Camping near Eau Galle Lake

Camping near Eau Galle Lake, Wisconsin includes a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas set within the rolling landscape of western Wisconsin. Highland Ridge Campground, located at the Eau Galle Reservoir, serves as the primary camping destination directly on the lake, offering both tent and RV accommodations with drive-in and walk-in access. The surrounding region features additional options like Nugget Lake County Park and Glen Hills Park Campground, both within a 30-minute drive. These facilities provide varying levels of amenities while maintaining access to the area's natural features. According to recent visitors, Highland Ridge offers "clean and relatively quiet" camping, with "spotless showers and bathrooms," though cellular service can be limited with T-mobile coverage noted as "almost non-existent depending on location."

Most campgrounds in the Eau Galle Lake area operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running from April through October. Highland Ridge specifically operates from April 1 to November 30, while nearby Glen Hills Park is open May 1 to October 31. Winter camping options are limited in the immediate vicinity. The region experiences typical Midwest seasonal variations with warm, humid summers and cold winters. Most established campgrounds provide standard amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and sanitary facilities. Firewood availability varies by location, with Highland Ridge campers noting that firewood can be purchased "at several roadside stands just outside the entrance" rather than within the campground itself.

The camping options around Eau Galle Lake accommodate various preferences and equipment needs. RV campers will find big-rig friendly sites with electric hookups at Highland Ridge, while tent campers can choose between drive-in sites with amenities or more secluded walk-in options. Families appreciate the recreational opportunities on the lake itself, which supports fishing, boating, and swimming during summer months. The surrounding area offers additional outdoor activities, with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region. For those seeking alternatives, the St. Croix River valley approximately 30 miles northwest provides additional camping options at places like Willow River State Park, which maintains year-round availability and higher ratings for amenities and scenery.

Best Camping Sites Near Eau Galle Lake (124)

    1. Highland Ridge

    15 Reviews
    Spring Valley, WI
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 778-5562

    $24 - $280 / night

    "T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location. The showers and bathrooms were spotless. Firewood is available at several roadside stands just outside the entrance."

    "Came here without a reservation while driving cross country. It is only a few miles from the highway but is a beautiful and quiet, natural environment with lots of trees."

    2. Willow River State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 386-5931

    "There is a newly filled lake after the reconstruction of the dam. This is a non motorized lake for paddling, swimming and fishing."

    "Fun to play in the water, go behind the waterfall and a good hike up 200 steps to view the falls from above!"

    3. Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir

    5 Reviews
    Spring Valley, WI
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 778-5562

    "Great for hiking and kayaking/canoeing is near by."

    "Stayed middle of the week found local firewood from farms nearby. Also a creamery is a short drive from camp."

    4. Frontenac State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Frontenac, MN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-3401

    "Quiet, pretty hiking trails, nice people, close to home but tucked away enough to be away from everything"

    "The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience."

    5. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees."

    "Afton state park is a 1700 acre park just outside Woodbury that has excellent river views from the campground."

    6. Nugget Lake County Park

    3 Reviews
    Elmwood, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 639-5611

    "The trails and playgrounds are really nice. The bathrooms are heated. The showers are pay showers."

    "Nice grass trails. Looked like a decent playground."

    7. Glen Hills Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Glenwood City, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 265-4613

    "The adjacent golf course is fun!"

    "very nice lake to fish and paddle board."

    8. Butternut Park

    1 Review
    Elmwood, WI
    8 miles

    $20 / night

    9. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8370

    $23 - $80 / night

    "Well placed sites nestled near lovely walking trails - Very nice water hook ups and electric- well maintained! Loved this Camping Site!"

    "For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."

    10. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8240

    "Washington County, which manages campgrounds at both the Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St Croix Bluffs Regional Park, does a great job of maintaining campgrounds, trails, and bathroom facilities at both parks"

    "A great location along the St. Croix River, easily accessible from the Twin Cities or from West-Central Wisconsin. "

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Recent Reviews near Eau Galle Lake

595 Reviews of 124 Eau Galle Lake Campgrounds


  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Cleanest Campground Bathrooms Ever!

    Frontenac State Park had some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I’ve ever seen—clean, and modern. The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience. I also loved the little free library outside the bathrooms.

    The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren’t many trees for hammocking. It’s also a popular park, so it can get pretty loud at times.

    Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor (though the main road is on the other side). Decent privacy and potential for hammocking.

    21 – Nice views, but likely best for just one tent/car.

    22 – Very private, though the ground looked a little uneven.

    Other solid tent sites: 36, 25, 48, 49, 51. Site 57 also looked spacious with no neighbors, but it does border the visitor parking lot.

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Lovely River, Too Much Hustle

    Interstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. Many of the exterior loop sites have river access, which was a highlight, and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes thanks to being right on the water. The nearby towns are also very charming and worth exploring.

    That said, the campground is small and very crowded, likely because it’s so close to the Cities and popular with canoe rentals. Expect a lot of traffic noise, and in the fall, migrating geese can be very loud (which didn’t bother me, but might for some). The ranger office had limited hours, and since firewood is locked up, there’s no self-serve option. Another downside: a riverboat cruises by frequently, blasting music in the evenings and giving tours during the day.

