Kinney Lake Campground

For us Wisconsinites, summer in the Badger State often means one thing: camping. We cherish our lakes, our forests, and the opportunity to make family memories under the open sky. When choosing a campground, many of us look for a place that offers more than just a spot to pitch a tent – we seek engaging activities, clean facilities, and a vibrant atmosphere. Kinney Lake Campground in Marion, Wisconsin, aims to be just such a destination, promising "so much to do there!" for both kids and parents.

Wisconsin's landscape, dotted with countless lakes and abundant woodlands, provides a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Campgrounds across the state strive to cater to a diverse range of preferences, from rustic, secluded sites to bustling family-friendly resorts. Kinney Lake Campground appears to fall into the latter category, positioning itself as a destination where "fun and sun and outside time" are paramount, offering a wide array of amenities designed to keep everyone entertained. This focus on activities can be a major draw for families looking for an all-encompassing vacation experience without having to leave the campground.

However, as with any popular destination, it's important for local users to have a full, factual picture. While one review highlights the abundance of activities and the fun experienced, another provides a stark contrast, detailing significant concerns regarding cleanliness, cabin conditions, and service. This article will present a comprehensive overview of Kinney Lake Campground, based on available public information and customer feedback, helping fellow Wisconsinites make an informed decision for their next outdoor adventure. Understanding both the advertised highlights and the potential drawbacks is key to setting realistic expectations and ensuring a suitable trip.

Kinney Lake Campground is situated at N 11301, Kinney Lake Rd, Marion, WI 54950, USA. This places it directly in Marion, a city primarily located in Waupaca County, Wisconsin, with a small portion extending into Shawano County. Its location on Kinney Lake Rd suggests direct proximity to Kinney Lake, offering a scenic lakeside setting. Marion is a rural community in east-central Wisconsin, providing a peaceful backdrop for a camping getaway.

The accessibility of Kinney Lake Campground is generally good for Wisconsinites. Marion is located near State Highway 110 and is within reasonable driving distance from larger cities like Green Bay, Appleton, and Oshkosh, making it a viable option for weekend trips or longer vacations for many in the eastern and central parts of the state. The specific address on Kinney Lake Rd indicates that the campground is likely set back from major thoroughfares, contributing to a more secluded feel, while still being easily reachable. For campers bringing RVs or trailers, rural roads in Wisconsin are generally well-maintained, but specific access points within the campground should be noted upon arrival. The presence of a "big lake/swim area" suggests easy access to water recreation for all campers.

Kinney Lake Campground aims to provide a wide array of services and amenities, focusing heavily on family entertainment. Based on customer reviews, the offerings include:

• Campsites: While specific numbers aren't given, the campground accommodates campers, likely offering a mix of RV sites and potentially tent sites. (Note: The cabins are also a form of accommodation offered).
• Cabins for Rent: Two types of cabins are mentioned: "rustic cabins" and, by comparison to "their other campground (oasis)," presumably more comfortable "camper" cabins. The "rustic cabin" review describes minimal amenities, including thin mattresses, a straight ladder to a loft, and a non-working mini fridge.
• Water & Electric Hookups: These are typically available at RV sites.
• Swim Area and Lake Access: A "big lake/swim area" is a major feature, suggesting dedicated zones for swimming.
• Water Inflatables: Large "jump off inflatables" are available in the lake, providing a fun and unique aquatic activity.
• Mini Golf: An on-site mini golf course offers family-friendly entertainment.
• Playgrounds and Parks: Multiple "parks" (playgrounds) are available for children.
• Trampoline: A trampoline is listed as an activity, likely a dedicated recreational amenity.
• Fishing: Opportunities for fishing are available in the lake.
• Activities and Crafts: The campground organizes various "activities and crafts," indicating a program of events for campers, especially kids.
• Fireworks: A special highlight, especially for the 4th of July, indicating organized pyrotechnic displays.
• Golf Cart Rentals: Golf carts are available for rent, suggesting a sprawling campground where a cart can be convenient for getting around. (Note: They can run out during peak times).
• Bar/Restaurant: A bar where wings were served suggests an on-site food and beverage option.
• Bathhouse: Facilities with showers are available for campers.

