Camping opportunities around Custer, Wisconsin range from state parks to privately-run campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. This central Wisconsin area sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation with terrain characterized by mixed forests, farmland, and numerous lakes and streams. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with camping season running primarily from mid-April through mid-October when ground conditions are favorable.
What to do
Swimming in spring-fed lakes: Hartman Creek State Park Campground offers a small, clean swimming lake with a dedicated beach area. One camper noted, "The Beach is perfect, horse trails, biking trails. Right along the ice age trail!" While another mentioned, "The lake was a smaller lake, but nice for swimming. They do a great job of keeping the beach and swimming area clean."
Fishing from piers: Jordan Park provides fishing access from dedicated piers. "Allen Lake has a fishing pier that the kids loved fishing from. Good catches early in the morning!" reports one visitor. The park's location near Stevens Point makes it accessible for day trips.
Trail exploration: Biking and hiking opportunities abound on both paved and unpaved trails. A camper at Hartman Creek State Park Campground shared, "Enjoy bringing the family's bikes and love the single trail bike paths through the woods. Has a nice small lake to bring your own kayaks and SUPs or rent on site."
Canoeing and kayaking: Several parks offer water access for paddlers. At Jordan Park, campers appreciate the specialized sites: "The canoe camping site is cheaper and much more secluded with view of the lake. Great experience."
What campers like
Family-oriented activities: Lake of the Woods Campground in Wautoma caters specifically to families with scheduled events. "Nice shady sites, very family oriented a lot of stuff for kids to do, planned events every weekend. Bar has great food. Pool and kiddie pool were clean and the beach/pond was so nice," shared one visitor.
Secluded walk-in sites: For those seeking more privacy, Jordan Park offers specialized tent sites. A camper reported, "I was in one of the three canoe/walk in sights and they were right on the water. All three sights were separated from the rest of camp and are tent sites. All have a picnic table, grill, and fire ring and are big enough for 2-3 tents."
Clean facilities: Many rv parks near Custer maintain well-kept shower and restroom facilities. At Fremont RV Campground, campers appreciate the amenities: "Great waterfront camping. Great outdoor waterpark. Fun dance for kids on Saturday night."
Budget-friendly options: Some campgrounds offer affordable rates compared to other regions. A visitor to Omro RV Park noted, "$15 a night for a site with electric hookup! Dump station and fresh water on site. Large gravel sites are flat but not secluded. Max of 2 week stay."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most rv parks around Custer, Wisconsin close during winter months. Lake of the Woods Campground operates from April 15 to October 15, while Jordan Park runs from May 1 to October 31.
Site characteristics: Many campgrounds feature wooded settings with varying levels of privacy. At Wild West Campground & Corral, one visitor observed, "This was quiet and peaceful. When we needed our fire pit cleaned out they came pretty quickly. Being able to watch the horses was very calming."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by carrier and specific location within each campground. While not mentioned for all parks, this is an important consideration when planning remote work or staying connected.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. At Jordan Park, a camper noted, "The bad is a lot of road noise some sites are very close together."
Booking requirements: Many campgrounds implement minimum stay requirements, especially on weekends. At Jordan Park, there's a "2 night minimum, 14 night maximum reservation."
Tips for camping with families
Group site advantages: Lake of the Woods Campground offers specialized group camping. "The group campsite it's phenomenal... tons of space for each family and a great community area for your group. They have a store, a bar, coin op laundry, a pool, a clean little pond & a great playground... tons to do to keep busy!" reports one family.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to children with designated play areas. A visitor to Fremont RV Campground shared, "Tons of activities for kids and adults. Water parks, mini golf, playgrounds, arcade, train rides. During Father's Day weekend they have a car show. All around a good time."
Age-appropriate activities: Consider the age range of children when selecting a campground. Some families note that certain campgrounds are better suited for specific age groups. As one Lake of the Woods Campground visitor mentioned, "This campground has something for every age."
Noise considerations: Family-oriented campgrounds can be lively during daytime hours. At Fremont RV Campground, one camper observed, "If you're looking to have the kids entertained this campground is fine. If you're looking for a true camping/wilderness experience.....look elsewhere. Sites are close together with nothing in between. No privacy. Campground is FULL of kids which means full of noise and activity."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: When traveling with larger rigs, confirm site dimensions before booking. At Pearl Lake RV Campground, a camper observed, "The roads connecting the sites are adequately wide. Just know that all of the sites are 90 degree back ins which can be tight with longer rigs- especially if your neighbor across the road has their vehicle or toys parked right up to the paved surface."
Seasonal resident concentration: Many rv parks near Custer have high percentages of seasonal campers. At Pearl Lake RV Campground, a visitor noted, "About half of this park are permanent rigs. It's a little crazy, some of them even built structures around their campers, or siding outside! Some rigs don't look like they could be towed out."
Hookup limitations: Some campgrounds offer electric-only sites with central water and dump stations. At Omro RV Park, "Is $15 per night. Dump station and water available, But not at your site. Quiet, clean, well kept. no open fires. Is all pull through sites, They will fit any length rig, 80' long."
Value considerations: Price points vary significantly between parks, with some charging premium rates. A Fremont RV Campground visitor noted, "The campground was expensive at 80$ for water and electric only on a dirt pull through."
