Glamping options near Manawa, Wisconsin center around the Wolf River watershed, with elevations ranging from 750-850 feet above sea level in this glaciated landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, creating ideal conditions for lakeside camping between May and September. Most glamping resorts operate seasonally with limited availability during peak summer weekends.
What to do
Water recreation opportunities: Fremont RV Campground offers direct water access with multiple reviewers highlighting the appeal. "Great waterfront camping. Great outdoor waterpark. Fun dance for kids on Saturday night," notes Lucas S., who gave the campground five stars.
Wildlife viewing: Fremont RV Campground provides unexpected wildlife encounters even for short stays. "Everything was great overall, but most of all my son was pretty enamored by all of the awesome wildlife we saw on the strip. Might've been the time of year but it was just beautiful," reports Melissa B.
Family activities: Pine Grove Campground schedules themed weekends throughout the season. "This weekend there was a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas (one of our favorites) and loads of cool decked out campsites," shares Jaime N., noting the campground's early Halloween celebrations.
Swimming options: Many area campgrounds offer swimming in both pools and natural water features. Joe W. explains, "Has a nice sand beach with clear water for swimming, as well as a pool area that are both great for the kids."
What campers like
Natural water features: Tilleda Falls Campground centers around a small waterfall that creates a peaceful atmosphere. "On the Embarrass River, a lovely small cascading falls and swimming area. Small store, nicely maintained grounds," writes Mary P., who appreciated the riverside location.
Organized activities: Evergreen Campsites and Resort provides programmed events for families. "We visited Evergreen for the first time over the July 4th weekend... The guests were all SO courteous, pleasant and a joy to be around! The campground is immaculate and the amenities were top rate!" reports Cynthia S.
Close-to-nature accommodations: Campgrounds in the area maximize natural views despite compact layouts. David K. observed at Tilleda Falls, "The Falls are a beautiful little site which the campsites themselves manage to wrap around to maximize the space and fit spaces for all to enjoy."
Family entertainment options: Area campgrounds typically offer multiple recreation options in a single location. Brent G. shared that Fremont RV Campground has "Tons of activities for kids and adults. Water parks, mini golf, playgrounds, arcade, train rides."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most glamping sites in the Manawa area operate from mid-April through mid-October, with limited off-season options. Blue Top Resort & Campground operates from "Apr 15 - Oct 31" according to its season information.
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds have tightly positioned sites with minimal privacy. Christopher S. noted about S'Mores Campground, "The campsites were ON TOP of each other... It was, however, very quiet and family friendly."
Variable pricing: Area campgrounds often charge extra for amenities beyond basic site fees. Sarah J. found at Pine Grove Campground, "To rent a paddle board it was $15 per hour... $50 to rent a golf cart. Even the wagon ride thru the campground was an extra cost."
Cell service limitations: Network coverage varies significantly in the Wolf River area. Cynthia S. reported, "One thing guests should know, the only cell service available in the area is AT&T. As a Verizon subscriber, we were completely off grid the entire weekend, unless we used our car as a hotspot."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Many campgrounds offer kid-specific zones. Cassie W. describes S'Mores Campground as a "Small campground but it's nice and has a pool and playground plus a lake."
Check for themed weekends: Schedule your visit during special event weekends for added entertainment value. Amy S. recommends, "Event weekends and they are a blast. We were there during western weekend so much fun!"
Choose appropriate sites: Waupaca S'more Fun Campground offers varying levels of service for different family needs. Anne H. explains, "Park has several types of sites available, some rustic, some full service and some in-between. Park is very wooded, campsites are close together."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds maintain quieter atmospheres than others. Kris W. notes about Waupaca S'more Fun, "The owners are very personable. There are no golf carts to watch out for. The owners have one to deliver wood to your campsite but other than that, there are no others."
Tips from RVers
Choose sites based on size needs: Big rig access varies significantly between campgrounds. Marge reported about Blue Top Resort & Campground, "It offers RV pull through sites with electric and water... I only gave it 4 stars because we prefer full hookup but they did offer pump out service for a small fee."
Consider seasonal length: For longer stays, ask about seasonal options. Matthew J. noted at Crazy Js Campground, "Seasonals weren't very friendly... The sites were stacked on top of each other, nothing in between for any type of privacy."
Book well in advance for holidays: Holiday weekends fill quickly at the more popular campgrounds. Scott B. warns about Fremont RV Campground, "We stayed here for a night to visit Union Farm Cheese Factory. The campground was expensive at 80$ for water and electric only on a dirt pull through."
