Crystal B.
Legend
LegendBailey Park in Wabasha MN
Small campground in the City of Wabasha MN
Small basic campground in Wabasha MN. Mostly permanent sites. There is a dog park directly next to the campground.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Altoona, WI
Lake Wissota State Park Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and glamping with pet-friendly policies throughout its sites. Dogs must remain leashed and under control at all times within the park boundaries. Eagle Ridge Campground maintains clean facilities with spacious sites where dogs are welcome, featuring walking paths that lead to the Chippewa River where pets can enjoy water access. O'Neil Creek Campground provides full hookup sites and cabin options for pet owners, with a shallow creek that dogs can safely enjoy alongside their families. All campgrounds in the area require waste cleanup, with most providing designated pet waste stations. Campgrounds remain open seasonally with Lake Wissota and Harstad Park operating year-round, while others like Pine Harbor and O'Neil Creek close from mid-October through April. Campground data and reviews near Altoona, Wisconsin is regularly updated on The Dyrt.
Harstad Park offers rustic camping with 27 large sites separated by trees and brush, creating natural boundaries for pets. The Eau Claire River provides water access for dogs who enjoy swimming, with a shallow creek particularly suitable for pets and children. Multiple hiking trails connect campgrounds to natural areas where leashed pets can explore. Pine Harbor Campground maintains smaller sites but remains close to nature with decent hiking spots nearby. Most campgrounds provide fire pits and picnic tables at each site, though amenities vary significantly from the basic facilities at Harstad Park with only pit toilets to the comprehensive services at O'Neil Creek with showers, laundry, arcade, and multiple play areas. The naturally flowing creek at O'Neil doubles as a lazy river that campers consistently rate as excellent for family and pet recreation.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Altoona, Wisconsin (87)
1. Lake Wissota State Park Campground
35 ReviewsJim Falls, WI14 milesWebsite+1 (715) 382-4574"Nice beach that is a walkable distance from the sites. Lots of walking, biking and horse trails that are full of wild berries."
"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."
2. Eagle Ridge Campground
8 ReviewsChippewa Falls, WI8 milesWebsite+1 (715) 379-2942$38 / night
"If you’ve been anywhere in Minnesota or Wisconsin, you know about all the trees!"
"Full hook up, and firepit conveniently located . Nice walking path to the river. Staff was friendly, and the grounds were super clean!"
3. O'Neil Creek Campground
7 ReviewsChippewa Falls, WI14 milesWebsite+1 (715) 723-6581"Dogs welcome which was super nice!"
"Creek,lake,showers,laundry,full hookups,camp store,arcade,kids play areas,beach and more. Pricey! Plan on 60$/day"
4. Pine Harbor Campground
5 ReviewsChippewa Falls, WI12 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsAugusta, WI20 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsAugusta, WI14 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsAugusta, WI22 milesWebsite+1 (715) 975-0000$17 - $20 / night
"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."
"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."
8. Crystal Lake Campground - Strum
5 ReviewsFall Creek, WI17 milesWebsite+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 ReviewChippewa Falls, WI10 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsCornell, WI29 milesWebsite+1 (715) 239-6888"Big enough that we were able to tie out 2 large dogs each on 30 ft leads. The park has a bicycle path that walkers can also use that’s along the river."
"This is one of our favorite Wisconsin state parks. It is quiet and shady, next to the Chippewa River."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Altoona, WI
27 Photos of 87 Altoona Campgrounds
Brook Jorgensen ಌ.
Lake Wissota State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Hidden Shady Nook
Gerald B.
Brunet Island State Park Campground
Art S.
Gile Memorial Village
Tina
Highland Ridge
Charles C.
East Arbutus Camp
Crystal B.
Kruger Unit - RJD Memorial Hardwood State Forest
Lesley R.
Black River State Forest Outdoor Camp — Black River State Forest
Amy E.
Chippewa
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Stockholm Park Campground
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Castle Mound Campground — Black River State Forest
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Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Altoona, WI
350 Reviews of 87 Altoona Campgrounds
- LLiz
GuideBrunet Island State Park Campground
Best state park I’ve been to!
