There’s a special kind of beauty you find along the shores of the Great Lakes, and Bay Shore Park in Wisconsin is a perfect showcase of it. Situated just about fifteen miles northeast of Green Bay, this park offers cliff top campsites that provide absolutely stunning views over the sparkling waters where the Fox River meets the vast expanse of Green Bay. For RVers, one of the park’s most valuable assets is its dedicated dump station, conveniently located near the campground loop. Its presence means you can handle the essential task of emptying your tanks without having to navigate through downtown Green Bay, making it an ideal staging ground or a final pit stop when you are setting out to explore the magnificent Door Peninsula. It’s a place that combines incredible natural beauty with the practical amenities that make life on the road so much easier.
This park’s location is what makes it a true strategic gem for any Midwest road tripper. It sits right at the gateway to Door County, a region that has rightfully earned its nickname as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” This peninsula is a magical place, known for its charming small towns, endless cherry orchards, traditional fish boils, and the picturesque lighthouses that dot its 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. From Bay Shore Park, you are just a short thirty minute drive from the historic shipyards of Sturgeon Bay and about an hour from the incredible biking and hiking trails of Peninsula State Park. These are absolute must do destinations for any family traveling in an RV. Having a reliable home base or a convenient service stop like Bay Shore Park makes planning that dream trip so much simpler. You can spend your days exploring the peninsula’s quaint villages and scenic state parks, knowing you have a comfortable and practical place to return to.
When it comes to the dump station itself, you’ll find a setup that is pretty typical for a well run county park in Wisconsin. Access to the dump area is usually gated. If you are a registered camper, using the station is free, a wonderful perk that adds to the value of staying here. For transient visitors who are just passing through, there is typically a small fee. Expect a single lane layout, which is common for parks of this size, with a gentle gravel apron leading up to the concrete pad. A word of caution for those traveling in the early spring or after a heavy rain: the ground around the pavement can get soft from the thaw or saturation. It’s always a good idea to keep your tires firmly on the paved surfaces as you align your sewer valve to avoid any chance of getting stuck. It’s a small detail, but one that experienced RVers always keep in mind.
The amenities offered here are geared perfectly for the camping lifestyle. You will find potable water taps conveniently located right next to the sewer inlet, which is perfect for a thorough black tank flush and for rinsing your hoses and connections. If you decide to camp, the sites are equipped with 30 amp electrical pedestals, ensuring your batteries stay topped off and you can run your appliances without draining your power. One of the standout features, especially if you are traveling during the cooler shoulder seasons in the spring or fall, is the heated bathhouses. There is nothing quite like a hot shower to wash away the chill after a breezy evening by the Great Lakes. The park also provides large, bear proof dumpsters near the exit for trash disposal, along with separate bins for recyclables, which is a nice touch. For those of us who travel with our furry friends, you will be happy to know that leashed pets are welcome. They will love hiking along the shoreline with you, but always be mindful of the steep drop offs from the bluffs. The only essential services you will not find on site are fuel and propane, so it is a good idea to fill up your tanks in Green Bay before you head out onto the peninsula.
As for the cost, the county does not list a specific dump fee on its website for non campers. Based on what is typical for parks in this region, you can expect to pay a very reasonable fee, likely in the five to ten dollar range. When you consider the beautiful location and the well maintained facilities, this is a real bargain. And as mentioned before, if you have a campsite reservation, the dumping fee is included, which makes staying at the park an even more attractive option compared to private lots that might charge fifteen dollars or more just for a dump.
A few insider tips can help make your visit even better. If you are arriving on a weekend, especially during football season, try to get here before three in the afternoon. Game day traffic for the Green Bay Packers can really back up Highway 57, and you do not want to get stuck in that. Another pro tip for this part of the country: carry good mosquito repellent. The bay breezes are lovely during the day, but they often calm down around dusk, which is when the bugs come out to play. Also, the campground showers are token operated, so it is a good idea to have some quarters handy. Finally, pay attention to the posted rules at the fish cleaning station. As a courtesy to fellow campers, you always want to rinse your tanks downhill and away from any area where fish debris might be present.
In conclusion, Bay Shore Park is a fantastic destination that perfectly pairs million dollar views of Green Bay with the practical necessity of emptying your holding tanks. With reliable potable water, the welcome comfort of hot showers, and quick access to the main highway, it is an easy and logical addition to any Door County road map. Whether you use it as your base camp for a week of exploration or simply as a convenient and affordable pit stop, this park is a true Wisconsin treasure.
5637 Sturgeon Bay Rd, New Franken, WI 54229
(920) 448-6242
Cost: Price not available
Category: Park
Has Water
browncountywi.gov/community/parks-department/general-information/camping