The Driftless Area near Bangor, Wisconsin offers camping on varied terrain between 800-1,300 feet elevation with numerous spring-fed streams. This geological region escaped glaciation during the last ice age, creating distinctive valleys, coulees, and bluffs that characterize camping spots near Bangor. Many campsites feature significant elevation changes with camping platforms often situated on ridges or in valleys.
What to do
Kayaking opportunities: Several campgrounds provide access to water recreation, particularly along smaller waterways. At Neshonoc Lakeside Camping Resort, one camper noted, "Great place to go kayak, decent place to fish, and good access to bike trail. The lake is about 600 acres in size and about 11 feet deep at the deepest point."
Bike trail access: The region connects to multiple bike trails including the La Crosse River Trail and Elroy-Sparta Trail. A visitor at Sparta Campground commented, "This is a walk-in campground intended for very light camping, particularly for those biking the Elroy-Sparta or Lacrosse Trails, as it is right on the Elroy-Sparta trail and only a 10 minute bike ride into the town of Sparta."
Disc golf courses: Some recreation areas feature disc golf facilities for guests. Justin Trails Resort offers this activity with a reviewer mentioning, "Disc golf is busy here, in winter they have sledding hills."
Wildlife viewing: The Mississippi River valley provides habitat for diverse wildlife. At Perrot State Park, visitors can spot unique animals, as one camper reported, "We even had a white raven spend a few days with us which was wild!"
What campers like
Riverside camping access: Campers appreciate sites directly adjacent to waterways. A Pettibone Resort visitor shared, "We stayed in site 211 which was ok - shaded, etc. but the ticket is the sites by the water, either riverside or bay side. If you're on the bay side you can bring your boat and beach it right by your campsite."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. At Veterans Memorial Park & Campground, a camper noted, "Friendly staff, clean restrooms, quiet campgrounds. There is a drop box if you arrive after hours."
Fall camping experiences: The region offers distinctive seasonal camping. A visitor at Great River Bluffs State Park reported, "Stayed here in the fall. Had a site right next to the bathroom big enough for 2 tents and 2 vehicles. Hikes here offer great views of the river and bluffs and the fall colors are gorgeous!!!"
Affordable cabins: Budget-conscious visitors appreciate cabin options at some locations. A camper at Pine View Campground shared, "A great campground for a nice getaway, Cabins are affordable and packed with amenities."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. A Great River Bluffs visitor warned, "Highway noise from the highway running along the river and from I-90 (while not really noticeable during the day) is ridiculously loud at night."
Weather and water conditions: The Mississippi River area experiences periodic flooding. One Goose Island camper mentioned, "This place is a pretty great campground, and would be even better if it wasn't all under water this summer. Our site on the river was under water, so we got moved to another."
Insect activity: Campgrounds near water bodies have significant mosquito populations. A Perrot State Park visitor cautioned, "The bugs and mosquitos were almost unbearable. We fogged the site daily, had thermacells, and coated ourselves in bug spray - still came home completely bit up."
Military base proximity: Some camping areas are near Fort McCoy military installation. A Pine View camper noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas for children. A Whiskey Creek Family RV Park visitor shared, "They also have a beautiful white sand beach around a 1-acre swim pond. The water was the color of the Caribbean with these huge blow-up toys and slides in the middle. Kids loved it."
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature playground equipment. A Goose Island camper noted, "There are a few playgrounds for kids to have fun at. Lots of areas for picnics and just to hang out, bring your hammock if you have one!"
Entertainment activities: Some facilities provide organized family activities. At Neshonoc Lakeside, a visitor described, "In the evening there was a Glow Parade where the full timers decked out their golf carts and drove around- candy for kids and lots of dancing. Bingo, tie dye, outdoor movies, and other relay races kept the kids happy and adults amused."
Mixed-terrain hiking: Trails often accommodate various skill levels. A Veterans Memorial camper wrote, "The park was wonderful. I'm a local who actually comes here often. My kid loves all the playgrounds. I love the fact that I can take her hiking here and not have to worry. The plains are a nice change to bluff hiking."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RVers recommend checking specific site measurements. At Pine View Campground - Fort McCoy, a camper noted, "The sites were paved and level. Nicely wooded and made it easy to setup a hammock as well. The site had full hook ups."
Rental options: Some campers choose to rent equipment rather than bring their own. A Pettibone Resort visitor suggested, "Definitely worth renting a golf cart for the day as the campground is pretty spread out."
Utility access: RV sites have varied hookup availability. At Pettibone Resort, an RVer mentioned, "A little pricey at $54 considering there were no sewer hookups."
Seasonal considerations: Some areas have specific seasonal advantages. At Goose Island, a long-term visitor shared, "I spent three trips here for a total of two months in 2024. I started the season in April for two weeks, did two weeks in June, and finished my season from September until the end of October."
