Sunrise Campground at Richard Bong State Recreation Area: Your Wisconsin Outdoor Hub

Sunrise Campground Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For Wisconsinites seeking a diverse and engaging outdoor experience close to home, Sunrise Campground, nestled within the expansive Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kansasville, offers an exceptional destination. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant hub for a myriad of outdoor activities, catering to a wide range of interests and skill levels. Named in honor of Major Richard I. Bong, a Wisconsin native and WWII flying ace, the recreation area itself holds a unique history, once planned as a jet fighter base before being transformed into a thriving natural landscape. Sunrise Campground is one of two primary camping areas within this impressive park, known for its mix of open and wooded sites, providing options for both RV and tent campers.

What truly sets Sunrise Campground apart for local users is its incredible versatility. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen angler, a family looking for educational nature programs, or someone simply seeking a peaceful retreat with clean amenities, Bong State Recreation Area, and by extension, Sunrise Campground, delivers. Visitors frequently praise the clean facilities, including recently renovated showers, and the overall well-maintained nature of the sites. It’s a place where you can enjoy the quiet solitude of nature, engage in adventurous pursuits, and participate in community-focused activities, all within a short drive from major population centers in Southeast Wisconsin. Richard Bong State Recreation Area, with Sunrise Campground at its heart, truly embodies the spirit of Wisconsin's outdoor recreation, making it an ideal choice for your next local adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Sunrise Campground is located within the Richard Bong State Recreation Area at 26313 Burlington Rd, Kansasville, WI 53139, USA. This highly accessible location in southeastern Wisconsin makes it an incredibly convenient destination for residents from Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and even northern Illinois. Kansasville, a community in Kenosha County, provides a serene rural setting while maintaining easy access to major roadways, ensuring a smooth journey for campers.

The main entrance to Richard Bong State Recreation Area is directly off Burlington Road (Highway 142), leading directly to the park's various amenities, including Sunrise Campground. While the park is vast, clear signage generally guides visitors to the appropriate areas, though having a park map handy upon arrival can be beneficial. The internal roads leading to Sunrise Campground are well-maintained and suitable for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and pop-up campers. The campground itself features different loops, some with electric sites and others with non-electric or tent-only options, ensuring varied accessibility to suit different camping setups. Its strategic placement also means that essential services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and local dining, are available in nearby Burlington or other surrounding communities, providing convenience without compromising the natural, expansive feel of the recreation area. This blend of easy access and immersive natural surroundings solidifies Sunrise Campground as an excellent choice for a hassle-free Wisconsin camping experience.

Services Offered

RV Sites: Offers a mix of electric (30/50 amp) and non-electric sites, many suitable for various RV sizes.
Tent Camping Areas: Designated non-electric sites for traditional tent camping, including shaded and sunny options.
Flush Toilets: Clean and regularly maintained restroom facilities available in bathhouses within Sunrise Campground.
Hot Showers: Modern, clean, and private shower stalls with warm water, often highlighted by visitors as a significant amenity.
Dump Station: Conveniently located for RV waste disposal.
Potable Water: Available at various points throughout the campground and at the dump station.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Provided at each campsite for outdoor dining and campfires.
Firewood Sales: Available for purchase via a 24/7 credit card vending machine at the Molinaro Visitor Center/Headquarters parking lot.
Playground Area: Available within the campground for children's enjoyment.
Accessible Campsites and Cabin: Offers sites and a cabin designed for individuals with disabilities.
Visitor Center: The Molinaro Visitor Center provides information, interpretive displays, and hosts various programs.

Features / Highlights

Diverse Recreational Activities: Richard Bong State Recreation Area is unique in offering an incredibly wide array of activities, including hiking, biking (mountain bike trails available), fishing, hunting (in designated areas), ATV/UTV/OHM trails, dog training, model airplane flying, rocketry, and falconry.
Extensive Trail Network: Features a network of 16 miles of hiking trails, encompassing prairie, wetlands, and forested areas, with options from easy walks (like the green trail for kids) to more challenging hikes with steep hills (like parts of the blue trail).
Family-Friendly Programs: The park frequently hosts educational and engaging programs, such as live animal encounters, nature explorer programs for kids (earning badges!), camp cooking demonstrations, and stargazing events with local astronomers.
Wildlife Viewing: Excellent opportunities for bird watching (including grassland birds like northern harriers and sandhill cranes), observing waterfowl, amphibians, and turtles in their natural habitats, with a dedicated bird viewing platform.
Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistently praised by visitors for the cleanliness of restrooms and the quality of new, private showers.
Spacious Campsites: Many sites are noted for their generous size and layout, offering good privacy and flat areas for setting up camp.
Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite the wide range of activities, the campground generally maintains a quiet and relaxing environment, especially at night.
Lake Access: A small lake within the recreation area offers opportunities for fishing and canoeing/kayaking (though some areas may be shallow for swimming).
Unique History: The park's origin as a planned jet fighter base adds an interesting historical dimension to the visit.
Accessibility: Provides options for campers with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity.

Contact Information

Address: 26313 Burlington Rd, Kansasville, WI 53139, USA

Phone: (262) 878-5600 (Richard Bong State Recreation Area Office)

It is recommended to check the official Wisconsin DNR website for the most current information, reservation details, and specific event schedules for the Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Wisconsinites, Sunrise Campground, within the embrace of the Richard Bong State Recreation Area, is an outstanding choice for a local getaway that truly offers something for everyone. Its highly accessible location in Kansasville ensures that residents from across southeastern Wisconsin can easily reach this natural haven without the burden of long travel, making it perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or extended family vacations. This convenience allows locals to maximize their time enjoying the outdoors and participating in the vast array of activities available.

What sets Sunrise Campground apart for the local community is its unique combination of diverse recreational opportunities and its commitment to a quality camping experience. Unlike many state parks that focus on a few key activities, Bong provides an unparalleled range of pursuits—from miles of challenging hiking and biking trails across varied terrain to specialized areas for dog training, model airplane flying, and even falconry. Families will particularly appreciate the engaging nature programs and activities, creating educational and memorable experiences for children. The campground's consistent positive reviews for its clean and well-maintained facilities, especially the modern showers and spacious, private sites, ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay, fostering a sense of peace and relaxation. For any Wisconsin resident seeking an authentic, activity-rich, and remarkably well-equipped outdoor destination close to home, Sunrise Campground at Richard Bong State Recreation Area is an invaluable local gem that guarantees endless opportunities for adventure, learning, and making cherished memories.