Country Thunder Wisconsin

Four fun-filled days of the best country music around, find out why Country Thunder Wisconsin should be your next festival RV road trip!

Event information

Country Thunder Wisconsin transforms Shadow Hill Ranch in Twin Lakes into the Midwest's premier country music destination each July. This four-day festival features major headliners performing across multiple stages, including the Electric Thunder Stage and main amphitheater. The festival offers various camping tiers—from basic dry camping (19' x 40' spaces starting at $200) to premium Crown Camping with 50-amp power, water, and septic hookups (20' x 40' sites). Over 100,000 country music fans attend annually, making Country Thunder Wisconsin a must-experience festival for RV travelers. Located at 2305 Richmond Road in Twin Lakes—just an hour from Milwaukee and 90 minutes from Chicago—the venue provides easy access whether you're renting an RV from nearby cities or towing your own rig for the ultimate country music road trip.

What is Country Thunder Wisconsin?

Country Thunder Wisconsin stands as the Midwest's largest and most beloved country music festival, bringing tens of thousands of fans together each summer for four days of world-class performances, festival traditions, and outdoor celebration. Set on the sprawling grounds of Shadow Hill Ranch near Twin Lakes, the festival creates a temporary country music city complete with camping neighborhoods, food vendors, merchandise areas, and multiple performance stages.

The festival showcases the biggest names in country music alongside rising stars and fan favorites. Multiple stages ensure continuous entertainment throughout each day, with the main Electric Thunder Stage hosting headline acts while supporting stages feature emerging talent and festival favorites. Beyond the music, Country Thunder Wisconsin offers a complete festival experience with the annual Dancing with the Thunder competition, meet-and-greets, VIP experiences, and a marketplace featuring country-themed merchandise and artisan goods.

Country Thunder's four-day format means fans can arrive Thursday afternoon, set up camp, and settle into the festival rhythm before music kicks off. The atmosphere blends concert energy with camping community—neighbors become friends, campsite barbecues turn into impromptu parties, and the entire venue transforms into a country music lover's paradise.

For those planning an RV adventure to Country Thunder Wisconsin, explore Twin Lakes RV rentals for the closest pickup options, or browse Kenosha, Wisconsin, RV rentals just 20 minutes south of the festival grounds.

When and Where is Country Thunder Wisconsin Held?

  • Dates: July (Thursday-Sunday)
  • Location: Shadow Hill Ranch, 2305 Richmond Road, Twin Lakes, WI 53181
  • Gates: Camping check-in typically begins Wednesday; daily parking opens Thursday
  • Music Schedule: Performances run daily, typically from afternoon through late evening
  • Attendance: 100,000+ country music fans over four days

Tickets

How Much Do Country Thunder Wisconsin Tickets and Camping Cost?

Ticket and camping packages vary significantly based on experience level and amenities desired. General admission tickets provide access to the festival bowl and main stages, while premium packages offer enhanced experiences.

Admission Options:

  • General Admission: Access to the main festival bowl and general viewing areas
  • Platinum Experience: Upgraded viewing area with premium amenities
  • Gold Circle: Enhanced stage proximity
  • Crown Admission: VIP access to Crown Camping area and exclusive amenities (typically $500+ per ticket)

Camping Options:

  • Basic Camping: 19' x 40' space, no hookups, approximately $200 for the weekend
  • Premium Camping: Larger spaces with better positioning
  • Crown Camping: 20' x 40' space with 50-amp power hookup, water hookup, and one septic service ($1,800+, includes two Crown Admission tickets)

Add-On Options:

  • Private port-a-potty for your campsite ($200)
  • Extra vehicle parking pass (one included per campsite, additional available)
  • Accessible port-a-potty (must call 866-388-0007 to arrange)

Check the Country Thunder Wisconsin website for current pricing, package details, and ticket availability. Tickets and camping spots sell out quickly, so booking early ensures your spot at the festival.

How Do I Rent an RV Near Twin Lakes for Country Thunder?

