Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Merrill, WI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Merrill, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"Stayed here one night while driving home from Lake Superior. I found this to be a pricey evening as you have to pay for a day use fee as well as a camping fee."
"Beautiful forest, boating, dam views along the Wisconsin River."
"We camped here in May not much for skeeters, good sites on the lake with a fire pit on a dead end road with a boat landing."
"The park includes the scenic Wisconsin River Segment of the Ice Age Trail. There is only pit toilets here, no showers. There is only 7 sites."
"The sites are a decent size and it's right on the Ice Age Trail with lots of hiking to be enjoyed right from your camp site."
"The evening is mostly quiet, but with traffic noise from the outside of the park streets and occasional loud vehicles that can be disruptive. Morning was largely quiet as well."
"Very ample space except near the water. Multiple small lakes around the area. Can set up camp anywhere but the road really."
"Along both sides of the river are some of the best walking trails in the area. The scenery is beautiful such as the natural rock formations. There is also a playground for kids."
"The hiking trails are great and go all the way out to the Ice Age trails. It goes along the river. Very scenic. Ran into a bear around Xmas time, during a warm winter!"
$22 - $37 / night
"Plenty of walking gravel roads on camp grounds.
Family and ATV riders oriented."
"There is a dump station nearby behind the city garage for $10. There are vault toilets with free showers. The sites have immediate access to the river for fishing."
$18 - $23 / night
"This gorgeous county park in Marathon County, Wisconsin is 1,450 acres of mixed hardwoods forming a two-mile peninsula jutting out deep into the waters of the Big Eau Pleine Flowage."
"we stayed in the west loop. sites were large and private. firewood available at the campground. beach and lake are beautiful. fish jumping all day long. hiking was really nice. we’ll maintained trails."
ScoutCheck yourself in and don’t expect to be welcomed by staff. Restrooms are filthy. Office, restaurant and bar only open Thursday through Saturday. When we messaged to ask when the restrooms will be cleaned, it took 2 days and a phone call to respond. Of you like customer service and clean facilities, this is not for you. There are more campgrounds to choose from in the area.
ScoutThis was our first camping trip as a group with 12 people and 4 cars in July 2023.
Biggest con was how open/unshaded our site was. We didn’t mind but didn’t love being as close to the other group sites as well.
We enjoyed being able to rent kayaks and paddleboards and relax on the beach. We also liked the proximity to the pit/vault toilet and water pump.
Probably won’t return as a group but had a great time!
ScoutGreat place, pretty trails. This campground just put in a dump station this year which also includes portable water to fill up your tank. Our site is connected to another site so we made sure to get both sites with friends and it worked out great. Couldn't swim due to a high bacteria in the water. No reception for verizon users. Tmoblie had a bar but spotty.
TravelerIt’s a small campground just 10 sites along a road but the back of each site has a small clearing to the water, there is a boat launch down the road which we utilized. Overall very nice campground for a first trip. very affordable.
TravelerIt’s small but the sites are nice with electric and water. A police officer even held traffic at bay and guided me into the site.
TravelerGreat little city park in the town of Dorchester Wisconsin. We're just doing a quick overnight but we have 30 Amp and water hookups. Also, we scored a pull thru! All for just $22/ night! ($25 for full hookups)
ScoutRoads leading to camp sites are narrow and can be muddy in the rain. The site we had was extremely unlevel and had a low spot that filled up with water/mud in the rain. You only can use the dump station once at check out or you can pay a fee, but none of the sites have sewer. Also, there is a per minute fee for their two showers, but no worries it is Luke warm water at best. The pond was nice, but on the small side.
ScoutArrived late in the day. Drop box payment was straightforward. Not many campers. Poor cell coverage
TravelerThe management is awesome, the sites are large or very large. 10 are riverfront, amazing. It’s clean, well kept, bathrooms are updated, love this place.
Camping near Merrill, Wisconsin, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.
Camping near Merrill, Wisconsin, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, whether you're with family or friends. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Merrill, WI?
The Merrill area offers several excellent camping options. Council Grounds State Park Campground is a favorite, featuring wooded, well-spaced campsites along the Wisconsin River with beautiful forest views and boating opportunities. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Underdown Campground provides multiple access options including drive-in and hike-in sites. Nearby, Big Eau Pleine Park Campground offers 1,450 acres of mixed hardwoods on a peninsula jutting into the flowage, while Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park provides lakeside camping with access to hiking trails, including the Ice Age Trail.
What is the cost of camping in Merrill, Wisconsin?
Camping costs near Merrill vary by location and amenities. At Big Eau Pleine Park Campground, expect county park rates that are typically more affordable than state parks. Horn Lake Camping offers free sites for those on a budget. State parks like Council Grounds require both a daily entrance fee ($8-12 for Wisconsin vehicles) and camping fees ($15-30 per night depending on residency and amenities). For those seeking National Forest experiences, sites in the Chequamegon National Forest generally range from $15-25 per night, with some primitive backcountry sites available for less.
Are there RV camping options in Merrill, Wisconsin?
Yes, several RV-friendly options exist near Merrill. Moen Lake Campground & RV Park offers a quiet, wooded setting for RVs with basic amenities and the chance to see wildlife right from your campsite. Pelican Lake Campground provides lakeside RV camping with clean facilities, making it family-friendly with fishing and boating opportunities. Other options include Tilleda Falls Campground, which maximizes its space around beautiful falls, and Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground, which is big-rig friendly and offers water and toilet facilities. Most RV parks in the area are seasonal, typically operating from May through October.
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