The features and highlights of Kinney Lake Campground are a mixed bag, with some aspects receiving high praise and others significant criticism.

• Abundance of Activities: This is a major highlight. Campers note "so much to do there!" with "many fun things," including a "little pool," "big lake/swim area with jump off inflatables," "mini golf," "fishing," "parks," "trampoline," "activities and crafts," and "fireworks." This makes it an ideal spot for active families.
• Family-Friendly Focus: The sheer volume of child-centric activities clearly indicates a strong focus on family entertainment and creating a lively atmosphere.
• Lakeside Location: Situated on Kinney Lake, the campground offers immediate access to water-based fun, which is a major draw for Wisconsin campers.
• Convenience of Golf Cart Rentals: For a large park with many activities, golf carts are a practical and fun way to navigate the grounds.
• Potential for Great Family Memories: When activities are running smoothly, the campground can indeed provide "lots and lots of fun and sun and outside time," creating cherished family memories.

However, based on specific reviews, there are also significant concerns and lowlights that prospective campers should be aware of:

• Cleanliness Issues: A major recurring concern, with reports of "dirty with bugs everywhere and food all over the floors" in cabins, "clumps of hair" in bathhouse showers, and "poop and puke" clogging toilets. This directly impacts the sanitary experience.
• Poor Cabin Quality: The "rustic cabin" described as an "unfinished shed with wonderful plywood with thin mattress," "nails hanging out of the walls and ceiling," and a non-working fridge, indicates a significant discrepancy between expectations and reality for rental accommodations.
• Unpleasant Lake Odor: The report of the lake "smelt like poop around the lake and in the lake" is a serious concern for a swimming area.
• Service Concerns: A bartender "snapped at a few people and didn't seem welcoming" suggests issues with customer service at the on-site bar.
• High Price for Value: One reviewer noted it was "Little pricey," and another stated, "it was not worth it due to it not being clean. We paid a significant amount of money for this trip."
• Safety Concerns: The "straight ladder" to the loft and the "fan was going to fall off the ceiling" with the risk of hitting your head, along with "nails hanging out," raise safety concerns within the cabins.

For Kinney Lake Campground, here is the available contact information:

Address: N 11301, Kinney Lake Rd, Marion, WI 54950, USA

Phone: (715) 295-0168

Mobile Phone: +1 715-295-0168

Given the detailed concerns in the reviews, it is highly recommended that potential visitors call the campground directly to inquire about the specific conditions of cabins or campsites, and to ask about current cleanliness protocols, especially if they are considering cabin rentals or have high expectations for sanitary facilities. It's also advisable to inquire about the exact amenities available during your planned visit and to confirm pricing. For reservations and detailed information, contacting them by phone would be the most direct approach.

Kinney Lake Campground in Marion, Wisconsin, presents a mixed suitability for locals, depending heavily on individual priorities and tolerance for certain conditions. For active families in Wisconsin looking for a campground packed with a vast array of engaging activities – from lake inflatables and mini golf to organized crafts and special events like fireworks – it offers an undeniable appeal. The sheer volume of "fun things to do" ensures that kids (and parents!) will likely not be bored, providing "lots and lots of fun and sun and outside time." The convenience of golf cart rentals for navigating a potentially large property is also a significant plus for families.

However, for locals who prioritize cleanliness, comfortable and accurately represented accommodations (especially cabins), and consistent customer service, the recent negative reviews raise serious concerns. Reports of unclean cabins, unsanitary bathhouses, and unpleasant lake odors are significant red flags that potential visitors must weigh against the promise of abundant activities. While the campground offers a vibrant, activity-rich environment, prospective campers, particularly those considering cabin rentals, should exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence, perhaps by calling ahead to verify current conditions or seeking more recent, positive testimonials if available. For those who can overlook the noted drawbacks for the sake of nonstop entertainment, Kinney Lake Campground might still be a suitable choice for a lively family vacation in Wisconsin. But for many, the fundamental aspects of cleanliness and comfort might overshadow the myriad of activities, prompting them to explore other options in our beautiful state.