Peninsula State Park - North Nicolet Bay Campground

With eight miles of spectacular Green Bay shoreline and more than 3,700 acres of unspoiled terrain, Peninsula State Park is the most popular state park in Wisconsin. With pet-friendly camping, a host of water-based recreational activities, and plenty of opportunities to explore nature, this is a park that many like to visit time and time again.

The best way to spend your time in Peninsula State Park is on or in the water. Fishing, kayaking, and swimming are all hugely popular, and the park can get quite busy through the summer months.

If you prefer to go exploring on land, there's an extensive network of hiking trails to tackle. You can get up close and personal with towering limestone cliffs, coastal wetlands, second-growth forest, and an abundant array of wildlife, or maybe take a closer look at the historic Eagle Bluff lighthouse. And with six picnic areas, three kids' playgrounds and an 18-hole golf course also included, there's plenty to see and do.

When it's time to set up camp, there are five separate campgrounds found throughout Peninsula State Park. North Nicolet Bay Campground, which is found near Eagle Bluff at the park's northern tip, features 44 sites. Electrical hookups aren't available, but showers, flush toilets, and a public boat launch are provided.

One of the standout features of this pet-friendly campground is that Nicolet Bay is the site of the only sand swimming beach anywhere in the park. This makes it the ideal spot for a cooling swim in summer, while sand volleyball courts, a kids' playground, and boat rentals are also offered in this area.

There's an $8 vehicle entrance fee for Wisconsin residents, but this increases to $11 for visitors from out-of-state.

If camping with your pet, please note that pets are not allowed on the beach or in picnic or playground areas, nor are they welcome in park buildings or out on the cross-country or nature trails. Dogs must be leashed at all times (maximum length of eight feet) and you'll need to properly dispose of your dog's waste.

With these responsibilities taken care of, all that's left to do is explore this big and beautiful state park.