South Campground — Merrick State Park

This campground offers many nice sites. Some are more off by themselves and some are right next to each other. There is drive in, cart in, and pull in sites. There is nice ground for renting as well. Many of the sites are on the river. Nice state park! Open year round.

Three loops: north (with electric service), island (walk-to, tent only) and south (dry camping).  We toured the north loop; sites are pretty close together and not that well screened from each other.  We stayed in the south loop, all of which sites are well spaced and decently screened from each other.  Half face toward the Mississippi and half face toward the shore, but all are right on the water.  The river was high when we visited, and some of the river-facing sites were flooded out.  Not crowded on the south loop, even in the run-up to the 4th of July weekend, with reservations available facing the river (even the dry ones!).  Vault toilets, one each for men and women, separated by 50 (?) yards, plus two accessible porta-potties in the loop--seemed meager for the possible number of campers in high season. Some train noise, and many motor boats--fishing and skiing--but the boat noise, of course, calmed down as the sun set.  Overall, a bit ill-kept, but right on the water!

Our second time camping here.. this time at the South campground. Definitely bring everything to repel the bugs… thermacells are a must. Waterview sites are amazing. Very little park staff presence that I could see. Showers and flush toilets at the north campground which is a quick drive or a very long walk. They were clean, but showers could use a refresh. Pro tip: there are wheelbarrows full of firewood for sale across from the entrance of the park. Only 5 dollars buys a generous amount that burns well.

Clean large flat campsites. Boat landings are under construction. LOTS of poison ivy in the south loop campsites.

There was a really nice view of the lake, and a nice clearing up towards the skies, but still adequate trees. Some mosquitos / flies. Overall very nice campsite. One downside was neighbor chopping wood at 6 am Sunday.

We stayed in one of the lower walk in sites. It had a wonderful view and easy water access. The shore consists of large rocks to prevent erosion so a canoe would have been difficult to put in but it was easy to carry my kayak into the water and and paddle across the channel to the kayak/canoe trail that we could see from the campsite. The boat traffic on the channel does get heavy at times and they do go rather fast so beware. We like to hear the trains did they didn't bother us but they were quite frequent at times. The site was very nice and spacious but the mosquitos were definitely a factor. Bring bug spray. Will definitely be returning here for a longer stay.

Very nice walk-in site right on the river. LOTS of bugs to the point it was uncomfortable so make sure to bring bug spray. Tent pad, fire ring and picnic table available. Trees available that are good for those who hammock.

The park has showers for campers, and electric sites as well.  There are 2 boat launches which can get busy on the weekends but are free to use if you have a current Wisconsin state Park sticker.  The park has a ton of wildlife, nature area, & multiple points to access the water. Great access to awesome fishing!

This site can get noisy from the nearby trains and traffic.

Being so close to the river, the bugs were awful. I did love that it was quiet even peak season and there were plenty of spots open so it felt like a nice getaway. The facilities were clean and well kept up. Didn’t see any rangers around the park besides when I was checking in. Really enjoyed the views from our site. Turtle crossing signs were everywhere and they were right! I loved seeing all the turtles!