open all winter long just for this purpose. There are two loops available just for snowshoeing, so those are excellent places to start. However, you're not just limited to those two trails. You can go anywhere. except on the cross-country skiing trails that are kept groomed for that purpose.
These hilly trails through hardwood forests provide an excellent workout, and you'll appreciate a rest at the Friends Shelter, a heated warming shelter for winter guests located at the ski/snowshoe trailhead in the park. Pack your snowshoes in your camper and head to the park for a winter adventure.
Cross-Country Skiing
If you take your RV trip to Blue Mound State Park in the winter, don't forget to pack those skis in the camper. You can go cross-country skiing on over 10 miles of groomed trails while soaking in scenic forest views. Ski through majestic oaks and beautiful hickory forests. Look down across the valley from the highest point in southern Wisconsin and enjoy the snowy serenity of the winter scene below. Whether you are a beginner or an expert cross-country skier, there are trails for all ability levels available.
The John Minix Trail is perfect for beginners, but if that's too easy, move on to the Pleasure Valley Trail. The more challenging trails are the Willow Springs, Ridgeview, and Flint Rock Trails. Warm up in the Friends Shelter and catch your breath before heading out again. However, beginners should be aware that cross-country skiing is a very physically exerting activity no matter what trail you choose. Make sure to carry enough water, dress warmly, and check the weather forecast before heading out.
Wildlife Viewing and Birding
Blue Mound State Park is well-known for its plethora of birds and other wildlife. Campers can print a birding checklist online and see how many they can spot around the park. Several species of birds migrate through the park in the fall such as the colorful scarlet tanager, indigo bunting, and ruby-throated hummingbirds. Waterfowl such as sandpipers can also be found visiting the park. But, it's not just birds you'll see. White-tailed deer are abundant in the park, as well as raccoons, red foxes, muskrats, and you may even see an occasional bear. Keep a safe distance, and make sure you pack your telephoto lens, so you can get great shots without disturbing the wildlife.
In-Season
Picnicking
Blue Mound State Park offers RV campers a number of spots to enjoy quiet picnics surrounded by the serenity of nature. If you have a big group, the park offers a large amphitheater you can rent, perfect for work presentations or even a wedding. There is also a large sheltered picnic area capable of accommodating 100 people that you may reserve for a fee. Near the campgrounds are picnic areas with tables and playgrounds for the kids.
Located by the two observation towers, you will find very nice picnic areas with beautiful views of the landscape below. These observation towers soar 40 feet high and offer amazing views of the Wisconsin countryside and Baraboo Bluffs. For those that cannot climb the towers, on the north side of the picnic area, there are lookouts cut through the trees, enabling a breathtaking view of the valley below.
Swimming
For those looking to beat those hot Wisconsin summer days, head on over to the 1,950-square foot swimming pool located right in the park. The pool is heated to 80 degrees for added comfort and a splash pad is available for the little ones to run around and have fun. Changing rooms, restrooms, and showers are right on-site as well. Keep in mind that lifeguards are not on duty so make sure to monitor children while they swim.
Hiking and Biking
Blue Mound State Park is a prime destination in Wisconsin for RV campers to enjoy scenic hiking and biking. There are over 15 miles of trails available to hikers and bikers of all ability levels. Three trails are open to hiking only such as the Flintrock Trail, which features a self-guided tour describing the geological history of the park. There are a number of biking trails to choose from too.
Families will like biking on the easy one-mile Pleasure Valley Bike Trail where you can coast through beautiful sugar maples. Avid cyclists will enjoy a trip on the Ridgeview Trail, which offers steep inclines and gorgeous views. After your ride or hike, enjoy a relaxing picnic in one of the many serene picnic areas in the park.
Nature Programs
Naturalists and environmentalists will enjoy checking out the displays in the Nature Center and participating in some of the nature programs Blue Mound State Park has to offer. Rangers offer evening hikes as well as interpretive hikes during the day to learn about the local ecosystem, native plants and animals, and the human history of the area. They will point out many areas of interest both natural and man-made as you learn about the region. The park even has Ghost Story Nights around the campfire and evening concerts occasionally. Blue Mound State Park makes learning fun and interactive. Make sure to go online to see what activities will be going on during your RV stay in the park.
