💡 Key Takeaways
  • Identify engaging activities – Learn how to look for campgrounds offering a mix of water attractions, land sports, and themed weekend events to keep children of all ages entertained.
  • Prioritize convenient amenities – Discover how on-site food options, well-equipped cabin rentals, and supply stores can drastically reduce stress and packing for parents.
  • Evaluate crucial safety features – Understand the essential campsite safety measures that ensure a worry-free family vacation.

Family vacations are wonderful ways to make memories and bond with those most important to you, but between handling logistics, keeping everyone entertained, and ensuring safety, a family getaway can start to pile on the responsibilities.

Thankfully, a quality campground helps you solve all of these issues, providing a safe, centralized location filled with amazing activities and regular events that will make planning a breeze. Emrick Lake Campground and Resort has been voted Wisconsin’s #1 campground, and we’re ready to deliver the ultimate resort experience for you and the fam.

Let’s take a look at some of the key qualities of a kid-friendly campground and why Emrick Lake is the best destination for your next trip!

1. Look for Non-Stop, Age-Appropriate Activities

Whether you’re trying to entertain toddlers, teens, or a child somewhere in between, you need a host of engaging activities at your disposal.

Some of the best options for spring and summer fun are water activities, often being the centerpiece of summer camping trips. At Emrick Lake, we’re proud to have Wisconsin’s largest water slide and aquapark right on our pond. We also offer kayak and paddleboat rentals, swimming pools, and even a swim-up bar for adults.

So if you need the little ones to burn off some energy, or if you’re looking to wind down in the evening, there are great water-based options to help!

Other ideal possibilities for you and the crew include plenty of courts, trails, and courses for structured play and getting your game on, plus some ways to relax and unwind:

Activity Activity
Hiking trailsPlayground
Volleyball courtJumping pillow
Golf courseBasketball court
Pickleball courtFrisbee golf course
CornholeGel blaster
Shooting rangePetting zoo
Dog parksMovie screen

🌳 Bonus: Themed Weekends All Season Long
Pair all of that with our amazing theme weekends throughout the season – including Christmas in July, the Father’s Day Car Show, and the Halloween Spooktacular – and you’ve got a recipe for fun and fulfillment that will keep every member of the family happy!

2. Demand Amenities That Make Parenting Easier

Getting back to nature and “roughing it” can be one of the joys of camping, but having options makes for an even better experience for everyone. Some nights you might want to cook hotdogs and marshmallows over a roaring fire, but other times it might be better to grab some quick snacks or settle into a comfy booth for a meal.

At Emrick Lake, we provide:

  • The High Point Store as your go-to destination for groceries and gifts
  • Mary’s Coffee Cup & Creamery,which serves up fresh-baked pastries and hot beverages that can be delivereddirectly to campsites via Cart Express
  • The Twisted Pine Bar & Grill that specializes in burgers, pizza, cheesecurds, and so much more, giving you comfort food that hits the spot

But it’s not just meals that need to be sorted when you’ve got the family in tow – you also have to decide on accommodations that will suit everyone. Guest who stay with us can choose from the following:

  • Both seasonal and weekend camping sites where you can pitch a tent or hook up an RV with ease, letting you bask in the great outdoors
  • Premium cabin rentals that provide all the comforts of home, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, refrigerators, stoves, beds and bunk beds, sofas, patios, firepits, and more

Cabins are perfect if you’re more interested in “glamping,” giving you a solid middle-ground between home and the wilderness that you can settle into and reconnect with those near and dear.

3. Don’t Compromise on Safety and Site Layout

Any parent knows the struggle of corralling children, no matter their age. While you might want them to be able to roam and explore a bit, you’re still worried about potential hazards. Emrick Lake’s layout is designed with family safety in mind.

Our campsite sits on a secluded patch of land in Oxford, Wisconsin, with only internal roadways being present with clearly marked speed limits. Plus, many of our amenities and activities are centralized in the middle of the property, including our pools, petting zoo, basketball court, restaurant, and more. This makes it easy to give your kids some room to breathe while still being able to keep an eye on their safety. We also ensure that all guests abide by fire safety protocols and fully extinguish fires before bedtime to give all of our visitors peace of mind.

With all of these elements in place, our guests are able to have the time of their lives while at our campsite without having to worry about safety hazards.

FAQs on Kid-Friendly Campsites

How do I manage screen time while camping with kids?  

One approach is to set expectations before the trip and designate specific times for device use, such as evening downtime. This will allow you to encourage engaging in outdoor activities everyone can enjoy. You could also bring along board games or books to reduce device use while also fostering family interaction.

What should I pack for unpredictable weather at a family campground?

You’ll want to pack layers so you can easily adjust to temperature changes, and always include waterproof gear like rain jackets and tarps, just in case. Don't forget sunscreen and hats for sunny days, alongside warm blankets and sleeping bags for cooler nights.

Are there any safety measures for campground firepits when camping with toddlers?

Yes, always establish a clear “no-play zone” around the firepit and never leave children unsupervised near the flames. Additionally, ensure the fire is completely extinguished before heading to bed or leaving the campsite.

Have a Family Vacation on the Horizon? Choose Emrick Lake!

Give the kids a getaway they’ll never forget by selecting the #1 campground in Wisconsin. Our extensive list of amenities, activities, and events will let you get away from it all in the best way possible!

Contact us!
Reach out to our team today to book your stay. We look forward to hearing from you!