Join the fun near Caledonia. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Caledonia, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Sitting pretty right where the Mississippi and Trempealeau rivers meet, Perrot State Park is a true geographic wonder. This 1,270-acre park was once inhabited by the native tribes in the area, who conducted important meetings (amongst other things) atop Trempealeau Mountain. The “mountain” is truthfully considered more of a bluff, as it is cone-shaped and surrounded by water. Trempealeau Mountain, as well as Brady's Bluff Prairie are the two main natural areas that the state park protects.
Another interesting factoid about this park is that it's located in Wisconsin's Driftless region. The Driftless region is characterized by the lack of glaciation that took place there during the last Ice Age. This makes it one of the few places in the world you can actually see that was left unaffected and uncarved by ancient glaciers. Luckily, the park's main attractions provide stunning views of the surrounding geography.
As far as recreation, this park offers plenty. There are over 12 miles of hiking trails that are great for mountain biking as well. Many of the trails provide great viewpoints from which hikers can enjoy the beautiful view of the Mississippi River with. Right over on the Trempealeau River is a boat landing where visitors can take their own private canoe or rented kayak out for some time on the water. Fishing equipment is available at the park office, and anglers can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the shore.
During the winter, over nine miles of trails are groomed for cross country skiing, as well as snowshoeing and winter hiking. Visitors are urged to take caution as the rivers can be unpredictable and exposed to various ice conditions.
There are 2 campgrounds available for use at Perrot State Park. One is a family campground that features 102 campsites, 38 of them have electrical hookups. The other one features 4 walk-in campsites with water access. Both campgrounds offer easy access to trails and other attractions of the park.
Schools of trout happily swim through the lazy Whitewater River and various spring fed creeks of Whitewater State Park. And while it’s known for its fantastic fishing opportunities, the park also boasts year-round interpretive programs, a modern Visitor Center, and an especially appreciated lack of mosquitos, unique for the region.
Whitewater is well seasoned, with a number of historical attractions within and nearby. In fact, 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the park. To commemorate the occasion, local conservationists and naturalists have teamed up to release a special Oral History Project from stories of campers and those native to the region.
Explorers and adventurers will love this park’s diverse selection of attractions and oddities. Home of the park office and interpretive services, the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center should be your first stop. The friendly Park staff are ready to help you plan your visit and load you up on information, and even loaner equipment such as GPS units, fishing kits, discovery kits for kids, and birding kits. Don’t skip the Discovery Room, which showcases nature displays, exhibits and a spotting area to observe the local bluebirds, cardinals, hawks and bald eagles flying about.
The vast expanse of outdoor wilderness is really what you’ll want to check out. If you only have time for a quick visit, check out the Chimney Rock Trail for an awesome view of the Whitewater River. Those searching for a more accessible hike can take the Meadow Trail, which drops off right into a grassy valley, surrounded by dramatic Minnesota bluffs. During the hot and humid summers, go unwind at the beach for a refreshing dip in the cold, spring-fed water. Those more interested in history lovers should visit the famous Elba Fire Tower. Built in 1933, this sturdy tower offers cozy 360 degree views of the entire wetland region below. You’ll be especially grateful for the chance to unwind, thanks to the arduous 500-step climb required to ascend to the top.
Finally, firmly planted atop the land sits Inspiration Point; a beautiful limestone rock outcrop that overlooks the entirety of the Whitewater valley. Known as the most popular attraction within Whitewater State Park, visitors can still discover solace from their troubles. In fact, this is the only overlook in the entire park where there are no signs of civilization anywhere in sight. With just a little imagination, standing atop Inspiration Point on a clear, calm day can make you feel as if you could step down into a deep forested paradise, unspoiled and far from the reach of society.
Whitewater campground here is plentiful, with every site having full electric hookups and full-through capabilities. The campground features a full range of amenities including regularly placed shower houses with laundry facilities, and a number of group camping areas as well. Furthermore, there are 5 cabins available with various sleeping capabilities.
Goose Island Campground is located on Hwy. 35, 3 miles South of La Crosse. Located on the backwaters of the Mississippi, this large campground offers excellent fishing and beautiful sunsets. Our camping season begins April 15th and continues through October 30th. Reservations are accepted at Goose Island beginning on the first working business day of the year. To place a reservation, please use the online system or call the campground at 608-788-7018. A fee is charged and you will also be required to pay a deposit. Credit cards are accepted.
