Camping options around Arpin, Wisconsin feature wooded sites within the central Wisconsin landscape where elevations range between 1,100-1,200 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this region require a 14-day maximum stay for non-seasonal campers. The area experiences significant temperature variations with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below -20°F during off-season months.
What to do
Waterfront recreation at Big Eau Pleine Park: The 1,450-acre Big Eau Pleine Park Campground extends into the Big Eau Pleine Flowage on a two-mile peninsula. "You can hike, bike, or ride your horse on the 12 miles of scenic, wooded trails. The park also offers several fishing points near the entrance and along the three boat landings," notes one camper.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds offer disc golf courses for additional recreation. At Big Eau Pleine Park, campers should be aware of daily fees for using the disc golf course. "For those requiring cell service, I had 3 bars LTE with Verizon at my site," mentions a visitor, making it convenient to check course maps online.
Swimming and beach activities: Petenwell Park offers lake access with sandy beaches. "We stayed at sites right on the lake and they were hands down the most beautiful sites I've personally ever camped at! We didn't need to leave our site!" shares one camper. The beach area does have seasonal biting flies during summer months.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Dexter Park receives praise for its comfort amenities. "There was a private bathroom/shower room that made the experience feel luxurious. It is right next to a beautiful river and lake," notes a visitor who paid $36 for one night. These individual bathroom facilities provide additional privacy compared to standard campground bathhouses.
Canoe-in camping options: Jordan Park offers specialized sites for paddlers. "The canoe camping site is cheaper and much more secluded with view of the lake," reports one camper. These three walk-in sites are separated from the main campground and positioned directly on the water with each including a picnic table, grill, and fire ring.
Well-maintained county parks: South Wood County Park on Lake Wazeecha features carefully maintained grounds. "Great spot to ride bikes or kayak. Clean & green," shares a visitor. The park offers both grass pads and paved pad sites, with most having electric hookups and convenient lake access.
What you should know
Bathroom and shower considerations: Campground bathroom facilities vary considerably throughout the region. At South Wood County Park, "Bathrooms are older, but clean. Be ready for a timed shower - 7 minutes on, and 5 minutes off, which can be very frustrating," warns a camper. Some campgrounds like Eau Claire Dells have pit toilets only.
Road noise at certain sites: Jordan Park campers mention highway proximity as a potential issue. "The only down fall was that you could hear semis on the road very clearly during the evening," notes a visitor. Similar noise concerns exist at several campgrounds near state highways.
Algae in swimming areas: Water conditions can deteriorate in summer months. At Big Eau Pleine Park, "the water quality suffers from green algae almost the entire season. Fishing can be good. No longer good for nocturnal carp due to water," reports a long-time visitor. Some beaches experience temporary closures during algae blooms.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites away from water for fewer insects: Campgrounds with mixed terrain offer varied bug experiences. At Dubay Park Campground, "Most of the tents were put on the sites around the ballfield which is across the street from the river. The good thing about that is that the dust from the ballfield seemed to keep the deer flies at bay, which was not the case on the riverside sites."
Early morning maintenance awareness: Some parks begin grounds maintenance early. At Jordan Park, "they had leaf blowers going at 7 am and came right next to our tents. Then lawn mowers did the same," reports a family. Consider sites further from main facilities if you have children who sleep late.
Playground proximity: Several of the best places to camp near Arpin, Wisconsin feature playgrounds. Petenwell Park receives favorable family reviews noting "the park is fairly crowded with lots of seasonal campers... but it's clean, the main bath house is nice and the playground is large. Kids are having a great adventure!"
Tips from RVers
Electric site availability varies by season: Most campgrounds offer electric hookups but availability can be limited. At River's Edge Campground on the Wisconsin River, "Most sites are very roomy some are little tight for the larger campers," shares an RVer. Seasonal campers often secure the premium sites months in advance.
Dump station and water fill logistics: While hookups are limited, facilities exist for tank maintenance. At South Wood County Park, there's "No sewer or water at sites but dump station and drinking water is available," which requires planning your arrival and departure to accommodate these services.
Site surface considerations: RVers should note the varying site surfaces. At Petenwell Park, visitors mention they "parked our 36 foot RV in a wooded site." The campground offers different terrain options with some campers noting, "they have many campsites for all types they have a separate campsite just for the RVs."
