Camping near Menomonie, Wisconsin offers diverse landscapes from riverside sites to pine-filled woodlands across the Chippewa Valley region. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, while nights can drop into the 50s even in July. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 800-1,000 feet above sea level, creating moderate hiking conditions suitable for most experience levels.
What to do
River activities: Chippewa River access through Eagle Ridge Campground provides options for water recreation. "Nice walking path to the river," notes Alix M., who adds the "staff was friendly, and the grounds were super clean!" Perfect for tubing trips during summer months when water levels are optimal.
Hiking trails: Explore wooded paths at Lake Wissota State Park Campground, where one visitor shared, "We went on a 5-mile hike through fern and pine forests, prairie and grassland habitats, and an abandoned beaver pond." Trails range from easy 1-mile loops to more challenging routes with elevation changes.
Winter activities: Snowshoeing opportunities exist at several parks when snow conditions permit, typically December through March. "Beautiful shaded campground with semi private sites," notes Donella L., who recommends the "lots of walking, biking and horse trails that are full of wild berries" during warmer months.
What campers like
Private camping spaces: Visitors appreciate the secluded nature of sites at Kruger Campground where Nick G. notes, "Sites are very private. Has beautiful trails. Next to the river great for exploring and fishing." The campground offers natural buffers between sites for added privacy.
Waterfront accessibility: Many campers value direct water access. At Stockholm Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned it's "Small nicely maintained campground along the Mississippi River with great views and boat launch. The town of Stockholm is an easy walk with restaurants, baker, gift shops, and art gallery."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently note the well-maintained bathrooms and showers at Eagle Ridge Campground. "Bathhouse clean... decent rec area for kids including sand volleyball court," observed Beth B., who appreciated the additional recreational amenities during her stay.
What you should know
Train proximity: Some riverside campgrounds have nearby train tracks. At Stockholm Park Campground, a reviewer warned, "Trains come by every 15-30 minutes just feet away from camp site," which can impact light sleepers.
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity peaks from late May through August. "Very woodsy! Mosquitoes, gnats, and bugs galore," reports Hannah E. about Lake Wissota State Park Campground, suggesting bug spray as an essential item during summer months.
Glamping close to Menomonie, Wisconsin: For those seeking more comfortable accommodations, Red Cedar Glamping offers yurt camping with amenities. The property features "NO alcohol-allowed" and "NO pets-allowed" policies, so plan accordingly if these restrictions affect your trip.
Tips for camping with families
Beach options: Lake Wissota State Park Campground offers swimming areas for children. "Nice beach that is a walkable distance from the sites," according to Donella L., who adds there are "free yard games that can be checked out at the visitor center" - perfect for family entertainment.
Safety considerations: Some hiking trails have terrain challenges for small children. Donella L. notes Lake Wissota has "several stairways down to the lake" which might require supervision with young children. She calls it "a great family destination, not so great for a peaceful couples weekend."
Park activities: Many parks offer junior ranger programs during summer weekends. A visitor at Afton State Park Campground shared, "Lots of hiking. Nice campsites. Beautiful park," providing numerous options to keep children engaged with nature.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Chippewa County Pine Point Campground, David G. advises, "Others are quite small and tight for big rigs. Their measurements on their website are accurate. We arrived and didn't think we would fit but did."
Utility considerations: Check hookup availability before booking. "There are electric hookups" at Stockholm Park Campground, but Karen M. cautions "you need to fill up on water before arriving," highlighting the need to plan for water access.
Satellite considerations: For those working remotely while glamping near Menomonie, Wisconsin, connectivity matters. One camper at Eagle Ridge notes, "This campground has a large grassy area - that gives a 100% clear obstruction for Starlink. We work full time, so this was important for us."