$22 - $34 / night
Located just three miles east of Lanesboro, Minnesota, Eagle Cliff Campground & Lodging offers something for everyone. Accommodations include riverfront tent sites, electric-only sites, water-electric sites and full hookup sites and a five-room motel on site. Eagle Cliff offers group camping, a picnic area, private canoe launch and wonderfully-clean central restrooms.
$30 - $46 / night
What We Have To Offer
Over half the rv and camping sites are waterfront
Large pull-thru sites
Beautiful sunsets around a campfire
Fishing
Security entrance
Rustic tent camping
Playground with sand pit
Basketball court, horseshoes, and canoes
Camp store and bar
Canoe rentals
Clean and free bathroom/shower facilities
Coin laundry facilities
Dump station
Easy to find$28 - $30 / night
Located on a high bluff overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, a land of sculpted limestone and prehistoric Native American mounds can be found amid a swath of preserved hardwood forest. Translated “home of the warrior” in the language of the local Munsee–Delaware Indians, Wyalusing Hardwood Forest and the Wyalusing Mounds have received recognition as national natural landmarks and historic places. Adjacent to the forest, Wyalusing State Park is the perfect camping destination for a little outdoors R&R, while discovering more about the natural and cultural history at the junction of Wisconsin’s and America’s greatest waterways.
Visitors to Wyalusing State Park have two campgrounds to choose from. Wisconsin Ridge is set on a high bluff over the Wisconsin River, and Homestead is located in shady hardwood forest. Combined, they offer 109 campsites for tent and RV campers; there is also a large group campground. Both campgrounds provide flush and vault restrooms, shower facilities and drinking water. A portion of sites in each campground have electrical hookups for RVs, and there is a dump station near the Homestead site. The park also has several picnic areas, sports courts, and five reservable group picnic shelters. Firewood, camping supplies, ice and boat rentals are available at the concession stand. Seasonal campsite rates range from $15–$35/night; entrance to the park requires an additional fee.
With nearly 24 miles of land and water trails in Wyalusing State Park, you’ll find ample opportunities for exploring riverside bluffs. Whether you like to walk, hike, ride, or paddle, there’s a trail just for you. Take an easy interpretive walk to learn about the park’s flora, fauna and geology; hike to see limestone caves, waterfalls, and a great view of the river; hop on your bike for a ride around the edge of a wooded grassland; or board a canoe or kayak and paddle through the Mississippi backwaters. Many of these trails are also open during the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Other park activities include fishing, bird watching, and seasonal hunting.
$15 - $35 / night
Blackhawk Park is located on a forested bend of the main channel of the Mississippi River. The campground is the largest public use facility in Mississippi's Pool 9, offering a wide variety of recreational activities.
Boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are Blackhawk's most popular forms of recreation. Park rangers provide a variety of programs and activities throughout the summer. Interpretive programs are based on recreation, local history and the environment. Other activities range from guided walks and campfire talks, to natural crafts programs. Here, one can view majestic bluffs and rich backwater vegetation. Sometimes a river barge or classic paddle-wheeled steamboat can be seen journeying up the river.
The campground offers 150 campsites, including 73 with electrical hookups. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring provided. Flush toilets and showers are located in the West Camping loop. There are no full-hook up sites but a dump station and potable water are located within the park. The park also has a beach, two picnic shelters, two boat ramps, two playgrounds, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, fishing docks.
This peaceful park is situated on the main channel of the Mississippi River. Cottonwoods, green ash, swamp oaks, river birch and willow trees forest the site, offering nice shade in the summer and beautiful fall colors in autumn. Visitors commonly see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, blue herons, ducks, geese, whitetail deer and wild turkey.
The small river towns of DeSoto, Wisconsin and Lansing, Iowa are nearby. DeSoto is 5 minutes south, Lansing is 15 minutes south with a few restaurants and shops. LaCrosse, Wisconsin is 30 minutes north, with restaurants, shops, galleries and farmers markets. Effigy Mounds National Monument which is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) is located about a 40 minutes south of Blackhawk Park and offers excellent hiking opportunities, and well as picturesque views, and a visitor center, and is free to enter. The Driftless Area Education And Visitors Center in Lansing Iowa is a short 15 minute drive south, and explores the cultural, recreational, natural, and historical significance of the Driftless Area.
$40 / night
Sitting pretty right where the Mississippi and Trempealeau rivers meet, Perrot State Park is a true geographic wonder. This 1,270-acre park was once inhabited by the native tribes in the area, who conducted important meetings (amongst other things) atop Trempealeau Mountain. The “mountain” is truthfully considered more of a bluff, as it is cone-shaped and surrounded by water. Trempealeau Mountain, as well as Brady's Bluff Prairie are the two main natural areas that the state park protects.
