F
Fue X.
Traveler
TravelerFree camping by Rushford
Free camping
I go there every year for hunting. Everyone is friendly and everyone is responsible for cleaning up the place. First come first serve. No reservations.
Camping near De Soto, WI
153 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Campgrounds near De Soto, Wisconsin offer multiple established options along the Mississippi River corridor. Blackhawk Park, a Corps of Engineers facility, provides spacious sites with river access and tall shade trees. The camping landscape includes a mix of county parks, state forests, and privately managed resorts spanning both Wisconsin and neighboring Iowa. Most facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabins as additional lodging options. Sidie Hollow Park features multiple camping areas including main, ridge, and boat landing campgrounds with varied amenities and terrain.
Seasonal operations affect most campgrounds in the region, with many facilities open from mid-April through October. The Mississippi River floodplain and surrounding bluff country create distinctive camping experiences depending on elevation and proximity to water. "Sites are 110 only with ban on air conditioners. All sites on grass with limited picnic tables but price right at $10," noted one camper about Sugar Creek City Campground. Road access varies throughout the area, with some campgrounds offering level, gravel pads while others feature more primitive conditions. Cell service can be patchy in the valleys and ravines typical of the Driftless Area topography. Water levels and seasonal flooding may impact riverside campgrounds during spring.
Campers consistently mention the scenic qualities of this unique Driftless Area landscape where tall limestone bluffs overlook the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Blackhawk Park receives particularly positive reviews for its spacious sites and mature tree canopy. A visitor commented, "The sites are very spacious and easy getting into for RVs/campers. Price is very reasonably priced. The creek adds to the wonderful scenery." Several developed campgrounds feature shower facilities, though cleanliness and maintenance vary by location. The wooded settings provide welcome shade during summer months when temperatures can reach into the 90s. Fishing opportunities are frequently highlighted in visitor feedback, with multiple access points to the Mississippi River, smaller tributaries, and inland lakes throughout the region.
Best Campgrounds near De Soto (153)
1. Blackhawk Park
"From our site (30) we had a nice view of the water which was about a 3min walk. Site was mostly level with gravel, picnic table and fire pit/grate."
"We had site 40west and it was larger, but too close to the smelly pit toilets. Showers nice, hot and clean. The tent sites looked spacious, but not very private."
from $18 - $40 / night
Check Availability2. Red Barn Resort and Campground
from $25 - $39 / night
Check Availability3. Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
"The location is very nice, right next to the river. I wouldn't exactly call it a river though. It's nice and quiet, and very nice trail runs through it as well."
"This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing."
from $16 / night
Check Availability4. Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
"The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side. Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk."
"We did the backcountry camping (less than 0.5 miles walking), but did get to see the regular campgrounds. There are other parks and waterways to visit nearby and a town nearby."
from $12 / night
Check Availability5. Wisconsin Ridge Campground — Wyalusing State Park
"Located on the far western edge of Wisconsin this state park offers a little of everything - hiking trails connected to the camp grounds, boat access to the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, overlook of"
"This is an amazing park on the Wisconsin/Iowa border, overlooking where the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers join. I usually try to get in at least 1 trip a year, if lucky enough 2-3."
from $24 - $41 / night
Check Availability6. Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground
"The park has a lot of very well maintained trails. The only thing to know is there is no cell reception because of the valley."
"Water, garbage and recycling (separated) were all close by. There as no cell signal, so we went to town for that. The park has nice trails that are pretty well marked."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability7. Goose Island
"This camp South of Lacrosse Wisconsin is a great family or road tripping camp."
"The sites are close together near the entrance. The spread out as you get deeper into the park. Beautiful grounds. Good communication from the camp rangers when we had to switch sites."
from $22 - $34 / night
Check Availability8. Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground
"No swimming or store, but good hiking / biking trails in the driftless area of SW Wisconsin. Water / electric sites have gravel drives. Not all level."
9. Upper Iowa Resort and Rental
"We only had a few issues over the 6 times we stayed there relating to reservations....but overall, it was a positive experience."
"This campground is perfectly situated on the Upper Iowa River."
10. Sugar Creek City Campground
Drive Time
- 35 min from La Crosse, WI
- 1 hr 34 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 49 min from Dubuque, IA
- 2 hrs 8 min from Waterloo, IA
Recent Camping Photos near De Soto, WI
157 Photos of 153 De Soto Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Our ForestB
Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
Sidie Hollow County Main CampgroundN
Boat Landing Campground — Bad Axe Watershed
Bryes Bad Axe Glamping
Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park
Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State ForestT
Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest
Waukon City Park
Shady Rest Acres
Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
Recent Reviews near De Soto, WI
552 Reviews of 153 De Soto Campgrounds
- BBriana K.
