The La Crosse area offers diverse tent camping experiences across southeastern Minnesota, southwestern Wisconsin, and northeastern Iowa. Unlike the flatter landscapes of central Wisconsin, this driftless region features dramatic limestone bluffs rising 400-500 feet above the Mississippi River valley floor. Summer nights typically cool to the mid-60s, even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, creating comfortable sleeping conditions for tent campers.
What to do
Mushroom hunting opportunities: Yellow River State Forest in Iowa provides abundant foraging options during spring and early summer. A camper noted, "This park is LUSH. Tons of wildlife and we thoroughly enjoyed hunting for wild oyster mushrooms which we gave a quick sautee before including in our rehydrated meals."
Visit the International Owl Center: Located near Houston Nature Center, this unique attraction adds educational value to your camping trip. A reviewer mentioned it was "a welcome discovery" and noted the nature center itself has "interactive and interesting displays."
Explore sandstone bluffs: The quarry area of Reno Horse Campground offers unique geological features to explore. One camper reported, "We backpacked to the quarry and found a large open area, perfect for multiple tents. The sandstone bluffs were in the background."
Creek swimming: During hot summer days, Rush Creek provides natural swimming options. A visitor to Northend Campground observed, "Nice sand bottom creek to swim in right behind campground," noting that the town of Rushford also offers a public pool just blocks away.
What campers like
Secluded walk-in sites: Houston Nature Center provides well-separated tent sites within walking distance of conveniences. A camper described it as "Wonderfully quiet and safe. Had bathrooms and showers. Right at the end of the root river state trail. Singing toads at night."
Stargazing opportunities: The pasture site at Shady Rest Acres offers optimal night sky viewing. A camper explained, "One [campsite] is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats). They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing!"
Backcountry solitude: Yellow River State Forest's backcountry sites provide genuine seclusion. One backpacker noted, "I've backpacked here multiple times and have only run into other people once or twice. Hidden gem."
Natural playgrounds: Houston Nature Center includes a 1-acre natural playground with creative features. A reviewer described, "I thought the park was AWESOME. They litterally have a tree house to play in!!!!"
What you should know
Highway noise concerns: Sparta Campground sits close to Interstate 90, affecting noise levels. A camper reported, "The most disappointing factor for me was the highway noise... it was indeed bad, all weekend long. I had to wear noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the noise in order to sleep."
Walk-in distances vary: Campgrounds advertised as walk-in may require different effort levels. At Sparta Campground, a visitor noted site 3 was "about a 600 yard hike in from the parking lot, down a trail that can get quite muddy, especially during rain."
Non-resident fee structures: Wisconsin state parks charge different rates based on residency. A camper observed, "Sites are basic with water, pit toilets, tables and fire rings. I originally planned to stay here but came across the non-resident charges (my state does not do this)."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Backcountry camping requires self-sufficiency. At Yellow River State Forest, "Sites have fire rings and benches, some more spacious than others... Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Justin Trails Resort offers unique farm animal interactions. A visitor shared, "The llamas are fun to feed," adding that the property includes activities like disc golf and winter sledding.
Short hiking options: Yellow River State Forest provides accessible trails for younger hikers. A camper advised, "Park near ranger station and hike in or grab a map and find a smaller parking location near the trail you want to explore."
Site size considerations: When camping with multiple tents, space varies significantly. At Sparta Campground, a family reported, "The site was small, but we did manage to fit a 4-person tent, two 2-person tents, a screen-house, and 5 bikes."
Natural playground access: Houston Nature Center's playground provides outdoor play options beyond typical camping activities. A camper noted it has "a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more."
Tips from RVers
Alternative shower access: While many primitive campgrounds lack showers, creative solutions exist. A visitor to Sparta noted, "The Sparta Aquatic Center (10 minute bike ride) allows shower access for $3."
Small town camping conveniences: Merrick State Park's Island Campground provides access to nearby supplies. "These sites are in 1 of 3 campgrounds in the State Park. They are technically 'hike-in' or 'cart-in' but have a very short hike to get to."
Site flatness variations: The terrain impacts comfort for both tent and RV campers. Houston Nature Center was described as "Very flat. Sites are spread out. Within walking distance to grocery store."
Limited availability sites: The best tent camping near La Crosse often fills quickly due to low prices or limited quantity. One camper noted Yellow River sites are popular "because of the cheap price of only 9 dollars."
