Wisconsin's Blanchardville region offers a distinctive camping landscape in the Driftless Area, an unusual geological zone untouched by glacial activity during the last ice age. This creates unique terrain with deeply carved river valleys and limestone bluffs not found elsewhere in the state. Camping sites throughout the area typically experience warm, humid summers with temperatures reaching 80-85°F and cool nights in the 50s.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground provides access to a 455-acre lake stocked with walleye, northern pike, and bass. "We did about 10mi of hiking. Buggy, but it's June in WI," noted one camper who enjoyed exploring the park's extensive trail system alongside fishing.
Winter activities: While most Blackhawk Camping Resort facilities close by mid-October, nearby state parks maintain year-round trails. "This is a fairly massive RV community on the southern edge of Clear Lake. While a small body of water, it's fairly deep and perfect for some light sailing and excellent for a great day of fishing," reported one visitor.
Day trips to nearby towns: From Rustic Barn Campground RV Park, travelers can easily visit surrounding communities. "The campground is close to several cute small towns, like Cuba City, Wisconsin and Galena, Illinois. It's also close to Dubuque, Iowa, but we didn't get to that one this trip," mentioned a reviewer who appreciated the strategic location.
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Many rv parks near Blanchardville feature dedicated recreational areas. "There's a playground for kids," noted one visitor to Blanding Landing, while another mentioned, "We enjoyed our stay. Nice clean campground host were great. Look forward to going back."
Privacy between sites: Unlike the narrowly-spaced RV sites mentioned in the existing description, some campgrounds offer more seclusion. "This is a pretty spot and it was a nice campground overall... There was a large grassy spot behind us that just lit up with fire flies at dusk. Being from Colorado, this was a wonderful sight for my kids," shared one camper at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park.
Lake access: Water recreation remains a highlight at Blanchardville camping locations. A recent reviewer at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground commented, "What really makes this campground is the lake. There's a nice beach for kids and adults to relax at and lots of kayaks on the water."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad disruption. At Blanding Landing, a camper reported: "Our first night here the many trains were loud and woke us up, but if you can laugh instead of being annoyed, it is fine. Groceries and ice are 13 miles away on hilly pavement roads."
Seasonal flooding: Water issues affect some locations during spring and early summer. A reviewer at Lakeland Camping Resort noted, "Half of camping sites closed due to flooding. Big sites, not a lot of bugs or critters, electric available, pool but was closed at our visit."
Variable site quality: Even within the same campground, site conditions differ significantly. "All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park," observed a camper at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom accessibility: When selecting sites with children, consider proximity to facilities. "The sites are very well isolated and shaded, and have a well maintained gravel and packed earth surface," noted one camper, while another mentioned, "Big private sites but the toilet is a hike."
Swimming options: Off Shore RV Park provides water recreation for families. "Resort has many options: even camp sites, 4 villas, resort inn rooms. Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric. No shade since trees have not been planted as well of this date. Boat ramp nearby, resort has restaurant, playground, water park."
Entertainment during rain: Weather contingency plans matter in Wisconsin's unpredictable climate. "There is a camp store with ice, ice cream, some camping supplies, clothing, crafts, and more. We were told several restaurants will deliver to the campground," mentioned a visitor describing indoor options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Terrain variation affects RV parking throughout Blanchardville area rv parks. "If camping with a trailer or RV check to make sure you will get a campsite that is level enough for your vehicle. Lots of the campsites are uneven and larger vehicles may have issues getting level," advised a camper at Yellowstone Lake State Park.
Utility access: Creekview RV Park offers basic hookups with some limitations. "Passing through and needed an accessible camping spot for our 19 foot travel trailer. Creekview fit the bill. Right off i90, and next to fuel and food stops. Family run campground with 40 sites that have water and electric. They are cash or check only, with no online booking," noted a recent visitor.
Site selection strategy: Some RV sites offer significant advantages over others. "We had site 24. It's the last site in that part of the driveway and I recommend it because you have a lot of open space to one side plus not far from water or bathrooms. The most wooded sites are at the end farthest away from the entrance but tent campers should know there are a lot of RVs down there usually."