La Crosse County sits at the confluence of three rivers—Mississippi, Black, and La Crosse—creating a unique camping environment with elevations ranging from 630 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid continental climate conditions with average summer temperatures of 80-85°F during peak camping season. Water levels at campgrounds near La Crosse, WI fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting site availability, especially in flood-prone areas.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground offers exceptional cold-water fishing opportunities. "The river that runs through is beautiful, cold, and clear. I didn't have any luck fishing though I could see the trout hanging out in an easily accessible pool at the end of a run," reports Lacey F.
Bluff hiking: Perrot State Park Campground features challenging trails with substantial elevation changes. "This Campground offered beautiful views of the Mississippi river Trempealeau bay, rock formations And most excellent hiking trails," mentions Jill G. The park's varied terrain makes it suitable for different skill levels.
Kayaking backwaters: The Mississippi River backwaters provide extensive paddling opportunities. "Excellent place to kayak and explore the backwaters of the Mississippi. You can put in or take out at the boat landing. See map in photos for 'canoe trail'," notes a visitor to Goose Island.
Stargazing: Several campsites offer minimal light pollution for astronomy enthusiasts. "The sites are spacious and private and the fire rings are massive! We even had a white raven spend a fee days with us which was wild!" reports Hatie P. about Perrot State Park.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Great River Bluffs State Park Campground offers exceptional bird watching. "Bring binoculars; the river valley is a great viewing area for waterfowl, eagles, and hawks," recommends one camper. The elevated position provides vantage points for spotting wildlife.
Urban proximity: Pettibone Resort provides unusual urban access. "About a 10 minute walk over the Cass St. bridge and you are in the heart of downtown La Crosse. This campground offers everything," explains Sara M. This makes it convenient for accessing restaurants and entertainment.
Fall colors: The bluff landscapes transform dramatically in autumn. "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!!!" shares Tori K. about Great River Bluffs State Park.
Farm experiences: Some unique camping options include agricultural settings. "In the middle of the country, in a tiny town called Brownsville, you'll find a little slice of awesome in the form of a hobby farm with campsites, a cabin, and oh ya...the remnants of an old brewery!" describes Amy G. about Shady Rest Acres.
What you should know
Flooding risk: Low-lying campgrounds experience regular flooding. "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," warns Megan S. about Goose Island.
Environmental conditions: Water quality varies across campgrounds. "There were signs posted that the drinking water cannot be boiled, nor can it be given to babies or elderly due to high nitrates," cautions Kayla F. about Perrot State Park.
Noise pollution: Veterans Memorial Park & Campground offers better sound isolation than others. "At no time did we feel like we were invading Patty and Michelle's space, nor did they invade ours. It was extremely comfortable," reports Amy G. In contrast, other campgrounds near highways or railroad tracks can be quite loud.
Cell coverage: Service varies dramatically across campgrounds. "We've camped at Beaver Creek quite a few times. some sites are bigger than others, but they're all grassy and private which is nice. The only thing to know is there is no cell reception because of the valley," notes Kat C.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Veterans Memorial Park & Campground offers multiple play areas. "Vet's Park has a lot to offer and is relatively large in size. Vet's Park has baseball fields, playgrounds, a couple of group shelters, volleyball courts, and tons of space for activities," explains a reviewer.
Child-friendly beaches: Several sites offer swimming opportunities tailored for children. "One of the things I like best is the playground is on the beach. My kid really loves that!" shares Sara M. about Goose Island.
Educational opportunities: Seasonal programming provides learning experiences. "The Saturday we were there they had a heritage camp set up to learn about how things were done in the past," mentions Tiffany K. about Perrot State Park.
Water safety considerations: Water depths and currents vary significantly. "Rentals for canoes and kayaks are available. Unfortunately, when I went the current was too strong. We could still rent one but they warned us that if we weren't able to make it through the current, that we wouldn't be able to get our money refunded," notes a visitor to Perrot State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: Neshonoc Lakeside offers well-maintained RV facilities. "The sites are all level, have a fire pit and picnic table. They are pretty open, so you're close to you neighbors and little shade or privacy. All RVs here, some tents as overflow for kiddos whose parents are staying in the RV," explains Kim L.
Utility considerations: Many campgrounds offer varied hookup options. "Very clean including the showers and bathroom. View of the Mississippi is amazing!" reports Ken B. about Great River Bluffs State Park. Water pressure and electrical service reliability varies across sites.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds near La Crosse have limited operating seasons. "It's $19 plus the $7 MN state park fee. There was no camp host on site, but I saw a ranger drive through. We have a MN parks sticker on our window and paid online the day we came in because the office was closed," notes Mary S.
