Madison School Forest Campground

For Wisconsin residents, especially those in the greater Madison area, the Madison School Forest Campground offers a unique and invaluable outdoor resource. Located just southwest of Verona, this is not a typical public campground but rather a specialized facility focused on environmental education and rustic group retreats. It is part of the larger 307-acre Madison School Forest, also known as the Jackson School Forest, which is a significant piece of natural biological diversity within the region's beautiful unglaciated Driftless Area.

The primary mission of the School Forest, managed by the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR) Outdoor Programs, is to provide students and community groups with hands-on, meaningful experiences in the out-of-doors. While the campground is used extensively by school groups—including overnight stays for classes, such as the kindergarten trip mentioned by one delighted customer—it is also available for rental by various community organizations and groups with a permit, offering a secluded, natural setting that encourages learning and teamwork.

Guests appreciate the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, with one review noting the benefit of getting "the kids outdoors" and enjoying the "lots of hiking trails." It provides a rustic experience, complete with sleeping cabins and tent space, making it an excellent choice for groups seeking an educational and peaceful Wisconsin retreat.

The Madison School Forest Campground is situated in a tranquil, hilly area just outside of the city of Verona, Wisconsin. This location places it conveniently close to Madison, making it easily reachable for local school districts and organizations, yet far enough away to feel like a true natural escape.

The official address for the facility is: 1577 Fritz Rd, Verona, WI 53593, USA.

The property encompasses a mix of ecosystems, including the Olson Oak Wood State Natural Area, making the surrounding land rich in flora, fauna, and geological features like bedrock ridges and sinkholes. Access to the campground is clearly marked off Fritz Road. Importantly, the facility demonstrates a commitment to ensuring all visitors can participate in the outdoor experience. The camping area is equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot, and dedicated wheelchair accessible restroom facilities. This focus on accessibility ensures that the site is welcoming to people with physical disabilities.

The services at the Madison School Forest Campground are tailored specifically for educational groups, overnight field trips, and facilitated outdoor programs. The camping area is generally available for rental by groups with a permit.

• Group Camping Rentals: The rustic camping area is rentable primarily by groups, which secures access to the cabins and central facilities. Access to the campground space is generally restricted to groups with a valid permit.
• Overnight Accommodations: The site provides varied sleeping arrangements, which include:
  • Four Sleeping Cabins (often referred to as 'bunk houses' in related programs).
  • Large Field Space for group tent camping (groups are typically required to bring their own tents and sleeping gear).
• Central Facilities: The core of the campground includes a central area with important communal facilities:
  • A stocked kitchen for meal preparation (likely catering to groups).
  • A Nature Center for educational programming and exhibits.
  • An Open-Air Shelter equipped with a fireplace, useful for gatherings regardless of weather.
• Environmental Education Programs: MSCR and the School Forest staff offer customized outdoor programs, including:
  • Guided Nature Hikes tailored to specific interests.
  • Teambuilding and Corporate Programs.
  • Orienteering/Map & Compass Programs.
  • Night Experiences and Survival Skills instruction.

The School Forest's natural landscape and unique educational features make it a standout choice for Wisconsin groups looking for an immersive experience.

• Extensive Trail System: The 307 acres of the School Forest contain miles of hiking trails, allowing for deep exploration of the distinct ecosystems, including dry forests, pine plantations, and open fields.
• Rustic Camp Area: The physical amenities support a genuine outdoor feel, including a large field for group games or tents, a large fire pit for communal campfires, and individual sites with picnic tables.
• Essential Comfort Amenities: The site is equipped with a Public restroom and Restroom facilities, though visitors should note the rustic nature of some facilities, as suggested by a customer who advised, "DO NOT use the bathrooms!!" This highlights the basic, rustic nature of some infrastructure typical of school forest properties.
• Running Water: There is running water available, typically from mid-April to mid-October (weather dependent), which is vital for kitchen use and hygiene.
• Unique Ecosystems: The property is a natural highlight, featuring the Olson Oak Wood State Natural Area, and is home to over 40 species of nesting birds, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and biological study.
• Educational Opportunities: Beyond camping, the forest offers specialized programs like a High Challenge Course (ropes course) and opportunities for Service and Volunteer Projects to give back to the community and environment.
• Parking: Convenient On-site parking is provided for permitted groups.
• Child-Friendly: The environment is explicitly Good for kids, focusing on safe and educational outdoor engagement.

For information on renting the Madison School Forest Campground for a group event, or to inquire about MSCR Outdoor Programs, please use the contact details provided below. Keep in mind that as a school facility, reservations and access require proper permitting.

Address: 1577 Fritz Rd, Verona, WI 53593, USA

Phone: (608) 845-6995

Mobile Phone: +1 608-845-6995

The Madison School Forest Campground is an exceptional choice for Wisconsin-based organizations, schools, and groups specifically seeking a dedicated, structured, and immersive environmental experience over a typical public recreational campground. Its key strengths lie in its dual-purpose nature: it functions as both a rustic retreat and a comprehensive outdoor education center.

The presence of multiple sleeping cabins and a central kitchen/shelter house makes it uniquely suited for large group overnight stays, such as youth camps or school field trips, offering more structure than dispersed camping. The deep commitment to environmental preservation is evident in the inclusion of the State Natural Area and the numerous guided programs available through MSCR, ensuring that any visit is both fun and educational. Furthermore, its crucial designation as an accessible site, with accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms, ensures that this valuable piece of Wisconsin wilderness is available to a wider range of the community. For those prioritizing group facilitation, education, and rustic immersion in a protected environment near Madison, the Madison School Forest Campground offers an unmatched opportunity.

Madison School Forest Campground

1577 Fritz Rd, Verona, WI 53593, USA