Glamping in Custer, Wisconsin offers rustic-modern accommodations in the Central Wisconsin region, where sandy soil supports diverse pine forests and glacial lakes. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, creating ideal conditions for outdoor recreation. The area's 300+ lakes within 25 miles provide extensive water recreation opportunities throughout the peak season.
What to do
Water activities on nearby lakes: Petenwell Park features lakefront sites with direct water access. According to one camper, "We stayed at sites right on the lake and they were hands down the most beautiful sites I've personally ever camped at! We didn't need to leave our site!" The park includes boat launches for those bringing watercraft.
Hiking local trails: Roche A Cri State Park Campground offers unique hiking experiences with prehistoric petroglyphs and a 300+ stair lookout tower. "The 303 stairs to the top lookout is a workout and worth the trip for the view. We hiked almost 5.5 miles through this beautiful state park," notes one visitor. The park serves well as a basecamp for exploring Central Wisconsin's natural attractions.
Family recreation options: Fremont RV Campground provides structured activities throughout the day. A camper mentioned, "Great waterfront camping. Great outdoor waterpark. Fun dance for kids on Saturday night." Many sites host scheduled events during summer months, particularly on weekends.
What campers like
Lakefront camping experiences: At Petenwell Park, the waterfront sites receive consistently positive feedback. One reviewer noted, "We reserved spot 16 knowing it had lake access (not all spots do)... the park is fairly crowded with lots of seasonal campers... but it's clean, the main bath house is nice and the playground is large."
Family-oriented facilities: S'Mores Campground offers comprehensive amenities for families. A camper described, "Amazing cabins, amazing setup, they all have picnic tables and benches on porch. Cabin had three beds, fridge, air conditioner, two windows, plenty of plugs in." The same reviewer mentioned, "Right next to the pool was a huge and brand new kids play area."
Quiet, well-maintained grounds: Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at certain campgrounds. One S'Mores Campground visitor simply stated, "Owners were very friendly. Very quiet campground. Nice pool." This sentiment is echoed at several area glamping sites.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most glamping sites in the Custer area operate from mid-April through mid-October, with Evergreen Campsites and Resort specifically open "April 15 to October 15." Weather conditions may affect early and late season comfort.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. One Evergreen camper warned, "One thing guests should know, the only cell service available in the area is AT&T. As a Verizon subscriber, we were completely off grid the entire weekend, unless we used our car as a hotspot."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, especially for specialty accommodations. For S'Mores Campground, a visitor shared, "You can make reservations on line, see pictures on line, rates on line, and see the camp map."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kids' activities: Campgrounds near Custer often feature children's programming. A visitor to S'Mores Campground noted, "They have events as well, the kids and I not only used the mining system by the office but we watched a movie by the playground area - it was amazing and free!"
Consider upgraded accommodations: Waupaca S'more Fun Campground offers various site types. A camper observed, "Park has several types of sites available, some rustic, some full service and some in-between. Park is very wooded, campsites are close together."
Check noise levels for family-friendly atmosphere: Some parks maintain strict quiet times, which families appreciate. A S'Mores Campground visitor mentioned, "It's a very quiet campground and everyone followed rules for the quiet time."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: At Eau Claire dells, spacing between sites varies considerably. One camper noted, "Some sites are super close together but we got lucky!" Checking site dimensions before booking helps ensure adequate space for your setup.
Utility availability varies: Not all parks offer full hookups. A Petenwell Park visitor pointed out, "Only downfall is there is no sewer hook ups." Some campgrounds offer water and electric but require use of dump stations.
Accessibility for larger rigs: Site access differs between parks. For Fremont RV Campground, one camper advised, "Sites are close together with nothing in between. No privacy." This information helps RV owners select appropriate locations based on their vehicle size and privacy preferences.