Stayed here on a east/west camping trip. Beautiful state park. Sites are shaded and large. Big enough that we were able to tie out 2 large dogs each on 30 ft leads. The park has a bicycle path that walkers can also use that’s along the river. Our site backed up to the bicycle path with the river behind us. Great place to walk. Staff and hosts very friendly and helpful. Don’t be alarmed when you drive by a school and housing area to get to it! The park also has an off leash dog park. I wasn’t able to check that out though but have wished state parks would consider adding. Bathrooms extremely clean with the best state park showers Ive ever used (and I mostly camp at state parks across the US). If I get back to this area I would definitely camp here again.
- Lynn N.Guide
Hixton - Alma Center KOA
Nice Place
Small, clean campground! Very friendly staff, very well kept! Dog park. There's also plenty of activites to do! You can swim in the pool, fish in the pond etc. Bathrooms are very well kept and clean! Showers are hot! Sites are good sized, and well spread out!
Amy G.LegendWedges Creek Hideaway
Rustic Glamping - exactly what we were looking for
This is a diamond in the rough - exactly what we wanted on our journey. Our criteria - less than $100, pet friendly and rustic.
This is a sawmill that has it all - they run the mill when needed, but also have primitive cabins (where we stayed), full cabins with in house bath, electric RV/tent camping and more. Even wood fired pizzas with homemade crust most nights of the week and sometimes live music!
We were in cabin #3 - rustic. Yes - it did have heat! A little ceramic heater had it so toasty when it was 30 degrees outside we actually turned it off - so it's sure to please on chilly nights. The interior was amazing - lumber that I'm sure came from the mill and ceiling planks that were gorgeous - left over planks from many years ago, stored in a shed and re-purposed for the cabin. The bed was very comfortable with clean sheets and squishy (in a good way) pillows. A small covered front porch and we just parked in front.
Bathroom - if you are in a cabin without a bath, it's very nearby. One of the largest, cleanest bathrooms I've seen. He built it himself. Women's had 2 sinks with a large vanity area, about 3 stalls (very large - you don't have to squish into them) and two very large shower stalls with full doors - not shower curtains. Heated as well.
Pets - easy pet policy. Just let the owner know and it's no problem as long as you are responsible, pick up after them and leash them when necessary. Just a small charge for them and they were very welcomed here.
He even has event space indoors (heated) and outdoors for weddings and such. And hiking trails (6 miles) if you choose to take on the outdoors.
The owner plans on adding saunas and a hot tub in the near future - so this would be the place to drop for a while if you want something out of the norm, peaceful, rustic and relaxing. It's off the main road, behind a field in Amish Country. Lovely place to stay for the night. Very quiet.
- MMeredith J.Guide
Sandy Hill Campground
Quiet. Well maintained.
Friendly owners. Well maintained grounds. Mostly seasonal sites. Nice beach across the road. Would stay here again! Hit Chippewa Valley Growers greenhouse in Altoona. Amazing if your into plants!
Steph H.LegendNorthside Lake Eleven Campsite
Ranger Review: Oofos Oolala Slide Sandal at Lake Eleven Campsite, Ice Age Trail, Chequamegon National Forest, WI
Campground Review:
Lake Eleven campsite is a back country site located within the Chequamegon National Forest in Taylor County, Wisconsin. It is the 15.5 mile Lake Eleven Segment, part of the 1200 mile long Ice Age Trail. A 2.5 hr drive from the Twin Cities it is an excellent diverse section of trail with many geologic wonders formed by continental glaciation, with the most recent effects formed at the end of the Wisconsin Glaciation, a period ending about 10,000 years ago.
Starting our hike at the STH-64 parking lot we hike approximately 10 miles to our campsite. There are two sites on Lake Eleven, one on the south side and ours on the north side. Our initial intentions were to camp on the south side but surprisingly it was occupied on an otherwise empty trail. Our late October backpacking trip skirted hunting season in Wisconsin and it appeared a few groups were getting a head start on the weekend. The guide book does mention that this site is used for backpackers, hunters, fisherman and equestrians. We were fortunate to grab the north side location moments before another group of men came thru. I should note that there is plenty of space for large groups at the north side site but as a group of 7 women, the men knew better than to try and camp at our site; fortunate for us as we could hear their drunken banter across the lake. This north side location is accessible via a short spur trail and situated under a grove of pines so we had adequate protection from the sleet storm that was coming as well as a soft pad of needles for all 5 of our tents. This site also provided excellent space for hammock camping. Located next to the lake, it provided ease of access to water that was drinkable with a filtration system. The site has a nice stone fire pit with log benches surrounding it. Plenty of downed/dead trees provide firewood. There is no pit toilet at this location but plenty of open (no low lying brush) wooded area to find a spot to do your business.
