Campsites around Cornell, Wisconsin offer diverse options within the Chippewa Valley region at approximately 1,000 feet elevation. Most campgrounds in this area sit along waterways including the Chippewa River and several lakes, creating opportunities for water recreation. Local facilities typically open from April through October, with Brunet Island State Park being one of the few year-round camping options.
What to do
Paddle the backwaters: Brunet Island State Park Campground provides excellent access to slow-moving river inlets. "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," writes Christina H. The park's waterfront sites make launching kayaks particularly convenient with "lots of slow moving inlets to paddle into and get lost in nature."
Creek tubing: At O'Neil Creek Campground, the natural creek functions as a lazy river. "Can tube down the creek, very shallow so even littles can do it too," notes Stina M. The campground offers tube rentals for those who don't bring their own floating gear.
Fishing spots: Multiple fishing piers are available at local campgrounds, particularly along the Chippewa River. Chapman Park Campground offers "nice views" and "good fishing" according to Justin B. Many waterfront sites throughout the area provide direct fishing access without needing to travel to designated piers.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms across the region. "The bathrooms are amazingly clean and for some reason the whole place was mosquito free," noted Rachel T. about Brunet Island State Park Campground. Similarly, at Chapman Park, visitors found "shower facilities are older but clean."
Water access: Chapman Park Campground receives praise for its peninsula location between two small lakes. "The waterfront is beautiful with a nice picturesque bridge to a little island," writes David K. Sites directly on the water are particularly valued for easy boat launching.
Family amenities: Stoney Creek RV Resort stands out for its extensive recreational options. "There are a mini golf course and a swimming pool on site. Stoney Creek is a fun place to bring the whole family," writes Megan R. The resort also features "gaga ball, a bounce pillow, an arcade, mini golf, laser tag, swimming pool, skate park, playground, basketball court, volleyball court."
What you should know
Site spacing varies: The campgrounds offer different levels of privacy. At Wolf's Den RV Campground, Judy B. cautions that "this campground isn't really a campground, it is more like a summer community. A majority of sites are taken up with permanent RV set ups." Site selection matters significantly for privacy.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in this area close during winter months. Most operate from April through October, though specific opening and closing dates vary. Brunet Island stays open year-round while O'Neil Creek Campground has a specific season from "Apr 15 - Oct 15."
Terrain challenges: Thornapple River Campground offers sites directly on the river, which Amanda W. describes as "a sleepy, winding river... shallow and refreshing." However, water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline conditions and water access points.
Tips for camping with families
Book theme weekends: Several campgrounds offer special event weekends that appeal to children. At O'Neil Creek, Darren L. reports, "Campground and staff did a great job putting on Christmas in July. Very Kid friendly environment." These themed events typically include activities, decorations, and sometimes contests.
Look for recreation variety: Country Quiet RV Park provides multiple amenities in a convenient layout. "Easy loop system makes this campground very easy to navigate through," notes Judy B., which is helpful when camping with children who need to access facilities frequently.
Try off-season weekends: For families seeking quieter experiences, weekdays or shoulder season visits offer more space. At Chapman Park, one camper noted, "We pulled in on a Sunday night and all but had the place to ourselves. Our site was on a small, beautiful lake and close to the bathrooms."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for size: RV sites near Cornell, Wisconsin vary considerably in size and hookup options. At Stoney Creek RV Resort, Nate M. reports, "The sites are huge almost state park like with ample room for your kids to play." This makes it suitable for larger rigs seeking more space.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds with RV accommodations provide sanitary dump stations, though not all offer full hookups at each site. At Thornapple River, "The hosts will pump your tanks for a $10 fee," according to Amanda W., providing an alternative to self-service dump stations.
Hookup variations: Electric options differ between campgrounds. Several campgrounds offer 50-amp service for larger motorhomes, while others have only 30-amp connections. Scott J. notes Chapman Park offers versatile options: "They have 20-30-50amp hook ups with a dump and water," making it suitable for various RV sizes.
