Glamping near Highland, WI

Nelson Dewey State Park offers distinctive yurt camping options near Highland, Wisconsin, situated in the rugged Driftless Area terrain characterized by steep forested hills and deep valleys. These elevated camping structures provide protection from the elements while maintaining a rustic outdoor experience on the limestone bluffs above the Mississippi River. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, requiring appropriate gear for cold-weather yurt stays.

What to do

Kayak the Kickapoo River: Rent equipment near Wildcat Mountain State Park and enjoy a scenic paddle. "We took the opportunity to kayak down the Kickapoo and had a blast - make sure you do some exploring while you are here," notes Holly W., who ranked the experience among her favorites.

Explore geological formations: Visit the nearby Spring Green Desert conservancy featuring unexpected Wisconsin cacti. "Who knew there were cactuses in Wisconsin? Total hike is about 3.2 miles round trip, with a gorgeous view of the valley," reports Kim L. from Wisconsin Riverside Resort.

Winter cave camping: Experience underground camping at Eagle Cave Resort during colder months. "Winter is best for cave camping! Mostly scouts and church groups during the winter," notes Jennfer C., who recommends bringing proper protection when exploring the cave system.

Cross-country skiing: Access groomed winter trails at many state parks when snow conditions permit. The trails at Wildcat Mountain offer varied terrain for different skill levels, with most routes under 5 miles and suitable for beginners to intermediates.

What campers like

Secluded walk-in sites: The walk-in campsites at Nelson Dewey State Park provide exceptional privacy and views. "We stayed in walk-in site C, which the furthest site from the parking lot. Arrive before dark!! The wheelbarrows provided are a lifesaver," advises Steph P., noting the steep terrain requires planning.

Riverside recreation: Multiple campgrounds feature river access for water activities. "Free shuttle takes you up river for a 3 hour float trip," explains Joe K. about tubing options at Wisconsin Riverside Resort, adding that "the river is clean with a shallow sandy bottom."

Evening wildlife viewing: Cox Hollow campground offers consistent raccoon sightings, though caution is advised. "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD!" warns Jen L., highlighting the importance of proper food storage when yurt camping near Highland.

Modern bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean restroom facilities. "Bathrooms and showers are modern and clean," notes Renee W. about Nelson Dewey State Park, a sentiment echoed across several locations in the region.

What you should know

Train noise considerations: Several riverfront campgrounds experience railroad noise. At Grant River Recreation Area, "the train tracks are not far away" with "a train every 30 min," according to Adam, who still enjoyed the riverside setting despite the sound disturbance.

Weather preparedness: Spring conditions can create moisture issues in caves and low-lying areas. "Bring a tarp or tent to cover yourself. We went in March, so with all the runoff from the snow it was a very wet experience," advises Charles M. about Eagle Cave camping.

Reservation requirements: Popular sites book months in advance, particularly yurt accommodations. "If you are looking to get either site book it now... it fills up fast! I had my site reserved for 6 months!!" explains Jaspmine B. regarding Nelson Dewey State Park's premium locations.

Highway proximity: Some campgrounds have noticeable road noise. Mirror Lake State Park campers report hearing the highway from certain sites, though many find it serves as "white noise" that actually helps with sleeping.

Tips for camping with families

Specialized children's areas: Fox Hill RV Park offers multiple kid-friendly recreation options. "The kids loved the blow ops in the pond. The pool was nice, but a bit colder than the pond," reports Joan, who appreciated the variety of activities available.

Dog-friendly amenities: Several parks accommodate pets with specialized areas. "They had a dog beach for them to swim in which was a huge plus! Great hiking with some beautiful scenery," notes Sarah B. about her experience camping with two dogs at Cox Hollow Campground.

Group camping options: Reserve adjacent sites for family gatherings at several parks. "Stayed here last year with a group of friends! Had 2 different group sites and both were awesome! A lot of space and not close to other group sites," shares Amanda J. about Governor Dodge State Park.

Educational opportunities: Many parks offer ranger programs focused on natural history. The Spring Green area features educational stations about early settlers, with informational signs about local history and ecology throughout the trail systems.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Come prepared with leveling equipment for many area campgrounds. "Our site was very unlevel side to side. It took two 2x6 and a 1x6 under the camp side to be level," reports Jeff G. from Wisconsin Riverside Resort, noting the significant step height this created.

Size restrictions: Larger RVs face limitations at some parks. "Great campground for everything but big 5th wheelers and motorhomes," advises Paul C. about Governor Dodge State Park, recommending alternatives for larger units.

Full hookup options: When seeking amenities, research specific campground loops. "The new section will be a lot better next year, but *just* finished construction and it is still a wide open area," explains Kim L. about Fox Hill's newer full-hookup section, contrasting it with more established wooded sites.

Winter accessibility: Most RV campgrounds in the region close seasonally. Operating seasons typically run April through October, with limited winter camping options primarily at state parks that offer yurt accommodations.