Best Campgrounds near Amherst, WI
Camping options surrounding Amherst, Wisconsin include a range of developed facilities and recreational access points across Portage County. Lake Emily Park Campground provides both tent and RV sites with electric hookups available approximately 7 miles north of Amherst. Hartman Creek State Park Campground, located 12 miles east near Waupaca, offers drive-in camping amid forest habitat. Several private campgrounds complement these public options, including Wild West Campground & Corral directly in Amherst with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Most facilities operate seasonally from May through October with varying levels of amenities.
Access to camping facilities varies with the season, with most campgrounds open from late April through October. Lake Emily Park typically operates May 1 to October 31, while Hartman Creek State Park opens slightly earlier in April. Campground amenities commonly include drinking water, electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables, with shower facilities available at many locations. Several campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations for RVs. Weekends during summer months often reach capacity, particularly at waterfront sites. As one visitor noted about Lake Emily Park, "Campground has large sites. Many shaded in woods, some open and sunny. Swimming area, playground, boat landing, very clean showers and bathrooms. Only downfall is an active train going through at night."
The camping experience in the Amherst area features notable access to water recreation, with Lake Emily and the Chain of Lakes providing swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Campers frequently mention the mix of wooded and open sites as a key feature of the region. Several campgrounds feature beach access, boat launches, and water-oriented activities. At Hartman Creek State Park, hiking trails connect to the Ice Age Trail, providing additional recreational options. Train noise affects some campgrounds, particularly Lake Emily Park, where proximity to railroad tracks impacts overnight quiet. Campers seeking more amenities might prefer private facilities like S'Mores Campground or Vista Royale Campground, which offer cabin options alongside traditional tent and RV sites. One camper shared about Hartman Creek: "The campsite we had was decently size and felt very private with all the trees surrounding us! The hiking is great and it was a short walk to the beach."
