Camping near Genoa, Wisconsin offers unique experiences along the Mississippi River and throughout Vernon County. The region sits within the unique Driftless Area, characterized by deeply carved river valleys and forested ridges that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. Seasonal temperatures range from summer highs around 85°F to winter lows below freezing, with spring and fall offering moderate camping conditions between 50-70°F.
What to do
Trout fishing in spring-fed waters: Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park features several stocked ponds and access to the Bad Axe River. "There is good trout fishing at this campground. Recommended spots are one of the 5 ponds or the Bad Axe River," notes a reviewer at Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park.
Kayaking the Kickapoo River: The narrow, winding Kickapoo offers a peaceful paddling experience with gentle currents. "We kayaked the Kickapoo river and stayed here for a night. Hiking trails were pretty close and we had quite the exercise going up/down the mountain," shares a camper from Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground.
Biking on regional trails: The La Crosse River Trail provides miles of paved riding suitable for all skill levels. "Great place to go kayak, decent place to fish, and good access to bike trail. The lake is about 600 acres in size and about 11 feet deep at the deepest point," mentions a visitor at Neshonoc Lakeside.
What campers like
Swimming in developed beach areas: Skip-A-Way Resort features a beach with recreational equipment for families. "They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting but they were out of order for repairs when we were here. You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have mini golf but you have to pay 8 dollars for that," explains a camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The backwaters of the Mississippi provide habitat for diverse bird species and river wildlife. "I loved the space of my rv sites, the sounds of frogs and owls at night, the frequent wildlife sightings, and the crazy amount of turtles," reports a visitor at Goose Island.
Evening entertainment: Many campgrounds offer scheduled activities throughout summer weekends. "In the evening there was a Glow Parade where the full timers decked out their golf carts and drove around- candy for kids and lots of dancing. Bingo, tie dye, outdoor movies, and other relay races kept the kids happy and adults amused," shares a reviewer from Neshonoc Lakeside.
What you should know
Train noise affects some locations: Rail traffic can be heard at certain campgrounds near the river. "This campground is right on the trail, so very handy. I was amazed that sewer hookup is included, along with water and electricity, although my sewer hose was not long enough," notes a camper at Peterson City RV Park.
Spring flooding can impact campsites: Mississippi River levels can affect site availability, especially in April and May. "We got flooded out the only day we stayed. Got our money back for second night. Mississippi was over flowing this flood plain and yet still beautiful and want to return," comments a visitor at Pettibone Resort.
Seasonal closures affect planning: Most area camping options close by mid-October. "The campground is open for camping between April 15th and October 15th each year. Esofea campground has 27 campsites in total (4 with full hookups, 8 with electricity and 15 primitive sites)," shares a reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning for children: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas. "This is a great destination RV park if you're looking for a family getaway. There is plenty to do at the park including a cool swimming pond with inflatables, live music most weekends, corn hole tournaments, Friday fish fry, and much more," notes a visitor at Whiskey Creek Family RV Park.
Campsite location considerations: Riverfront sites provide water access but can attract insects. "The sites are split between full timer seasonal sites and daily campers. The sites are all level, have a fire pit and picnic table. They are pretty open, so you're close to your neighbors and little shade or privacy," explains a reviewer at Neshonoc Lakeside.
Weekend vs. weekday differences: Weekends bring more crowds and organized activities. "During the week the grounds are super quiet. Weekend partying happens, but quiet time quickly puts an end to the noise," shares a camper at Goose Island.
RV tips
Campground access challenges: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points due to terrain. "The driveway leading to the campground is a bit daunting (especially if pulling a camper), but it's well worth it," notes a visitor at Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground.
Water crossings at select locations: RV sites at certain parks require crossing shallow water features. "Be warned that in order to get to sites #27 through #37 you have to drive through some water. In September it was only about 8 inches," explains a camper at Beaver Creek Valley State Park.
Hookup variations across rv parks Genoa, Wisconsin area: Electric service ranges from 30 to 50-amp depending on location. "The sites are all flat with a gravel pad, some also have concrete patio. While there aren't a lot of trees or shade, it was a great site with our awning out," shares a visitor about their RV experience.
