Best Campgrounds near Fountain City, WI
Camping options surrounding Fountain City, Wisconsin span established campgrounds along the Mississippi River including Merrick State Park, Perrot State Park, and Sleepy Hollow Campground. The area provides diverse accommodations from tent-only sites to full-hookup RV spaces and cabin rentals, with many campgrounds situated along scenic river backwaters. Campgrounds in this region typically feature amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, with some offering electric hookups, flush toilets, and shower facilities.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations and reservations in the Fountain City area. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, including Merrick State Park and Perrot State Park, while some like Prairie Island City Campground operate from April through November. Riverside camping areas can experience occasional flooding during spring runoff, particularly along the Mississippi backwaters. Campgrounds near the river are popular for water recreation with boat launches and fishing access, but train noise impacts some locations. According to one visitor at Merrick State Park, "Island sites offer the best-in-park privacy for a campsite, but they are walk in (carts provided for hauling in). Worth the short walk in from the lot for what you get."
Campers frequently mention water access as a primary attraction throughout the region. The Mississippi River backwaters provide excellent kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities from many campgrounds. Island campsites at Merrick State Park receive positive reviews for privacy and direct water access, while sites along the river offer views of boat traffic. Several campgrounds feature a mix of developed and primitive sites to accommodate different camping preferences. Train noise appears in multiple reviews as a notable factor, particularly at campgrounds situated near rail lines like Merrick State Park. A visitor noted, "We have always reserved an Island site, since they offer the best privacy from neighbors in southern camp along the Mississippi backwaters on Fountain City Bay. We always bring the kayaks, so the water access offered is why we stay."
