Clear blue lakes and rolling hills create fantastic biking and hiking near this friendly town.
Perched between two lakes and surrounded by rolling hills, Madison is a hub for outdoor activities. Cyclists fly past local farms, and kids splash in Wisconsin’s clean lakes and streams. You don’t have to go far for camping—a 30-minute drive takes you out of the city and into the wild.
Live the midwestern lake life at Lake Farm County Park, which offers an RV park and tent sites with picnic tables. In the summer, the calm water is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. In the winter, try cross-country skiing. A few miles away, the wooded campground at Lake Kegonsa State Park is a favorite with local families.
Looking for great hiking and biking? From your campsite at Blue Mound State Park, you can hop on the Military Ridge State Trail or tackle the singletrack system. Or, head north to Devil’s Lake State Park for rocky, challenging hikes. Slip on your scuba gear and explore the clear water, or simply paddle along the shore.
Closer to Madison, you’ll find several campgrounds, some with full hookups and dump stations. While you’re in town, bike the paths along Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. On hot days, stop at Governor Nelson State Park and swim from the sandy beach.
Camping in Madison is possible year round, but it’s most pleasant from spring through fall. Summers are hot; book a lakeside campsite to stay cool. Many campgrounds close in the winter, but cabin rentals make a great home base for ice fishing and cross-country skiing.