Grant River Recreation Area sits along the Mississippi River near Lancaster, Wisconsin, in the heart of the state's Driftless Area. This region wasn't flattened by glaciers during the last ice age, resulting in rolling hills and unique bluff formations. At many campsites, visitors can experience direct river views while contending with trains that pass nearby every 30-90 minutes.
What to do
Enjoy river activities: Grant River Recreation Area offers direct access to the Mississippi River for fishing and watching passing boats. "It's right on the Mississippi, and that's it's shining quality. Park was really well maintained," noted one camper.
Hiking trails: Nelson Dewey State Park Campground features several trails appropriate for various skill levels. "Clean restrooms, park and trails. Good views of the Mississippi while hiking. Trails are good for beginners and moderate hikers," according to a visitor who appreciated the accessible terrain.
Local exploration: The area around Lancaster offers interesting geological features including the Spring Green Desert conservancy. "Don't forget the Spring Green Desert conservancy nearby. Who knew there were cactuses in Wisconsin? Total hike is about 3.2 miles round trip, with a gorgeous view of the valley," shares a camper who stayed at Wisconsin Riverside Resort.
What campers like
River views: Campsites with Mississippi River views are highly valued. "Nice views of the Iowa and Wisconsin Mississippi River bluffs," reports one visitor to Grant River Recreation Area, though they noted there's "lots of noise from the railroad that has a train every 30 min."
Walk-in sites: For those seeking more privacy and scenic views, walk-in sites offer special appeal. At Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, a camper advised: "We stayed in walk-in site C, which the furthest site from the parking lot. Arrive before dark!! The wheelbarrows provided are a lifesaver, the trail to the site is manageable until the last 50 feet, which is steep and rocky."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain high cleanliness standards. One camper at Cox Hollow Campground noted, "Bathrooms were clean but a little dated. Didn't see hooks in the shower stalls."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near many campgrounds in the area. "Stop here on a whim. Loved the view of the the Mississippi River. But, the trains going by during the night was a bit annoying. Though, would not stop me from camping here again," mentioned a visitor to Grant River Recreation Area.
Weather considerations: Spring and fall camping may involve significant temperature changes. "We stayed in a pull thru site. The camp fire was located under a tree. We didn't have a fire. It's a little unusual location," noted a camper at Wisconsin Riverside Resort, showing how site-specific features can affect your experience.
Rocky tent pads: Some campsites have challenging terrain for tent setup. A visitor to Blanding Landing observed, "Sites by the river don't have much shade. Sites by the tracks are the most 'wooded' but also right near the trains."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Wisconsin Riverside Resort offers multiple water activities suitable for different ages. "There is a decent sized pool that is clean and well-maintained with a smaller kiddie pool with a slide. There is also a man-made lake with a beach for swimming and bigger kids to enjoy the large inflatable slides and swim platforms."
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Boulder Creek Campground is noted for being "great for kids! The water attractions are great for the kiddos and the cabins aren't half bad either!"
Educational opportunities: The region offers natural learning experiences. Swiss Valley County Park includes educational resources: "has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails," making it suitable for families interested in learning about local ecology.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many RV sites near Lancaster have specific characteristics to consider. At Palace Campground, "The sites are VERY close together but we were next to very nice people, if you like space you won't like this."
Seasonal flooding: Weather can affect campsite conditions. A visitor to Boulder Creek Campground reported, "Can flood with a good downpour. Nice cabins. Close to railroad tracks so you will hear the trains go by."
Amenities: RV campers appreciate the available services. One visitor to Swiss Valley County Park commented, "This is one of the best RV parks we have stayed in awhile. Meticulously maintain with good size, level sites. We had a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby."
