Best Campgrounds near La Crosse, WI
The Mississippi River valley shapes the camping landscape around La Crosse, Wisconsin, with options spanning from riverside sites to bluff-top retreats. Pettibone Resort offers camping within a 10-minute walk of downtown La Crosse, while Veterans Memorial Park provides peaceful sites along the La Crosse River with direct access to regional bike trails. The surrounding area features diverse accommodations including state parks like Perrot State Park in Trempealeau and Great River Bluffs across the Minnesota border. County parks such as Goose Island south of La Crosse offer water-adjacent camping, while private campgrounds like Neshonoc Lakeside in West Salem cater to RVers seeking full hookups and resort amenities. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabins, yurts, or glamping options.
Camping seasons generally run from mid-April through mid-October, with some state parks remaining open year-round for winter camping enthusiasts. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods. Mosquitoes can be abundant near water, especially in evening hours during summer months. As one camper noted, "Bring the bug spray for the evening because the mosquitoes do come out in force" at riverside locations like Goose Island. Urban-adjacent sites like Pettibone Resort may experience noise from nearby bridges and traffic. Train noise affects some campgrounds along the Mississippi, though many visitors report it becomes background noise after the first night.
Water recreation defines the camping experience in the La Crosse region, with fishing, kayaking, and boating opportunities abundant. The La Crosse River and Mississippi backwaters provide excellent fishing spots, with Veterans Memorial Park offering "great fishing right off the puppy trail near the river." Hiking trails in the surrounding bluffs deliver spectacular views, particularly at Perrot State Park where "Brady's Bluff is a must-see trail that takes you to the top providing an amazing view of the Mississippi." Campers seeking quiet experiences might prefer the more secluded Sidie Hollow Park, described as "a quiet place about 30-40 minutes outside of La Crosse" with "patchy phone coverage" for those looking to disconnect. Bike trail access is notable at several campgrounds, connecting to the Elroy-Sparta Trail and La Crosse River State Trail.
