Augusta, Wisconsin sits in Jackson County with elevations ranging from 800-1000 feet and a climate that includes warm summers and cold winters. The region features mixed hardwood forests, rolling farmland, and several water bodies including Lake Arbutus and the Chippewa River. Seasonal camping typically runs May through October, with some campgrounds offering limited winter accommodations.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Arbutus: East Arbutus Camp offers access to a warm, shallow lake perfect for families. "Loved our time at East Lake Arbutus. A warm shallow lake for swimming and boating, dog friendly, safe for kids," notes one camper at East Arbutus Camp.
Explore hiking trails: Lake Wissota State Park features diverse hiking options spanning 2-5 miles through various ecosystems. "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," reports a visitor at Lake Wissota State Park Campground.
ATV and UTV access: Russell Memorial Park offers direct trail access for off-road enthusiasts. "We stayed with a group for Memorial weekend. We have such a great time... The back sites are ATV/UTV site. They have good access to the trails," explains a visitor who appreciates the dedicated off-road vehicle accommodations.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Pietrek County Park offers tent sites by the Trempealeau River, providing a natural setting. "Nice big tent sites down by the river. Walking trails were nice but recommend pants as the grass was long in spots. Plenty of wildlife and could not hear the cars from the highway," mentions one camper at Pietrek County Park.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds near Augusta feature wooded sites that offer separation. "This campground has a lot of trees for plenty of shade... The campsites across from the water are spaced apart well which makes them more private," notes a visitor to Russell Memorial Park.
Clean facilities: Eagle Ridge Campground maintains high standards for its bathrooms and amenities. "The bathrooms were sparkling clean. The showers were hot and the laundry was reasonably priced," writes a reviewer at Eagle Ridge Campground.
What you should know
Campsite size variations: Some locations have limitations for larger rigs. "Our site was a little hard to get into. We stayed at site 116 with a 40 ft 5th wheel. I would recommend booking early to get a better spot for a big rig," advises a camper at Russell Memorial Park.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate May through October with reduced services in shoulder seasons. "There are a few full hookup in the center of the campground but not many... We like to travel too much to have a permanent site yet, so we try to come spring and fall here," notes a regular visitor.
Budget-friendly luxury camping: The Augusta region offers glamping options at reasonable prices. "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," shares a visitor at Wedges Creek Hideaway.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: "The beach looked great but it was too cold for swimming. Got in a canoe ride before the rain," mentions a camper at Lake Wissota, highlighting the family-friendly water access available even when conditions aren't ideal for swimming.
Recreation options beyond nature: Pine View Campground - Fort McCoy offers additional entertainment. "A great campground for a nice getaway, Cabins are affordable and packed with amenities. There is a small camp store and boat rental where firewood is available," writes a visitor who enjoyed the variety of activities.
Military experience for kids: Pine View's location on Fort McCoy provides unique exposure to military traditions. "Reveille, call to mess, retreat, tattoo and taps daily. If you was in the military and haven't heard bugle calls for awhile, this is the place," explains a camper who appreciated this cultural experience.
Tips from RVers
Satellite connectivity: Eagle Ridge Campground features open areas perfect for RVers needing reliable communications. "This campground has a large grassy area - that gives a 100% clear obstruction for Starlink. We work full time, so this was important for us. HOWEVER, the other half of the campground is within a super treed area, so we got to pick!" shares a digital nomad.
Dump station planning: Some campgrounds have limited dump facilities. "No sites with water or sewer so Sunday checkout there's a line of campers waiting to dump," warns a visitor to East Arbutus Camp, suggesting RVers plan accordingly or choose alternative campgrounds with full hookups.
Site leveling requirements: "We had to use boards to level our rig. There's a swimming pool and a store and two bath houses," notes a camper at Hixton - Alma Center KOA, highlighting the need for leveling equipment at some campgrounds in the rolling Wisconsin terrain.
