Camping options near Menomonie, Wisconsin include both rustic sites and more developed facilities within a 45-minute drive. The region's topography features rolling hills and river valleys with elevations ranging from 700-1,200 feet above sea level. The camping season in this area typically extends from April through November, with some facilities open year-round despite Wisconsin's winter temperatures that can drop below 0°F.
What to do
Hiking trails near lake views: At Lake Wissota State Park Campground, campers can access numerous walking and biking paths. "Beautiful shaded campground with semi private sites. Nice beach that is a walkable distance from the sites. Lots of walking, biking and horse trails that are full of wild berries," notes reviewer Donella L.
Paddling opportunities: Kayaking and canoeing options exist on local waterways. "We used it twice. You can also access the water via a 0.5m walk or by bikes on the main car road. Lovely waters - if you paddle North towards the park shoreline, there are shady places to tie up under white willow trees," reports Beth D.
Fall color viewing: The forested areas provide scenic fall displays. "Beautiful in the fall. This is a smaller Corps of Engineers park, lots of primitive sites and lots electric sites too. A smaller lake but no gas motors," states Jeff F. about Highland Ridge, making it a good choice for autumn camping near Menomonie.
Golf access: Some campgrounds provide proximity to golf courses. "The adjacent golf course is fun!" explains Kristin F. about Glen Hills Park Campground. This campground combines recreational activities with camping amenities within a short drive from Menomonie.
What campers like
Privacy and separation: Campers appreciate sites with natural barriers. "All sites are gravel/dirt (except for the ADA-accessible site), and most are very generous in size. Our site (7) sloped down but leveled out with plenty of room for our campervan at the bottom. All sites are wooded with trees providing separation/privacy between sites," reports Lee D. about Highland Ridge.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive positive mentions. "Good veiw, clean bathrooms with hot showers. Quiet," notes Luke V. about Highland Ridge. This consistent cleanliness extends to other facilities in the region as well.
River proximity: Sites near water features are popular. "Only campground that had open availability at the last minute. Everyone was very friendly and campground was clean. Fire pit and picnic table included. They were flexible on the check out time. It is a great place to stay if you want to float down the Chippewa River," says Anna about Eagle Ridge Campground.
Spacious sites: Larger campsites allow for comfortable setups. "Very clean, well maintained sites and group shelter area. The campground is convienent and easy to get to from many different directions," reports Brigid K. about Highland Ridge, highlighting the accessibility and maintenance standards.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Early and late season camping has unique characteristics. "We were just passing through and had a difficult time finding somewhere to stay since it's early April. This site was easily accessed off the highway and incredibly convenient to reserve online! $20 for a non-electric site got you a quiet, private site, perfect for a good night's sleep on the road," shares Molly K. about Highland Ridge.
Site selection matters: Different loops offer varying experiences. "Peninsula is the one with electric and is good and bad. The site really matters. We haven't been lucky when picking ours, though in fairness we've waited until the last minute to grab sites. Site 12 is wide open and you are on top of your neighbor. However, other sites look much better," explains Mike R. about Glen Hills Park.
Cell service variability: Coverage can be inconsistent. "AT&T service is spotty throughout the park with either 1 or 2 bars, although in the spring and fall when there's few leaves on the trees, service is fine," reports Deb M. about Highland Ridge, noting seasonal differences in connectivity.
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature hilly areas. "Many sites are placed on on incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill. Not a whole lot to do at the campground. Trails are in poor shape," cautions John W. about Highland Ridge.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas. "There is an interpretive center for Saturday evening ranger programs and a playground next to it," notes Mary S. about Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir. These facilities provide recreation options for children.
Water activities: Swimming areas attract families during summer months. "There is a small swimming area. At the campground, there was an interpretive center, but it was locked when we were there. There is also a nice, modern playground," shares Lee D. about Highland Ridge.
Proximity to road considerations: Some sites require extra attention with children. "The sites have a reasonable amount of space surrounding them. The road intrudes a bit too close for comfort, especially with having kids with," reports David K. about Twin Springs Resort Campground, highlighting a safety consideration.
Natural playground options: Unique play structures exist at certain locations. "There is a beach, but you need to drive out of the park to access. There is a 'natural playground' by the beach, which is very creative and the kids easily pass a couple hours there," explains John W. about Glen Hills Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: RV campers should prepare for varied terrain. "Sites 28-38 are on a loop with a picnic pavilion in the middle with some openings for sun on the road and in the picnic area. Other than that, the rest of the campground is rather dark all the time," explains Mary S. about Highland Ridge, noting the importance of site selection for solar panels.
Electric hookup locations: Power availability varies by campground. "Cost is $20/$16 for electric/non-electric. This is an Army Corps of Engineers park which means you pay $10/$8 if you have an NPS Lifetime Senior Pass," shares Mary S. about Highland Ridge, noting the cost difference.
Dump station access: Waste disposal facilities are important for extended stays. "There is a little dump station near the entrance where we got potable water and will dump on the way out," mentions Laurel about Highland Ridge, highlighting the combined water and waste service areas.
Site navigation challenges: Some areas require careful maneuvering. "We've now camped here 4 times.... This is a beautiful, densely wooded campground with fairly well spaced sites. Some sites on the short loop (28-38) are a bit smaller and slope down from the road, so be careful of the site's size when booking. Our 29' trailer would have been a challenging fit in some of those sites," advises Deb M. about Willow River State Park Campground.
