138 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Elmwood, Wisconsin cluster along river valleys and lake shores, creating a scenic backdrop for outdoor recreation. Highland Ridge Campground in Spring Valley and Nugget Lake County Park in Plum City offer diverse lodging options, including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. The St. Croix River and its tributaries form natural boundaries for many recreation areas, with state parks and county facilities providing developed campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails. Several private resorts and campgrounds supplement the public options, particularly for RV campers seeking full hookups.
Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience in this region of western Wisconsin. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with some facilities like Willow River State Park and Frontenac State Park remaining open year-round. Water access points become focal gathering areas during summer months, while spring and fall offer less crowded conditions. Electric hookups are available at many developed campgrounds, though tent-only areas typically offer more seclusion. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with reviewers noting that "T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location" at Highland Ridge Campground.
Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers throughout the region. Sites along rivers and lakes consistently receive positive feedback for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Glen Hills Park Campground near Glenwood City provides electric hookups and shower facilities from May through October, while Twin Springs Resort Campground offers both tent and RV sites adjacent to water features. Privacy between campsites varies significantly across facilities. A camper at William O'Brien State Park noted that "camp sites were very clean and easy to access. Didn't feel like you were camping right next to others despite a lot of spots surrounding us." Wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly bird watching, enhance the experience at many locations, with eagles, water birds, and forest wildlife frequently mentioned in visitor reviews.
"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."
from $24 - $280 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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 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."
"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!"
from $25 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Horse camping and trails too. Private Firewood sources are right at the entrance. Bathrooms and water. Clean. Nice reservoir for kayaking."
from $20 / night
"With comfortable beds, firewood, firewood starters, and trails, this property has it all. Secluded but close to town. Book them today and leave them a review here!"
from $69 - $120 / night
Check Availability"Updated in 2025 with a new shower/restroom facility, fire rings, paved drive, and playground equipment. There are 20 sites, most of them will need some leveling for rvs."
"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."
from $22 - $85 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe selected "best available" site and showed up two hours later to a disgusting mess. There was a pile of garbage in our site. There was a busy railroad track right next the the site not shown in the campground map. They offered other sites but they were not any better.
ScoutElectric back in site. No water. Well shaded adequate space
GuideThere are surprisingly few campgrounds in this area with overnight camping - most are just giant trailer parks for people who stay the entire season. We were pleased to find this "real" campground close enough for segment hikes on the Ice Age Trail, 12 miles away at the closest. Some sites do have electricity, but pit toilets, no showers. I took advantage of the Apple River instead - it's just a short walk away, wonderful for wading, has some deeper pools for a cool dip. The water from the hand pump is cold and delicious. We noticed several cars, probably local, stop and fill jugs to take home.
ScoutPretty much in the middle of nowhere surrounded by small towns.
TravelerNeeded last minute RV space near I-94, and this was more than perfect - it is right off I-94, but placement and trees combined remove the traffic noise. It’s perfect for a family, plenty for kids to do
ScoutGreat campsites. Have camped here 8 times this summer in 7 different sites and have loved every one of them. Bathrooms are good, showers are good, just very well kept.
TravelerFHU campground right on the edge of town. Nice level sites. Sprinklers come on every morning and soak the center area. If you come here don’t take a site in the center or you will get sprayed. Grass and weeds are over grown and mosquitos are bad.
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.
Camping spots near Elmwood, Wisconsin typically receive 35-40 inches of annual precipitation, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. The landscape features a mix of hardwood forests and open meadows at elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this region stay open from mid-April through late October, with limited year-round options for winter camping enthusiasts.
Hiking opportunities: At Willow River State Park Campground, trails accommodate various skill levels with significant elevation changes. "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim," notes reviewer Sarah L. The park features multiple trail access points, with most trailheads starting directly from the campground.
Water recreation: The Eau Galle Reservoir provides non-motorized boating options near Highland Ridge Campground. "There are no amenities (rentals, etc.) offered at the lake but it is small and beautiful, and we enjoyed a peaceful paddle," reports Lee D. The reservoir includes a small swimming area approximately 10 minutes from the main campsites.
Wildlife viewing: Frontenac State Park Campground offers exceptional bird watching along the Mississippi River with designated observation areas. "Frontenac is a quiet campground right outside of Redwing. Great hiking trails but very steep along the river. Can also take part in birding walks," mentions Tegan C. The park provides free guided birding walks during spring and fall migration seasons.
Privacy between sites: At Highland Ridge, the wooded setting creates natural separation. "All sites are wooded with trees providing separation/privacy between sites," according to Lee D. Sites 28-38 form a separate loop with a picnic pavilion centrally located, offering additional communal space.
Cabin accommodations: Nugget Lake County Park offers well-equipped camper cabins for those wanting more comfort. "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," reports Shelly E.
Affordable pricing: Many campgrounds maintain reasonable rates compared to similar facilities in other regions. Highland Ridge rates are "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., making it budget-friendly for seniors with passes.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from April through October with limited facilities during shoulder seasons. "We stayed middle of the week found local firewood from farms nearby," notes Benjamin at Twin Springs Resort Campground, highlighting the availability of local supplies during peak season.
Cell service reliability: Connectivity varies significantly between locations and carriers. "AT&T service is spotty throughout the park with either 1 or 2 bars," reports Mary S. about Highland Ridge, while Deb M. notes "T-Mobile service is spotty throughout the park."
Shower facilities: Quality and availability of showers differ between campgrounds. At Nugget Lake County Park, "The showers are pay showers," according to Shelly E., requiring quarters for operation. In contrast, Frontenac State Park features newly renovated shower facilities with no fee but limited hours from 6am-10pm.
Playground access: Holden Park Campground received updates in 2025 including "new shower/restroom facility, fire rings, paved drive, and playground equipment," as Dennis L. reports, making it especially suitable for families with young children.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer interpretive programs during summer weekends. At Highland Ridge, "There is an interpretive center for Saturday evening ranger programs and a playground next to it," notes Mary S., providing educational entertainment for children during peak season.
Site selection for families: Choose sites away from steep terrain for safety with young children. John W. observes that at Highland Ridge, "Many sites are placed on an incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill," which may present challenges for families with toddlers or strollers.
Leveling considerations: Many sites require equipment to level RVs properly. At Afton State Park Campground, the terrain can be challenging as Adam P. notes, "These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight," making it less suitable for large RVs.
Electrical hookup availability: Electric sites are concentrated in specific loops at most campgrounds. Highland Ridge reviewer Laurel explains, "We accidentally selected a site without electric, but if we had taken more time to use the website and enter search criteria, we could have found one with electric," highlighting the importance of careful site selection.
Site length limitations: RV owners should verify site dimensions before booking. At Twin Springs Resort, David K. notes, "The sites have a reasonable amount of space surrounding them," but David's review indicates that some sites may be better suited for specific RV types, with road placement potentially limiting maneuverability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Elmwood, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Elmwood, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Elmwood, WI and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Elmwood, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elmwood, WI is Highland Ridge with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elmwood, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Elmwood, WI.
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