leedanna

Peninsula State Park is a huge state park with five campgrounds with over 400 sites (not including group sites) and it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to stay. Our decision was narrowed down somewhat because two of the campgrounds were closed for the season. We camped in South Nicolet along Nicolet Bay for two nights. Our first night was on the water but because heavy rains were forecasted, we relocated to another site closer to the bathrooms for the second night, putting up with the “hum” for a closer dash in the rain. There is so much to do in the park itself and Door County in general. However, we were here during the week in October so while the campground was quiet, bicycle and boat rentals were not available. Many great hiking trails. My only beef is that Wisconsin State parks charge more than many other states and, in general, facilities are not always as well maintained (bathrooms were a little dated and not the cleanest but sufficient for a campground). Still - this is a great place from which to explore Door County!

There are three options to camp at Holland State Park: Beach Campground (very close to the beach but with no views of it and basically a huge paved parking lot with NO privacy), the Woodstock Loop and the Pines Loop (both of these are about a mile from the beach). We stayed in the Pines and the sites are fairly generous in size with some of them paved and some with 50 amp electric (others have 30). No sewer or water which we did not need. The bath house in this section is probably the cleanest in the campground I’ve ever seen! Best to arrive before park personnel leave (if you don’t have a reservation), otherwise you have to use the dreaded yellow phone to secure a site! (Cannot pay for same night on line or by cell phone) after 5pm!

I think if I were writing this review a few months from now, it would be more positive but for the price we paid and the current condition, I really can’t give it more than two stars. I understand that this place was vacant for some time and current owners are working to restore it. We pretty much had our choice of bay view sites and were told they were all very close to the bathrooms. Imagine my surprise when the ladies bathroom was all torn up and not usable. There were no other campers in our section so no problem, I figured I would use the men’s room. It was also in the process of being restored but at least the toilets and sinks were operational (although I would not say it was in good condition). This is where the circular saw was stored. WiFi is very weak. The upside is that campsites are right on the water and the ferry to Ocracoke is right there. I would give this place another try after the work is done but wonder what they will charge then?

The views here can’t be beat and most of the sites are right on the water. If you like to fish and are in a fully contained RV, you might find this place ideal to get away from it all. We travel in a camper van so it didn’t fit the profile of the type of place we typically stay, however it was fine for an overnight. Facility needs some upkeep: we were told they have been trying to fix the problem of water on the floor in the mens room for awhile. Noisy sewage treatment plant detracted from the area. Victor, camp host, was very friendly and offered some great suggestions for our next destination.

We had just left Buccaneer State Park and were headed west when we saw this “campground”. It is not much more than a parking lot but oh, the views of the gulf – you can’t get much closer! There are 37 sites with level concrete pads, each with electric (30 & 50 amp), water & sewer and trash receptacles. Each site has a BBQ and picnic table but there are NO restrooms. Rates are $25 - $35 (for view spots) Sunday – Thursday and $30-$49 for Friday and Saturday. Higher prices (up to $99) on holidays and note that Mardi Gras is considered a holiday! However, if you “join” at the nearby Casino for eligible play, you will get a free night in return. If you bank enough eligible play nights, you can stay for free on future stays. Not our preferred kind of camping but might be worth a gamble for a night. Call (228) 469-2777, ext. 0 for more information.

Camped here with friends for two nights. It was over 100 degrees in the valley and although in the 90’s during the day, very comfortable in the 70’s in the evening/night. Other than walking around the lake, you have to drive to find other trailheads for hiking. Biggest draw is the lake. Great for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Our friend caught four fish Saturday evening. Sites have a lot of trees so there is a fair amount of privacy between sites. Pit toilets, no showers (but the pit toilets are probably the cleanest I’ve ever seen!). Only one dumpster by entrance to loop A so it is a hike from Loop C (but C is closest to the lake). Didn’t see any bears but we did see a lot of cattle! They roam freely throughout the campground and are nature’s alarm clock. Forest service is supposed to build a fence but not until September. Very crowded on the weekend. Would like to see this campground in the fall - lots of quaking aspens. Very limited cell service - could send/receive texts but that’s about it. Long, windy road to get there - might be challenging for a large RV. Our rate reflects the National Park senior pass discount.

Biggest draw is the lake - good for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. Hiking trails (except for paved path around the lake) are a drive down the mountain aways. Long winding road (about 11 miles) up the mountain to reach campground - might be challenging for large RV (although there were some in the campground). Only one dumpster near Loop A; a long walk from Loop C (but C is closest to the lake). Didn’t see any bears but did see lots of cattle - nature’s alarm clock! Forest service is supposed to build a fence by September. Only (very clean) pit toilet, no showers. Flush toilets by lake. Lots of trees provide privacy between sites. Would like to return in the fall to see the quaking aspens.

50 sites, full hookup ($40), water& electric ($35) and tent ($??). Has the feel of an RV park with three rows of sites plus some more (I think the tent sites) closer to the road. Not much separation between sites. The lucky ones get beachfront sites with unobstructed views; we were in the second row. The beach was closed for the season when we were there; the campground is open May- September and an on-site caretaker is there the entire five months. Gorgeous sunsets. Coin-operated showers($1 for approximately 15 minutes)– did not use so cannot say how they were. Playground. Clean restroom but the women's only had one operable stall. Although there was a hot water spigot, I was not able to coax any hot(or even warm) water out of it. No defined quiet hours but it was very quiet by 8:30 pm.

We picked this campground so that we could visit with a cousin who lives in Austin. Our stay was on a Thursday night in early April and although most sites were occupied, it was a quiet campground with the sites spaced a good distance apart. Some sites were afforded more privacy with trees. Our site (78 in the Big Cedar Loop) had a slight downgrade but it leveled out at the end and our 17’ van fit perfectly. Bathrooms were reasonably clean. Nice trails to see two waterfalls. Enjoyed our one night stay here at this time of the year (quiet with lots of wildflowers) but I imagine it would be a very different place on a hot summer weekend, a time I would not want to be there!

Hunting Island is a gorgeous campground and state park right on the Atlantic. Unfortunately this means they are constantly rebuilding after hurricanes! There is a loop closest to the shore that is still currently out of commission. Upside is brand spanking new bathrooms with hot water. The only thing missing was a trash can so consequently trash was on the floor. Beach has long stretch of hard packed sand and is very walkable. Lighthouse is within walking distance from the campground and the beach takes you through upended trees from hurricanes dating back to Hugo in 89. Well stocked camp store with friendly personnel. Sites are generous in size and some have trees separating them from ones on the other side of the loop. Note alcohol is prohibited.