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Best Campgrounds near Altoona, WI

336 Reviews

Campgrounds in the Altoona, Wisconsin area range from full-service RV resorts to primitive tent sites within a 20-mile radius. Lake Wissota State Park Campground and Harstad Park offer contrasting experiences, with Lake Wissota providing electric hookups, showers, and reservable sites while Harstad features rustic camping along the Eau Claire River. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations like O'Neil Creek Campground also offering cabin options. Eagle Ridge Campground, formerly a Renaissance Faire site, provides spacious sites with full hookups and river access approximately 10 miles southwest of Altoona.

Camping season generally runs from April through October, with select locations like Coon Fork Campground and Harstad Park remaining open year-round. Summer weekends typically require advance reservations, particularly for electric sites and waterfront locations. Winter camping opportunities are limited primarily to primitive sites with reduced amenities. Many campgrounds in the area feature varying levels of privacy, from open field settings to more secluded wooded sites. "Harstad is get away camping. Right on the Eau Claire River with canoe kayak access. A great shallow creek for kids to explore. 29 sites mostly separated by trees and brush," noted one camper describing the rustic experience at Harstad Park.

Several visitors highlight water access as a significant draw in the region. Campgrounds situated near Lake Wissota and the Chippewa River provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Pine Harbor Campground receives positive reviews for its proximity to Lake Wissota and peaceful setting, while O'Neil Creek Campground features creek tubing and family-oriented activities. More developed campgrounds typically offer amenities such as shower facilities, laundry, and camp stores, while rustic options provide a more natural experience with pit toilets and hand pumps for water. Campers consistently mention clean facilities and friendly staff across multiple locations. A visitor to Eagle Ridge noted, "Walking path to an area that overlooks the Chippewa River was nice," highlighting the natural features that draw people to the area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Altoona, Wisconsin (128)

    1. Lake Wissota State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Jim Falls, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 382-4574

    "This park is on a smaller scale and less crowded than Devil’s Lake. There is a small beach that is in the process of renovation. The sites are large surrounded by trees and very private."

    "Continuing my quest to visit as many Wisconsin state parks as possible. I stopped by here to check out the campsites for potential future camping and look over the park."

    2. Eagle Ridge Campground

    8 Reviews
    Chippewa Falls, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 379-2942

    $38 / night

    "If you’ve been anywhere in Minnesota or Wisconsin, you know about all the trees!"

    "Full hook up, and firepit conveniently located . Nice walking path to the river. Staff was friendly, and the grounds were super clean!"

    3. O'Neil Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Chippewa Falls, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 723-6581

    "Creek,lake,showers,laundry,full hookups,camp store,arcade,kids play areas,beach and more. Pricey! Plan on 60$/day"

    4. Pine Harbor Campground

    5 Reviews
    Chippewa Falls, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 723-9865

    $15 - $40 / night

    "Site was a nice size, we have a smaller pull behind. They were really close to each other. Nice bathroom and showers if you need them."

    "It's located close to lake Winnsota."

    5. Stoney Creek RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Augusta, WI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 597-2102

    $80 / night

    "This is a very well kept and very clean Campground they have activities all the time recording one where they hide painted Stones around the campground and if you find The Rock they have prizes such as"

    "The lots are nice sites in a variety of settings, I prefer the wooded sites that are close to where the laser tag is."

    6. Harstad Park

    4 Reviews
    Augusta, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 286-5536

    $10 - $15 / night

    "The primitive campsites at Harstad help you get away from it all. No electric or water hookups. A park attendant from Coon Fork Campground comes once a day to sell wood and check campsites."

    7. Coon Fork Campground

    14 Reviews
    Augusta, WI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 975-0000

    $17 - $20 / night

    "The campground is lovely considering it's only $20 for lakeside ($17 non lakeside). It has a shower house, bathroom, dump station, wood for sale ($6/bundle), ice for sale and is non electric."

    "Spacious campsites, surrounded by trees. Try to get a lake side site, they are amazing! Hot showers, flush toilets, firewood available for purchase. Great campsite for tent or rv camping."

    8. Crystal Lake Campground - Strum

    5 Reviews
    Fall Creek, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 533-2664

    "Beautiful paths for bikes and hiking. Nice sites. We loved ours with direct access to the lake."

