Camping sites near Colfax, Wisconsin sit within the Driftless Area, a unique geographic region untouched by glaciers during the last ice age, creating steeper terrain than surrounding areas. This region receives an average annual rainfall of 32 inches, primarily in summer months when most campgrounds operate at capacity. Campgrounds throughout the area generally sit at elevations between 800-1,200 feet above sea level.
What to do
Kayaking on calm waters: At Brunet Island State Park Campground, water activities dominate the experience. "You can launch a canoe/kayak. Definitely one of the better views and water was clear. On the other side water was more marshy," notes Julie W. about Site 44, highlighting the diverse paddling conditions.
Tubing opportunities: Local waterways provide excellent tubing options. At Twin Springs Resort Campground, campers can "tube down the creek, very shallow so even littles can do it too," according to Stina M., making it accessible for families with younger children.
Hiking exploration: Several campgrounds offer trail systems of varying difficulty. Gerald B. found Brunet Island State Park particularly appealing in autumn: "What a great place to visit this time of year (Fall). Falling acorns, frogs and chipmunks chirping, turtles basking in sunlight and more."
What campers like
Private campsites: Many campers value site separation when selecting camping spots near Colfax. Julie P. reports about Lake Wissota State Park Campground: "While all of the sites were very private - lots of trees and underbrush between, this one and 65E were ideally situated for dual sites."
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms rank high in camper satisfaction. At O'Neil Creek Campground, ScottnRobin L. observed, "The restrooms were spotless. It appears many of the sites are season rentals."
Natural water features: Waterfront access directly from campsites represents a significant draw. Christina H. explains why Brunet Island State Park ranks among her favorites: "The spot that I reserved was beautiful. Loved that it was tucked in the back of the camping area and was able to put my canoe in the water at my spot."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from spring through fall with varying schedules. Mary S. notes about Highland Ridge: "This is not a good place for solar panels, but almost all sites are electric," highlighting how the heavily wooded sites impact power options.
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months, securing sites requires advance planning. Beth D. observed at Highland Ridge: "We accidentally selected a site without electric, but if we had taken more time to use the website and enter search criteria, we could have found one with electric."
Mosquito preparation: The waterfront location of many campgrounds means insects can be prevalent. Hannah E. warns about Lake Wissota: "Very woodsy! Mosquitoes, gnats, and bugs galore," suggesting campers come prepared with appropriate repellent.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds specifically cater to younger visitors. Dana A. emphasizes that Eagle Ridge Campground "is awesome for the whole family!!" with numerous amenities designed for children.
Swimming options: Beach quality varies significantly between locations. Delanie F. cautions about Lake Wissota: "It was a very nice campground, it is a very big campground. Unfortunately the beach is not very clean and there are ground bees on the trail."
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. O'Neil Creek receives praise from Tony G.: "This place has all kinds of activities for children and large pull thru sites, people are very friendly."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV campers should carefully review site specifications before booking. Whistle P. shares about Eagle Ridge Campground: "As other reviews mention, 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."
Dump station availability: Full-service amenities vary between locations. Brook Jorgensen notes Lake Wissota offers "nice tent and RV sites. Hot showers. Flush toilets," providing essential information for those traveling in recreational vehicles.
Leveling requirements: Site terrain affects setup difficulty. David K. observes about Twin Springs Resort: "The sites have a reasonable amount of space surrounding them. The road intrudes a bit too close for comfort, especially with having kids with."
Scout
