Camp at Blue Mound State Park

Just 40 minutes west of Madison, WI, Blue Mound State Park is a small state park with a lot to offer. Before starting your trip, stop by the local landmark Cave of the Mounds. One of the largest underground caves in the state, they offer tours of the caves with reasonable business hours: http://www.caveofthemounds.com

The backpacking/bike sites are walk-in only and first come, first served. In order to extend your hike a little longer than the 1/8 mile hike-in (marked on the map), ask the ranger for permission to park overnight at the top of the mound. At the top of the mound, make sure to climb the western and eastern towers, getting great views of local cities and landmarks. 

The hike to camp was very smooth, with an easy downhill slope. Hiking back up it the next day wasn't difficult either. At the campsites, there are bathroom stalls, a storm shelter, and running water available for campers. Many of the people using these sites were rolling items in on carts, some biking in, and others backpacking.

Within the state park, Blue Mound also has a man-made swimming pool area, roughly 1.5 miles from the campsites.