Door County camping guide
Where to Camp in Door County
From lakeside state parks to quiet private campgrounds — your complete guide to camping the Door Peninsula.
The Peninsula's Best Camping
Door County stretches 75 miles into Lake Michigan, flanked by Green Bay to the west and Lake Michigan to the east. That geography means nearly every campsite sits within minutes of water — whether you're waking up to sunrise over the lake or paddling a kayak from your site.
Pair a campsite with a DoorSky teardrop camper and you get the best of both worlds: the freedom to explore every corner of the peninsula with a cozy, fully-equipped home base that sets up in minutes.
Door County State Parks
Five state parks line the peninsula — each with its own character, trails, and waterfront access.
Peninsula State Park
Highlights
- •Eagle Trail cliff views over Green Bay
- •Nicolet Beach swimming
- •18-hole golf course
- •Eagle Tower observation deck
- •Sunset kayak tours
Best for
Families and first-time Door County visitors
Hookups
Electric hookups available
Pro tip
Book 11 months in advance — this is Wisconsin's most-visited state park and sites fill fast, especially July and August.
Potawatomi State Park
Highlights
- •Ancient Shores Trail through old lake beds
- •Observation tower with 16-state views
- •Sturgeon Bay waterway access
- •Mountain biking trails
- •Ice Age Trail trailhead
Best for
Hikers and mountain bikers
Hookups
Electric hookups available
Pro tip
The observation tower offers one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Midwest — go at sunset.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Highlights
- •Wisconsin's tallest sand dunes
- •Clark Lake swimming
- •Old Baldy dune hike
- •Rare dune plant communities
- •Excellent birding
Best for
Day trips from nearby campgrounds
Hookups
N/A
Pro tip
Combine with Cave Point County Park next door for a full day of dunes, swimming, and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Newport State Park
Highlights
- •Wisconsin's only wilderness state park
- •Dark sky preserve — exceptional stargazing
- •30 miles of hiking trails
- •Secluded Lake Michigan shoreline
- •Minimal light pollution
Best for
Backpackers and stargazers
Hookups
No hookups — primitive camping
Pro tip
Newport is a certified International Dark Sky Park. Bring a star chart — the Milky Way is visible on clear nights.
Rock Island State Park
Highlights
- •Car-free island accessible only by boat
- •Viking Hall boathouse (National Historic Landmark)
- •Pottawatomie Lighthouse (Wisconsin's oldest)
- •Pristine Lake Michigan beaches
- •Complete solitude
Best for
Adventure seekers and history buffs
Hookups
No hookups — primitive camping
Pro tip
No cars allowed on Rock Island. Take the Washington Island Ferry from Northport, then the Karfi water taxi from Washington Island.
Reserve Wisconsin state park campsites at reservations.usedirect.com/WisconsinWeb
Private Campgrounds & RV Parks
More amenities, easier reservations, and locations throughout the peninsula.
Baileys Harbor Campground
Best for: Families wanting amenities near the lake Michigan side
Door County Camping Retreat
Best for: Families and groups wanting a resort-style experience
Frontier Wilderness Campground
Best for: Campers who want shade and a quieter setting
North Shore Campground
Best for: Water-lovers and those heading to Washington Island
Tips for Camping Door County
Book 11 months out
Wisconsin state park reservations open exactly 11 months in advance. Peninsula State Park fills within hours of opening day. Set a calendar reminder.
Consider shoulder season
May, early June, and September offer cooler temps, fewer crowds, and easier reservations. Fall foliage peaks mid-October and is spectacular.
Get a Wisconsin State Park Pass
An annual vehicle sticker ($28 for residents, $38 for non-residents) pays for itself in one trip if you visit multiple parks. Required for entry.
Pack for all weather
Door County weather changes fast. Even in July, nights can drop to 50°F. Bring layers, rain gear, and a warm sleeping bag regardless of the forecast.
Upgrade to a teardrop camper
Skip the tent setup and sleep in a real bed. Our Timberleaf Classic fits any campsite, sets up in minutes, and keeps you warm and dry no matter the weather.
Time your visit for cherry season
Door County produces 95% of Wisconsin's tart cherries. Peak harvest is mid-July. U-pick farms are open and cherry everything — pies, wine, jam — is at its freshest.
Beyond the Campsite
Door County rewards exploration. Here's what's worth the drive.
Cave Point County Park
Dramatic limestone cliffs and sea caves on Lake Michigan. Free admission, no reservations needed.
Sister Bay
Charming village with waterfront dining, boutique shops, and the famous Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant (with goats on the roof).
Ephraim
The peninsula's most picturesque village — white buildings, Eagle Harbor, and the oldest continuously operating yacht club in the US.
Washington Island
Take the ferry from Northport for a car-free island day: lavender fields, a rock island ferry, and the world's only Icelandic horse farm.
Door County Wineries
Over a dozen wineries and cideries dot the peninsula. The cherry and apple wines are a local specialty worth tasting.
Traditional Fish Boil
A Door County tradition since the 1800s. Watch a massive outdoor cauldron boil over in a dramatic 'boilover' — then eat the whitefish. White Gull Inn in Fish Creek is iconic.
Point Beach State Park
About 90 minutes south of Door County near Two Rivers in Manitowoc County, Point Beach stretches six miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline — one of Wisconsin's longest. The 1839 Rawley Point Lighthouse stands at the tip of the point, and the forest campground puts you steps from the beach. A worthy detour on your way home or a standalone overnight.
Ready to Explore Door County?
Reserve your DoorSky teardrop camper and arrive at your campsite with everything you need — no tent poles, no sleeping bags, no gear to haul.
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