Another interesting factoid about this park is that it's located in Wisconsin's Driftless region. The Driftless region is characterized by the lack of glaciation that took place there during the last Ice Age. This makes it one of the few places in the world you can actually see that was left unaffected and uncarved by ancient glaciers. Luckily, the park's main attractions provide stunning views of the surrounding geography.
As far as recreation, this park offers plenty. There are over 12 miles of hiking trails that are great for mountain biking as well. Many of the trails provide great viewpoints from which hikers can enjoy the beautiful view of the Mississippi River with. Right over on the Trempealeau River is a boat landing where visitors can take their own private canoe or rented kayak out for some time on the water. Fishing equipment is available at the park office, and anglers can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the shore.
During the winter, over nine miles of trails are groomed for cross country skiing, as well as snowshoeing and winter hiking. Visitors are urged to take caution as the rivers can be unpredictable and exposed to various ice conditions.
There are 2 campgrounds available for use at Perrot State Park. One is a family campground that features 102 campsites, 38 of them have electrical hookups. The other one features 4 walk-in campsites with water access. Both campgrounds offer easy access to trails and other attractions of the park.
Schools of trout happily swim through the lazy Whitewater River and various spring fed creeks of Whitewater State Park. And while it’s known for its fantastic fishing opportunities, the park also boasts year-round interpretive programs, a modern Visitor Center, and an especially appreciated lack of mosquitos, unique for the region.
Whitewater is well seasoned, with a number of historical attractions within and nearby. In fact, 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the park. To commemorate the occasion, local conservationists and naturalists have teamed up to release a special Oral History Project from stories of campers and those native to the region.
Explorers and adventurers will love this park’s diverse selection of attractions and oddities. Home of the park office and interpretive services, the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center should be your first stop. The friendly Park staff are ready to help you plan your visit and load you up on information, and even loaner equipment such as GPS units, fishing kits, discovery kits for kids, and birding kits. Don’t skip the Discovery Room, which showcases nature displays, exhibits and a spotting area to observe the local bluebirds, cardinals, hawks and bald eagles flying about.
The vast expanse of outdoor wilderness is really what you’ll want to check out. If you only have time for a quick visit, check out the Chimney Rock Trail for an awesome view of the Whitewater River. Those searching for a more accessible hike can take the Meadow Trail, which drops off right into a grassy valley, surrounded by dramatic Minnesota bluffs. During the hot and humid summers, go unwind at the beach for a refreshing dip in the cold, spring-fed water. Those more interested in history lovers should visit the famous Elba Fire Tower. Built in 1933, this sturdy tower offers cozy 360 degree views of the entire wetland region below. You’ll be especially grateful for the chance to unwind, thanks to the arduous 500-step climb required to ascend to the top.
Finally, firmly planted atop the land sits Inspiration Point; a beautiful limestone rock outcrop that overlooks the entirety of the Whitewater valley. Known as the most popular attraction within Whitewater State Park, visitors can still discover solace from their troubles. In fact, this is the only overlook in the entire park where there are no signs of civilization anywhere in sight. With just a little imagination, standing atop Inspiration Point on a clear, calm day can make you feel as if you could step down into a deep forested paradise, unspoiled and far from the reach of society.
Whitewater campground here is plentiful, with every site having full electric hookups and full-through capabilities. The campground features a full range of amenities including regularly placed shower houses with laundry facilities, and a number of group camping areas as well. Furthermore, there are 5 cabins available with various sleeping capabilities.
Goose Island Campground is located on Hwy. 35, 3 miles South of La Crosse. Located on the backwaters of the Mississippi, this large campground offers excellent fishing and beautiful sunsets. Our camping season begins April 15th and continues through October 30th. Reservations are accepted at Goose Island beginning on the first working business day of the year. To place a reservation, please use the online system or call the campground at 608-788-7018. A fee is charged and you will also be required to pay a deposit. Credit cards are accepted.
$22 - $34 / night
Located just three miles east of Lanesboro, Minnesota, Eagle Cliff Campground & Lodging offers something for everyone. Accommodations include riverfront tent sites, electric-only sites, water-electric sites and full hookup sites and a five-room motel on site. Eagle Cliff offers group camping, a picnic area, private canoe launch and wonderfully-clean central restrooms.
$30 - $46 / night
