Lake Wissota State Park offers camping options within 30 miles of Fall Creek, Wisconsin at an elevation of approximately 900 feet. The area features a mix of deciduous forests and open grasslands with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F. Seasonal changes dramatically affect camping conditions, with fall bringing cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.
What to do
Hiking through diverse ecosystems: At Lake Wissota State Park, trails wind through multiple habitat types. "We went on a 5-mile hike through fern and pine forests, prairie and grassland habitats, and an abandoned beaver pond," notes camper Julie P.
Wild berry picking: Summer visitors can forage for seasonal berries while exploring. "Lots of walking, biking and horse trails that are full of wild berries," mentions Donella L., who appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere at Lake Wissota.
Kayaking and paddling: The lake provides ample opportunities for water sports. As Beth D. explains, "If you paddle North towards the park shoreline, there are shady places to tie up under white willow trees, or to land and use secluded tie-up points just South of the beach area."
River floating adventures: Near Eagle Ridge Campground, the Chippewa River offers tubing opportunities. "It is a great place to stay if you want to float down the Chippewa River. Loopy's, the bar in town, will shuttle you to and from the campsite and drop you off with their tubes at the river!" shares Anna.
What campers like
Private campsites: Many campgrounds offer secluded sites. At Lake Wissota State Park, "Very woodsy! Mosquitoes, gnats, and bugs galore. Beach is nice, even better that they have a separate beach area for your leashed dog!" according to Hannah E.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower houses receive positive reviews. At Eagle Ridge Campground, Justin S. found "Nice big tent sites down by the river. Walking trails were nice but recommend pants as the grass was long in spots."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking Fall Creek, Wisconsin yurt accommodations, Wedges Creek Hideaway offers rustic glamping cabins. Amy G. describes, "We were in cabin #3 - rustic. Yes - it did have heat! A little ceramic heater had it so toasty when it was 30 degrees outside we actually turned it off."
Lakefront camping: Several parks offer waterfront sites. At East Arbutus Camp, "We really like how spacious and spread out the camp sites are. With big pine trees everywhere, there are lots of options for tents and campers to place their site. Many have lake views," says Kim L.
What you should know
Shower facilities vary: Some parks charge for showers. At East Arbutus Camp, "There are showers, but it costs $0.50 for 4 minutes," notes Kim L.
Pet restrictions: Not all sites welcome pets. Unlike most campgrounds in the area, Red Cedar Glamping restricts pets at their yurt sites to maintain a certain atmosphere.
Weather impacts: The Fall Creek area experiences distinct seasons. A visitor to Lake Wissota State Park mentioned, "It was too cold for swimming. Got in a canoe ride before the rain. No bugs I guess it was too cool."
Site size limitations: Large RVs may struggle at some campgrounds. At Russell Memorial Park, Robert W. advises, "The waterfront has mostly electric only sites and run very close to size. We have a 28 5th wheel and we're snug. Site said 25 ft but the picture had a 5'er on it so we booked it."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Lake swimming areas vary in quality. At Lake Wissota, Donella L. notes, "Beautiful shaded campground with semi private sites. Nice beach that is a walkable distance from the sites."
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer recreational equipment. "Also boat rentals and free yard games that can be checked out at the visitor center," mentions a Lake Wissota camper about the family-friendly amenities.
Private bathroom options: For families concerned about shared facilities during busy times, Russell Memorial Park offers solutions. A camper discovered, "The shower and restrooms were clean. We discovered the single family bathroom on the South side of that bldg early on, and that helped us feel more comfortable using facilities during this physical-distancing time."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience more activity noise. Donella L. warns about Lake Wissota, "Lots of boat noise from the lake and a plane noise from a nearby airport. Close to Chippewa Falls for restaurants and stores. A great family destination, not so great for a peaceful couples weekend."
Tips from RVers
Satellite connectivity: For digital nomads, certain campgrounds offer better tech setups. At Eagle Ridge, Whistle P. shares, "This campground has a large grassy area - that gives a 100% clear obstruction for Starlink. We work full time, so this was important for us."
Site selection strategy: Picking the right site matters for larger rigs. Juliana R. advises at Russell Memorial, "Our site was a little hard to get into. We stayed at site 116 with a 40 ft 5th wheel. I would recommend booking early to get a better spot for a big rig."
Dump station planning: Not all campgrounds have equal facilities. Kim L. warns about East Arbutus Camp, "No sites with water or sewer so Sunday checkout there's a line of campers waiting to dump."
