Eau Galle Lake campgrounds occupy a region dominated by mixed hardwood forests and rolling hills typical of Wisconsin's Driftless Area, which escaped glaciation during the last ice age. The campgrounds around Eau Galle Reservoir offer sites at varying elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level, providing both sheltered woodland camping and open sites with lake visibility. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F to 85°F with higher humidity levels from June through August.
What to do
Paddling and no-motor recreation: Lake George at Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir provides a tranquil setting for water activities with restrictions that enhance the experience. "Great campground and been here many times. Plenty of wildlife and can hear the owls talking to each other," notes David G. The reservoir is ideal for canoes and kayaks, with no gas motors permitted according to Jeff F., who visited in fall: "This is a smaller Corps of Engineers park, lots of primitive sites and lots electric sites too. A smaller lake but no gas motors."
Hiking nearby bluffs: Just over 30 miles away, Frontenac State Park Campground offers trails with significant elevation changes and Mississippi River views. "We loved the hiking at Frontenac State Park - walking along the lake and then walking along the bluffs at sunset was magical! Fantastic views," reports Sarah D. The park features Lower and Upper Bluff trails with some challenging sections. Tom adds, "There are a LOT of NICE TRAILS at this park. Many nice prairie trails and some fun trails in the bluffs along the Mississippi River too. One trail down along the River can be challenging because of MANY STAIRS."
Winter recreation options: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, Willow River State Park Campground maintains year-round operations for winter camping and cold-weather activities. Jessica B. notes, "Willow River falls is definitely a beautiful site to see. Definitely a place to camp if you like to be active and explore the trails. Winter, summer or fall!" The park's topography creates varied trail experiences with significant elevation changes throughout seasons.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Campers consistently mention the privacy and natural setting at Nugget Lake County Park. "This park had lots of old tree coverage. The site we had was secluded enough from others. But they had sites available that were open to each other good for groups," notes Ames. John W. adds that it's an "Extremely secluded area. Good availability through the season in this smaller park. Most sites have decent cover, site separation is ok."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds in the area maintain high standards for bathroom facilities. At Highland Ridge, Benjamin notes it's "Clean and quiet" while Courtney C. states, "This was one of The cleanest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. The sites are large and very well shaded for privacy." Tom at Frontenac State Park emphasizes, "The men's bathroom and showers are GREAT! There is also very nice large full handicap bathrooms. The SHOWER WATER IS VERY HOT so be careful!"
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites. According to Laurel at Highland Ridge, "We got here around 6pm on a Thursday evening and there were lots of available sites. We drove around and found a relatively level site with a very long driveway." At St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, Daryl L. simply states, "Spacious sites and very clean restrooms!" while Lisa D. confirms it has "such a beautiful park with large sites."
What you should know
Limited or no cellular service: Several campgrounds around Eau Galle Lake have spotty coverage. In Highland Ridge, Laurel notes, "We have AT&T and had no problem getting signal and cellular data to complete the process." However, at Glen Hills Park Campground, Mike R. reports, "Cell service is spotty at best." This varies by carrier and specific location within each park.
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Mary S. explains at Highland Ridge, "It was a little confusing to begin with, because every single site has a sign that says 'reserved,' and the hosts were off-duty. We drove around and found a relatively level site with a very long driveway, then went online to recreation.gov to check it's availability and reserved/paid for it."
Seasonal availability: Campground operations follow distinct seasonal patterns. Butternut Park offers basic amenities during its operating season with "About a dozen sites with picnic tables on a grassy large circle. About half or more have electric hookups." Glen Hills Park operates from May 1 to October 31, while others like Willow River maintain year-round availability, though with limited winter services.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park offers family-friendly facilities. Lisa D. notes, "Nice playground for the kids. Fantastic bathrooms zoned showers." Nugget Lake County Park also provides family amenities, with Shelly E. reporting, "The trails and playgrounds are really nice. The bathrooms are heated."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming opportunities beyond Eau Galle Lake. Rikki I. states, "This park is truly beautiful. Beach is great," regarding St. Croix Bluffs. Ludwig H. notes about Willow River, "Facilities are great no complaints, the beach is a bit over run by geese so is a little dirty, there is a great spot below the dam to cool off if needed."
Cabin alternatives: For families not equipped for tent camping, several parks offer cabin options. At Nugget Lake County Park, Shelly E. describes, "The camper cabins are really nice. They have two rooms, a sleeping room and a front room. The sleeping room has 2 bunk beds (4 beds.) The front room has a mini fridge, coffeemaker, toaster, microwave, and a futon."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for leveling: Highland Ridge presents challenges for RV leveling. John W. observes, "Many sites are placed on on incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill." Mary S. adds important context: "This campground is small, but almost all sites are large. There are 38 sites plus walk in tent sites A through G and a group site." She further explains, "Some sites on the short loop (28-38) are a bit smaller and slope down from the road, so be careful of the site's size when booking."
Electric hookup details: Highland Ridge provides electric hookups at most sites. Mary S. details, "Cost is $20/$16 for electric/non-electric. This is an Army Corps of Engineers park which means you pay $10/$8 if you have an NPS Lifetime Senior Pass." Jeff C. at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve notes, "Theres alot of hiking trails, the rustic sites are very nice," with John H. adding all sites have "electric hookups."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenges for larger RVs. Kristin F. cautions about Glen Hills Park: "Sites are small and can be difficult to get into with large rigs." Mike R. adds important detail: "There are three campgrounds in this park. Peninsula is the one with electric and is good and bad. The site really matters. Site 12 is wide open and you are on top of your neighbor. However, other sites look much better."
