Woodville, Wisconsin camping areas offer wooded sites at elevations between 1,100-1,200 feet above sea level. The region's glacial terrain features rolling hills and valleys with sandy, well-draining soil at most established campgrounds. Seasonal temperature swings range from summer highs averaging 83°F to spring lows around 45°F, with mosquitoes most prevalent in June and July.
What to do
Hiking trails with varying difficulty: Willow River State Park Campground features multiple trail options for hikers of all experience levels. "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim! We love camping here!" according to Sarah L. The park also offers waterfall views accessible via trails of different lengths.
Paddling and water access: The St. Croix River provides opportunities for canoeing and kayaking near William O'Brien State Park Campground. "We bike from St. Paul to William O. It is a nice 40 mile ride mostly on paved or limestone trails. You are close to your neighbor here, but really enjoy it," says Bryan W. The park offers river access points for paddlers.
Winter camping options: Several parks in the region maintain year-round operations. Afton State Park stays open through winter with unique accommodations. "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring," notes Jason S.
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Glen Hills Park Campground receives positive mentions for its facilities. "Quiet and private wooded sites. Pit toilets and showers available. Sites are small and can be difficult to get into with large rigs. The adjacent golf course is fun!" reports Kristin F. The campground offers both electric and non-electric sites.
Wildlife viewing: Highland Ridge campgrounds provide excellent wildlife watching opportunities. "Plenty of wildlife and can hear the owls talking to each other," explains David G. about the natural setting. The densely wooded sites create habitat for various bird species and small mammals.
Private, wooded sites: Frontenac State Park Campground offers secluded camping areas with natural barriers between many sites. "Site 20 has an absolutely outstanding view of Lake Pepin and fall colors. The first and second loops have a mix of tent sites and electric sites, but it was quiet and peaceful," writes Dani K. The campground's four separate loops help minimize traffic and noise.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Camping season varies significantly between parks. "We stayed at Site 133 and found it to be fairly spacious. One downside was that there's a trail running just behind the site, and several campers cut through our area to access it, which disrupted the sense of privacy," reports Maria D. about Willow River State Park. "We also appreciated being in a no-generator loop, which kept things peaceful—though highway noise was noticeable in the evenings."
Facility limitations: Some campgrounds have specific facility restrictions. "There are 6 'cart in' sites, but they are about 1/2 mile away from the main campground and on the other side of the road. Park, put your gear in a cart, and walk about 1/4 mile to your site (C1 through C6)," notes Mary S. about Frontenac State Park Campground. "Special rule for these sites: You have to pay $2 to use the showers at the main campground!"
Reservation requirements: Many of the best places to camp near Woodville require advance planning. "With all the fees and price of wood we ended up spending as much as we would for a cheap hotel, but I guess it's the experience that counts," mentions Lindsay S. about St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Reservation fees typically run $7-10 in addition to site costs.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers extensive play areas for children. "Great campground and been here many times. Plenty of wildlife and can hear the owls talking to each other," says David G. The park features multiple playgrounds and recreational areas designed specifically for children.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas with varying features. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," Timothy S. explains about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve. This provides a controlled swimming environment compared to natural lakes or rivers.
Educational programming: Ranger-led activities are available at several parks during summer months. "We experienced wonderful customer service, tent camping, nature center and waterfalls," shares Joanna M. about her visit to Willow River State Park. Nature centers often provide interactive displays and scheduled programs suitable for various age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir offers sites with varying characteristics for RVs. "This was one of The cleanest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. The sites are large and very well shaded for privacy. Great playground and hiking area. Some sites are difficult to back into if you have a large rig," advises Courtney C.
Hookup availability: Electric access varies between campgrounds and specific sites. "We've now camped here 4 times…. This is a beautiful, densely wooded campground with fairly well spaced sites. Some sites on the short loop (28-38) are a bit smaller and slope down from the road, so be careful of the site's size when booking. Our 29' trailer would have been a challenging fit in some of those sites," reports Deb M. about Highland Ridge.
Leveling challenges: Many area campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Many sites are placed on an incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill. Not a whole lot to do at the campground. Trails are in poor shape," notes John W. about Highland Ridge. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended, especially for larger RVs.
