Campsites near Menomonie, Wisconsin offer diverse terrain options across the Chippewa Valley region, with elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet. Most campgrounds remain open from early May through October, with several experiencing high occupancy rates during summer weekends when temperatures typically range from 75-85°F. Seasonal considerations affect site availability and ground conditions throughout the camping season.
What to do
Paddle the Chippewa River: Campers staying at Eagle Ridge Campground can access river activities nearby. "It is a great place to stay if you want to float down the Chippewa River, Loopy's the bar in town will shuttle you to and from the campsite and drop you off with their tubes at the river!" notes Anna.
Explore wooded hiking trails: The Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir campground offers various hiking options. "Great campground and been here many times. Plenty of wildlife and can hear the owls talking to each other," says David G., highlighting the natural surroundings.
Visit local attractions: The area around Menomonie provides easy access to small-town amenities. "We went on a hike that showed off the wonderful bluffs along the Mississippi. As far as camping in Minnesota goes we prefer the options on the North Shore, but really enjoyed Frontenac and will be back to continue exploring," reports Peter R.
What campers like
Spacious, secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at Highland Ridge Campground in Spring Valley. "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," explains Lee D.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The wooded settings provide chances to observe local fauna. "Great for hiking and kayaking/canoeing is near by," notes David E. about Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir, emphasizing its natural setting.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of Lake Wissota State Park Campground. "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. Several stairways down to the lake, no beach at these spots but good for taking the dog in the water since they aren't allowed on the beach," explains Donella L.
What you should know
Varying site conditions: Terrain can differ significantly within the same campground. "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," mentions John W. about Highland Ridge.
Water access considerations: Not all sites provide direct water access. "The lake is non-motor only," notes Shelly E. about Nugget Lake County Park, which offers a different experience than larger lakes in the region.
Seasonal fluctuations: Weather impacts site conditions throughout the year. "We decided to make a spontaneous camping trip one weekend and found ourselves at Frontenac. The cart-in site we were at was very spacious but wasn't as secluded as we would have hoped. We didn't feel claustrophobic by any means but we could see several other sites from ours. We went early in the year and maybe the summer growth solves that problem," explains Peter R.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Some locations offer dedicated play areas. "There is a nice, modern playground," mentions Mary S. about Highland Ridge. This provides entertainment options beyond hiking and water activities.
Consider camper cabins: For families wanting a more comfortable pet friendly camping experience near Menomonie, Wisconsin, check availability of cabins. "The camper cabins are really nice. They have two rooms, a sleeping room and a front room. The sleeping room has 2 bunk beds (4 beds.) The front room has a mini fridge, coffeemaker, toaster, microwave, and a futon," shares Shelly E. about Nugget Lake County Park.
Find pet-friendly beaches: Willow River State Park Campground provides excellent hiking with water features. "Huge park, you can climb the cliffs surrounding the falls and there are plenty of trail both paved and unpaved," mentions Arielle P., highlighting the diverse terrain options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose carefully when booking RV sites. "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. from Highland Ridge.
Utilities and hookups: Availability varies between campgrounds. "About a dozen sites with picnic tables on a grassy large circle. About half or more have electric hookups. Toilets are a short walk past the campground entrance," notes Dennis L. about Butternut Park, providing essential information for RV campers seeking pet-friendly camping options near Menomonie.
Internet connectivity: Working campers should research connection options. "If you've been anywhere in Minnesota or Wisconsin, you know about all the trees! As other reviews mention, 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. HOWEVER, the other half of the campground is within a super treed area, so we got to pick!" shares Whistle P. about Eagle Ridge Campground.
