Wisconsin's northwoods region surrounding Marion features a mix of deciduous and evergreen forests interspersed with natural lakes and river systems. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F during camping season, with evening temperatures dropping to 50-60°F. The terrain varies from flat lakeshores to gently rolling woodland, creating diverse camping experiences across the area's established campgrounds and glamping options.
What to do
Water activities at Tilleda Falls: Visitors can enjoy the Embarrass River's cascading waterfalls while swimming and fishing. According to a camper, "Beautiful, friendly campground. Swimming area, waterfall, steam, fishing. This camp has it all. Some season campers, some overnights." (Tilleda Falls Campground)
Outdoor movie nights: Several campgrounds host outdoor cinema experiences during summer months. At Pine Grove Campground, a visitor noted, "This weekend there was a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas (one of our favorites) and loads of cool decked out campsites... outdoor movies, a full size haunted house!"
Mini-golf and arcade games: Many family-oriented campgrounds feature recreation centers with games. A visitor to Pine Grove Campground shared, "Lots for kids to do in their kid-friendly pool, arcade, park, and bounce house area that our group of kids loved."
Kayaking and canoeing: Multiple campgrounds offer watercraft rentals for lake exploration. At Boot Lake Campground, a visitor advised, "Spent several hours kayaking & fishing on Boot Lake, along with several other lakes in the area. Be sure to get your firewood & ice in town, as there is none available in the campground."
What campers like
Heated swimming pools: When lake temperatures are too cold, heated pools provide a swimming alternative. At S'Mores Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "Right next to the pool was a huge and brand new kids play area. They also have rock mining for kids located by the pool which the kids loved."
Themed weekends: Many campgrounds host special event weekends with unique activities. A camper at Pine Grove Campground shared, "Very nice campground!! Kid friendly, Clean, Friendly staff. Event weekends and they are a blast. we were there during western weekend so much fun!"
Lakefront camping sites: Direct water access appeals to many visitors. At Boot Lake Campground, a camper reported, "We had an awesome campsite with access to the lake right from our site. Spent several hours kayaking & fishing on Boot Lake, along with several other lakes in the area."
Seasonal schedule: Most glamping accommodations near Marion operate from May through October, with some climate-controlled options available for shoulder seasons. A visitor at Waupaca S'more Fun Campground noted, "Park has several types of sites available, some rustic, some full service and some in-between."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: While some campgrounds accept online reservations, others operate first-come, first-served. A Boot Lake visitor shared, "Normally this campsite takes reservations but for 2020 it's strictly first come, first serve. We lucked out and managed to snag one of the better sites (#14) on the lake."
Site privacy differences: Campsite spacing and privacy can vary significantly. At Crazy Js Campground, a visitor observed, "The sites were stacked on top of each other, nothing in between for any type of privacy."
Additional fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for amenities. One visitor noted at Pine Grove, "To rent a paddle board it was $15 per hour. By the time you got them, got in the water, it cost us $45 for 3 kids for way less than an hour. $50 to rent a golf cart."
Seasonal campsite proportions: Many campgrounds maintain a mix of short-term and seasonal sites. At Captains Cove Resort, a visitor mentioned, "Love this camp ground, but they definitely pack it in. Always a good time and party when we're there....but that's what we're looking for."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Dedicated play areas provide entertainment for children. A visitor to Fremont RV Campground shared, "Great waterfront camping. Great outdoor waterpark. Fun dance for kids on Saturday night."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Natural settings allow for animal encounters. One camper mentioned, "Everything was great overall, but most of all my son was pretty enamored by all of the awesome wildlife we saw on the strip."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events. A Pine Grove Campground visitor shared, "As a father with 3 young kids, I thoroughly enjoy this camp for the activities and amenities available. The water area is a favorite for kids and the grounds sport plenty of things to grab their attention from mini-golf to the lake."
Quiet hours enforcement: Family-friendly campgrounds typically enforce noise regulations. A visitor at Waupaca S'more Fun Campground noted, "We were there over Memorial Day weekend and despite the park being full, it was still very peaceful."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Blue Top Resort & Campground, a visitor stated, "It offers RV pull through sites with electric and water. Along with a variety of other type of sites. There are many seasonal campsites. It is very clean and well run."
Hookup limitations: Full-service sites are limited at some campgrounds. One RVer noted, "I only gave it 4 stars because we prefer full hookup but they did offer pump out service for a small fee. Great location with lots of things to do in the area."
Campground access: Roads within some properties can be challenging for larger vehicles. A Tilleda Falls visitor observed, "Well maintained and easy to maneuver around. Quiet and enough sun and shade for everyone."
Winter storage options: Several campgrounds that offer glamping near Marion provide seasonal storage for RVs, allowing visitors to leave their rigs on-site between visits rather than towing them home.