Overall a pleasant spot to consider as you travel some or all of the Ice Age Trail.
Product Review:
As a Ranger Reviewer for The Dyrt, I am honored occasionally to test and evaluate products. During this trip I tested out the Oofos womens Oolala Slide Sandal https://www.oofos.com/collections/womens-oolala-slide-sandal
This sandal is touted as a recovery sandal but frankly I use it as an everything sandal. I walk the dog in them, use them at the beach, use them after running, use them around the house, use them at the campsite after a long day of hiking… they are so comfortable that I don’t really care to wear any other sandals. The extra cushy foam, apparently called Oofoam, really does make your feet and legs feel better. The thick sole took a little bit getting used to but like a day not a week. The grippy bottoms give you great traction on all surfaces and my feet fit comfortably yet snugly in the slide, no worries about them slipping off. For our backpacking trip they were a great post 6-8 hr hike shoe. I’d throw off my hiking shoes and throw on the sandals. I really felt this allowed for a quicker recovery and less leg pain and fatigue for the next days hike. What was also great was popping them off right before I got in the tent. No struggling with wet muddy shoes as I crawl into my ultralight 2p tent (aka no room at all). Speaking of light, these puppies were attached to the outside of my pack and added a whopping 10 ounces. As far as the pricing goes these tend to be mid to upper range compared to other recovery sandals. I’ve had a different brand of sandal at a similar price and while nice they only lasted a couple years. For the pricing and the fact that they’re not used for hard use (hiking, running, etc.) I feel they should have lasted longer. Only time will tell if these Oofos will do the same. If they do last longer than they are worth the price.
- Jill K.
ScoutNelson's Landing RV Park
Clean & tidy RV campground
Easy pull-through and back-in sites. We easily backed in to our site. There was a large open grassy area behind us that our two dogs enjoyed. Brand new fire rings/pits. Beautiful view of the bluffs. Walking distance to several restaurants. Don't miss the Nelson Creamery. Housed in an old historic building, I was expecting just an average ice cream/Wisconsin cheese store, but it was really lovely inside and it reminded me of something in France. There is a formal dining room area, wine cellar, and casual outdoor seating on a patio under vine covered canopy. Soups, sandwiches, pizzas, beer and wine available.
We only stayed for 2 nights, but the best part was the bathroom/shower house! There were 3-4 private shower/toilet/sink rooms with full locking doors. Everything is brand new and pristinely clean: white subway tile, white walls, white fixtures. Great water pressure and temperature. It reminded me of a fancy athletic club like Lifetime Fitness!
There is also a laundry facility in the building (again, everything new and clean).
Anne T.ScoutHok-Si-La City Park & Campground
Perfect Camping Getaway!
This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Southern Minnesota! It is only 1 1/2 hours away from the TwinCities which makes it an ideal getaway. The campsites are wooded and have enough distance between them that noise is minimal. I especially love the view of Lake Pepin and the nice little swimming beach. On our last stay, we were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing. They have recently added 3 small cabins to rent which would be a nice alternative to tent camping. If you do plan a camping trip to Hok-Si-La and you're driving in from the Twin Cities, be sure to take Wisconsin Highway 35 through Maiden Rock, Stockholm, Pepin, and other small towns. You can loop back into Minnesota through Wabasha. This adds about an extra half hour to your drive but it is definitely worth it!
- DDonella L.Guide
Lake Wissota State Park Campground
Beautiful family campground
Beautiful shaded campground with semi private sites. Nice beach that is a walkable distance from the sites. Lots of walking, biking and horse trails that are full of wild berries. Several stairways down to the lake, no beach at these spots but good for taking the dog in the water since they aren’t allowed on the beach. Wonderful staff in the visitor center. Firewood and ice sold on site. Also boat rentals and free yard games that can be checked out at the visitor center. Clean bathrooms with showers. Lots of boat noise from the lake and a plane noise from a nearby airport. Close to Chippewa Falls for restaurants and stores. A great family destination, not so great for a peaceful couples weekend.
