Glamping opportunities around Holmen, Wisconsin extend beyond the primary sites mentioned in area guides. The region sits within the Driftless Area, characterized by deep valleys, rolling hills, and diverse ecosystems untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. Winter camping options remain available at select locations, with some sites offering heated accommodations year-round when temperatures can drop below freezing between November and March.
What to do
Hiking at King's Bluff: Great River Bluffs State Park offers accessible hiking trails with distinctive overlooks. "I spent a day here hiking and had a blast! I hiked up Chimney Rock and then looped back to tackle part of the Dakota trail! The hiking paths were well taken care of," notes one visitor at Great River Bluffs State Park.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Local parks maintain fishing access with stocked ponds for anglers of all skill levels. "There is good trout fishing at this campground. Recommended spots are one of the 5 ponds or the Bad Axe River," according to a camper at Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park.
Biking the Root River trail: Connected trail systems allow campers to access multiple towns on paved routes. A reviewer at Eagle Cliff Campground explains, "This campground has it all. Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals."
What campers like
Water recreation options: Rivers and lakes provide multiple ways to enjoy water activities. "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," shares a visitor at Neshonoc Lakeside.
Clean facilities: Many sites maintain well-kept shower and restroom facilities. According to one camper at Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging, "This facility is clean and very well kept. Even the shower rooms are very nice and sanitary."
Minimal insects in some areas: Unlike typical Wisconsin camping, certain locations report fewer mosquitoes. One Whitewater State Park visitor notes, "Great campground! Awesome hiking, nice swimming beach. Big nature store with lots of great stuff. Lots of spots for great fishing. Best part: very few mosquitoes!! (The cold, constantly moving water helps keep them away.)"
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some sites experience sound from nearby transportation. A camper at Great River Bluffs explains, "Highway noise from the highway running along the river and from I-90 (while not really noticeable during the day) is ridiculously loud at night. Added to this were the half dozen trains that ran through the night (horns going off too) AND the light aircraft flying into Lacrosse airport."
Seasonal operations: Most glamping sites have limited operating windows. The Eagle Cliff Campground operates from "Apr 15 - Oct 20" according to their information.
Reservation requirements: Many sites recommend advance booking. "We arrived late in the day and the office was closed but they have all the instructions and QR codes for an online reservation and check in," reports a visitor at Whitewater State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activities for children: Certain campgrounds provide structured entertainment options. At Neshonoc Lakeside, "With 2 swimming pools, daily activities, movies, and a full ice cream shop you won't be bored here. The owners were super friendly and helpful. If you're looking to escape into nature, this is not your park. If you want full hook ups and a summer camp family experience, this is great."
Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with adequate room for multiple tents. "Stayed here in the fall. Had a site right next to the bathroom big enough for 2 tents and 2 vehicles. Hikes here offer great views of the river and bluffs and the fall colors are gorgeous!!! site came with a fire pit with grate and a picnic table," shares a camper at Great River Bluffs.
Waterfront options: Sites along water features provide natural entertainment. A reviewer at Wildcat Mountain State Park explains, "We kayaked the Kickapoo river and stayed here for a night. We didn't reserve a site so the only spots left were the walk-in sites. There were carts to use and parking wasn't too far so it wasn't bad at all."
Tips from RVers
Level sites availability: Many campgrounds offer prepared surfaces for easier setup. "The sites were spacious and the property offered a large pool, hot tub, restrooms, showers, laundry room, fishing and canoeing. This is a pet friendly park," notes a visitor to Neshonoc Lakeside.
Military-adjacent considerations: Fort McCoy sites come with unique features. "Large sites. All type of rentals available. You name it, they have it. North impact area is North of campgrounds. Mortars shooting one evening when we was there. Reveille, call to mess, retreat, tattoo and taps daily," explains a camper at Pine View Campground.
Full hookup options: Several sites provide complete utility connections. "Our site was spacious and very well kept, with a great view of the lake. Very easy to back in and get set up, almost level and took very little adjustment to get our spot in order," reports a Neshonoc Lakeside visitor.
