Dispersed camping near Elroy, Wisconsin extends beyond the Lower Wisconsin Riverway into several lesser-known areas. The region sits within the Driftless Area, characterized by deeply carved river valleys, limestone bluffs, and rolling hills untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during daytime with cooler evenings, while spring and fall camping seasons often bring overnight temperatures dropping into the 40s, requiring proper gear for comfortable nights.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Birdwatchers can spot numerous bald eagles along the riverway. "Eagles everywhere. Great fishing," notes one visitor about the Lower Wisconsin Riverway.
Fishing excursions: The Wisconsin River offers various fishing conditions depending on water levels. Catfish are commonly caught, especially during high water periods. "Fishing wasn't too great due to the high water, but we did get a bunch of catfish," reports a camper.
Water recreation: Swimming is a popular activity during hot summer days, though safety precautions are essential. "The nice thing about being right on the river is being able to take a dip in the cool water any time it was too hot! Be careful of drop offs, especially on the downstream side of islands," advises one experienced camper.
What campers like
Natural isolation: Weekday camping provides more solitude for those seeking a true wilderness experience. "From Prairie du Sac to Spring Green, about 21 miles? Went mid week, saw one Boy Scout troop but generally nobody else," shares a visitor at the Lower Wisconsin Riverway.
Easy shuttle services: Local outfitters provide convenient transportation solutions. "We rented the canoe and they ran the shuttle for us, which was very easy to arrange," explains a camper about their river trip logistics.
Island camping options: Beyond the riverway, Crater Island offers another boat-in camping destination. "If it is closed, there are plenty of islands and beaches near by to set up for camping," notes a visitor, providing alternatives if the main area is unavailable.
What you should know
Weather monitoring: Sudden storms can develop quickly in this region, making weather awareness critical. "Shout out to the Midland weather radio that alerted us to the severe weather when it blew up out of nowhere!" mentions one prepared camper.
Water safety considerations: River currents can be deceptively strong, particularly for children and inexperienced swimmers. "Be careful of drop offs, especially on the downstream side of islands and make sure kids and people that aren't strong swimmers always have a life jacket on when wading - the currents can get very strong."
Noise factors: Despite the wilderness setting, some campsites experience road noise disruption. "Even though you couldn't see the road you could hear it. It's a truck route so at 6:30am it was busy with trucks and noisy which definitely took away from the vibe of dispersed camping," warns a recent visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Life jacket availability: The Wisconsin DNR provides loaner life jackets at many boat landings. "There are many loaner life jackets at many of the landings as part of a DNR program," explains an experienced river camper.
Sun protection necessities: The exposed sandbar environment offers little natural shade. "Be sure to bring lots of sunscreen and something to make some shade - it's very sunny out there!" advises a family who frequents the area.
Water filtration challenges: The river's high sand content complicates water filtration systems. "The river is very sandy and eats through water filters quick," warns a camper, suggesting families bring all needed drinking water rather than relying on filtration.
Tips from RVers
Weekend congestion awareness: Summer weekends bring significant crowds to popular water access points. "Very busy on weekends in the summer, as long as there is no dredging operations going on, otherwise it's closed," notes a visitor to Crater Island.
Glass container restrictions: River regulations prohibit glass containers, with substantial fines for violations. "Remember that no glass is allowed on the river because the fine is pretty steep and no one wants to step barefoot on broken glass!"
Firewood considerations: Finding adequate dry firewood can be challenging, especially after wet weather. "Bring dry wood! Some firewood can be scrounged from the islands, or you can get some from many roadside stands or an outfitter," recommends a camper who learned from experience.