The Twin Lakes and Lake Geneva region offers excellent RV rental options, with providers ranging from peer-to-peer rentals through Outdoorsy to traditional rental companies. Most renters find success booking camper vans for smaller groups or couples, while larger crews opt for Class C motorhomes or travel trailers that provide more sleeping space and amenities.

Twin Lakes sits conveniently between Milwaukee (60 miles north) and Chicago (70 miles south), with rental options available in both metro areas. Many first-time festival-goers flying in choose to rent from Milwaukee RV rental providers, then drive the hour to Twin Lakes.

Explore Country Thunder Wisconsin RV Rentals


Transportation

Driving

The festival venue sits just off Highway C in Twin Lakes, easily accessible from major routes:

  • From Milwaukee: Take I-43 South to Highway 50 West, then Highway C South (approximately 60 miles, 1 hour)
  • From Chicago: Take I-94 North to Highway 50 West, then Highway C South (approximately 70 miles, 90 minutes)
  • From Madison: Take I-90/94 East to Highway 50 East, then Highway C South (approximately 80 miles, 90 minutes)

The festival address for GPS navigation is: 2305 Richmond Road, Twin Lakes, WI 53181

Traffic gets heavy Thursday evening and Friday morning as campers arrive. Plan extra travel time and consider arriving Wednesday evening or Thursday morning to avoid peak congestion.

Parking areas

Camping Pass Holders: Enter via Gate 2 and follow staff directions to your assigned camping area. One vehicle per campsite is included; additional vehicle passes are available for purchase.

Daily Parking: Reserved and general parking lots are available for purchase in advance (strongly recommended). Parking areas open at specific times—reserved closer parking at 12 pm, general parking at 9 am.

Important: RVs are NOT permitted in day parking areas. All RVs must be parked on purchased campsites. Tailgating is prohibited in reserved parking areas but allowed in the Weekend Overnight Lot.

Uber/Lyft: Available in Twin Lakes. Pre-book for guaranteed availability. Use the designated rideshare zone address: 40383-40001, County Highway O, Genoa City, WI 53128

Lakefront Shuttle: Official festival partner offering shuttle service from Lake Geneva, Elkhorn, Kenosha, and Abbey Springs. Check the Country Thunder website for complete scheduling information and booking.

Public Transportation

Twin Lakes doesn’t boast much in the way of mass transit, and it’s a little hard to get to by on public transport. When you consider that it takes over five hours to get to the town by bus from Madison or Milwaukee, it’s easy to see why carpooling is such a popular option for festival-goers. A private shuttle service runs from towns around the Lake Geneva, Elkhorn, and Kenosha area, at about $75 for the whole weekend or $20 per day.

Where to stay

Onsite

Country Thunder Wisconsin offers multiple camping tiers directly at Shadow Hill Ranch, putting you steps from the music and festival action:

Basic Camping

  • Size: 19' wide x 40' deep spaces
  • Amenities: Dry camping (no hookups), fire rings permitted
  • Pricing: Starting around $200 for the four-day weekend
  • Best For: Budget-conscious festival-goers who don't need hookups
  • Notes: Portable generators allowed during specific hours

Crown Camping (Premium)

  • Size: 20' wide x 40' deep spaces
  • Amenities: 50-amp power hookup, water hookup, one septic service during event (additional services available for a fee)
  • Includes: Two Crown Admission tickets with VIP amenities access
  • Security: 24/7 security guards posted
  • Pricing: $1,800+ per campsite
  • Best For: Festival-goers wanting full hookups and a premium experience
  • Requirements: ALL guests entering Crown Camping must have Crown Admission tickets (additional tickets $500+ each)

Additional Camping Add-Ons:

  • Private Port-A-Potty: $200 to have your own unit placed on your campsite before arrival
  • Extra Vehicle Pass: Park a second vehicle at your campsite
  • Accessible Port-A-Potty: Available by calling 866-388-0007

Important Camping Policies:

