Camping options near Fennimore, Wisconsin extend throughout the Driftless Region, an area characterized by steep ridges, deep valleys, and limestone bluffs that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with higher humidity levels near river campsites, while spring and fall camping brings cooler nights requiring additional layers. Most campgrounds in the area sit within a 30-minute drive of Fennimore along the Mississippi River corridor.
What to do
Explore local caves: Wyalusing State Park offers unique hiking opportunities to natural cave formations. "The sand caves are cool, lots of unique hiking features. The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," notes a visitor to Wyalusing State Park Campground.
Fishing access: Grant River Recreation Area provides direct river access for anglers. "Nice view of the Mississippi River $20 per night with electrical hook up," reports a camper at Grant River Recreation Area. The boat ramp and dock fishing make this spot convenient for water activities.
Water recreation: Visitors can enjoy swimming and water obstacles at select locations. "Catering to RV life style with lots of amenities such as restaurant, beach bar, water feature with floating water obstacle course, pool and more," describes a reviewer at Coconut Cove RV Resort by Journey.
What campers like
Immaculate facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean bathhouses. "This is one of the nicest public bathrooms I've ever been in. Not just in a state park, ever. It was built in 2019 and has been treated well by visitors and well maintained by the park and campground hosts," writes one camper about Wyalusing State Park Campground.
Scenic river views: Campsites with Mississippi River views rank highly among visitors. "It's right next to the Mississippi, and that's it's shining quality. Groundskeepers wake up and get started early, and the train tracks are not far away. Sites don't give a lot of privacy. Park was really well maintained," notes a visitor to Grant River Recreation Area.
Recreation buildings: Some campgrounds offer indoor activities during inclement weather. "Nice rec room with TV, games, books, soft seating, pinball, ping pong, and pool table. Outdoor games set-up on the grass like Cornhole, croquet, etc," reports a visitor to Rustic Barn Campground RV Park.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near the Mississippi River experience frequent train traffic. "Not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds. No nice gravel or concrete pads anywhere. Many sites are not real level. Biggest issue is train tracks with trains running by very often," warns a visitor to Blanding Landing.
Seasonal availability: Most rv sites near Fennimore, Wisconsin operate only from April through October. Rustic Barn Campground is open April 13 to October 31, while Grant River Recreation Area operates May 1 to October 21.
Site privacy varies: Campgrounds offer different levels of site separation. "Sites by the river don't have much shade. Sites by the tracks are the most 'wooded' but also right near the trains," notes a camper at Blanding Landing. For more privacy, choose wooded sites away from main roads.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds provide play areas for children. "There's fishing, exploring, a playground, and when you see a paddleboat you have time to drive to town before it hits loch & damn #12," advises a repeat visitor to Spruce Creek Park.
Consider nature programs: Some parks offer educational activities for children. "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," mentions a visitor to Wyalusing State Park.
Watch for steep terrain: Be cautious with young children at bluff-top campgrounds. "Just keep in mind that it's on a bluff so there are some steep drop-off points that children could take a pretty nasty fall from," cautions a parent who camped at Wyalusing State Park with a 5-year-old.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: RV campers report varying site conditions across campgrounds. "All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park. Our site had a patio and decent-sized picnic table," notes a reviewer at Off Shore RV Park.
Consider electric options: Most rv sites near Fennimore provide electrical hookups, with amperage varying by location. "Some are long pull-throughs, some are back-in, some have 30 amp with or without a patio, and some have 50-amp electric with or without a patio," reports a camper about site options at Rustic Barn Campground.
Plan for varying cell service: Cell coverage differs significantly between campgrounds. "As a note, we have ATT and had decent cell service here," reports a camper at Blanding Landing, providing useful information for those needing connectivity while camping.
