Campgrounds near La Crosse, Wisconsin offer diverse terrain options in the Driftless Region, characterized by steep bluffs and valleys untouched by glaciation. The area features elevations ranging from 630 feet along the Mississippi River to 1,250 feet at ridge tops. Camping options extend beyond the immediate riverfront, with sites available in the surrounding coulees and valleys that provide shelter from prevailing winds.
What to do
Kayaking access points: The Kickapoo River near Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground provides excellent paddling opportunities. "Ontario to bridge 5 was 2.5 hours," notes John B., who recommends bringing or renting kayaks to float the river.
Trout fishing: Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park maintains five stocked ponds plus Bad Axe River access. "Great trout fishing at this campground. Recommended spots are one of the 5 ponds or the Bad Axe River," according to a visitor who appreciated the fishing options.
Bike trail access: The Root River trail system connects directly to Peterson City RV Park. "The campground is on the Root River bike trail which is beautiful, shaded, and paved," explains Amy E., making it convenient for cyclists to access the trail network without driving.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Goose Island offers a more peaceful experience midweek. "During the week the grounds are super quiet. Weekend partying happens, but quiet time quickly puts an end to the noise," reports Frank G., who spent three trips totaling two months at the campground.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the abundant wildlife. "Eagles, geese, pelicans, barred owls, ducks, deer, rabbits, raccoon, possum, etc. are abundant," notes a Goose Island visitor who enjoyed frequent wildlife sightings and "the sounds of frogs and owls at night."
Swimming options: Neshonoc Lakeside Camping Resort features two swimming pools with different atmospheres. "With 2 swimming pools, daily activities, movies, and a full ice cream shop you won't be bored here. The top one is very large and new with a splash pad area. The lower pool is older and smaller, and where grown ups tend to go for a dip," according to Kim L.
What you should know
Site leveling requirements: Most campgrounds provide relatively level sites, but some require adjustments. At Neshonoc Lakeside, campers note that "The sites are all level, have a fire pit and picnic table. They are pretty open, so you're close to your neighbors and little shade or privacy."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-April through mid-October due to winter conditions. Peterson City RV Park and Pettibone Resort maintain similar schedules, with the latter operating from April 15 to October 15.
Flooding potential: The Mississippi River location means flooding is possible. At Goose Island, one camper warned to "Beware of the flooding and mosquitoes!" while another mentioned that "at times [trails] can be flooded."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming ponds: Whiskey Creek Family RV Park features a unique swimming option. "They also have a beautiful white sand beach around a 1-acre swim pond. The water was the color of the Caribbean with these huge blow-up toys and slides in the middle. Kids loved it," reports a satisfied visitor.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule family events. At Neshonoc Lakeside, "In the evening there was a Glow Parade where the full timers decked out their golf carts and drove around- candy for kids and lots of dancing. Bingo, tie dye, outdoor movies, and other relay races kept the kids happy."
Playground locations: Goose Island offers convenient playground placement. "There's a playground on the beach. My kid really loves that!" mentions Sara M., highlighting the benefit of having play equipment where parents can monitor children while enjoying the waterfront.
Tips from RVers
Site surface types: RV sites vary across the region. Pettibone Resort features "asphalt with two concrete strips for your tires in the sites," while Neshonoc Lakeside provides "gravel pad with a grass yard, fire ring, and picnic table."
Electrical options: Most campgrounds offer various hookup configurations. Blueberry Fields Forever provides a rustic alternative for RVers seeking a quieter experience with minimal facilities. "The setting is a blueberry farm, and the scenery is gorgeous! It is very quiet, when we were there we were the only campers," notes Mike H.
Internet connectivity: Cell service and WiFi quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Pettibone Resort, AT&T users report "2-3 bars of LTE" with impressive speeds of "146 Mbps down, 4.8 Mbps up," while Verizon performance measured only "16 Mbps down, 0.14 Mbps up."
