Campgrounds and RV parks near Monona, WI

The lake is the main draw. A swimming beach, picnic areas with reservable shelters, and a boat launch are within 1 mile of the campground at Lake Kegonsa State Park, and common catches include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, musky, walleye, and catfish. On land, the park offers approximately 5 miles of hiking trails through oak woodland, prairie, and wetlands, plus a short lakeshore path linking the beach and boat launch. Cyclists can pick up the Capital City State Trail nearby and ride into downtown Madison. In winter, the hiking trails turn into cross-country skiing courses, and ice fishing is allowed on the lake. Madison itself adds museums, the State Capitol, and Dane County Farmers' Market within a short drive.

Southern Wisconsin has strong seasonal swings. Madison experiences a humid continental climate with very strong seasonal contrasts: summers are warm and bring the most precipitation, while winters are cold and snowy, with winter moisture often arriving as snow. Peak RV camping runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, when Lake Kegonsa's beach, boat launch, and electric loops book up fastest. Spring and fall are shoulder seasons with lighter crowds and cooler nights. Water systems including flush toilet buildings, shower buildings, drinking fountains and dump stations at Wisconsin State Parks and Forests are weather-dependent and may not be available from fall through spring, approximately October 1 through May 15, so RV renters arriving at the edges of the season should plan tank service accordingly. Fall foliage typically peaks in early to mid-October. Winter camping is possible at the state park but requires cold-weather preparation. Not all properties offer camping during non-summer months, camping seasons vary by property, and during winter some campsites may be plowed as staffing allows. Private campgrounds in the area more often close entirely between late October and April.

At Lake Kegonsa State Park, expect a wooded, family-oriented campground. Sites 1-9 and 87-93 are partially wooded, and the rest of the sites are heavily wooded. Each site has a table, fire ring and grate, and campground amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers and a dump station. Any motor vehicles brought into the property require a vehicle admission pass; a 12-month pass offers admission to all state parks and forests for 12 months from the time of purchase, and a camper without a 12-month pass will need to buy one daily pass for each night of camping. Nonresident campers will pay $15 per night in addition to the standard campsite fee. Bring certified or local firewood. Only certified firewood or firewood originating from within 10 miles of the park is allowed into the park. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet and under control at all times, and pets are not allowed in picnic areas, picnic shelters, buildings, playgrounds, beaches and marked nature trails.