Campgrounds near Ellsworth, Wisconsin range from smaller county parks to established state park facilities within a 30-mile radius. The area includes Highland Ridge Campground in Spring Valley with electric hookups and primitive sites, Hoffman City Park in River Falls with basic amenities, and Willow River State Park offering more developed camping options. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, while several facilities like St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and Afton State Park also provide cabin accommodations for those seeking additional comfort.
Seasonal availability varies significantly among campgrounds in the region, with many open from April through October or November. Visitors should check specific opening dates, as Hoffman City Park operates from April 15 to October 15, while Highland Ridge maintains a longer season from April 1 to November 30. Full hookup capabilities differ between locations, with some offering electric only and others providing water and sewer connections as well. Many campgrounds maintain shower facilities and sanitary dump stations, though amenities can be limited at smaller sites. As one camper noted about Highland Ridge, "This is a smaller Corps of Engineers park, lots of primitive sites and lots electric sites too. A smaller lake but no gas motors."
The camping experience throughout the Ellsworth area features a mix of wooded settings and riverside locations. Several campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, playgrounds, and recreational facilities. Campers frequently mention the quality of site privacy and natural surroundings as highlights. "The sites are secluded enough from others. But they had sites available that were open to each other good for groups," wrote one visitor about Nugget Lake County Park. Noise levels can vary significantly, with locations near highways or railroad tracks receiving lower ratings for tranquility. Water access represents a common draw, though not all campgrounds feature direct waterfront sites. Most developed campgrounds maintain clean facilities and level sites, with electric hookups available at the majority of established locations within the region.
$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."
"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!"
$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."
"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. "
$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."
$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 - $20 / night
"There is a dumping station at the exit. There are no fire pits, bring your own. Great wooded hiking trails."
"Right next to the freeway, so you will hear that at night. There are a lot of restaurant options near by if you don’t want to cook."
"We have dogs so the fact that it’s all asphalt and rock is a bit of a bummer but we are close to the exercise area and they do love little walks."
"No grassy areas so if you have animals you need to walk a bit to get to the grass"
"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."
"The trails and playgrounds are really nice. The bathrooms are heated. The showers are pay showers."
"Nice grass trails. Looked like a decent playground."
GuideClean level campsites, many overlooking Lake Pepin. Sites are short but there are separate areas to park your vehicle if needed. Not many electric sites. Many sites have tent pads and there are frequent pit toilets and well as a new restroom and shower building. Quiet except for the low rumble of frequent trains from both the Wi and MN sides. Lots of great trails! Of varying difficulties.
TravelerWell maintained. Nice beach.
TravelerBeen camping here year round for 20+ years. Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring.
If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers.
TravelerElectric hookup, dump station on site. Sites are a little close together. $25/night with a 7 day max stay.
LegendInterstate Park in Wisconsin is just south of HWY 8 on HWY 35. The entrance is located on the west side of HWY 35 in the town of St. Croix Falls. St Croix Falls is a small town with a nice downtown on the river with plenty of restaurants (Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge is a favorite) and places for necessities. There are coffee shops, hotels and even a Wal-Mart nearby. There is also a casino in the town of Turtle Lake about 30 mins away.
The park is home to the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that covers 1200 miles through Wisconsin. The park also offers a Ice Age Interpretive Center which boasts interactive activities and displays of the last Ice Age. The park is also home to several other trails worth discovering.
There are two campgrounds in the park, a North and South campground as well as two group campsites. The South is a bit more rustic. The showers are located at the North campground.
For amenities there are flush toilets and showers. There is a sandy swimming area available as well as boat launch and other water activities.
This park is beautiful especially being on the cliffs of the St. Croix River offering spectacular views through out the park and the area. You can even take the bridge over to Taylor Falls Park Minnesota for more spectacular views as well as other shopping options. If you take this trip, Taylor Falls Park will be on the South and your shopping options will be to your North.
Even being in such a wonderful location with plenty of activities and amenities, I find the camping hard to enjoy at this park for all the noise that generates from the hwy crossing over the river. The sound especially of the semi trucks and their brakes that go all night long. This is the big reason for the average rating for this campground.
ScoutYou have clear views of the River and Valley from the campgrounds.
RangerSo, I think you know what you are signing up for here when you stay camp at the backpacking site at Afton, but let me fill in some of the blanks. #1 yes, the hill climb is as big of an effort as other people have said. You will feel like you earned your dinner. I may have found a hack for this, but more in that later. #2 the site are mostly private. I stayed on site #12. I could see (and they could have seen me) site #9, but thankfully no one was there. That would have been a bummer to have other looking into my site. There is even a semi-worn path between 12 and 9. They would make a good combo if you have a group. Other than that, totally secluded. As far space at #12, you could build as big of a tent structure there as you would need, easily room for a massive 16’x24’ palace (if you would dare to carry it) or anything smaller. An Eagle Scout project built hammock posts at this site, so it is ideal for that set up. #3 the campground amenities are very nice. The solar powered water works great year round, the two pits toilets (if you can even call them that) are very new and nice. And the coolest campground feature is the cut your own firewood station. I went a little overboard since it was so nice and had a way bigger fire than I needed. Bring your own saw and you will love it too. #4 After walking around the park, I discovered a possible hack. There is an unmarked entrance to the park on the north side. Instead of walking all my gear back to the parking lot, I walked the .5 miles to the service entrance, dropped my pack, and then walked the 1.8 miles back to the parking lot. I tend to carry too much. The flat short walk to drop my gear was worth it. Then I drop around the park and picked up my stuff. Probably not MN DNR endorsed way to do it, but I was proud of my discovery. All in, this is a unique and wonderful camping experience. Highly recommend.
