Cabin camping options dot the Driftless Region near Belmont, Wisconsin at elevations ranging between 900-1,300 feet. The area features rolling hills, valleys, and limestone formations with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Winter cabin rentals remain available at several locations with overnight temperatures often dropping below 20°F during December through February.
What to Do
Hiking trails at Blue Mound State Park: The park offers numerous hiking options with varying difficulty levels. "Gorgeous hiking with really unique trails. Awesome mountain hiking options," notes one visitor. The park includes wooden observation towers providing panoramic views on clear days.
Canoe or kayak the Wisconsin River: Wisconsin Riverside Resort provides river equipment rentals with shuttle service. "They will shuttle you as far up the river as you'd like to go, and you float or paddle back while enjoying all the sand bars along the way," reports a camper. The sandy river bottom creates numerous stopping points during your journey.
Explore local cave systems: Located a short drive from most campgrounds, these geological formations offer guided tours with seasonal themes. "The caves are incredibly well maintained and organized with fun themed tours. Our theme was Halloween so we could purchase 'Trick or Treat' bags and collected cool rocks in the caves handed out by employees along the tour," explains a visitor to the area.
What Campers Like
Spacious cabins: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at Blackhawk Lake Recreational Area. The campground sits "higher up on the hill, it took a 5 minutes to hike down to the lake with lots of steep steps. Nice beach area," according to one reviewer. Most cabins include basic furniture with varying levels of kitchen equipment.
Family-friendly amenities: Blue Mound State Park Campground receives high marks for its recreational options. "The pool is very nice and very clean. There is a pool section and a splash section. There are chairs and lounges around both and shade awnings. The cost is $3 for and adult and $2 for child," notes one visitor. Many cabins around Belmont provide easy access to similar water features.
River access: Camping cabins near water rank highly among visitors. "The river felt amazing on a 95 degree day. If you have a kayak we suggest bringing it to get to the sandbar to hang out," writes one camper about their experience at Wisconsin Riverside Resort. Riverside cabins typically cost $15-30 more per night than standard options.
What You Should Know
Site selection matters: At Fireside Campground, a visitor notes "The sites are not big and are close together but this hasn't been a problem for us." Cabin layouts vary significantly across the region with differing privacy levels.
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends book quickly, particularly at popular destinations. "We stayed here 4th of July. We stayed in a pull thru site," mentions one camper, highlighting the importance of advance planning. Most cabins require 2-night minimum stays during peak season.
Variable amenities: Cabin facilities range from rustic to fully equipped. "The bathrooms are clean and surprisingly, air conditioned. The women's bathroom has updated sinks and nice shower curtains," reports a visitor at Fireside Campground. Always verify specific cabin amenities before arrival as standards vary considerably between sites.
Tips for Camping with Families
Pool access for hot days: Toms Campground provides limited on-site activities but nearby water recreation. "The campground staff is friendly and helpful. It was nice that we were escorted to our site," mentions one visitor. Research water recreation options when booking if traveling with children during summer months.
Playground availability: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "Very nice campground. Plenty of trees. The sites are VERY close together but we were next to very nice people," notes one camper at Palace Campground. The site includes "a small park for kids" and seasonal pool access.
Entertainment options: Some cabin locations offer organized activities. "Lots to do here with the ability to play mini golf on a very nice course, walk through the trees and property, and get ice-cream from culvers," explains a visitor to Palace Campground. Pack board games and activities for evenings at sites with fewer organized options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: RVers note varying site conditions throughout the region. At Pikes Peak State Park Campground, a visitor mentions their site "needed more leveling than some. Some sites have power and water, ours only power." Bring leveling blocks even when staying in cabins as outdoor seating areas may be uneven.
Electric hookup locations: Power connection placement varies between sites. "The staff member showed us where our electric hook up was; this was actually helpful because it was covered by trees. We would have hooked up to the wrong box," notes a camper at Fireside Campground. Extension cords may be necessary at some cabin locations where outlets are limited.
Supply access: Most cabin camping areas offer limited on-site provisions. "Campground is convenient to Galena and Dubuque," according to a visitor at Palace Campground. Stock up on supplies before arrival as the nearest grocery stores may be 15-25 minutes away from more remote cabin locations.