Campgrounds and RV parks near West Bend, WI

The Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit is the dominant outdoor draw north of the city, with hiking, swimming beaches at Long Lake and Mauthe Lake, and seasonal kayak and canoe rentals at Mauthe Lake. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail passes through the forest, and campers can hike sections directly from many area campgrounds. Water-based activities center on the local lakes. Lake Lenwood has a sandy beach, swim raft, playground, and rentals including fishing boats, paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, and hydro-bikes. Hoeft's Resort and Campground adds beach access and boat rentals on Crooked Lake. Off the trail, downtown West Bend has the Museum of Wisconsin Art, riverwalk paths along the Milwaukee River, and the Sunburst winter recreation area just south of town for shoulder-season and winter trips.

Peak season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, when Wisconsin lake weekends drive high demand at both state forest and private campgrounds. Summer temperatures are warm, lakes are open for swimming, and summer is the wettest season, so campers should plan for occasional thunderstorms. Booking well in advance is essential for weekends in July and August. Spring and fall are quieter but shorter. Most private campgrounds in the area operate from mid or late April into early October, with Lake Lenwood Beach and Campground running roughly April 15 through early October. Fall brings leaf color through the kettle country, but overnight lows drop into the 40s in October and 30s in November, so RVers need cold-weather gear and should confirm water service is still on. State park and forest water systems may be shut off from about October 1 through May 15. Winter camping is limited. Most private parks close for the season, though Mauthe Lake Campground in the Northern Unit stays open year-round, and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing continue in the state forest.

Private campgrounds around West Bend generally offer 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer hookups, with pull-through sites available for larger rigs. Lake Lenwood Beach and Campground accommodates RVs up to 60 feet, accepts big rigs, and has 91 full-hookup sites, a dump station, showers, flush toilets, WiFi, and a playground. Cell coverage is generally reliable throughout Washington County. State forest campgrounds in the Northern Unit are more rustic. Mauthe Lake has 135 sites including 51 with electric, a shower building, and vault toilets, while Long Lake offers similar amenities without electric hookups. Full hookups are not available in the state forest. Firewood should be bought locally to comply with Wisconsin's rules on transporting firewood, and mosquitoes and ticks are active through the warm months, so bring repellent and long layers for wooded evenings.