  • RVs must be self-contained
  • Check-in typically begins on Wednesday before the festival
  • Move out on Monday after the festival concludes
  • Public restroom banks throughout camping areas
  • No pets allowed at festival (but see nearby campground options below)
  • Camp store available for supplies and essentials
  • Ice, firewood, and propane are typically available for purchase

Nearby

If you prefer full-service RV parks with amenities or need pet-friendly options, several excellent campgrounds sit within 15-30 minutes of Country Thunder:

Country View Campground offers the best of both worlds—close to the festival yet providing a peaceful retreat between performances. Located in Waukesha County between Milwaukee and Madison, this family-friendly campground features water and electric hookups (some sites include sewer), a heated in-ground swimming pool, game room, sand volleyball courts, petting zoo, and open recreation fields. Clean bathrooms, hot showers, a dump station, campfire rings, laundry facilities, and a camp store make it a comfortable base camp for your Country Thunder adventure.

Cliffside Park Campground in Racine offers scenic Lake Michigan shoreline camping just south of Kenosha. The 92-site campground includes fire rings, electric and water connections, a dump station, a comfort station with showers, a children's play area, and sports courts. The lakefront location provides a beautiful contrast to festival days.

Illinois Beach Campground lies partway between Milwaukee and Chicago along Lake Michigan's shores, offering 30/50 amp connections, toilets and showers, a children's playground, and recreational trail access. Though slightly farther (approximately 30 minutes), it's pet-friendly and provides pristine beach access for cooling off between festival days.

For additional options, explore Kenosha County RV campgrounds and Lake Geneva area camping, both offering numerous choices within 20-30 minutes of Twin Lakes.

Getting around

Country Thunder spans a significant acreage, but everything is walkable from camping areas. Comfortable shoes are essential—you'll log miles between your campsite, stages, food vendors, and amenities. The festival layout includes:

  • Main festival bowl with Electric Thunder Stage
  • Secondary performance stages
  • Food and beverage vendors throughout
  • Merchandise tents and vendor areas
  • Multiple restroom banks
  • Information booths
  • First aid stations

Accessible Services: Golf cart rides to/from camping and parking areas available through Catch-A-Ryde (call/text 629-278-1549, operates noon-midnight daily). Accessible viewing wristbands are available free at the Information Booth for guests requiring accommodation—no documentation required, but please only request if needed.

What to pack

Clothing

July in Wisconsin brings warm, sunny days and cooler evenings—pack versatile clothing that handles both:

  • Lightweight, breathable shirts and shorts for daytime heat (highs 75-85°F typical)
  • Jeans or long pants for cooler evenings (lows 55-65°F)
  • Cowboy boots or comfortable walking shoes (you'll cover serious ground)
  • Cowboy hat or baseball cap for sun protection
  • Light jacket or hoodie for night concerts
  • Rain jacket or poncho (summer thunderstorms possible)
  • Swimsuit if staying at campground with pool

Festival fashion leans heavily toward country—think boots, hats, denim, and band t-shirts. Many attendees go all-out with Western wear, creating a sea of cowboy hats and boots at every stage.

Gear

Essential Festival Gear

  • Valid photo ID (required for entry and alcohol purchase, 21+)
  • Printed or mobile tickets and camping confirmation
  • Clear bag (Country Thunder enforces clear bag policy—14" x 14" x 14" maximum)
  • Sunscreen (Wisconsin summer sun is strong)
  • Sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Small cash amount (some vendors are cash-only, though ATMs are available)
  • Portable phone charger
  • Earplugs (optional but helpful for sleeping in camping areas)
  • Festival schedule/map (available at entry)
  • Blanket or small folding chair for festival bowl seating

RV and Camping Supplies

  • Camping chairs for hanging at your site
  • Cooler with ice (refill ice available for purchase)
  • Charcoal or propane for grilling (if not cooking in RV)
  • Paper towels, trash bags, basic supplies
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight or headlamp for nighttime navigation
  • Extension cords and power adapters (if Crown Camping)
  • Water hose (if Crown Camping with water hookup)
  • Any prescription medications
  • Pet supplies (only if staying at a nearby pet-friendly campground)

