Camping near Eau Galle Lake, Wisconsin ranges from drive-in RV sites with electric hookups to secluded walk-in tent camping, 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.
$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."
$25 - $90 / night
"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!"
"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."
$24 - $75 / night
"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."
$22 - $85 / night
"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."
"The lake is good, the bathrooms are cleaned (ish) and amenities are satisfactory. I will stay here again!"
"The trails and playgrounds are really nice. The bathrooms are heated. The showers are pay showers."
"Horse camping and trails too. Private Firewood sources are right at the entrance. Bathrooms and water. Clean. Nice reservoir for kayaking."
"The adjacent golf course is fun!"
"very nice lake to fish and paddle board."
$10 - $20 / night
"I picked this site for the proximity to the golf course that I’m playing in the morning."
"There is a dumping station at the exit. There are no fire pits, bring your own. Great wooded hiking trails."
ScoutI picked this site for the proximity to the golf course that I’m playing in the morning. A lot of people, a lot of noise being next to the highway but, I can’t sleep in my own house let alone being outside. When I came in and set up at the RV spot instead of the tent. Kurt was kind enough to help me relocate to the correct location. Kudos!
ScoutVery clean and level sites. Small park close to lovely historic towns. Sites feel very private . There is road noise and possibly a shooting range near by so it is not quiet in the day.
GuideWe came to this campsite with our class C RV and although we were able to get in we definitely scratched some tree branches on the roof. Lots of tree cover if you’re using solar or satellite internet. Each campsite has a fire pit and table, no electricity or water. We saw some wells while walking around but they were both broken. There is an outhouse but we didn’t go in as well as a shaded pavilion with picnic tables (where we saw a mother feeding her baby birds) There are multiple hiking trails connected to the campsite and a river nearby. Cheapest campsites here are $17 a night. Same day booking is available on the MN department of natural resources website at
ScoutGood to use ATV on trails and perfect for RV camping.
First come first serve.
ScoutGood for friends and family to camp. No one around, but it's first come first serve.
RangerI’m still a little miffed that this was a county campground—it’s better than some state (non-MN) campgrounds I’ve been to. Unfortunately I only had one quick night here, but it was a quiet, relaxing stay.
There is a dump station and playground, but I didn’t come across a bathhouse when walking the inner campground loop—it’s likely I just missed it. I had poor cell service with Verizon, but it was good enough to text although web browsing was a bit slow. Be aware there is also an additional $7/day vehicle fee required upon entry, which is not included in the price of your campsite. It can be paid at the visitors center and I believe there is a kiosk if you arrive after hours.
My only complaint was the 5 piles of very large dog excrement in my campsite, which says more about the previous campers, but it was prevalent enough that I found myself wishing the park staff had cleaned it up.
ScoutLots of campers. Some spots closer than others. Some with lots of room, others not so much. Ours was smaller than some width wise.
TravelerVery hard to get level spot on the upper lake side sites I’m at site 21 I had a great time there was a band playing on the lake during the day
TravelerPay shower bathroom cleanish
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
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 133 campgrounds and RV parks near Eau Galle Lake and 4 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 4 free dispersed camping spots near Eau Galle Lake.
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