Big Eau Pleine Park Campground spans 1,450 acres along a peninsula into the Big Eau Pleine Flowage in Marathon County, Wisconsin. The terrain consists of mixed hardwoods with trails suitable for multiple recreational activities. The campground operates from May through October with 106 total sites divided between the West Unit and South Unit, offering varying levels of privacy and amenities.
What to do
Disc golf course: The park features a complete disc golf course set in wooded terrain. "You can enjoy a fun game of disc golf on the scenic wooded course," notes a visitor to Big Eau Pleine Park Campground. There is a daily fee for using the course.
Horseback riding trails: Explore 12 miles of trails on horseback at Wild West Campground & Corral in nearby Amherst. "Being able to watch the horses was very calming. We would recommend this place to others," reports one camper. The campground provides direct access to riding paths.
Fishing opportunities: The park offers multiple fishing access points with varying conditions. "Fishing can be good. No longer good for nocturnal carp due to water," explains a regular visitor to Big Eau Pleine Park Campground. Water quality issues with green algae can affect fishing success depending on the season.
Swimming areas: The park maintains a designated swimming beach, though water conditions vary seasonally. One camper at Big Eau Pleine notes: "Not sure about swimming in the water as there was neon green (greener than Chicago River on St. Pats) stuff washed up on the beach."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Sites at Hartman Creek State Park Campground provide ample room. "Hartman Creek has pretty spacious sites, though they can range from very big to just big enough. Our site was larger, almost fully shaded under a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees," reports a camper.
Wildlife viewing: The area's wooded setting provides opportunities to observe native wildlife. A visitor to Marathon County Dells of the Eau Claire Park shared: "We like going and hiking there too. You will see people all over the rocks swimming/sun bathing/having picnics/weddings/photo shoots."
Natural water features: Rivers and lakes enhance the camping experience. "My favorite sites are on the river as its relaxing and comforting listening to the fast moving stream especially at night," explains a visitor to Embarrass River Campground and ATV Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds maintain noise restrictions. "We loved the quietness at night. Not entirely sure, but I believe there is a quite policy after 10pm. Gorgeous to look up and see the amazing stars at night," reports a Hartman Creek State Park visitor.
What you should know
Site preparation for equestrian camping: When setting up horse areas at Big Eau Pleine Park, inspect the ground thoroughly. One equestrian camper warned: "My campsite was filled with nails and wood staples and the coals in the fire pit were overflowing." This hazard requires careful site inspection before setting up horse areas.
Bathroom facilities vary: Restroom quality differs between campgrounds. At Big Eau Pleine Park: "Kind of crowded, clean, no lights in restrooms or sanitizer," reports one camper. Another noted: "The electric did not work on our site they were very helpful and getting us a different one."
Rule enforcement: Rangers actively monitor compliance with campground regulations. A camper at Big Eau Pleine observed: "The rangers and camp hosts will give you tickets for EVERYTHING. There's no guest parking anywhere near the campsites and they'll write you a ticket if you park by the bathrooms or have more than 2 cars in your site."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Lakeside Fire Campground & Waterpark offers water recreation specifically designed for families. "Ice cream shop and hot dog stand," notes one visitor, highlighting kid-friendly amenities beyond standard camping facilities.
Fishing piers for young anglers: Dedicated fishing areas provide safe access for children. "Allen Lake has a fishing pier that the kids loved fishing from. Good catches early in the morning!" reports a family that visited Hartman Creek State Park.
Rental equipment options: Several parks offer equipment rentals to enhance family activities. "There is now a rental building available with kayaks, paddle boats, SUP, etc. to rent. We rented kayaks for an hour and a very reasonable price," explains a Hartman Creek visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: RV sites with electricity have specific location advantages. "The daily fee ranges from $18.00 for a non-electric, with no lake view to $23.00 for lake view with electric," reports a visitor to Big Eau Pleine Park Campground. Approximately 60 of the 106 total sites offer electrical hookups.
Camping for those with mobility needs: Accessible options exist for campers with disabilities. "I stay on the handicapped site. It's big it's level near the bathroom which is a big plus. The site is near the bathroom which is good it's a nice big site. It was big enough for a camper and a tent," explains a camper with mobility requirements.
Cellular connectivity: For remote workers, cellular service varies by location. "For those requiring cell service, I had 3 bars LTE with Verizon at my site," reports a visitor to Big Eau Pleine Park, providing useful information for those needing to stay connected while camping.
