176 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The small town of Elroy, Wisconsin serves as a gateway to numerous camping options centered around the famous Elroy-Sparta State Trail, America's first rails-to-trails project. Tunnel Trail Campground in nearby Wilton caters specifically to cyclists with sites positioned directly on the trail, while Chapparal Campground and Resort in Wonewoc offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with full hookups. State parks within a 30-minute drive include Wildcat Mountain and Buckhorn, both providing year-round camping with electric sites and modern amenities. Several municipal campgrounds like Wilton City Park also accommodate overnight stays for trail users, positioned strategically at the halfway point of the 32-mile bike trail that features historic railroad tunnels.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter accessibility. Highway noise affects several locations, particularly those near Interstate 90 like Oakdale KOA, where campers report using air conditioners or earplugs to mitigate traffic sounds at night. As one reviewer noted, "The Elroy Sparta Bike Trail runs through the Tunnel Trail Campground. The campground is very nice, especially for tents and smaller campers and caters to bicyclists." Reservations become essential during summer weekends and holidays when cyclists flock to the region. Wisconsin State Park campgrounds require vehicle admission stickers in addition to camping fees, typically ranging from $25-35 per night for standard sites with additional charges for hookups.
Camping experiences in the Elroy area primarily revolve around the bike trail system, with many visitors using campgrounds as bases for cycling adventures. The historic tunnels along the trail provide unique experiences, with one camper reporting, "We rode from Norcross to Rockland with a stop in Sparta at the Market Tavern. Really great ride with lots of wildflowers, cow farms and tunnels to bike through!" Sites near creeks or small waterways offer natural soundscapes, with one visitor mentioning "frogs pulled us to sleep the first night." Mosquitoes and ticks can be problematic during summer months, particularly in wooded areas. Cell service varies throughout the region but remains generally reliable near towns, with spotty coverage in more remote campgrounds.
"Walk-In Sites If you are looking for privacy, cart-in site 119 is quite a ways off the trail and far from the parking lot, but it's a bit small."
"My site was hike in but the distance was pretty short. There were wagons available for transporting things to sites but I just carried my pack."
from $24 - $110 / night
Check Availability"If you’re looking for a campsite that transports you away from the usual Midwest fare, this is the place to be! The site we stayed at was beyond perfect."
"Gorgeous campground in the middle of no where Wisconsin! Perfect place to camp if you like to climb at Necedah! There are a few lake entrances and at one of them we saw a couple large gorgeous cranes!"
from $24 - $90 / night
Check Availability"There is plenty to do here and it’s close to many other activities. They have a pool for a cooling dip in the summer heat."
"We didn't use it but they have a LOT of inflatables all surrounded by a sandy beach!"
"So I’m driving back from a camping adventure and the wind picks up. After fighting it for awhile we start looking for a spot to stop for the night."
"There's a shelter area and some nice little hiking trails. Just outside of New Lisbon if you need anything."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"It’s early in the season so the campground is mostly empty, but this KOA is a convenient stop off the highway for local adventures at the nearby state parks or Elroy Sparta bike trail."
"The campground is super easy to get to as it is adjacent to I-90 which means you’ll also deal with highway noise."
from $27 - $129 / night
Check Availability"It’s located about 40 minutes away from the Wisconsin Dells and has easy access to the 400 State bike trail."
"Legion Park has 10 electric sites located in a pretty city park. Discount if you don't want electric. 2 of the sites are shaded by huge white pines and the others are in an open field."
"We had our two dogs who normally bark when people walk past but the site was secluded with good tree coverage that we didn’t have any issues! We drove across the highway and got some good hiking in."
"The highway is there and the night train schedule was 22:45 03:10 and 03:15. There are plenty of washrooms. Fire wood is sold at the camp ground entrance. $5 a bundle, cash or check."
from $20 - $37 / night
Check Availability"Campground is right on the Elroy-Sparta bike train. They have a very nice pool and the Amish come through on weekends and sell candy and bakery out of their horse and buggy."
"The Elroy Sparta Bike Trail, North America's first rails-to-trails project, runs through the Tunnel Trail Campground."
"We stayed at KOA in Wisconsin dells, which was about a mile away from everything. We called to RSVP. Which was a breeze."
