Big Eau Pleine Park Campground spans 1,450 acres with campsites divided between the West Unit and South Unit. The park offers 106 total sites with approximately 60 featuring electrical hookups. Daily fees range from $18 for non-electric sites to $23 for lakefront electric sites. This peninsula-shaped property provides equestrian camping opportunities within a 45-minute drive of Marshfield, Wisconsin.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Big Eau Pleine Park features a scenic wooded disc golf course available for day use with a small fee. As camper Nicole H. notes, "Heads up there is a daily fee for disk golf course. For those requiring cell service, I had 3 bars LTE with Verizon at my site."
Trail riding options: Wild West Campground & Corral provides a peaceful environment for riders. According to Dave S., "Being able to watch the horses was very calming. This was quiet and peaceful." The campground is situated on a double dead-end road minimizing traffic for horse riders.
Water activities: Enjoy swimming and fishing at Marathon County Dells of the Eau Claire Park when conditions permit. Raechel S. explains, "The most epic part of the place is the Eau Claire river with the rocks and mini water falls. In the summertime you will see people all over the rocks swimming/sun bathing/having picnics."
Wood-fired pizza nights: Wedges Creek Hideaway offers special dining events during summer months. Jeff V. shares that they host "popular brick oven pizza and live music weekends in the summer. Check our schedule, book ahead and come unwind with us!"
What campers like
Handicap accessible options: Big Eau Pleine Park provides dedicated sites for campers with mobility needs. Debra explains, "I camped on the handicap site as I am disabled. The site is near the bathroom which is good it's a nice big site. It was big enough for an camper and a tent."
Clean, spacious bathrooms: Horse-friendly campgrounds near Marshfield maintain good bathroom facilities. Amy G. from Wedges Creek Hideaway reports, "One of the largest, cleanest bathrooms I've seen. Women's had 2 sinks with a large vanity area, about 3 stalls and two very large shower stalls with full doors - not shower curtains. Heated as well."
Natural surroundings: Lakeside Fire Campground & Waterpark offers more comfort than expected while maintaining natural elements. Glenn T. shares, "Not our typical type of campground but absolutely no complaints. Very friendly atmosphere and more comfortable sized sites than we expected considering what we typically look for."
Group camping facilities: Big Eau Pleine Park accommodates larger parties with dedicated areas. Lori S. points out, "Group site is still a good deal. They've added electric for at least 8-10 campers. Big site. Your own covered picnic area."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: At certain times, Big Eau Pleine Park experiences algae issues. According to Lori S., "The water quality suffers from green algae almost the entire season. Fishing can be good. No longer good for nocturnal carp due to water."
Limited firewood sales hours: Plan ahead for evening campfires at Big Eau Pleine Park Campground. Nicole H. advises, "Firewood permits are required and only sold from 8am - 8pm. The permit lasts for one day and can only be purchased from one location."
Enforcement of rules: Some equestrian campgrounds near Marshfield, Wisconsin enforce regulations strictly. One camper notes, "The rangers and camp hosts will give you tickets for EVERYTHING. There's no guest parking anywhere near the campsites and they'll write you a ticket if you park by the bathrooms."
Seasonal operations: Most horse camping facilities in the region operate May through October with varying amenities. Concrete outhouses serve as restroom facilities at several locations, with some lacking lighting after dark.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Big Eau Pleine Park offers chances to observe local fauna. Walter W. shares, "Great getaway. Big mature forest with water access, boat launches, swimming, fishing. Camping sites are very nice and level w majority elec. Wood available for fires an reasonable. Trails for hiking and lots of wildlife. Kids will love it."
Multiple activity options: Marathon County Dells of the Eau Claire Park provides varied terrain for family exploration. "The weekends are busy there all summer long. There is a beach area but sometimes it gets washed out pretty bad. We like going and hiking there too," notes Raechel S.
Ice cream available: Lakeside Fire Campground includes treats for younger campers. Chi M. simply states, "Ice cream Shop in hot Dog," indicating food options appealing to children.
Privacy between sites: Consider site layout when booking with children. Nicole H. notes about Big Eau Pleine Park, "Sites have a little bit of trees between for privacy. Lots of families. Lots of stuff to do."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup reliability: Check connection status upon arrival at equestrian campgrounds. Jenny B. recounts at Big Eau Pleine Park, "The electric did not work on our site they were very helpful and getting us a different one I would go back again."
Rustic alternatives: Wedges Creek Hideaway offers cabin options for those without RVs seeking horse camping near Marshfield. Amy G. explains, "This is a sawmill that has it all - they run the mill when needed, but also have primitive cabins, full cabins with in house bath, electric RV/tent camping and more."
Dump station fees: Plan for additional costs when using sanitation facilities. Lori S. notes at Big Eau Pleine Park, "No water. You now pay to dump your waste. Price is right for a county site."
Site leveling: Most electric sites at Big Eau Pleine Park provide level ground suitable for RV camping, according to Walter W. who describes the "camping sites are very nice and level w majority elec."
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