Calumet County Park: Camping On The Shores Of Lake Winnebago

Calumet County Park was my first experience as a solo camper in 2018. I loved the park because it was close to where I live in case my camping trip went awry (which it didn’t). The park was quiet, perfect for adult camping. There’re trees and plenty of grassy areas, and it was right on Lake Winnebago. Since then I have camped there again and again. It’s relatively unknown, and for that reason it is a great place for last-minute camping (although that is rapidly changing even with the addition of more sites). I hesitate to even share it with the world. 

I may be a little sentimental, but this is one of my favorite places to camp in the state!

Have you camped at White Mound County Park? This is another of my favorite county parks. 

Calumet County Park Facts

Calumet County Park is a beautiful and serene natural retreat in eastern Wisconsin, just outside of the town of Stockbridge. The park is located approximately 30 minutes from both Appleton and Oshkosh, and about an hour from Green Bay. Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago, the park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and amenities, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

There are two features which make the park unique. That proximity to the shores of Lake Winnebago, but its other feature is the Niagara Escarpment, which runs right through it. We locals call this natural wonder “the ledge”.

The Niagara Escarpment is a geological formation, formed millions of years ago, that stretches from Wisconsin all the way to New York. The escarpment is a long cliff-like ridge that runs through the park, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The escarpment at Calumet County Park is noteworthy for its steep cliffs and rocky outcroppings. Hiking trails in the park provide visitors with access to these areas, where they can explore the unique geology of the region. The escarpment is also home to a variety of plants and wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. You can also get a look at nearby High Cliff State park, which has many hiking trails along the escarpment. 

Calumet County Park Trails

The park offers a 2.2 mile multi-use trail called the Sun Run Trail. It can accommodate mountain bikes, hikers, and runners in summer, snowshoeing and fat tire bikes in the winter. There are other trails within the park and plenty of paved road. If you’d like to hike more trails, High Cliff State park is just 13 minutes away and offers multiple scenic trails.

Calumet County Park Boat Landing and Harbor

Calumet County Park in offers a boat landing that provides visitors with easy access to Lake Winnebago, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States. It also has a depth of 21 feet maximum. The boat landing is on the west side of the park and is open from April through October, weather permitting.

They equipped the boat landing at Calumet County Park with six launch lanes that can accommodate boats of various sizes. There is also a fishing pier near the boat landing that provides anglers with a magnificent spot to cast a line and catch fish. The sizable parking lot has plenty of room. There are also toilet facilities at the boat landing. 

Calumet County Park Camping

There are 84 campsites in the park with a mix of grassy sites and gravel sites. Most are electric and some have electric and water. The electric sites accommodate 20 and 30 amp service with some sites on the north end have 50 amp service. The largest sites will accommodate RV’s up to 40 feet. Camping is available year round.

Need some camping meal ideas? 

What I love about camping here it’s quiet and many of the sites have lake views. The water sights on the north end are closer to the water and the other water sites are higher up. Those north end sites are my favorite. At night, you can hear the waves hitting the shoreline. Some sites are on the upper section of the park on the escarpment. In the fall, these sights are beautiful with the leaves in full color. 

View the campground map here. 

There are two shower buildings in the park, along with 8 pit toilets. There is a dump station and the registration and concession building is near the north section of the park. You can get anything you need, firewood, ice, and more. 

Other Things To Do Near Calumet County Park

1. Visit High Cliff State Park: As I mentioned above, one of the most popular Wisconsin State parks is just a short drive from Calumet County Park. High Cliff State Park is another beautiful natural area that’s definitely worth a visit. The park is on the shores of Lake Winnebago and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the lake.
2. Explore the Fox Cities: The Fox Cities area, which includes towns like Appleton, Neenah, and Menasha, is located just a short drive from Calumet County Park. Here, you’ll find plenty of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, including the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and the Fox River Mall.
3. Go to a Brewpub: We know Wisconsin for its craft beer, and there are several great breweries near Calumet County Park. One of the most popular is Fox River Brewing Company, where you can sample their award-winning beers. A favorite is Stone Arch Brewery. They built the original location in 1858 as a brewery. You must have the cheese curds here. They are one of the best in Wisconsin. If you prefer to stay closer to the park, head in to Chilton and stop at historic Rowlands Calumet Brewing Company. This was once the 3rd smallest brewery in the smallest brew town in Wisconsin. Be sure and check these business websites for days and hours of operation. 
4. Visit the EAA Aviation Museum: Located in Oshkosh, about 30 minutes from the park. The EAA Aviation Museum is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts. The museum features an impressive collection of vintage aircraft, as well as interactive exhibits and flight simulators.
5. Go to a local Supper Club: Calumet County has two of the most famous Supper Clubs in Wisconsin. Dimly lit, starting off with a classic Old Fashioned, and the well filled relish tray, these places are a Wisconsin institution. Try nearby Roepke’s Village Inn in Charlesburg and Schwartz’s Supper Club in St. Anna. Trust me, I have been to both these places several times (I’m a local after all) and can highly recommend. Roepke’s take phone reservations. Schwartz’s does not, so I suggest going early, especially on weekends when there are races at Elkhart Lake’s Road America. 

Calumet County Park is a hidden gem in eastern Wisconsin, offering visitors a peaceful and natural retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its beautiful campsites, easy access to Lake Winnebago, and miles of hiking trails, this spacious park is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors.

You can find the park here:

6150 Co Rd EE, Hilbert, WI 54129

Ph. (920) 439-1008