Top Tent Camping near La Crosse, WI

Looking for the best options for tent camping near La Crosse? Find the best tent camping sites near La Crosse. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of La Crosse, Wisconsin's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near La Crosse, WI (23)

    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center

    1. Houston Nature Center

    4 Reviews
    12 Photos
    7 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available
    • Showers
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres

    2. Shady Rest Acres

    2 Reviews
    17 Photos
    22 Saves

    Camp along a Mississippi tributary beside the Minnesota-Wisconsin line in this whimsical farm paradise. Run around the pasture, take a walk in the forest or dip your toes in the flowing creek at Shady Rest Acres. You are welcome to sit back, relax, and observe the farm animals. No guest are allowed inside the fenced off area of pasture without a host with them. We do have 4 well behaved dog's an 8 indoor outdoor cats, cows, goats, sheep, mini donkeys, ducks, chickens, turkeys and honey bee's. Tent Sites Pitch a tent in the field beside a fire pit and get a great view of the night sky or pitch a tent beneath the walnut trees beside the creek and relax in a hammock. Bee Relaxed Studio If you would rather stay indoors, kick back in the fully furnished studio with a wood burning stove and vinyl record player. Please no pets in the studio. No matter where you decide to stay at Shady Rest Acres you will be in close proximity to the Mississippi River, Beaver Creek Valley State Park, and Great River Bluffs State Park. This area is great for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. When making reservations please include in your total any person over the age of two.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    • Trash
    • Firewood Available

    $40 - $120 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta DNR Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta DNR Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta DNR Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta DNR Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta DNR Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta DNR Campground

    3. Sparta DNR Campground

    4 Reviews
    7 Photos
    14 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed

    $15 - $21 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Justin Trails Resort

    5. Justin Trails Resort

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    2 Saves

    If your dream vacation is full of details like soft forest light, colorful leaves, and winding trails—that is, if you are thinking of disconnecting and disappearing into the countryside for a few days—then resort camping at Justin Trails Resort eight miles from town is just the ticket. Rejuvenate your spirit and refresh your body with a hike around our 200-acre property or try your hand at disc golf. We have the #1 Disc Golf Course in all of Wisconsin!

    Songbirds chirp in the morning, wild turkey and deer cross the property, and an owl hoots as the sun sets over the ridge. Ready to make a booking at Justin Trails Resort? Review your options and make a booking with us online.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

    6. Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

    12 Reviews
    46 Photos
    4 Saves

    Yellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.

    The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group

    $12 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    • No image available
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        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr

        10. Aefintyr

        4 Reviews
        43 Photos
        54 Saves

        Aefintyr campground is located in the scenic woods of the Whitewater River Valley in the Driftless Area of Southeastern Minnesota. We offer beautiful blufftop hike-in camping and glamping and cozy treehouse inspired camper cabins. The hike-in camp/glamp sites offer a backpacking like experience (1460 ft hike with a 230 ft elevation gain) and are great for people who like to get some exercise and want to immerse themselves in a woodland setting. Perfect relaxation destination or home base for your Whitewater Valley adventures. Aefintyr is a small operation that values peace, quiet and quality over quantity. Get away from crowds and get into the woods! Onsite, enjoy a campfire, stargazing, hiking and observing the amazing animals, plants and fungi.

        Nearby recreation opportunities include:

        Within 2 miles of Whitewater State Park, the Elba Fire Tower, Whitewater State Wildlife Management Area (hunting, trout fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing) and the Whitewater River State Water Trail (canoe/kayak/tube). There is a gas station (bait and fishing supplies, convenience store items), 2 bars and a restaurant within a mile in the town of Elba. Whitewater Wines Winery is also just a few miles up the road!

        Shared amenities:

        Bathhouse with individual rooms, with a hot shower, vanity and composting toilet

        Outhouse with composting toilet on top of the bluff within 400 feet of each campsite

        Community area (requires short hike) with tent shelters (2, each 10' x 20'), outdoor furniture, tables, chairs, propane grill w/ side burner, firepit w/ cooking grate/skillet.

        Propane Gas Grill (at base of the hill by the bathhouse)

        Stargazing area with reclining chairs

        Cell service: AT&T typically works well, Verizon works intermittently, and T-mobile doesn't have a good signal.

        Wi-fi: Available at the bathhouse and parking area, data speeds up to 25 Mbps.

        **Parking: **On site, 2 vehicle limit, no vehicles larger than a full-size truck, no trailers.

        **Host accessibility: **Available 24/7/365 via phone and email/messaging, frequently on site.

        **Security: **Campground community areas are under video surveillance.

        Setting: Aefintyr campground is located in the hilly, wooded, blufflands of the Whitewater River Valley just north of the tiny town of Elba, MN. Views are primarily of the woods and valleys. The campground is off of a 2 lane county highway so there is some intermittent road noise. It is otherwise very peaceful and filled with the sounds of nature, including lots of birds and other wildlife.

        Aefintyr is a peaceful place with chill vibes and we like to keep it that way! It is not a place for parties or rowdy groups. We like to listen to nature, not loud music or rowdy people blabbering into the night. Please see our rules/polices to know what to expect.

