The Lancaster area sits within Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Region, featuring unique rolling hills and ridges untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. Camping options near Lancaster span across Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois state lines, with many sites offering Mississippi River views. Local campgrounds experience seasonal operation patterns, typically closing between late October and mid-April due to the region's cold winters.
What to do
River activities: At Skip-A-Way Resort in Clermont, campers can enjoy various water activities. "They have mini golf but you have to pay 8 dollars for that. You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have river rafting, a playground for little kids, and a mini horse for petting. Lots of things for kids to do!" reports jeremiah B.
Mississippi River wildlife viewing: The bluffs along the river provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. At Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, campers report remarkable experiences: "The views are stunning. There was a pair of bald eagles in a nest down by the river - bring binoculars!" notes Steph P.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. "Hiking trails, fire wood for sale on site. Lots of picnic sites along the bluff," mentions Rebecca B. about Nelson Dewey State Park. Another camper adds, "Trails are good for beginners and moderate hikers" with "good views of the Mississippi while hiking."
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many campers appreciate sites directly on or overlooking water. At Blanding Landing in Hanover, IL, campers enjoy the riverside setting. "Overall nice campground. Sites by the river don't have much shade. Sites by the tracks are the most 'wooded'," observes Mary S.
Clean facilities: Multiple reviewers highlight exceptionally clean bathrooms and showers. At Rustic Barn Campground RV Park, Lee D. noted: "Very clean as were the showers. There are many activities offered, including a dog park, basketball, horseshoes, games (cornhole, large checkerboard, and others), a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles, and a pool table."
Park maintenance: Campers frequently comment on well-maintained grounds. One camper at Rustic Barn noted, "This is an extremely well maintained park with large pull thru sites, level sites with plenty of room, free wifi, and some of the cleanest bath/shower houses you'll find anywhere."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active train tracks, which affects the camping experience. At Grant River Recreation Area in Potosi, campers report: "Railroad tracks border the campground. Train horns are loud and was awaken at 3 am." Another camper adds, "A railroad mainline ran along the campground. Our site was about 100 ft from rail and campground was where train would blow their whistle. Until midnight, trains went by about every 1/2 hour."
Seasonal operation: Most rv campgrounds near Lancaster, Wisconsin close during winter months. Rustic Barn operates from "April 13 to October 31" while Blanding Landing runs from "May 9 to October 25" and Grant River from "May 1 - Oct 21."
Site variations: Campgrounds offer different site types with varying amenities and conditions. At Nelson Dewey, "The wheelbarrows provided are a lifesaver, the trail to the site is manageable until the last 50 feet, which is steep and rocky." Another camper reports, "Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Families with children should consider campgrounds with swimming areas. At Off Shore RV Park, James M. reports the "Resort has many options: even camp sites, 4 villas, resort inn rooms. Resort has restaurant, playground, water park."
Child-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas and organized activities. Skip-A-Way Resort offers "a beach for swimming" and "a playground for little kids, and a mini horse for petting."
Easy access sites: For families with young children or lots of gear, choose sites with minimal hiking required. At Rustic Barn Campground, "All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park."
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: RV campers should note the surface conditions when booking. At Coconut Cove RV Resort by Journey, despite excellent amenities, Kacey reports: "Catering to RV life style with lots of amenities such as restaurant, beach bar, water feature with floating water obstacle course, pool and more."
Hookup configurations: Lancaster area rv campgrounds offer various hookup options. At Rustic Barn, campers note sites have "various amenities. Some are long pull-throughs, some are back-in, some have 30 amp with or without a patio, and some have 50-amp electric with or without a patio."
Leveling requirements: Several reviewers mention leveling challenges at certain campgrounds. At Rustic Barn, one camper noted: "Unfortunately our site 26 seemed to be the most in level, which was our only negative. We had to use all our blocks to get us as level as possible."
