Seasonal & Holidays

Reserve Memorial Day Campgrounds, State Parks Now In Waukesha

If you're thinking about spending Memorial Day weekend in the great outdoors, make those camping reservations now in Wisconsin.

WAUKESHA, WI— Memorial Day weekend is less than a week away, meaning it’s time to mark the unofficial start of summer in Waukesha with small gatherings, family barbecues and annual camping trips.

If camping is on your agenda, you’ll want to make those reservations at your favorite state park or local campground soon.

While it might be too late to snag your choice spot, there are still plenty of spots available at these nearby parks and campgrounds:

Find out what's happening in Waukeshafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Menomonee Park is located in the Villages of Lannon and Menomonee Falls. The park offers countless recreational opportunities. It features 470 acres of rolling fields and shrub lands, high-quality maple woods, wetlands, and a 16-acre quarry pond with a large beach. There are 30 Family Campsites and 7 Group Campsites.

Muskego Park is a 193-acre parcel that was purchased in 1958 as the County's first regional park. Many trails wind through Muskego Park Hardwoods, offering a tranquil atmosphere and home to abundant wildlife. There are 17 Family Campsites and 3 Group Campsites.

Find out what's happening in Waukeshafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Naga-Waukee Park spans 206 acres and offers a spectacular view of Nagawicka Lake as you meander down the boardwalk to the boat launch and beach. The oak hickory forest and thick undergrowth define the trails that wind throughout the park, which is home to many different species of wildlife. There are 25 Family Camp sites and 5 Group Camp sites.

Not sure where to go? Check out CampgroundReviews.com to see photos, which spots earned the highest marks for amenities and tips from fellow campers.

If you’re among those who like to wait until the last minute, here are a few things to keep in mind to

1) Check out a smaller park.

If your favorite state park or campground is fully booked, try a regional or municipal park. These spots often fill up less quickly than their larger camping counterparts.

2) Rough it.

If you’re not afraid to spend the weekend without electricity or running water, head for the forest. Most national forests have campgrounds that don’t require advance reservations. The same goes for Bureau of Land Management parks.

3) Hope for a cancellation.

Have your heart set on a specific state park and campground? You can always head there, wait patiently and hope another camper doesn’t show up to claim their spot.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Waukesha