    "I absolutely love this little campground it's close to my grandparents & close to do much more all while being away from too much"

    9. Fair Hill County Campground - Temp Closed

    1 Review
    Chippewa Falls, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 723-2861

    $15 - $30 / night

    "There is WiFi for an extra few (there is also a library nearby with free WiFi!) There are lots of great places to exercise your four legged camper and we would certainly return if in the area!"

    10. Brunet Island State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Cornell, WI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 239-6888

    "This is one of our favorite Wisconsin state parks. It is quiet and shady, next to the Chippewa River."

    "Beautiful Wisconsin state park. Two campgrounds, the north campground is more primitive, the south campground, where we stayed, has electrical hookups."

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Recent Camping Photos near Altoona, WI

123 Photos of 128 Altoona Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Altoona, WI

336 Reviews of 128 Altoona Campgrounds

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Secluded Site and Great Views Close to the Twin Cities

    We did a one night camping trip for my birthday at Cart-In Site 1 the second to last weekend of September.

    We loved the hiking at Frontenac State Park - walking along the lake and then walking along the bluffs at sunset was magical! Fantastic views. I imagine if we had gone two weeks later, we would have had a fantastic display of fall color. We went a little too early to catch the changing leaves.

    We loved how easy Frontenac was for a casual weekend getaway. It was an easy, scenic one hour drive from St. Paul that was very enjoyable. The park was also nice with great bathrooms at the main campsite, nice trails, and they even had board games to check out at the front office for a rainy day- a great idea!

    We stayed at Cart-In Site 1. I would rate the site itself a 3. It was very secluded and spacious, which was fantastic! We could not see any other campsites from our site, which was fantastic. We only occasionally saw some hikers on a nearby trail. We could hear some other noisy campers, but it wasn't too much of a disturbance. Very wooded, nice, spacious site. There is not water at the Cart-In parking lot, so be aware that you will have to fill up prior to parking and heading to your site (easiest place to do so is the main office/ visitor center).

    I also slept poorly because of a nearby train that kept going past and honking at least until midnight. So if you're a light sleeper, be aware of persistent train noise at these sites!

    Overall good site and an easy, fun, and relaxing weekend getaway from the twin cities.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Great hiking trails NICE Bathrooms

    The campground is well maintained, all of the sites are clean and laid out nicely. Some sites are kinda close but there is brush growing between sites.

    There are a LOT of NICE TRAILS at this park. Many nice prairie trails and some fun trails in the bluffs along the Mississippi River too. One trail down along the River can be challenging because of MANY STAIRS.

    Large drive in picnic areas away from the campground that many people drive in to us and had a nice overlook on the Mississippi River. There are 2 nice overlooks that are great to walk to in the dark and watch the calmness and peaceful nature of the river and forest.

    The men’s bathroom and showers are GREAT! There is also very nice large full handicap bathrooms. The SHOWER WATER IS VERY HOT so be careful!

    Dump station is sloped so it makes it easy to drive in either direction to help dump waste water easily. Also fresh water at the dumping station.

    Always Plenty of firewood in the shed next to the office.

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Cleanest Campground Bathrooms Ever!

    Frontenac State Park had some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I’ve ever seen—clean, and modern. The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience. I also loved the little free library outside the bathrooms.

    The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren’t many trees for hammocking. It’s also a popular park, so it can get pretty loud at times.

    Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor (though the main road is on the other side). Decent privacy and potential for hammocking.

    21 – Nice views, but likely best for just one tent/car.

    22 – Very private, though the ground looked a little uneven.

    Other solid tent sites: 36, 25, 48, 49, 51. Site 57 also looked spacious with no neighbors, but it does border the visitor parking lot.

  • L
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Holden Park Campground

    Fall Ride in Ocotber

    Our group has been camping at the Holden County Park for 4 years now, this will be our 5th year.

     We are so happy that the shower/restrooms are finally done, its a great plus and we feel that more people will camp there now. 

    We love how quiet it is when we return from our daily rides, its like its our own place as there aren't many if any at all other campers there. This year may be different and if it is we won't mind at all, hopefully they don't either as we do stay up late by the fire but aren't wild crazy loud.

