Tent campsites near Colfax, Wisconsin are nestled in the rolling hills and wooded valleys of west-central Wisconsin, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The region experiences warm, humid summers with temperatures typically ranging from 70°F to 85°F between June and August. Primitive camping options in Eau Claire County provide more seclusion than established sites, with several locations offering water access.
What to do
Paddling at Coon Fork Lake: Non-motorized craft only on this small lake, making it ideal for peaceful paddling adventures. Coon Fork Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals directly from the office for those without their own equipment. As one camper noted, "Canoe and rowboat rentals are available at the office. Great private campsites. We love it here."
Swimming beaches: Two designated swimming areas at Coon Fork Lake provide sandy shorelines and gradual entry points for families. The lake warms up considerably by mid-July, making it more comfortable for extended swimming. "Great for kids! Way more fun later in the summer so you can go swimming. Although, children don't seem to notice cold water anyway!" reports one regular visitor.
River boating: At Apple River County Park Campground, campers can launch directly from the shoreline for river adventures. The park serves as a convenient overnight stop on paddling trips. One camper suggests, "You could start at the DN Campground of vicinity further north, then paddle a nice easy day trip to this campground, and then the next day paddle into the town of Amery and pull out there."
Nature trails: Several walking paths surround camping areas, with Coon Fork featuring multiple trail loops through pine forests. The trails range from 0.5 to 2 miles in length and connect various camping loops to beaches and recreational areas. "There was plenty of area nearby to hike or go swimming and there was a cool water run off that you can walk down the side of."
What campers like
Site privacy: Camping areas feature good spacing and natural barriers between sites. Stargazen Retreat Center offers walk-in tent sites with additional separation from neighboring campers. At Coon Fork, campers appreciate that "sites are very generous with a lot of green between spaces. You are not on top of your neighbor."
Hammock-friendly trees: Pine forests throughout the region provide abundant hammock hanging options. While not all sites accommodate hammocks equally, several designated areas at Coon Fork work particularly well. "I like to hammock, and while not a lot of the sites are ideal, they're are a few that are. A3 was one ($17 non lake) and 2LR ($20 lakeside). The latter was perfect for several hammocks."
Clean facilities: Even primitive campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance. Vault toilets at Kirby Lake Primitive Campsite are serviced weekly during peak season, while established campgrounds offer more amenities. Coon Fork provides "a shower house, bathroom, dump station, wood for sale ($6/bundle), ice for sale and is non electric."
Wildlife viewing: Camping in the Colfax region offers opportunities to observe local wildlife including deer, raccoons, and various bird species. "There was plenty of wild life nearby and the camping spot was very clean!" remarks one camper about their experience.
What you should know
Quiet hour enforcement: Rangers actively patrol campgrounds to maintain peaceful environments, especially at family-oriented sites. "Quiet hours are reinforced early at night but it's an excellent campground small children," notes one visitor. Another mentions, "Quiet hours enforced, DNR on duty and sheriff tends to drive through."
Wildlife precautions: Raccoons are particularly active at Lily Springs Regenerative Farm, requiring food storage precautions. "Raccoons frequent the park, hence the name, so they will give you trash bags at check in to keep them at bay. That's a great way to help control the problem."
Reservation requirements: During summer months (June-August), weekend reservations for lakefront sites should be made 2-3 months in advance. First-come, first-served sites typically fill by Friday noon during peak season. "A total of 108 spaces with about 30 that are first come."
Water sources: Bring containers to transport water at primitive sites. Established campgrounds provide potable water at central locations, but most tent sites require carrying water from spigots. Primitive sites like Kirby Lake require campers to bring all water needed for their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: Look for campsites with playgrounds nearby and beaches with gradual entry points. "The campground is lovely considering it's only $20 for lakeside ($17 non lakeside). It has a shower house, bathroom, dump station, wood for sale ($6/bundle), ice for sale and is non electric."
Activity options: Bike-friendly camping loops provide safe cycling for kids at several campgrounds. "I have stayed here multiple times. Always a blast. The kids love swimming, kayaking, fishing, and bike trails."
Safety considerations: Sites along walking paths rather than vehicle routes offer better protection for families with small children. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground limits vehicle access, as "they do allow for drive-up loading and unloading, so don't feel like you need to pack extra light. It limits traffic driving through the campground, and is really nice to not have vehicles driving through at all hours."
Weather planning: Summer thunderstorms typically move through quickly but can be intense. Pack extra tarps and rain gear, especially for July camping when afternoon storms are most common.
Tips from RVers
Electric site availability: Electric hookups are limited at many campgrounds near Colfax, with Coon Fork offering a separate loop specifically for self-contained units. "There is a totally separate loop (Loop D) for units that are self contained."
Site dimensions: Most RV sites accommodate units up to 30 feet in length, with limited options for larger rigs. Campground roads may have tight turns, requiring careful navigation for larger trailers.
Dump station access: Coon Fork provides on-site sanitary dump facilities, saving RVers the need to find alternatives. The dump station is located near the entrance for easy access when departing.
Generator policies: Check individual campground rules regarding generator use, as many restrict hours or prohibit them entirely. "Very little road noise here… Pretty far off the road."
