Camping sites near Glenwood City, Wisconsin range from shaded wooded campsites to open prairie locations across several park systems. The region sits within the St. Croix River Valley with terrain that varies from rolling hills to flat prairies. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer camping season brings humidity and temperatures typically between 70-85°F from June through September.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 5-10 miles of trails at Willow River State Park Campground provide access to scenic falls. "Huge park, you can climb the cliffs surrounding the falls and there are plenty of trail both paved and unpaved," notes reviewer Arielle P. The park's waterfall remains accessible year-round, making it suitable for multiple seasons.
Lake activities: Fishing from shore without requiring a boat. At Glen Hills Park Campground, water sports focus on fishing rather than swimming. Even when water features change, alternatives exist. "Willow River State Park no longer has a beach or a lake, but they are working on the dam to refill the lake once again," reports Jessica B.
Wildlife viewing: Eagle sightings common along the St. Croix River. "I've camped here a few times. You can't even tell you're in Hudson. Nice hiking trails, nice lake that rents kayaks and canoes, and a beautiful waterfall at the end of the hiking trail," according to Chris S., highlighting the natural setting despite proximity to town.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some Highland Ridge sites offer excellent separation. "All sites are gravel/dirt (except for the ADA-accessible site), and most are very generous in size. Our site (7) sloped down but leveled out with plenty of room for our campervan at the bottom. All sites are wooded with trees providing separation/privacy between sites," explains Lee D.
Seasonal options: Late season availability for campers traveling in fall. "We went through a lot of bug spray and coils. Deer flies were thick around the water filling station," reports Tim from William O'Brien State Park, pointing out seasonal challenges beyond the typical camping calendar.
Natural settings: Wooded sites with shade provide refuge from summer heat. "This campground is well maintained and a beautiful park within the woods. Great for hiking and kayaking/canoeing is near by," says David E. about Twin Springs Resort Campground. Sites balance natural settings with accessibility.
What you should know
Varying shower facilities: Shower quality fluctuates across campgrounds. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, "The shower house needed a cleaning as well. There is no adjusting the shower temperature. Push the button and you get what you get," cautions Tim. Check shower availability and condition before arrival.
Firewood restrictions and availability: Firewood costs vary between $6-8 per bundle. "Wood was $8 bundle. This was steep in my opinion. They do not all any gathering of firewood," explains a William O'Brien visitor, highlighting park regulations that prevent collecting fallen wood.
Topography challenges: Some sites require leveling equipment. "Many sites are placed on on incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill," John W. explains about Highland Ridge. Prepare appropriate equipment for unlevel terrain at several area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer modern play equipment for children. At Highland Ridge, "At the campground, there was an interpretive center, but it was locked when we were there. There is also a nice, modern playground," notes Lee D., pointing to activities beyond hiking.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for raccoons at night around food storage. "Raccoons will visit your site at night. We had everything secured but they still tried and plenty of racket until we chased them away," reports a camper at William O'Brien. Secure food in hard containers, not just plastic bags.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs available seasonally at select parks. Afton State Park Campground offers diverse terrain for nature lessons: "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath," describes Alison.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose carefully for larger units. At Interstate State Park, "Do not pick a site inside the loop (the electrical hookup sites) if you want privacy. A few of the sites along the river have a real nice view and are slightly more secluded," advises Mary S., emphasizing the tradeoff between hookups and privacy.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide dumping facilities. "There are full services at this campground - flush toilets, sinks, showers, trash receptacles, and drinking water/dump station near the entrance," notes a Highland Ridge reviewer, confirming essential RV services.
Unlevel sites warning: Bring leveling blocks for many area campgrounds. "This may be an ongoing issue but none of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working," warns Warren H., highlighting infrastructure issues that affect longer stays. Be prepared with additional water storage for dry camping conditions.