"My family and I stayed at this Wisconsin Dells KOA location for two nights (site 61) as the first stop on a 3+ week trip, and it fully met our expectations"
ScoutThe camp hosts are kind and friendly. The whole vibe of this llace is peace and quiet. The sites are huge with enough space and trees to be private. Deer came into our site both days. We liked it so nice, we stayed twice. Treat yourself.
ScoutThis is a fantastic Campground, especially for RVs and families. Large playground and outdoor games, small indoor rec area. During busy weekends with lots of kids and holidays, they have foam parties for the kids where they fill the basketball court with foam 3 ft High. Most sites are permanent sites, but have probably around 20 other 30 amp sites that can accommodate large RVs. There are only a few tent sites, but if tent is your only option and you still want to stay they will rent you an RV site for the tent. New owners are very friendly, and have adopted the same overwhelmingly hospitable nature as the previous owners. Fantastic people and very helpful. It will accommodate special needs or requests as long as it doesn't bother anybody or go against any insurance policies. I've had a permanent site here in the past, and recently started camping again and came to visit old friends. The new owners were still happy to accommodate semi truck parking for my job. I haul milk locally so I work more than I'm off, but the family can still camp and I can come when I'm done work. It is near the Wisconsin River, so it's fairly sand base although the Grass Grows plenty so you're not tracking sand everywhere. The benefits of this is when it rains heavily the sand absorbs the water rapidly. The only negative is the mosquitoes. Be prepared for mosquitoes with lots of bug spray. This is no fault of the campground, all low wetlands in Wisconsin are the same. The bathrooms are some of the best in any Campground I've seen. They are always clean, modernized, and Air condition. There are showers and bathroom stalls near the park. They try to keep families close to the park if possible for the bathrooms and the park access itself. They are really extremely accommodating for requests if it's in their power at all. The owners live at the campground and are always accessible by a simple phone call if after hours. There's a community vibe, with a community fire pit up front and often people are just hanging out outside of the main office. It embodies our Wisconsin way of life and you will find strangers waving at you every time you pass by. It's just our nature, don't be weirded out by the friendliness. The regular permanent campers are all so friendly and always willing to help a newbie or even someone struggling to figure out a problem or even carry things.
ScoutRelaxation at its finest. Nice small size campground. Clean spots, play equipment, showers. Beach, fishing, grills, bathroom a short walk away.
GuideFound this campground by chance after the campground I had planned to stay at was a complete disaster. Luckily, they were able to get me a campsite for two nights where I could regroup do a little laundry and chill out also took a bike ride on the bike path.
TravelerStayed hear on a very hot 90+degree day during a road trip, easy to reach from I90/94. Midweek, we were the only overnight guests. -Occasional loud noise from the road and train tracks. -At first was wary of paying for no showers and pit toilets for the price, but pit toilets were actually clean with no odor. -Spring fed swimming pond was good for a dip once you found a cool spot, but there are spots that felt like a hot tub. Beach is very nice sand, and there’s a playground for the kids. -Definitely check out the short hike up to Mill Bluff if you can tolerate steep rocky stairs, the view is beautiful. -Tried to check out the other trail near Camel Bluff but it was too overgrown to continue. -Electrical box is in the middle of the campsite near the picnic table, so power cables will need to be at least 30 feet long to comfortably reach your rig. -National Parks Pass is accepted for vehicle admission (separate from camping fee in WI) as this is part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve! -Sites 20/21 are great for proximity to swimming pond and toilets
TravelerWe loved how well spaced out the sites were and traveled on a busy June weekend. Our kids loved taking their scooters on the campground road and to the lake swimming. The kids loved the playground and path, beach. We had one person that was blaring their music and there was no ranger around. Finally someone must have called the police and they shut off their music
GuideFirst, the staff was very accommodating, and we appreciated it. We made a last minute booking over the phone and requested a late check-in, and they were wonderful about making it happen for us.
Once we arrived, everything seemed to go wrong. It appears there’s been a recent change in ownership. The campground was marked with a different name and we weren’t sure we were in the right place. Then, the sites and the hookup numbers don’t match, so again we weren’t sure we were in the right place. Once we found our spot, the site next to us had spread into our space, so we had to wait to pull in until they moved their stuff out of the way. Even so, the lots were very tight. The women’s bathroom was unkept - hair and bugs in the sink, and no toilet paper. A half-drunk bottle of Fireball was in the men’s room.
