91 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near Merrill, Wisconsin range from established state parks to rustic dispersed sites on public lands. Council Grounds State Park Campground sits along the Wisconsin River approximately 5 miles west of downtown Merrill, offering tent and RV camping with electric hookups in a wooded setting. Horn Lake Camping provides free primitive camping on public land about 15 miles northeast of town, while Camp New Wood County Park features more basic established sites along the Wisconsin River within Lincoln County Forest.
Most developed campgrounds in the Merrill area maintain seasonal operations from May through October, with Council Grounds open year-round. Road access varies considerably, with Horn Lake requiring navigation of approximately 2 miles of dirt roads to reach campsites. Many sites at established campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends when they regularly reach capacity. Camp New Wood offers first-come, first-served sites that locals report "are hardly ever full and you can easily get a spot," making it a good alternative when other campgrounds fill up.
The region includes numerous waterfront camping opportunities, with sites along both lakes and the Wisconsin River. Council Grounds State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its wooded sites and water access, with visitors noting "tall trees, peaceful, quiet" settings and good amenities including showers and drinking water. Primitive campsites like those at Horn Lake provide direct lake access with minimal facilities, described by campers as "simple and free" with "great spots right on the water." Underdown Campground offers truly primitive camping experiences with "no running water, no bathrooms, no crowded plots" according to reviewers, appealing to those seeking seclusion in natural settings. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities and hookup availability vary significantly between established and dispersed sites.
"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."
from $18 - $150 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"Plenty of walking gravel roads on camp grounds. Family and ATV riders oriented."
from $22 - $37 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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 do everything we can to make this campsite a home away from home for all our visitors. We pride ourselves on keeping everything natural. We pick up trash and garbage anywhere we find it."
from $18 - $23 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe just stayed for one night. The campground is well maintained. There are no facilities, other than a port a potty. It only has electric. So if you can get by with water and sewer it’s perfect for a short stay. They also have a wood rack where you can get firewood for a goodwill donation.
ScoutThe beach was amazing, water is clear, campsites are a really good size, very peaceful can’t wait to camp there again.
ScoutI have been A South side CAMPGROUND Host for 6 years now. My review may be a BIT biased for that reason, but I'll give my take. We do everything we can to make this campsite a home away from home for all our visitors. We pride ourselves on keeping everything natural. We pick up trash and garbage anywhere we find it. We try to greet as many guests we see. We are always trying to make our pit toiĺetsas presentable as we can considering what they are. We have someone come in and do what they call deep clean every toilerepaint jobst at least once a week. Some of them are due for a painting which should happen in the next year we are hoping. We are in the process of reworking picnic tables throughout the park now. We ask campers to please let us know if they see one needing repairs. Please come give us a try. My wife and I are host's on the South Park admin sight. Stop and say hello.
ScoutWe stopped here on a half way stop to our land. Is a very cute place. Has an outdoor bar and taco truck with great food! Camper parking on a cement slab, power and water. Also a fire put and picnic tables at your site. Very nice owner! Had a great time.
RangerLake is very nice. Park at the end of the road and hike in. 2 sites along the lake.
RangerThis site is difficult to access. High clearance vehicle needed to access the site on the lake.
RangerThree nice sites near the lake with a boat landing. Nice turn around area.
GuideI was astonished at the size of our site as well as the view of the river. We were there for opening weekend. The camp hosts were accommodating and kind and we will definitely be back!
RangerDispersed location off of the main trail. Trail comes to a dead end with small turn around. Campsite is a very short walk off the parking area.
Merrill, Wisconsin features numerous primitive camping options in the northern Wisconsin forest landscape at an average elevation of 1,400 feet. The region consists primarily of mixed hardwood forests intersected by the Wisconsin River and several small lakes. Weather patterns bring warm summers with temperatures averaging 80°F and cool nights dropping to 55°F from June through August, creating ideal camping conditions.
Ice Age Trail hiking: The Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground connects directly to this historic trail with wide paths suitable for various skill levels. "Ice age trail is easily accessible from the park. Absolutely beautiful day of hiking here. During the week we only ran into 2 other people on the trail," notes one camper at Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground.
