Badgerland Campground

A highlight of camping at the Badgerland Campground is getting active in Lake Kegonsa State Park, which centers around a glacial-formed lake that was created during the last ice age. It’s surrounded by forest, prairie, and wetlands that are traversed by hiking trails while being a popular destination for swimming, water-skiing, and boating. You can cast a line from the shore to see what’s biting or utilize the lake’s boat landing to get out and about on the water.

A short drive northwest of the Badgerland Campground is the Capital Springs State Recreation Area, which encompasses around 3,000 acres along the north shore of Lake Waubesa. It offers six miles of hiking trails and a nine-mile section of the Capital City State Trail, with most of these groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter months. Birding is exceptional throughout the year, with boating, canoeing, and fishing all possible on the waters of Lake Waubesa. Hunting and trapping are also permitted in designated areas of the park, and there are numerous Native American archaeological sites within the heritage-listed Lake Farms Archaeological District.

At the opposite end of the lake is the Waubesa Wetlands State Natural Area, which encompasses one of the most diverse wetland ecosystems remaining in southern Wisconsin. Quaking sedge mats, calcareous fens, springs, and streams dominate the landscape, with the wetlands contributing to the high quality of the water in Lake Waubesa. The Waubesa Wetlands State Natural Area is a renowned birdwatching destination, with sandhill cranes, green herons, and blue-winged teals all regularly spotted here. If you’re into hunting and trapping, head to the northeast corner of the park where you’ll find the 37-acre Waubesa Wetlands Wildlife Area.

Campsites at the Badgerland Campground are a ten-minute drive from the city of Stoughton, where you’ll find numerous supermarkets where you can stock up on grocery supplies. There are also gas stations here if you need to fill up your RV rental and a variety of eateries that include fast-food restaurants, cafes, and delis. Coincide your visit with the annual Stoughton Coffee Break Festival, which celebrates the origination of the coffee break tradition. It’s said to have its roots in female migrant workers agreeing to work at the local tobacco warehouses, provided they could go home each morning and afternoon to tend to chores and drink coffee.

A 25-minute drive northwest of the Badgerland Campground is the capital of Wisconsin, Madison, which is home to the domed Wisconsin State Capitol. It was completed in 1917 on a design by architectural firm George B. Post & Sons and is topped by the “Wisconsin” statue sculpted by New York-based artist Daniel Chester French. Join a guided tour to explore the interior of the building, then soak up the sweeping views across Madison and its surrounding lakes from the observation tower.

Delve into the local history at the Wisconsin Historical Museum, which documents the state’s immigrant and agricultural history through a range of fascinating exhibits. Admire the full-scale dioramas and audio-visual displays while discovering the people and events that have shaped the state, then learn how malted milk was invented here in the 1870s. Also on show at the Wisconsin Historical Museum is a collection of Big Boy mascots that were rescued from a local hamburger chain when it went out of business in 1985.

If you want to stretch your legs, follow the paved Capital City State Trail, which encompasses the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace. This lakefront convention center hosts over 600 events throughout the year and a variety of community programs, as well as being home to a rooftop cafe and a gift shop where you can pick up Wisconsin-themed souvenirs.

Whether you want to enjoy the recreational pursuits on Lake Kegonsa or get cultured in Madison’s museums, book an RV rental in Dane County and start planning your next vacation.