        20240824

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Cabins

        $29 - $139 / night

      Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In La Crosse

      456 Reviews of 23 La Crosse Campgrounds


      • A
        Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Island City Campground
        Oct. 13, 2024

        Prairie Island City Campground

        Not my type of camping

        We went here as a last minute decision. We were placed in the middle of the seasonal crowd who were loud. Music was playing all day loud enough for half the campground to hear. When the music went up so did their conversations. I go for peace and quiet. If I wanted to be at a concert. I would have gone to a concert. Showers seemed ok but some areas to me seemed kinda junky.

      • Mike L.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sparta DNR Campground
        Sep. 27, 2024

        Sparta DNR Campground

        Non-resident upcharge ($30 vs. $15 plus fees)

        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). I made reservations at the Village of Norwalk and the town of Hillsboro instead. Both have City parks with free tent camping. Norwalk even has showers and RV spots. I've added both to The Dyrt library.

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Valley State Park
        Sep. 19, 2024

        Beaver Creek Valley State Park

        Beautiful & peaceful

        Very nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites.

        Very nice hiking trails, make sure to check the map to plan easy hike up and steep hike downhill! Beautiful vistas on the Switchback trail.

        The Mossy Seep trail has interesting plants and unique growth.

        Big Spring Trail boarders the campground, easy walk to see the Spring. Tried to dip feet in the water but couldn’t leave them in the COLD water for long! Water is crystal clear and flowing fast.

        Bathroom (men’s) if functional, has running water at the sinks and showers work well.

        NO PHONE SERVICE which we appreciated.

        The Restaurant “Good Times” is 4 miles away and has good food and service. Also a grocery store in town in case you need more supplies.

        Leaves are just starting to change in September.

      • A
        Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
        Sep. 18, 2024

        Schmidt Farm by Forestville

        A very peaceful camping experience

        If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you.   You can tell that the hosts have put a ton of work and love into their property and I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know them.   The campsites are large and kept up and I picked campsite two so that I could hear the creek behind me and I enjoyed hearing it the whole time I was there plus the Forestville State Park was just across the creek.   The peace and quiet allowed me to have one of the best nights of sleep while camping that I've had, I didn't hear a person or a vehicle the whole night and the crickets, frogs, and occasional hooting owl just added to the nighttime experience.

      • Karen S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
        Sep. 17, 2024

        Schmidt Farm by Forestville

        A quiet, back to nature experience under dark skies.

        This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others. Site locations offer ample space for multiple tents. The native wildflowers are a special treat.

      • Tanner D.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground
        Aug. 26, 2024

        Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground

        Great place to get away

        My wife and I went there for the weekend and it was great. Clean and spacious sites. The bathrooms were even clean. They also provided free showers. The wood was a reasonable price and easily available at any time of the day. It was also pet friendly. I do wish that they hadn't cleared away so many trees. A little more shade would have been nice since we were in a tent. But other than that was was perfect.

      • Jarrett G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Great River Bluffs State Park
        Aug. 7, 2024

        Great River Bluffs State Park

        One of my favorites!

        Beautiful area with very nice trails. 20-30 mins to Winona, 20 mins to La Crosse. Not a huge site selection, but very nice sites. My wife and I try to go there as much as we can!

      • Nanette M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground
        Aug. 5, 2024

        Sleepy Hollow Campground

        Horrible service

        My husband made a reservation for our 25th wedding anniversary and he was rushed in the hospital for an emergency surgery. We notified you 3 days in advance and you refused to give us even a partial refund! We only had that money to celebrate. You didn't even offer another date for us! We are now not able to enjoy our 25th! That's terrible that you will do nothing in such an emergency situation. I will be making this public in every venue I can. Disgusting that you will probably get paid by another person to stay there. How disappointing that you would offer us nothing! Very bad business.

      • wThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hixton - Alma Center KOA
        Aug. 5, 2024

        Hixton - Alma Center KOA

        Nice clean place to stop

        We were coming back from a koa in Minnesota and decided to stop for the night, nice clean campground and a beautiful heated pool. Definitely would go back again

      • KThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Perrot State Park
        Jul. 24, 2024

        Perrot State Park

        Private Sites Beautiful Park

        We spent 2 nights at this park and enjoyed our stay. The sites are well spaced and well separated by trees. The potable water has high nitrate levels so we had to buy drinking water as filters don’t remove nitrates.

      • Erin Z.
        Camper-submitted photo from Mill Bluff State Park
        Jul. 21, 2024

        Mill Bluff State Park

        Secluded, but noisy.

        We were at site #9, great spot for tent. There were only trees behind us and our neighbors were far enough way we had privacy. There was no electricity, but we charged our phones and my son’s iPad at the ranger station. There was no running water so bring sanitizer. The swimming pond was great and not rocky. The hikes were good but lots of mosquitoes which made it hard to enjoy. Wish there was more to do in the area. No showers and no electricity in the bathroom near our site.