ScoutNeshonoc Lakeside
Beautiful, clean, fun
I was a little skeptical after a negative review about the regular residents, so I watched for that dynamic. We were camping with another family so we had 8 kids between the two of us and I was worried all those kiddos would upset people. Quite the opposite experience from that review and it motivated me to leave this one to help provide a good picture. I have nothing bad to say about our camping experience. We did go a little out of season (September 12) so a lot of the campsites were empty. Most their sites are flat, and clean. The grass was well mowed and maintained. They had activities for the kids (Halloween). People that drove by were friendly and smiling, and waiving. We had people drop off candy for the kids asking parents first. We had people offer basketballs for our kids to use while they were away from their site. Me and my friend were about to haul ice bags and wood up a huge hill on foot and someone stopped their golf cart and emptied it of what they were carrying to give us a ride to our campsite. The kids tootled about on their bikes being kids with no negative experiences. There were a couple of kids on motor scooters whose engines were kind of obnoxious but that’s going to happen more and more at campgrounds, and it wasn’t during quiet hours. We had sites atop the “full Lakeview” and it was honestly surprising how beautiful it was up there. I think it can be difficult to get a view when you’re camping but those sites had it. We knew the full lake view sites were open so we took the cheaper ones across from them, but still saw the same view. There was a great amount of space between the sites we used. The only possible critique I might offer is in that specific row there weren’t many trees for shade, but the weather was cooler so it didn’t affect us, but if we went in the summer it might have been more uncomfortable without that natural shade. The bath houses and showers were great!!! I feel like a good bath house can make or break a campsite and we’ve been to some smaller ones that were quite lacking but this one was great. Very clean, not many bugs, spacious, real doors on the shower stalls. We did not arrive in season to utilize the pool area but it looked great from the other side of the gate ;) - the parks were well maintained and the kids loved them. there was a set of stairs that went from up the hill down to the office that looked a little sketchy but they were closed off for use. If you didn’t have a golf cart or couldn’t ride a bike, the trek from where we stayed to the office might be a challenge. Overall we loved it and would definitely consider going again. The sites were a little pricey but had on site sewer hookup which is fantastic.
- DDonald S.Scout
Nelson Dewey State Park Campground
Site 14
Be advised site 14 is on such a steep hill it was honestly scary coming in an out of our camper! If an older couple were staying at this site in a camper I’m not sure if they would even be able to. Our second door entrance cannot be used due to how steep the hill is and we had to add wood to the bottom of our stairs because they didn’t touch the ground. Forgot to add you’re also under a very large black walnut tree that is currently dropping walnuts that are ripe.
Andy M.
LegendPikes Peak State Park Campground
Very nice spot.
We got here on a Monday and got a great spot in the back. The sunrise was spectacular. Then the fog moved in off the river and it was pretty cool.
Brandon C.
GuideHighway 250 Campground
Hwy 250
Good camper spot right along the river. Clean bathrooms and showers. Hitched a ride to the dam in town and tubes right to our campsite. Direct access to trails that go to town.
- AAnita L.Guide
Pulpit Rock Campground
Pulpit Rock campground
We camped in Pulpit Rock campground in a pull through site with friends. They allow two campers on one site. This site was particularly long with our 38' 5th wheel and their 33' pull type camper. We were next to the highway so it was a little noisy which is why I didn't give it 5 stars. Tons of shade in this area. Staff was very friendly. We called in early and they saved this spot for us b/c it was a FCFS site. So you call and they will hold a spot for you to come that day. We also had a flat fire pit with 2 sides instead of a circle one in the ground. We were always knocking out burning logs.
Brett S.ScoutLake Road Campground
Small
Stayed here for a tournament weekend. The sites are very small, backed my camper in and had very little room left. My camper is 27' tip to tail. Site was level, did not have to use any blocks, no privacy at all. 1 bundle of firewood provided per night stayed. I liked that, besides the dog park there really isn't anything to do at the campground.
Katie D.GuideGoose Island
Huge sites, lots of open areas, nice trails
We are in 301 near the back and the sites are large, lots of grass, and beautiful. Trails around the park are wonderful for exercise and bird watching.
Andrew R.ScoutFireside Campground
Family, Pet, Motorcycle Friendly!
