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 (125)

    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

    62 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

    32 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

607 Reviews of 125 Eau Galle Lake Campgrounds


  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground

    Nice traditional rural campground

    This is in a rural area and has many seasonal sites. Transitional sites too. There is a restaurant/bar on site. The river is behind the property.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Bailey Park in Wabasha MN

    Small campground in the City of Wabasha MN

    Small basic campground in Wabasha MN. Mostly permanent sites. There is a dog park directly next to the campground.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Pioneer Campsite Resort

    Large resort style campground near the Mississippi River

    This campground is well known in the area as it has many permanent sites where many of the sites have had generations of families stay. There are many permanent type dwellings like trailer homes and campers that have been set up permanently. There are some transitional sites available as well. They have a clubhouse/store. Pool. A dock on the Mississippi and supper club type restaurant is down the road a bit.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Beach Park at Hungry Point

    City of Wabasha campground (seasonal)

    This is the city of Wabasha MN campground. It is only for seasonal camping meaning they DO NOT offer daily/weekly sites. Lots are situated at the end of a Main Street and there is a public bathroom with a shower nearby. There is also a beach (Mississippi River) a marina/docks/slips, and a public park nearby.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Big River Resort

    Nice camping in the city of Wabasha

    Well maintained campground in Wabasha. They have sites and other accommodations as well.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Kruger Unit - RJD Memorial Hardwood State Forest

    Great area with a lot of activities in the area.

    This is a nice basic campground near Wabasha/Kellogg area. Mississippi is within a few miles. Lark Toys nearby also. The Zumbro River is at the bottom of the campground on opposite side of the road where you can put kayaks/canoes in. (Or swim or fish). Sites are nice size with some having more privacy than others. Campground is on top of/up the hill. Vault toilets. No showers. Fire rings and picnic tables present.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Zumbro Bottoms Central — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest

    Nice small horse camping

    The campground is down a minimum maintenance road, but the road is pretty good though. Just one circle with 17 sites. There are many miles of horse and hiking trails in the area. 2 Vault toilets. No showers. Some picnic tables/fire rings/tie outs for horses.

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Secluded Site and Great Views Close to the Twin Cities

    We did a one night camping trip for my birthday at Cart-In Site 1 the second to last weekend of September.

    We loved the hiking at Frontenac State Park - walking along the lake and then walking along the bluffs at sunset was magical! Fantastic views. I imagine if we had gone two weeks later, we would have had a fantastic display of fall color. We went a little too early to catch the changing leaves.

    We loved how easy Frontenac was for a casual weekend getaway. It was an easy, scenic one hour drive from St. Paul that was very enjoyable. The park was also nice with great bathrooms at the main campsite, nice trails, and they even had board games to check out at the front office for a rainy day- a great idea!

    We stayed at Cart-In Site 1. I would rate the site itself a 3. It was very secluded and spacious, which was fantastic! We could not see any other campsites from our site, which was fantastic. We only occasionally saw some hikers on a nearby trail. We could hear some other noisy campers, but it wasn't too much of a disturbance. Very wooded, nice, spacious site. There is not water at the Cart-In parking lot, so be aware that you will have to fill up prior to parking and heading to your site (easiest place to do so is the main office/ visitor center).

    I also slept poorly because of a nearby train that kept going past and honking at least until midnight. So if you're a light sleeper, be aware of persistent train noise at these sites!

    Overall good site and an easy, fun, and relaxing weekend getaway from the twin cities.


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 125 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.