MADISON HIKING FIELD GUIDE
30: Back‑to‑basics tent camping at White Mound, Madison
A nonelectric, back‑in campsite at White Mound featuring fire rings, coin‑operated showers and laundry, and family play areas—this guide lays out what to expect for multi‑night stays.
30: Back‑to‑basics tent camping at White Mound, Madison.
Adventure brief
30: Back‑to‑basics tent camping at White Mound, Madison
Set within Madison, the White Mound campground known as “30” is a straightforward outdoor overnight option built for low‑tech camping: cozy sites with fire rings and picnic tables, pit toilets bookending the loop, coin‑operated showers and laundry, and a small recreation area for kids and families.
White Mound offers a quintessential outdoor escape nestled within a vibrant natural setting that invites both adventure seekers and families to enjoy the great outdoors. Located in an area rich with rolling hills and lush greenery, this campground provides the perfect base for a variety of recreational activities. The site features traditional campsites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, making it ideal for both solo explorers and group outings. Facilities include coin-operated showers, laundry amenities, and a designated playground, ensuring comfort and convenience for visitors of all ages.
What sets White Mound apart is its seamless blend of relaxed leisure spots and accessible outdoor amenities. Visitors can unwind by the campfire under a canopy of stars, or shoot hoops at the onsite court, combining relaxation with light-hearted fun. The surrounding landscape boasts a tapestry of native flora and fauna, including fields of wildflowers in spring and colorful foliage in fall, which turn the grounds into a living canvas of seasonal beauty.
For adventure enthusiasts, the area's gentle hills and wide-open spaces are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer and foxes—as well as a variety of songbirds that thrive amid the trees. Historical notes highlight the area's longstanding connection to local indigenous communities and early settlers, adding depth for the culturally curious.
Whether you're pitching a tent for a weekend getaway or simply seeking a family-friendly outdoor retreat, White Mound offers a versatile setting that caters to all. With its inviting facilities and scenic backdrop, it stands as a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in the local park system, igniting moments of connection and adventure for visitors long after their stay.
Route Schematic
On‑site route schematic
Key stops and features around the campground loop.
Campsite 30
A nonelectric, back‑in site fitted with a fire ring and picnic table where you’ll camp and cook.
Shower & Laundry Building
Coin‑operated showers and sinks are located here; washers and dryers are available for a fee.
Playground & Basketball Hoop
The playground sits near the campground entrance and a basketball hoop occupies the middle of the loop for informal play.
Pit Toilet Stations
Pit toilets are located at both ends of the campground loop to serve campers.
Sites are nonelectric and back‑in; showers are coin‑operated ($1.50 per 5 minutes) and washer/dryer use is $1.25 each—plan accordingly. Rates do not include parking.
What the day feels like
What staying here feels like
The experience at site 30 is elemental: arrive and back your rig into a nonelectric, back‑in spot, set up a tent or pop‑up, arrange wood around the fire ring and eat at the picnic table. Showers and laundry are available in a modest central building for a small coin fee, while simple recreation—playground and a basketball hoop—keeps the mood communal and family‑friendly.
THE CAMPSITE
Simple, sheltered campsites with a campfire focus
Each site is equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table, providing the essentials for an evening around the fire or an al‑fresco meal on site.
THE AMENITIES
Coin‑operated showers and on‑site laundry
The campground’s shower building houses coin‑operated showers and sinks (showers charged at $1.50 per 5 minutes) and a washer and dryer ($1.25 each), allowing longer stays with basic creature comforts.
THE RECREATION
Playground and hoop for family downtime
A playground near the campground entrance and a centrally located basketball hoop give kids and groups simple on‑site recreation between hikes or evening campfires.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this campsite suits (and who should look elsewhere).
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring tent or pop‑up gear suitable for a nonelectric site; each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table but no electrical hookups.
Campsite nightly rates are tiered by length of stay; showers cost $1.50 per 5 minutes and washer/dryer use is $1.25 each. Note: rates do not include parking.
The campground offers a shower building with coin‑operated showers and sinks, on‑site washer and dryer, pit toilets at both ends of the loop, a playground near the entrance and a basketball hoop in the center.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the campsite rates?
Rates vary by length of stay: 2 nights $45; 3 nights $65; 4 nights $85; 5 nights $105; 6 nights $125; 7 nights $145.
Are showers available?
Yes. There is a shower building with coin‑operated showers charged at $1.50 per 5 minutes.
Is laundry available on site?
Yes. A washer and dryer are available in the shower building; each costs $1.25 per use.
Are the campsites electric?
No. Sites are nonelectric and intended for pop‑up or tent camping with back‑in parking.
Is parking included in the campsite rate?
No. Rates do not include parking.
What restroom facilities are on site?
Pit toilets are located at both ends of the campground loop.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-10-31T01:14:47.139Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.