Paddling and water activities: Many campgrounds offer direct river or lake access. "We enjoyed being able to rent kayaks and paddleboards and relax on the beach," reports a visitor to Council Grounds State Park Campground. The Wisconsin River provides ample paddling opportunities with gentle currents suitable for beginners and families.
Disk golf course access: Big Eau Pleine Park features a full course among its recreational offerings. "You can enjoy a fun game of disc golf on the scenic wooded course," mentions a reviewer, though they note "there is a daily fee for disk golf course" so budget accordingly.
Swimming in designated areas: Several campgrounds maintain swimming beaches for summer recreation. "One end of pond shallow for the very young," notes a camper at Great Northern Campground, making it suitable for families with small children.
Peaceful woodland settings: Most campsites feature mature tree canopies providing natural shade and separation. "Very nice campground, more family-oriented. The campsites were clean and spacious, we had enough room in our site for a tent, screen tent, and a boat," shares a reviewer from Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground.
Access to water features: Many campers appreciate the proximity to lakes and rivers. "Great spot right on the water. There are 2 camp spots with stone rings. They are about 40' apart on a cul-de-sac at the end of the road where the boat launch is," describes a visitor to Horn Lake Camping.
Uncrowded weekday experiences: Several campgrounds remain relatively quiet midweek. "Others we spoke to that stayed there before said its hardly ever full and you can easily get a spot," reports a camper from Camp New Wood County Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forested settings support diverse wildlife. "Plenty of walking gravel roads on camp grounds," notes a reviewer at Great Northern Campground, providing opportunities for nature observation.
Site availability patterns: Weekends fill faster than weekdays at most campgrounds. "We ended up camping here after finding out the last site at Council Grounds was taken by the time we got there(we did call before we left)," explains a camper about their experience at Camp New Wood County Park.
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Many dispersed camping locations offer minimal facilities. "No running water, no bathrooms, no crowded plots. It's as primitive as can be," states a camper at Underdown Campground.
Dirt road access: Some sites require navigating unpaved roads. "About 2 miles of dirt road to get there. Turn right when you get to ATV trail," advises a Horn Lake Camping visitor.
Variable water quality: Some locations experience seasonal algae issues. "The water quality suffers from green algae almost the entire season," warns a Big Eau Pleine Park visitor about swimming conditions.
Choose sites with playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "The park includes a splash pad for little kids and a little train to go around," notes a visitor to Marathon Park Campground, though they caution about "city noise" from nearby roads.
Consider shower availability: Not all campgrounds offer shower facilities. "The pit toilets are not in the best shape and have no lighting so bring a flashlight. There are no showers but that didn't bother us for the 2 nights we were there," explains a visitor to Camp New Wood County Park.
Check swimming conditions: Water quality varies by location and season. "Couldn't swim due to a high bacteria in the water," reports a recent visitor to Dells of the Eau Claire, highlighting the importance of checking current conditions.
Look for beginner-friendly trails: Some campgrounds offer easier hiking paths. "Hiking/running trails are wide enough to accommodate strollers," mentions a Dells of the Eau Claire visitor, making it suitable for families with young children.
Verify campsite dimensions: Site sizes vary considerably between campgrounds. "Sites have a little bit of trees between for privacy," notes a camper at Big Eau Pleine Park, but adds that many sites are close together.
Check for dump station fees: Some facilities charge additional fees. "You now pay to dump your waste," reports a camper about Big Eau Pleine Park Campground.
Prepare for unlevel sites: Some campgrounds have terrain challenges. "The site we had was extremely unlevel and had a low spot that filled up with water/mud in the rain," warns a visitor to Great Northern Campground.
Consider cell service needs: Coverage varies by location and carrier. "For those requiring cell service, i had 3 bars LTE with Verizon at my site," shares a Big Eau Pleine Park camper, while another notes "No reception for verizon users. Tmoblie had a bar but spotty" at Dells of the Eau Claire.
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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