Best Campgrounds near Cornell, WI
State parks and county campgrounds surround Cornell, Wisconsin, with Brunet Island State Park serving as the centerpiece of local camping options. This unique park sits on an island at the confluence of the Chippewa and Fisher Rivers, connected to the mainland by a small bridge. Within a 30-mile radius, campers find diverse accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities. Lake Wissota State Park, located near Chippewa Falls, offers spacious, shaded sites with lake views. Pine Point County Park in Holcombe provides more rustic camping experiences with 48 sites. Most campgrounds in the area feature water access, making them popular destinations for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing enthusiasts.
Camping availability varies seasonally, with most facilities operating from May through October. Several campgrounds, including Brunet Island State Park, remain open year-round but with reduced services during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "Brunet Island State Park is quiet and shady, next to the Chippewa River. You can kayak on the river and in-between the islands where the water is very calm and full of lily pads and wildlife." Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, though Lake Wissota State Park reportedly has strong enough coverage for streaming. Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer, particularly near water at dusk.
The region's campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy and amenities. Many sites at Brunet Island feature two distinct camping loops: the South Loop with electrical hookups, flush toilets and showers, and the North Loop with more primitive sites along the water with pit toilets. According to a visitor, "The sites are large surrounded by trees and very private. The sites on the lake side are not electric and some of them are huge buddy sites, great for extended families." The Old Abe Trail, a paved bike path connecting to Chippewa Falls, runs 20 miles and has an access point at Brunet Island State Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting loon calls in the evening and abundant bird watching. Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site, with prices ranging from $6-8 per bundle.