We also woke to a cracked windshield. Not necessarily the campground’s fault, but just added to the experience.
It worked for a one night stop-over, but wouldn’t have chosen it for a lengthy stay.
GuideWe wanted to visit family in the area at the last minute, and pulled up to see if they had any spot available. They gave us a list of available options, we drove through, and picked a site with the perfect spot to watch the sun set. Amenities are clean, theres a pool table and games in the office area.
GuideIf you want a stop on a drive, or a home base for exploring the local tourist attractions (look up toilet on the side of the road,) this is the place for you! Think about bringing your own drinking water, though, the water from the pumps is a dark red-brown color, either from rust or from tanin.
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Camping options near Elroy, Wisconsin primarily center around the driftless region and connect to the renowned Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail. The terrain features dramatic elevation changes with limestone bluffs rising from the valley floors. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with high humidity levels, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with average temperatures between 55-70°F.
Explore ice cave trails: The Ice Cave Trail at Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground presents a unique seasonal experience. "We'd love to come back and see the ice cave when it's cold enough for ice," notes one visitor who enjoyed the hiking options but was looking for "more rock faces and challenging/longer distance hiking."
Paddle the Kickapoo River: The winding Kickapoo River provides excellent kayaking opportunities near several campsites. "We took the opportunity to kayak down the Kickapoo and had a blast - make sure you do some exploring while you are here," recommends a camper at Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground. Another visitor at the same park offers specific route advice: "Bring or rent kayaks to float the Kickapoo River. Ontario to bridge 5 was 2.5 hours."
Try geocaching adventures: Buckhorn State Park Campground offers free GPS units for geocaching expeditions. "When we arrived and checked in we grabbed one of their pre-loaded GPS units for Geocaching; It's something the park offers for free. They give you a bag, GPS and information book on all the Geocaching sites," shares one visitor who took their nieces camping.
Fish from shoreline sites: Several camping areas offer direct water access for fishing. At Kennedy County Park, one visitor noted their site had "a little slice of beach and it was very beautiful during sunset." Another camper at Buckhorn mentioned, "Caught a sheep head and some white bass! Campsites are a nice distance apart."
Private beach access: Many campers appreciate water-access sites at Chapparal Campground And Resort. A visitor notes the "Large, picturesque sites over look a glacier formed area" and "spring feed ponds and sand beach that also offered an inflateable course and Cable Launch to perfect their wake boarding."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness stands out at several locations. At Chapparal, one camper praised the "ultra clean campground has amazing shower and bathroom facilities. All the camp sites are shady and super well kept." Another mentioned the "bathroom facilities were close and clean."
Wildlife encounters: Nocturnal wildlife adds to the camping experience. At Kennedy County Park, campers described the unique setting as "camping books hidden on a winding road" with "a nice place for a quiet night." At Buckhorn, one visitor recalled, "A family of raccoons passed our tent during the night and sounded like they were playing in the water which was cute."
Spacious wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer generous site spacing and natural surroundings. "The sites were spaced apart far enough so you weren't on top of the other campers," noted a Wildcat Mountain visitor. Another camper at the same park praised the "very spacious" sites, mentioning "All the fire rings come with grill racks for cooking."
Mosquito and tick prevalence: Insect activity can be intense, particularly at Buckhorn State Park Campground. One camper was blunt: "I may be biased- because I really hate mosquitos and ticks but wow! The ticks here are so tiny they're very easy to miss so look out for those. Also the mosquitos never let up- even in the rain." Another visitor at Buckhorn described them as "the worst I have ever experienced. The second we got out of the car they were all over us. We used the heaviest deet possible nonstop."
Traffic noise considerations: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds. At Oakdale KOA, one visitor noted it's "Right on the highway" but appreciated that it's a "convenient stop off the highway for local adventures at the nearby state parks or Elroy Sparta bike trail." Another camper at Riverside Park mentioned it being "Next to main high way" but otherwise an "amazing site. Always clean, nice showers and trash pickup."
Limited water activities during algae blooms: Water conditions can vary seasonally. At Buckhorn, a visitor reported "Unfortunately, the algae was in bloom so the water was caked green! However, it doesn't do any harm so we made our way out into the more clear portion of the water and had a blast!"