Guide to Altoona
Campgrounds near Altoona, Wisconsin offer camping options within the Chippewa Valley region, where glacial terrain creates diverse natural landscapes between 800-1,000 feet elevation. The area experiences typical Wisconsin seasons with summer highs reaching 80-85°F and winters dropping below freezing. Campgrounds generally operate from April through October, with varying opening and closing dates depending on seasonal conditions.
What to do
Water recreation access points: At Brunet Island State Park Campground, campers can enjoy direct water access for fishing and paddling. "The North Loop has beautiful waterfront sites! The only done side was that the 'beach' is not real swimmer friendly. No sand at all, lots of rocks. The boat launch was actually better to swim at," notes Rachel T. The park features multiple water access points and slow-moving inlets for paddling.
Wildlife observation areas: Frogs, turtles, owls, and chipmunks are common wildlife sightings at Brunet Island. "Falling acorns, frogs and chipmunks chirping, turtles basking in sunlight and more. The owls at night were a treat (sometimes even scary) to listen to," writes Gerald B. Morning and evening hours provide optimal wildlife viewing times.
Berry picking opportunities: The trails at Lake Wissota State Park Campground offer seasonal wild berry picking. According to Donella L., there are "lots of walking, biking and horse trails that are full of wild berries." Berry season typically peaks in mid-to-late summer, with blueberries and blackberries being most common.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites at Coon Fork Campground. "The sites are very generous with a lot of green between spaces. You are not on top of your neighbor," writes Amy G. Sites average 30-50 feet apart with natural vegetation creating privacy barriers.
Clean facilities maintenance: Stoney Creek RV Resort receives high marks for cleanliness. "The park is well kept and clean. Money well spent here," says Jaime P. Taylor M. notes Lake Wissota's bathrooms are "cleaned regularly - however if you have to use the bathrooms between 7:30-8:30 am, use the pit toilets because that's when they are cleaning."
Natural water features: O'Neil Creek Campground offers unique water recreation options. "Can tube down the creek, very shallow so even littles can do it too," mentions Stina M. The shallow creek depth, typically 1-2 feet in most areas, makes it suitable for younger children with proper supervision.
What you should know
Seasonal bugs and mosquitoes: Insect activity varies by season and location. Hannah E. mentions Lake Wissota is "very woodsy! Mosquitoes, gnats, and bugs galore." Julie W. notes that at Brunet Island, "Restrooms were very well maintained (cleaned daily) probably the best vault toilets I've come across ha!"
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer months. Beth D. mentions that Eagle Ridge was the "only campground that had open availability at the last minute." Campsite availability tends to be more limited from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
Noise considerations: Noise levels vary by campground and proximity to water. Donella L. notes that at Lake Wissota there is "lots of boat noise from the lake and a plane noise from a nearby airport. A great family destination, not so great for a peaceful couples weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Pine Harbor Campground offers various family activities. "This was a good first camping trip site as it's not too far from the city but still makes you feel like you're in the heart of nature," writes Paige J. Most campgrounds offer playground equipment, with some providing volleyball courts and open fields for sports.
Beach quality assessment: Beach conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Crystal Lake Campground, Adrienne L. shares, "Beautiful paths for bikes and hiking. Nice sites. We loved ours with direct access to the lake." Some beaches are rocky rather than sandy, so water shoes may be necessary.
Entertainment options: Activities beyond natural features exist at several campgrounds. Stoney Creek RV Resort offers extensive amenities according to Jen A.: "They have gaga ball, a bounce pillow, an arcade, mini golf, laser tag, swimming pool, skate park, playground, basketball court, volleyball court....the list of amenities goes on and on."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers should check site dimensions and access paths before booking. At Eagle Ridge Campground, Beth B. notes, "The spots were narrow and opened up to neighbors. We were fortunate to have no neighbor on either side, but I could see how that would limit privacy."
Hookup availability: Hookup options vary widely between campgrounds. Harstad Park offers more primitive camping according to debe K.: "It is a rustic campground 27 sites, pump for water, pit toilets. Has pavilion due to get electricity in July 2023? No electric but great rustic camping."
Leveling conditions: Most campgrounds have fairly level sites, though surface types vary. Carol W. notes about Fair Hill County Campground: "The area is grass but we were the only campers and were able to easily level with angle parking." Many campgrounds have grassy or gravel pads rather than concrete or asphalt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Altoona, WI?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Altoona, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Altoona, WI is Lake Wissota State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Altoona, WI?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Altoona, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 87 dog-friendly camping locations near Altoona, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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