Camping near Knapp, Wisconsin centers primarily around wooded areas in the Midwest's Driftless Region, characterized by rolling hills and valleys untouched by glaciers. Campers experience warm summers with average highs around 80°F and cooler spring and fall seasons where nighttime temperatures can drop significantly. Most Knapp area campgrounds sit at elevations between 800-1,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season.
What to do
Kayaking at Highland Ridge: A 10-minute drive from the campground takes you to Eau Galle Reservoir, where visitors can enjoy peaceful paddling. "The lake is small and beautiful, and we enjoyed a peaceful paddle. We saw a couple of people fishing on the lake and there is a small swimming area," shares one Highland Ridge camper.
Hiking trails with elevation: Willow River State Park offers challenging routes with significant elevation changes. "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!" notes a visitor to Willow River State Park Campground.
Golfing near campsites: Glen Hills Park provides direct access to an adjacent golf course for campers looking to combine outdoor activities. "The adjacent golf course is fun!" mentions a visitor who appreciates the proximity of recreation to their campsite.
What campers like
Wooded privacy at Highland Ridge: Sites feature natural screening that creates separation between campers. "This is an Army Corps of Engineers campground. All sites are wooded with trees providing separation/privacy between sites," reports one camper about their stay at Highland Ridge.
Spacious campsites: Glen Hills Park Campground offers sites with varying degrees of privacy and adequate space for setup. "Quiet and private wooded sites. Sites are small and can be difficult to get into with large rigs," notes a camper who appreciates the natural setting.
Easy access for overnight stops: Several campgrounds provide convenient access from highways. "After winding through a few roads off the highway, Twin Springs emerges from a bend in the road. The sites have a reasonable amount of space surrounding them," writes a visitor to Twin Springs Resort Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Water systems operate differently throughout the camping season. "Sites 28-38 only have vault toilets (but you could trek to the other campground loop). Sites 1—27 have flush toilets and showers," explains a camper at Highland Ridge, noting that amenities vary by location within the same campground.
Sloped terrain at several sites: Many campgrounds in the area feature uneven ground that may require leveling equipment. "Many sites are placed on on incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill," writes one visitor about Highland Ridge.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across the region. "We have AT&T and had no problem getting signal and cellular data to complete the process," shares a camper about Highland Ridge, though this isn't consistent across all campgrounds in the area.
Road noise considerations: At Nugget Lake County Park, "The site we had was secluded enough from others. But they had sites available that were open to each other good for groups. They say on the description which are linked together."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. "Nice grass trails. Looked like a decent playground," notes a camper at Nugget Lake County Park, making it suitable for families with younger children.
Cabin options for comfort: For families wanting more amenities, Nugget Lake offers cabin accommodations. "The camper cabins are really nice. They have two rooms, a sleeping room and a front room. The sleeping room has 2 bunk beds (4 beds). The front room has a mini fridge, coffeemaker, toaster, microwave, and a futon."
Specialized yurt camping: Red Cedar Glamping provides unique accommodations with "comfortable beds, firewood, firewood starters, and trails, this property has it all. Secluded but close to town," making it ideal for families new to camping.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: At Highland Ridge, plan your site selection carefully for power access. "Cost is $20/$16 for electric/non-electric. This is an Army Corps of Engineers park which means you pay $10/$8 if you have an NPS Lifetime Senior Pass," advises an experienced camper.
Limited solar options: The dense tree cover impacts alternative power sources. "It's completely in the woods, and sites are FULLY shaded. Sites 28-38 are on a loop with a picnic pavilion in the middle with some openings for sun on the road and in the picnic area. This is not a good place for solar panels, but almost all sites are electric."
Dump station availability: "There is a little dump station near the entrance where we got potable water and will dump on the way out," notes a visitor, highlighting the practical amenities available for RVers at Highland Ridge.