Train schedules impact sleep: Railroad proximity affects some camping areas. At Mill Bluff State Park, a camper specifically noted, "The night train schedule was 22:45 03:10 and 03:15."
Look for beginner-friendly hike-in sites: Tunnel Trail Campground offers accessible walk-in options. "We hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies! The site was of good size, dark and quiet," reports one camper at Wildcat Mountain.
Consider kid-friendly fishing areas: Specific fishing locations cater to young anglers. "We took the girls fishing off the dock and then over to the kids pond; the park also offers free poles and tackle," shared a Buckhorn visitor who brought their nieces for "their first tent camping adventure."
Explore playground and pool amenities: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities. At Wisconsin Dells KOA, visitors appreciate the "Nice pool, awesome aqua pad for the kids and game room. No child will be disappointed here!" Another camper at Tunnel Trail mentioned "The pool opened the day we got there and my kids enjoyed it although it was definitely too cold for me. My kids enjoyed playing in [the creek which runs through the middle of the campground]."
Seek out natural entertainment: Wildlife and natural features keep children engaged. At Wildcat Mountain, families report "Great views" making it "Great for families." Another visitor appreciated the "Dark and quiet" conditions with abundant wildlife, mentioning "We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies!"
Choose level sites with adequate clearance: Site selection matters for larger rigs. "The sites were level and had everything we needed (fire ring, picnic table, electric), and was across the road from a wonderful bathhouse / restroom," reports a visitor at Wisconsin Dells KOA.
Consider site access challenges: Tight turns can create difficulties. At Tunnel Trail Campground, one RVer reported, "We had difficulty getting to our site as tight corners for rigs 38 feet or more."
Check mountain approach roads: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Wildcat Mountain, a camper warned, "The driveway leading to the campground is a bit daunting (especially if pulling a camper), but its well worth it!" Another visitor advised, "If you have a low car, the front end is going to get scraped at the bottom of the mountain."
Inquire about water quality: Well water may require filtration. At Tunnel Trail, one camper advised to "Keep in mind water is well so a filter may be wanted."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I camp along the Elroy-Sparta Trail?
Several campgrounds provide convenient access to the Elroy-Sparta Trail. Tunnel Trail Campground is located right on the bike trail and offers amenities including a pool, plus weekend visits from Amish vendors selling baked goods. Veterans Memorial Park & Campground provides direct access to connecting trails. For budget-friendly options, Oakdale KOA offers a convenient stopover with standard amenities including level sites and a playground. Additional options include Wilton City Park near the trail's midpoint and Chapparal Campground near Wonewoc, both providing easy trail access.
Is the Elroy-Sparta bike trail open year-round?
The Elroy-Sparta Trail is generally open from May 1 to October 31, closing during winter months to protect the trail surface and for snowmobile use. While some hardy cyclists visit in early spring or late fall, the tunnels may close earlier due to safety concerns with ice formation. Sparta Campground — Elroy-Sparta State Trail follows similar seasonal patterns, typically operating during the prime biking months. For the most current trail conditions and closures, check with the Wisconsin DNR before planning your trip.
How long does it take to bike the Elroy-Sparta Trail?
The 32.5-mile Elroy-Sparta Trail typically takes 4-6 hours to complete one-way for casual riders, but times vary widely based on pace and stops. Many cyclists choose to split the journey over two days, staying overnight at the trail's midpoint. Wilton City Park is conveniently located at approximately the halfway point, making it ideal for breaking up your ride. For those wanting a more challenging day, the full trail can be completed in 3-4 hours by experienced cyclists riding at a steady pace. Factor in extra time for tunnel exploration, rest breaks, and sightseeing in the charming towns along the way.
What amenities are available at Elroy Commons trailhead?
Elroy Commons trailhead serves as the southern terminus of the Elroy-Sparta Trail and offers essential amenities for cyclists. Facilities include restrooms, water fountains, ample parking, and bike racks. The trailhead features an information center with maps and trail guides, plus picnic areas for pre-ride meals or post-ride relaxation. Bike rental and repair services are seasonally available. The Commons is conveniently located near downtown Elroy, providing easy access to restaurants, convenience stores, and other services. For those planning an overnight stay before hitting the trail, Fox Hill RV Park & Campground is within reasonable driving distance and offers amenities like a swimming pool and firewood delivery.
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