Tall trees close in overhead from the moment you enter Council Grounds State Park, and that canopy defines the experience at this Wisconsin DNR campground along the Wisconsin River outside Merrill. Sites are wooded and well-spaced, with enough separation that campers frequently note feeling like they have the loop to themselves, even on busy summer weekends when the campground fills to capacity.
The layout gives most sites a forested buffer, though shade levels vary. Tent campers should pick sites carefully, as one reviewer noted that heavy storms can send water running directly through low-lying spots. Group sites A and B sit close to the beach and boat launch, each with concrete pads, electric hookups, and a hand-pump water source. The standard sites run on dirt pads and tend to be more level than they look. A park road passes behind some riverside sites, but with roughly 100 yards of tree cover between road and campsite, Annie C. found it "wasn't too noisy."
Water access is a consistent draw. Alexander Lake and the Wisconsin River are both within the park, with trails connecting the campground to the beach and boat ramps. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available on-site. Anglers have access to the river and lake, though at least one visitor reported slow fishing on Alexander Lake and limited guidance from the park office. The beach is small but the water is clean. Trails within the park run one to two miles each and are well-maintained, though deer flies can be aggressive near wooded sections at dusk.
Firewood is sold at the ranger station entrance, showers are included at no extra charge, and the shower house earns consistent marks for cleanliness. Note that the park charges both a camping fee and a day-use fee, which some visitors find adds up quickly. RVs up to 35 feet can access electric and sewer hookups. Nearby, Camp New Wood County Park and Horn Lake and Lincoln County Forest provide additional options if the campground is full. Reservations are recommended for summer weekends.
Description
Located along the beautiful Wisconsin River near the site of Native American encampments, Council Grounds State Park is a favorite for water enthusiasts. The park offers many recreational opportunities including family and group campsites, wooded trails, a beach area, and an accessible fishing pier. A boat landing offers access to Lake Alexander and the Wisconsin River. In addition to family and group campsites, an enclosed shelter is also reservable.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCouncil Grounds State Park Campground is located in Wisconsin near Merrill
Directions
Located just west of Merrill. From U.S. Highway 51, exit onto State Highway 64 (Main Street) and go west about 2 miles through downtown Merrill. Turn right on State Highway 107 (Grand Avenue) and go about 1.8 miles. Turn left on Council Grounds Drive and go about 0.5 mile to the park entrance station.
Address
N1895 Council Grounds Dr
Merrill, WI 54452
Coordinates
45.18500048 N
89.73500075 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/28/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 23 min from Wausau, WI
- 1 hr 36 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 1 hr 46 min from Green Bay, WI
- 1 hr 52 min from Appleton, WI