    The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but just too small and busy for my preference—I don’t think I’d return.

    Best sites seemed to be 21 (great river views, less private), 23 (fun detached tent pad), and 18 (most private). Sites 4–5 were also lovely but close to the bathrooms and camp host, so expect more foot traffic.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Not a bad stay

    Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk. Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say. All rv sites are the listed length plus 16’ for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out.

  • L
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Holden Park Campground

    Fall Ride in Ocotber

    Our group has been camping at the Holden County Park for 4 years now, this will be our 5th year.

     We are so happy that the shower/restrooms are finally done, its a great plus and we feel that more people will camp there now. 

    We love how quiet it is when we return from our daily rides, its like its our own place as there aren't many if any at all other campers there. This year may be different and if it is we won't mind at all, hopefully they don't either as we do stay up late by the fire but aren't wild crazy loud.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park

    Scenic

    Pros: great paved walking and bike trail; leads to state bike trail; MN only covered bridge; huge park playground; disc golf course; along branch of the river; easy walk into town; friendly camp host; very quiet Cons: few site pads, you just drive onto grass where you see electric/water posts and fire ring; restroom with 1 toilet and 1 shower were dirty (husband said it looks like it hadn’t been cleaned in a month) I concur on woman’s as well but there was toilet paper (happy) but no hand soap or paper towels; garbage in women’s shower

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Haycreek Valley Campground

    Beautiful surroundings

    Red Wing, Minn might be the prettiest small town in the US. Rolling hills, greenery, the Mississippi River, and genuinely nice people in a small city with lots of attractions.

    The campground is about a 10 minute ride from the city center. The amenities are sparse and aged, but the sites are level, plentiful, and reasonably priced.

    Be aware however…..The Dyrt is wrong. There are no sewer hookups at this campground. They have a dump station and will pump for a fee.

    There is a perfectly average pub on site. The food is okay, the price is reasonable.

  • Krista T.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    Nice metro get away

    This is a beautiful park and the campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in (whichever one site 52 is in) all had decent tree cover.

    The bathroom facility has seen better days. The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours.

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Reicks Lake Park

    Didn’t stay the night

    Based on picture, we planed to stay at this campsite. It is right in the side of the highway, so too much noise and traffic for us. The picture this site provides is actually the other side of highway, over a hill, so you can’t see it from campsite. but there’s a view of marshlands. It’s $20, have showers and toilets. There’s a small playground for kids. We came across people That said they camp there all the time and love it.


Guide to Eau Galle Lake

Camping near Eau Galle Lake, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something to suit your needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the lovely trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area." The trails lead to stunning waterfalls, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Tubing: Enjoy a fun day on the water at Apple River Family Campground. A reviewer shared, "Great pool. Ride to 3-hour tubing right back to the campground." It’s a perfect way to cool off and have some fun with friends or family.
  • Biking: Check out the bike trails near Haycreek Valley Campground. One visitor noted, "The bike trail was so close, paved and had lots of tree cover to keep us cool." It’s a great way to explore the area while staying active.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Frontenac State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Bathrooms are VERY CLEAN. Trails are well maintained." This makes for a comfortable camping experience.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve. One camper mentioned, "The sites are spacious and far enough away from others to feel like there was enough privacy." This is great for those who want a little space to themselves.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff at Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground. A visitor shared, "The park manager, Joanne, was so humble!" Friendly staff can make a big difference in your camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: At William O'Brien State Park Campground, some facilities may be closed for construction. A camper noted, "The east part of the park was all closed for construction." Be sure to check ahead if you need specific amenities.
  • No Showers at Some Campgrounds: If you're staying at Afton State Park Campground, keep in mind that there are no showers available. A reviewer mentioned, "There are no adjusting the shower temperature." Plan accordingly!
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons at William O'Brien State Park Campground. One camper warned, "Raccoons will visit your site at night." Secure your food and belongings to avoid any surprises.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Apple River Family Campground is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. A reviewer said, "The security and family-friendly atmosphere make it worth the extra cash." It’s a great spot for families to relax and enjoy.
  • Look for Group Sites: If you're camping with a large group, consider the group sites at Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground. One camper mentioned, "The group sites are spacious and well spaced out." This allows for a fun gathering without feeling cramped.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. One camper at Willow River State Park Campground said, "The falls are wonderful though." Having a mix of activities can keep everyone entertained.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve recommend checking site sizes before booking. A camper noted, "Nice large pull-through lots for any size RV." This ensures you have enough space for your rig.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds, like Highland Ridge, have spotty cell service. One visitor mentioned, "T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location." Download maps and information before you arrive.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: At Haycreek Valley Campground, RVers recommend bringing extra supplies. A camper shared, "Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn’t reach." Being prepared can save you some hassle during your stay.

Camping near Eau Galle Lake, Wisconsin, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to fun activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Eau Galle Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Eau Galle Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Eau Galle Lake and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Eau Galle Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Eau Galle Lake is Highland Ridge with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Eau Galle Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Eau Galle Lake.