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Reicks Lake Park

    Didn’t stay the night

    Based on picture, we planed to stay at this campsite. It is right in the side of the highway, so too much noise and traffic for us. The picture this site provides is actually the other side of highway, over a hill, so you can’t see it from campsite. but there’s a view of marshlands. It’s $20, have showers and toilets. There’s a small playground for kids. We came across people That said they camp there all the time and love it.

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Castle Mound Campground — Black River State Forest

    Really beautiful state campground

    Beautiful, clean, peaceful, wooded campground. Its mid-week and there's only a few other campers here. Most are super respectful with the exception of one group that has the occasional outburst but they were mostly quiet otherwise. We saw some bunnies, birds and raccoons. Heard squirrels, owls and other birds. Vault toilets throughout the campground and one building with showers and flush toilets near the visitor center with plenty of parking. Water fill and dump station located at the front near the visitor station as well. We got here around 6pm yesterday and no one was at the check in so we used the kiosk to get the park pass. A bit steep for out of state visitors @ $16 but they seem to keep the park in great shape so for once it was worth it. Lots of space and shade in all spots. Many sites with electric and some without. Plenty of spots can accommodate mid-large campers. Its about half and half pull-thru or back-in/pull-in. We have a 26 foot travel trailer and had no issues. Mostly level spots as well. A lot of trees are close to the road and made it slightly challenging to maneuver the road but nothing too crazy...just pay attention if you have a larger camper. We dont make it though wisconsin a lot but we'd definitely come back here again. Easy and quick to get to from 94 and less than a mile from Walmart. Plenty of stores/restaurants nearby. Really the only complaint besides the high entrance fee for out of state is that it is close to the town and you can definitely hear traffic. It's not too bad considering the surrounding woods definitely deaden the noise. Wish we could have stayed longer to explore the park better.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Zumbro Bottoms State Forest

    State Forest Dispersed Camping

    This area is off a low maintenance dirt road. It is best to come in from the south as sometimes the gate on the river bridge to the north is closed.

    There is a parking spot near a known dispersed camping site with easy vehicle access next to it. There are hiking trails that pass by this site.

  • D
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Butternut Park

    Well maintained city park

    About a dozen sites with picnic tables on a grassy large circle. About half or more have electric hookups. Toilets are a short walk past the campground entrance.

Guide to Altoona

Camping near Altoona, Wisconsin, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking Trails: Many campgrounds, like Whitewater State Park, have trails that cater to all skill levels. One visitor mentioned, “We hiked to Chimney Rock and Inspiration Point and found the trails more challenging than we expected from their descriptions.”
  • Water Activities: At Brunet Island State Park, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. A reviewer noted, “Brunet Island is a kayakers paradise; you can literally get your kayak in the water from any site.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Merrick State Park are great for spotting eagles and other birds. One camper shared, “Eagles! and this is a migratory route for thousands of birds.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Frontenac State Park said, “Great showers with DRY AREAS to dress after taking a shower. Bathrooms are VERY CLEAN.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer generous spacing between sites. A reviewer at Lake Wissota State Park mentioned, “The sites are decently sized, has some good views.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Stoney Creek RV Resort are known for their activities. One family shared, “There are plenty of activities to keep our kids occupied.”

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Perrot State Park warned, “Had to pull out the heavy-duty spray right out of the car.”
  • Limited Cell Service: Some areas have spotty cell reception. A visitor at Highland Ridge noted, “T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location.”
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Coon Fork Campground mentioned, “If you don’t make it before the office closes, there is self-check-in.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Stoney Creek RV Resort that offer crafts and games. One parent said, “There was a craft fair on Saturday morning we went to.”
  • Bring Bug Spray: Protect your family from mosquitoes, especially if you’re near water. A camper at Merrick State Park advised, “Bring your bugspray or thermocell, we definitely needed protection.”
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure the campground has family-friendly facilities. A visitor at Lake Wissota State Park appreciated, “Bathrooms and showers are nearby as well.”

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds, like Brunet Island State Park, accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer noted, “Sites are shaded and large.”
  • Check for Electric Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Coon Fork Campground mentioned, “The sites are very generous with a lot of green between spaces.”
  • Plan for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A visitor at Stoney Creek RV Resort said, “I wound up sleeping in my car to have an added barrier between me and the freeway noise.”

Camping near Altoona, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Altoona, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Altoona, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Altoona, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Altoona, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Altoona, WI is Lake Wissota State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Altoona, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Altoona, WI.

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