What NOT to Bring

Country Thunder strictly prohibits:

  • Outside food and beverages (small exceptions for dietary restrictions—inform security)
  • Pets (anywhere on festival grounds or onsite camping)
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Glass containers
  • Professional recording equipment
  • Large bags or backpacks (clear bags only)
  • Lawn chairs in certain festival areas

Health & Safety

Twin Lakes is known for its proximity to, well, lakes, so bug spray is an absolute must if you don’t want to itch for the whole trip. Aside from something to give a little shade, bring plenty of sunscreen. Although there is a medical tent, it’s always worthwhile to bring your own kit in case you get injured at a distance away from the resources of Country Thunder.

Where to eat

Cooking

Onsite campers can fire up grills at their campsites—charcoal and propane grills permitted. Your RV kitchen makes meal prep easy, saving money versus buying every meal at the festival. Stock up on groceries before arriving:

  • Several grocery stores in Twin Lakes, Lake Geneva, and Kenosha
  • A convenience store is typically at the festival entrance for last-minute supplies
  • Ice, firewood, and propane are generally available for purchase onsite

Many campers do breakfast at their site, grab lunch at vendors, then return for dinner before evening shows.

Restaurants

Twin Lakes and Lake Geneva Dining

Between festival days or before/after the weekend, Twin Lakes and nearby Lake Geneva offer excellent restaurant options:

  • Casual lakeside dining with Wisconsin favorites
  • Supper clubs featuring Friday fish fry traditions
  • Ice cream shops are perfect for summer afternoons
  • Breweries and taverns with local craft beer
  • Family restaurants with varied menus

Lake Geneva's downtown (10 minutes from the festival) provides the most restaurant variety, from quick bites to upscale dining.

Vendors

Country Thunder features dozens of food vendors throughout the grounds offering festival favorites:

  • Barbecue and smoked meats
  • Burgers, brats, and hot dogs
  • Pizza and tacos
  • Cheese curds (it's Wisconsin—they're everywhere)
  • Corn on the cob and other festival sides
  • Fried fair foods and funnel cakes
  • Sweet treats and ice cream
  • Full bar service with beer, wine, and cocktails

Expect typical festival pricing. Most vendors accept cards, but bring cash backup. Vegetarian options available but limited—plan accordingly if you have dietary restrictions.

Safety

Security

Country Thunder maintains robust security throughout the festival with staff patrolling all areas and conducting thorough bag checks at entry points. The clear bag policy expedites entry—have your belongings ready for inspection.

Wristband Policy: Your festival wristband is your admission—treat it like cash. Wristbands cannot be loosened once tightened, so size carefully. Lost or damaged wristbands can be replaced at the Information Booth, Campground Info, or Will Call for a $20 discretionary fee. Wristbands are non-transferable—each person needs their own.

Alcohol: Available for purchase throughout the festival (21+ with a valid ID). No outside alcohol permitted. Wisconsin takes intoxicated driving seriously—use designated drivers, rideshares, or stay at your campsite if drinking.

Weather

July in southeastern Wisconsin typically brings beautiful summer weather, but conditions can vary:

  • Daytime: 75-85°F, sunny to partly cloudy, occasional humidity
  • Evening: 55-65°F, cooling down for comfortable outdoor concerts
  • Rain: Summer thunderstorms possible—festival continues unless severe weather

Severe weather is rare but can occur. Festival staff monitor conditions and will announce any weather-related delays or evacuations. Lightning causes temporary evacuations of open areas.

Dress in layers, bring rain gear, and stay hydrated—Wisconsin summer sun combined with alcohol can lead to dehydration quickly.

Medical

First aid stations operate throughout the festival with trained medical staff. For serious emergencies, the festival coordinates with local EMS and hospitals. Keep necessary medications accessible and inform campsite neighbors of any serious health conditions.

Accessible Services: Accessible viewing areas are available free at the Information Booth (no documentation required). Accessible port-a-potties located at the ends of public restroom banks or available for private campsite placement by calling 866-388-0007 before the July 27 deadline.