Camping cabins near Merrill, Wisconsin serve as an excellent base to explore the northern Wisconsin wilderness, with several rental options nestled within an hour's drive. The region experiences warm summers with average July temperatures of 80°F and cold winters dropping to 0°F, making May through October the prime camping season. Most cabin rentals open from early May through mid-October with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park offers an impressive course that campers consistently praise. "Nice campground with a nice beach area and fantastic disc golf course!" notes Nathan R. The park combines recreational activities with natural settings for all skill levels.
Swimming in clear waters: West Bay Camping Resort provides lake access with a small beach area. Stephen M. mentions, "Beautiful lake access with small beach. Has heated swimming pool but was closed for season." The campground's peaceful setting offers water recreation during summer months.
Riverside relaxation: Tilleda Falls Campground features a small cascading falls and swimming area on the Embarrass River. Mary P. shares, "On the Embarrass River, a lovely small cascading falls and swimming area. Small store, nicely maintained grounds." The riverside location creates natural spots for wading, fishing, and unwinding.
Nature trails exploration: Campers can access several hiking paths directly from campgrounds. One visitor at West Bay notes, "Does have a wildlife school across the road with free trails you can walk." The nearby Ice Age Trail also provides extensive hiking opportunities through glacial terrain.
What campers like
Community atmosphere: River's Edge Campground hosts themed weekends and social events throughout the season. Jason W. mentions, "Themed weekends throughout the season. Great bar and grill on property." These social activities create opportunities to connect with fellow campers.
Family-friendly amenities: Pine Grove Campground offers extensive recreational options for children. Joe W. shares, "Has a nice sand beach with clear water for swimming, as well as a pool area that are both great for the kids. There's also a few animals that you can go over and feed if you like."
Fishing opportunities: Cabin campers frequently mention fishing as a primary attraction. At Patricia Lake Campground, Gary M. notes, "Small lake with swimming area. Fishing is good. 100 sites, most with full hookup." Most cabins provide easy access to lakes or rivers for fishing.
Peaceful settings: Many campers value the quiet atmosphere at certain properties. Victoria G. from West Bay Camping Resort comments, "Nice and quiet campground, little cool for weather while we were there but so peaceful." Seasonal timing greatly affects noise levels, with mid-week stays typically being quieter.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, particularly during summer months. Holly Wood Hill Campground's concrete pads are popular, with Tonya B. noting, "Yards on the lower sites are large, lots of room with concrete pads," though she also mentions, "On July 4th wknd we paid $60/night for water and power hookup."
Amenity variations: Cabin facilities differ significantly between properties. At Pine Valley Lodge, one visitor observed, "The cabins are run down but showers are hot and the utilities are still able to be used." Always check specific amenity lists before booking.
Seasonal differences: Most cabins operate from May through October with varying availability. Patricia Lake Campground runs "May 1 to October 15" according to its listing, with Rick G. adding, "Great location to explore Minocqua. The campground is comprised mostly of seasonal folks, but offers 20 some sights to non-seasonal."
Pet policies: While many cabins allow pets, restrictions and additional fees vary. Becky M. at Patricia Lake Campground appreciates that they have a "Large fenced in dog run and also area for dogs to swim." Always confirm pet policies before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Indian Shores offers multiple recreation options in one location. Mike W. shares, "We did make ample use of the mini-golf, playground, and heated swimming pool though. The pool was warm enough that even the non-stop rain did not cool it down enough to be uncomfortable."
Age-appropriate amenities: Consider your children's ages when selecting a cabin location. David K. notes about Pine Grove Campground, "As a father with 3 young kids, I thoroughly enjoy this camp for the activities and amenities available. The water area is a favorite for kids and the grounds sport plenty of things to grab their attention from mini-golf to the lake."
Weather preparations: Northern Wisconsin weather can change quickly, requiring flexible planning. One visitor at Indian Shores mentioned, "The weekend we were here it rained non-stop, so we did not get to use any of the available canoe/kayak/fishing boat/pontoon boat rentals." Pack clothing for variable conditions.
Budget considerations: Some campgrounds charge extra for activities beyond basic accommodations. Review extra costs for recreation before booking your stay to avoid surprises.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Tilleda Falls Campground, Eric S. observes, "Well maintained and easy to maneuver around. Quiet and enough sun and shade for everyone." Look for concrete pads when available for easier leveling.
Hookup configurations: Review the specific hookup arrangements when booking. Charles M. notes about West Bay Camping Resort, "Full hookups, no wifi or at least we couldn't find it. Dogs are welcomed, no barking allowed. Cell phone service was good so you can work if you have too. AT&T and Verizon."
Dump station access: Consider whether your cabin stay will require dump station use if you're bringing an RV. Tonya B. at Holly Wood Hill Campground observed, "Dump site is unlevel and leans away from hose hookup making it difficult to fully flush holding tanks."
