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Derge Park (Dodge County Park)
Overview
Derge Park, managed by the Dodge County Parks Department, offers a serene lakeside escape on the western shore of Beaver Dam Lake in Wisconsin. Spanning approximately 13 acres, this destination is tailored for those who appreciate a smaller, more intimate camping environment. Unlike sprawling commercial resorts, this park provides a peaceful waterfront atmosphere where the focus remains on the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and the expansive waters of one of the state's largest inland lakes. It is an excellent choice for those seeking simplicity and direct access to outdoor recreation.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just north of the city of Beaver Dam, the park is easily accessible yet feels secluded from the hustle of heavy highway traffic. The primary draw is the direct access to Beaver Dam Lake, a massive shallow lake known for its impressive sunsets and diverse ecosystem. The surrounding area consists of rolling Wisconsin farmland and wetlands, characteristic of the Dodge County region. This provides a quiet backdrop for evening strolls or relaxing by the shoreline while watching local waterfowl and enjoying the cooling lake breezes.
Amenities & Park Features
This park is designed for self-contained RVers and tent campers who prefer a more traditional outdoor experience over high-density resorts. The facility offers several core amenities to support your stay:
- Campground sites equipped with electrical hookups for convenient RV power.
- A well-maintained paved boat launch that serves as a hub for water activities.
- Family-friendly features including a playground, picnic shelter, and fire rings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Fishing is the premier activity at Derge Park, with the lake being a popular spot for catching walleye, northern pike, and panfish throughout the season. Beyond the water, guests are just a short drive from the famous Horicon Marsh, a world-renowned destination for birdwatching and nature photography. For a change of pace, the nearby city of Beaver Dam offers local dining, historical sites, and the Beaver Dam Raceway, which hosts exciting dirt track racing events for motorsports enthusiasts visiting the area during the summer months.
Who This Park Is Best For
Derge Park is an ideal choice for dedicated anglers and boaters who want to maximize their time on the water without a long commute. It is also well-suited for travelers seeking a budget-friendly, rustic stay away from the crowds found at larger state parks. If your travel style involves simple amenities, quiet nights, and the convenience of having your vessel just steps from your campsite, this Dodge County gem is a perfect fit for your next Wisconsin road trip.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jodi Frye
Very small boat dock. Camping across the road. Some picnic tables, small playground. A couple of benches along the lake.
ACE Phone
No rooms or service...this is a campground. Not a bad one either.
Gerry Paulson
Really nice campground. Clean and quiet !
Jamie P
We stayed here for a recent family reunion. I would call this more of an RV park than a campground. There isn't much privacy between sites, which is one of our biggest wants in a campground. However, it was very well maintained. The grass was mowed and the pads were nice. The bathrooms were nice and clean. The showers were hot, and there was a water fountain with a bottle filler, which I consider pure luxury for a campground. It was nice and quiet. The lake is very close. We planned to swim with our dogs, but it was so green with algae that it looked like paint rather than water. It didn't seem safe. The second night we were there, there was a really heavy downpour, and the grounds flooded with inches of water that all drained off the surrounding farm field into the lake. So if you are booking here to enjoy the lake without a boat, I might consider someplace else There were several nicely maintained playgrounds. I can imagine families with children who are just looking to park their RV and have family time away from home would probably really enjoy it here. We prefer legde park nearby as it feels more like camping and has hiking trails. We'll go there again next year. Overall, this is a nice little park.
JulieG
What a beautiful small campground with a great view of Beaver Dam Lake. Most of the sites were nice and large. The grounds were very well maintained and the cleanliness of the bathroom/shower house was impeccable. We camped at this park for a week. We especially really appreciated the warm hospitality from the host Kevin. He made himself visible many times a day when taking walks through the campground and stopping to chat to see if we had any needs. We even ended up meeting some local residents that happened to be from our home town due to his word of mouth.
MARK WILLIAMS
Easy parking in and out for our 5th wheel. Beautiful area.Downside is no water on sites and the had some construction going on so heard back warning horn all day Friday. But that's a temporary problem . All in all give this site a B+
Marcia Marek
It rained the entire weekend, but the barn swallows were flying around and fun to watch, the sites were very nice with shade. We have a camper so we didn't get wet. The park host was very friendly and kept us informed about storms coming in. We would go back again. 🙃
Mary Snyder
Great location beautiful views of the lake, clean sites and restrooms!
jamie johnson
Fun! Great playground for little people. Nice place to launch and fish. Great spot for camping and walking.
Don Spangenberg
Very nice park. Huge trees and shade. Sites were full this past weekend but quiet and respectful. Camp ground host Kevin is great and helpful. Restroom and showers are clean. Lots of Hickory trees and nuts. Plenty of bird chatter. We met here for a sibling reunion and had plenty of green area between sites as common area. It looked like there were several groups doing the same. Very good boat landing but water is green with algae. No swimming here. Go to Dockside Bar for fish fry, very good. Burgers are good too, and they have docks to tie up your boat.