One Tank Trip for Wisconsin Camping

This One Tank Trip seen in the Woodall’s 2010 North American Campground Directory.

As you explore this one tank trip vacation through the Badger State, you’ll be treated to some of the most incredible sights, smells, and sounds that come from outdoor life, as well as some offbeat and unique attractions that will amuse you, excite you, and maybe just make you scratch your head and wonder “what were they thinking?” One thing’s for sure, your road trip through Wisconsin will be anything but boring.

Kicking things off in Big Flats, you’ll find this area to be a fine spot to hook up the rig and spend some time relaxing under a forest canopy. You’ve got Castle Rock and Petenwell Lake within striking range, as well as the massive Necedah Wildlife Refuge. This protected area sprawls over 40,000 acres of majestic terrain and provides safe haven for various species of birds and mammals that are on the protected and endangered species lists. The nearby Wisconsin River is a good place to drop a kayak or canoe and take a cruise along the riverbank, or maybe you’d rather just cast out fishing line and wait for the night’s dinner to take the bait. Big Flats’ popularity as a nature-lover’s getaway is growing, so come see what all the fuss is about.

Leaving Big Flats via the southbound Highway 13 to continue on your one tank trip adventure, stay on this course for 35 miles until you pull into Wisconsin Dells. Sherwood Forest is a perfect place to hook up the rig while you’re enjoying the surrounding area, which is known for its fun-loving ways. Wisconsin Dells is home to offbeat attractions like Extreme World, a theme park devoted to making your adrenaline charge through your system with rides such as the Ejector Seat, a bungee-drop that propels you at over 40 mph, and Terminal Velocity, which is a freefall into a net from a height of more than 60 feet. If you’re looking for something that keeps your heart rate where it belongs, Wisconsin Dells is also where you’ll find the Timbavati Wildlife Park, where you can cruise at your leisure through a fun-filled adventure zone and see hump-backed camels, exotic white lions, and awwww-inspiring baby animals guaranteed to melt your heart. If you’re a fan of dinner theater, the Dells provides you with many choices, each with its own entertainment style ranging from country music, to comedy, to mystery and drama.

From here, it’s south to Baraboo. Drive for about 7 miles on the southbound US-12 and you’ll find yourself in the midst of one of nature’s finest works. Devil’s Lake will treat your eyes to bluffs that tower more than 500 feet into the deep blue sky, and overlook the sparkling waters of the nearly 400-acre lake. The surrounding area features hookups for the rig, so if you want to spend time here – and when you see the awesome beauty of it, you undoubtedly will – you’ll be able to do it as only an RVer can while Wisconsin camping. The Ice Age Trail is a great spot for a hike, and while it runs through 1200 miles of Wisconsin territory, only 500 miles or so remain open to the public. While it’s doubtful that you’ll want to see it all in one trip, rest assured that however many miles you do hike, you will uncover some gorgeous scenery.

Once you’re able to pull yourselves away from this natural splendor, it’s a southeast journey on the US-12 for just under 30 miles until you pull into the charming community of Waunakee. In addition to being a great place to enjoy the great outdoors, Waunakee is one of those towns we think only exist in stories. Warm and friendly people, a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and a slower-paced lifestyle, all combine to make this area a perfect place to just kick back, unwind, and let your stresses wash away.

You’ll find that Wisconsin camping is more than ready to show you the time of your life, and even though we didn’t mention it, you’ll find that the cheese is fantastic too, so dig in and bring some back with you!

See a list of Woodall’s Recommended Wisconsin RV Campgrounds.

Planning a Wisconsin camping trip? Don’t miss this other great route on one tank of fuel:
2009 Wisconsin One Tank Trip
2008 Wisconsin One Tank Trip

For a complete list of one tank trip camping routes, go to Woodalls.com.