      • T
        Camper-submitted photo from Whiskey Creek Family RV Park
        Jul. 7, 2024

        Whiskey Creek Family RV Park

        Great family park!

        This is a great destination RV park if you are looking for a family getaway or just a quiet trip for two. There is plenty to do at the park including a cool swimming pond with inflatables, live music most weekends, corn hole tournaments, Friday fish fry, and much more. My wife and I have a special needs adult son that they welcomed and fully accommodate. The park is clean and the staff are friendly and helpful. Sparta (Walmart plus other shops) is less than ten minutes away. The park is near an Amish community giving the region a great country feel.

      • Stacey N.
        Camper-submitted photo from Perrot State Park
        Jun. 9, 2024

        Perrot State Park

        Lovely!

        A newly paved road leads into the park with lots of gorgeous views along the way. Very friendly staff. Bathrooms buggy… to be expected… but clean. Shower has ample hot water. Some sites are close together but nicely wooded for privacy. Some sites have water views.

      • N
        Camper-submitted photo from Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground
        May. 29, 2024

        Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground

        Decent Camp Ground

        Book this campground last minute over the phone for a weekend of trout fishing in the driftless area. Fishing was great. The upper ridge campground did not have hardly any grass so it got muddy fast when it rained. The pit toilets were kind of dirty though toilet paper was always stocked so that’s a plus. I explored the other 3 campground at sidie hollow while I was there and this is my take. The main campground had nicer facilities and a play ground for kids. The boat landing campground is convenient if you have a boat. The upper ridge campground has the most shade out of all 3 campgrounds (cooler in the summer). The locals sell firewood for $5 a bundle which is awesome. I would stay at this campground again.

      • Tori L.
        Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
        May. 26, 2024

        Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

        Dream stay.

        Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.

      • Eugene O.
        Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
        May. 20, 2024

        Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

        Good campground, rude and unprofessional management

        If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.

      • E
        Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
        May. 20, 2024

        Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

        Management is beyond horrible. Very unprofessional.

        If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.

      • D
        Camper-submitted photo from Great River Bluffs State Park
        May. 14, 2024

        Great River Bluffs State Park

        Nice Weekend Get Away

        The cart in sites all have a fire pit with a grill, picnic table, and are a short walk from the primitive toilets. There is a water spigot in the parking area. They have 4-5 wheelbarrows to use as carts to get your stuff to the site. Each site could comfortably hold 3 to 4 tents. They are on a path for an out and back hike so expect some passers by. Cart in 1 and 2 are fairly close to the parking area and are less secluded from each other. 3 and 4 are more secluded. Site 3 offers more shade and 4 looks to have recently had some trees cut down and is fairly open air. Overall the trails are well maintained and accessible from the cart in area. They provide some nice views of the river and you can easily hike the area in a day. It’s by no means a secluded area if you’re looking to get away from road noise or other people. All in all it makes for a nice weekend getaway.

      • Jon M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Big Joes Little Campground
        Mar. 24, 2024

        Big Joes Little Campground

        Never Again

        It is not meant for weekenders. The campground is 97% concrete pad sites for people who want to park their camper and ent for the year. The two "weekender sites they do have are over 100 yards away and the water smells like sulphur. The owner will also personally take the time to drive out and chew you out if you inadvertently park on the grass. Bottom line, they care about getting their cash and trying to make it look like Augusta National golf course. I will never go back.

      • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Castle Mound Campground
        Sep. 17, 2023

        Castle Mound Campground

        Convenient stop from MN to Milwaukee

        We hadn't picked a place to camp in advance, because we wanted to see how far we could get on the drive. We were able to reserve a spot online at 8:30pm same-day on a Wednesday in July. Nice hot showers available for free.

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
        Sep. 15, 2023

        Houston Nature Center

        Great Campground for Cyclists

        Spacious, level, well kept, quiet. $10/night, which is great. Spotless showers and bathrooms, access to drinking water. The International Owl Center was a welcome discovery. Best tent campground on the Root River Trail.



      Guide to La Crosse

      Camping near La Crosse, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, kayak, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.

      What to do:

      • Hiking Trails: Explore the many trails available in the area. For instance, at Wyalusing State Park Campground, visitors rave about the "great hiking trails" and the "amazing sunsets." The trails provide stunning views of the Mississippi River and surrounding valleys.
      • Kayaking and Canoeing: The backwaters of the Mississippi are perfect for water activities. One reviewer at Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park mentioned, "Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi."
      • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Buckhorn State Park Campground enjoyed seeing an eagle fishing nearby, making it a great spot for birdwatching.

      What campers like:

      What you should know:

      Tips for camping with families:

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Pulpit Rock Campground mentioned, "Very small campground with sites right on top of each other."
      • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A reviewer at Minnesota Whitewater State Park noted, "Showers, water, dump station available here."
      • Electric Hookups: Ensure your site has electric hookups if needed. Campers at Wyalusing State Park Campground appreciated the availability of "electric hookups."

      Camping around La Crosse, WI, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the bugs and check your site details before you go!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near La Crosse, WI?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near La Crosse, WI is Houston Nature Center with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near La Crosse, WI?

        TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near La Crosse, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.