Best Campgrounds near Elroy, WI
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.