This is a fantastic Campground, especially for RVs and families. Large playground and outdoor games, small indoor rec area. During busy weekends with lots of kids and holidays, they have foam parties for the kids where they fill the basketball court with foam 3 ft High. Most sites are permanent sites, but have probably around 20 other 30 amp sites that can accommodate large RVs. There are only a few tent sites, but if tent is your only option and you still want to stay they will rent you an RV site for the tent. New owners are very friendly, and have adopted the same overwhelmingly hospitable nature as the previous owners. Fantastic people and very helpful. It will accommodate special needs or requests as long as it doesn't bother anybody or go against any insurance policies. I've had a permanent site here in the past, and recently started camping again and came to visit old friends. The new owners were still happy to accommodate semi truck parking for my job. I haul milk locally so I work more than I'm off, but the family can still camp and I can come when I'm done work. It is near the Wisconsin River, so it's fairly sand base although the Grass Grows plenty so you're not tracking sand everywhere. The benefits of this is when it rains heavily the sand absorbs the water rapidly. The only negative is the mosquitoes. Be prepared for mosquitoes with lots of bug spray. This is no fault of the campground, all low wetlands in Wisconsin are the same. The bathrooms are some of the best in any Campground I've seen. They are always clean, modernized, and Air condition. There are showers and bathroom stalls near the park. They try to keep families close to the park if possible for the bathrooms and the park access itself. They are really extremely accommodating for requests if it's in their power at all. The owners live at the campground and are always accessible by a simple phone call if after hours. There's a community vibe, with a community fire pit up front and often people are just hanging out outside of the main office. It embodies our Wisconsin way of life and you will find strangers waving at you every time you pass by. It's just our nature, don't be weirded out by the friendliness. The regular permanent campers are all so friendly and always willing to help a newbie or even someone struggling to figure out a problem or even carry things.
Guide to De Soto
Camping spots near De Soto, Wisconsin offer a unique experience in the Driftless Area, a region untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. This topography creates dramatic limestone bluffs, deep valleys, and cold-water streams that support trout populations. Fall temperatures in the region can drop to near freezing at night during September and October, particularly at higher elevation campsites.
What to do
Trout fishing access: The Upper Iowa River and Yellow River State Forest provide excellent fishing opportunities. "Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen," notes a camper at Big Paint Campground, where a stocking calendar helps visitors plan their fishing trips.
Hiking varied terrain: Wyalusing State Park features multiple trail systems with varying difficulty. "There are miles of great hiking trails and two trails for mountain biking. While the trails to Big and Little Sand caves are lovely, they are also heavily trafficked. We found that the Mississippi Ridge Trail to be a lovely walk in the woods - without any people," reports a visitor.
Water recreation: Upper Iowa Resort and Rental offers tube, canoe and kayak rentals with a shuttle service. One camper explains: "They offer tube canoe and kayak rentals with a shuttle to the put in then you float back to the campground. Also has a 'pool'/man made pond with a beach all the way around it."
What campers like
River access: Blackhawk Park provides direct water access from many sites. "Nice campground. Book the non-electric site to have a better opportunity of being right on the water," advises a visitor who gave the park a 5-star rating.
Spacious sites: The Red Barn Resort receives positive comments about site dimensions. One camper reports, "The sites are very spacious and easy getting into for RV's/campers. Price is very reasonably priced. The creek adds to the wonderful scenery."
Natural springs: Beaver Creek Valley State Park features cold-water springs that create unique swimming areas. "The Big Spring was also a great natural water feature to relax in after a hot hike!" notes a visitor, while another appreciates how you can "Fall asleep to the creek."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from mid-April through October. Sugar Creek City Campground has specific electrical restrictions: "Sites are 110 only with ban on air conditioners. All sites on grass with limited picnic tables but price right at $10."
Cell service limitations: Service varies dramatically throughout the region due to the valley topography. At Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry, one camper mentions, "I've done this loop several times, and have never been disappointed. Lots of quiet, and many more great views on the upper trails."
Weather impacts: Spring flooding affects riverside locations. A camper at Goose Island notes: "This place is a pretty great campground, and would be even better if it wasn't all under water this summer. Our site on the river was under water, so we got moved to another."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Goose Island provides multiple recreation options for children. "There are a few playgrounds for kids to have fun at. Lots of areas for picnics and just to hang out, bring your hammock if you have one!" suggests one visitor.
Educational opportunities: Yellow River State Forest offers nature programs and cultural sites. "Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush," shares one visitor who had a 5-star experience.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for children. The Upper Iowa Resort has a unique feature as one camper describes: "Loved the sand bottom pool, owners were so nice and kids loved getting hard ice cream everyday from the shop! Clean, quiet, friendly place!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Wyalusing: The park offers different campground sections with varied experiences. "Wisconsin Ridge is the second campground in this state park. This is the quintessential Wyalusing experience with sites overlooking both the Wisconsin and Mississippi River valleys...This campground is also noted for its rip-roaring winds."
Water crossings: At Beaver Creek Valley, RVers should note: "In order to get to sites #27 through #37 you have to drive through some water. In September it was only about 8 inches."
Shade considerations: Site selection impacts comfort in summer heat. At Blackhawk Park, a visitor recommends: "The trees on this look are amazingly tall and provide great shade. Park was clean and maintained. The loop that the shower house is on has very young trees so little shade."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near De Soto, WI?
What camping is available near De Soto, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, De Soto, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 153 campgrounds and RV parks near De Soto, WI and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near De Soto, WI?
Which is the most popular campground near De Soto, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near De Soto, WI is Blackhawk Park with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near De Soto, WI?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near De Soto, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near De Soto, WI.
Keep Exploring