GuideNerstrand is so lovely in October. We reserved sites 2 and 4. Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward. There is also a log bench positioned close to the fire which some may think is nice but was a bit inconveniently placed for our bigger group to gather around the fire. Plenty of trees to set up multiple hammocks at site 4.
The bathrooms were updated and clean. Unfortunately on our last day, the campground lost running water so only the vault toilets were usable. As someone who doesn’t prefer this option, the vault toilet near the ranger station was actually pretty clean and updated too.
LegendJust for clarification, the map coordinates are about 2 miles off here. The address brings you to the lock and dam and while there appears to be a 10 hour parking sign, it is just the parking lot. About 2.1 miles north on the road is the small campground and park. This is seasonal camping closed over winter. The campground and the road is on a narrow piece of land between the Mississippi and a ponds/backwaters that has an impressive amount of waterfowl present.
Camping spots near Ellsworth, Wisconsin include a mix of county, state, and federal recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in the St. Croix River Valley with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,100 feet above sea level, creating varied topography for campers. Most campgrounds experience seasonal closures due to Wisconsin's cold winters, with average temperatures dropping below freezing from November through March.
Hiking to waterfalls: At Willow River State Park Campground, trails lead to one of the area's most impressive natural features. "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim! We love camping here!" notes Sarah L. The park offers both paved and unpaved trails suitable for various skill levels.
Bird watching opportunities: The region provides habitat for diverse bird species. Afton State Park Campground is especially known for its birding potential. "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring," explains Jason S.
Biking on paved trails: The area features several paved trails connecting campgrounds to nearby towns. "We really enjoyed the bike trail that was so close, paved and had lots of tree cover to keep us cool. Very nice ride to Red Wing right from our site!" writes Karin W. about Haycreek Valley Campground. Many trails follow former rail lines, providing gentle grades suitable for recreational cyclists.
Tent pad quality: Many campers appreciate the level tent pads at Frontenac State Park Campground. "Site 20 has adequate privacy between sites—but everyone on the trail can see your campsite, and the trail from the campsite to the bluff trail is right next door. All of this is offset by the gorgeous view. Plenty of trees for hammocks if you're on the outside circle. The site itself was level and had a very spacious gravel tent area," shares Dani K.
Affordable electric sites: Campers frequently mention reasonable prices for sites with electrical hookups. "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," explains Mary S. about Highland Ridge.
Shower facilities: Clean bathrooms rank high on camper preferences. "This campground is well maintained, all of the sites are clean and laid out nicely. Some sites are kinda close but there is brush growing between sites. 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!" mentions Tom about Frontenac State Park.
Seasonal water challenges: Water access can be unpredictable at some campgrounds. "This may be an ongoing issue but none of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!" warns Warren H.
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby rail lines. "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!" cautions Sarah D. about Frontenac State Park.
Site spacing variations: Space between campsites varies significantly. "Our site (#42) was right next to #40 and there's not much privacy between the 2 sites. There's a lot more distance and privacy between #42 and #44. In general, sites are fairly close together but there are some trees in between," reports Mary S. at Highland Ridge.
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. "This is a nice campground with activities and a BAR/Restaurant. Pool is also there and is nice," notes Lisa D. about Haycreek Valley Campground. Play structures typically accommodate children ages 5-12.
Swimming alternatives: When lake beaches aren't available, look for other water options. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Game availability: Some campgrounds provide additional entertainment options. "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," shares Maria D. about Frontenac State Park.
Site access limitations: Some sites present challenges for larger RVs. "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. Our 29' trailer would have been a challenging fit in some of those sites," warns Mandee L. from Frontenac State Park.
Utility placement issues: Check utility locations when booking specific sites. "Our site was rather odd as the electric and water post was on the opposite side of our camper. Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn't reach so we ended up backing up the hill to get next to the water and filled our tank for the weekend," cautions Karin W. about Haycreek.
Dump station features: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park provides RV services. "Dump station is sloped so it makes it easy to drive in either direction to help dump waste water easily. Also fresh water at the dumping station," notes Tom from Frontenac State Park. Most dump stations in the region remain open through mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ellsworth, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ellsworth, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Ellsworth, WI and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ellsworth, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ellsworth, WI is Frontenac State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ellsworth, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Ellsworth, WI.
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