Camping in the Kickapoo Valley near La Farge, Wisconsin offers access to spring-fed trout streams, limestone cliffs, and elevations ranging from 820 to 1200 feet throughout the driftless region. Campgrounds in this area average 25-30 sites per location, with most open seasonally from April 15 to October 15 due to the region's cold winters when temperatures can drop below 0°F.
What to do
Explore the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail: Access this historic rails-to-trails project directly from Tunnel Trail Campground. "The Elroy Sparta Bike Trail, North America's first rails-to-trails project, runs through the Tunnel Trail Campground. The campground is very nice, especially for tents and smaller campers and caters to bicyclists," notes Cindy B.
Go trout fishing: The Bad Axe River and local ponds provide excellent fishing opportunities. "There is good trout fishing at this campground. Recommended spots are one of the 5 ponds or the Bad Axe River," shares a camper at Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park.
Kayak the Kickapoo River: The winding waterway offers a full day's adventure. "From OntarioWI to Lafarge WI the creek is over 22 miles. Campsites spacious, wooded and a-lot of hiking trails," reports loren S. about Kickapoo Valley Reserve.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: With minimal light pollution, night skies are remarkable. "No ambient polluty, stars magnificent," says loren S. about the Kickapoo Valley Reserve experience.
Spacious sites with natural privacy: Many campgrounds offer generous site spacing. "We hiked in to Site C. It was maybe around a half mile walk from the closest parking... The site itself was huge. You could easily fit 10 people," notes Sean M. about Kickapoo Valley Reserve.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain good bathroom and shower facilities. "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," writes Tanner D. about Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground.
Convenient location: The area serves as a good base for exploring the driftless region. "The winding roads that lead to this special little park show some of Wisconsin's prettiest views. Definitely even worth a day trip," shares Sara M. about Sidie Hollow County Main Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Prepare for minimal connectivity. "You will have patchy phone coverage. If that's what you are looking for, then you will find it here," advises Sara M. about Sidie Hollow Park.
Campsite reservations: For popular weekends, book ahead. "Reservations are not always necessary but if you a planning on camping on holiday weekends or wanting electric sites book in advanced," recommends a camper at Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park.
Primitive site preparations: Some areas require additional planning. "The closest potable water source and bathroom are back at the visitor center which is a 10 minute drive. Bring a good water filter and something to gather firewood with," advises Sean M. about Kickapoo Valley Reserve.
Limited grass at some sites: Ground cover varies by location. "The upper ridge campground did not have hardly any grass so it got muddy fast when it rained," notes Noah V. about Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with play areas. "The main campground had nicer facilities and a play ground for kids," observes Noah V. when comparing the different areas of Sidie Hollow Park Ridge Campground.
Swimming opportunities: Some campgrounds offer pools for children. "The pool opened the day we got there and my kids enjoyed it although it was definitely to cold for me. Frogs pulled us to sleep the first night but disappeared the second," shares Alexander V. about Tunnel Trail Campground.
Creek exploration: Children enjoy wading in the small streams. "Our site was pretty level and located near a creek which runs though the middle of the campground. My kids enjoyed playing in that," adds Alexander V.
Local treats: Unique local experiences add to family memories. "The Amish come through on weekends and sell candy and bakery out of their horse and buggy," notes Laura B. about Tunnel Trail Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Water / electric sites have gravel drives. Not all level," warns Stan P. about Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground.
Maneuverability challenges: Larger rigs may struggle at certain campgrounds. "We had difficulty getting to our site as tight corners for rigs 38 feet or more," cautions Becky M. about Tunnel Trail Campground.
Hookup options: La Farge City Park offers good amenities for RVers. "I parked my 34' travel trailer with no problem. They have 50amp service and potable water halfway up the hill. They do have showers, bring your quarters," advises Bob M.
Dog friendly campgrounds near La Farge: Most sites welcome pets with standard leash requirements. "It was also pet friendly," mentions Tanner D. about Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground, reflecting the general pet policies at campgrounds throughout the region.
