Council Grounds State Park sits on the Wisconsin River near Merrill at an elevation of about 1,300 feet. The area features tall pine forests characteristic of north-central Wisconsin's landscape, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-80°F. Winter camping is available at some locations, though most visitors come between May and October when night temperatures rarely drop below 40°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Horn Lake Camping offers direct lake access with two established sites. "Great spot right on the water. There are 2 camp spots with stone rings," notes Skip H. Another camper mentions, "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."
Hiking trails: The Ice Age Trail near Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground provides scenic routes. "The hiking trails are great and go all the way out to the Ice Age trails. It goes along the river. Very scenic," reports one visitor. Another camper adds, "absolutely beautiful day of hiking here. during the week we only ran into 2 other people on the trail."
Swimming spots: Several parks offer swimming options during summer months. "The beach was a nice size, water was clean," mentions a camper about Council Grounds State Park. At Great Northern Campground, visitors enjoy "Small - medium swim pond with floats for climbing and jumping. One end of pond shallow for the very young."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Underdown Campground offers true primitive camping with ample space. "No running water, no bathrooms, no crowded plots. It's as primitive as can be. Very ample space except near the water. Multiple small lakes around the area. Can set up camp anywhere but the road really," says Wade W.
Quiet atmosphere: Camp New Wood County Park provides a peaceful setting with limited sites. "There were maybe only 1-2 other camp sites taken when we arrived and they were on the other end so nice and quiet. My kids and husband loved the campground. It was a nice/quiet/peaceful campground," shares Amanda K.
Spacious sites: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Merrill offer roomy campsites. "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," notes a camper about Camp New Wood County Park. At Council Grounds, "Group sites A and B... each have concrete pads for 3 campers and TONS of space to spread out and/or set up tents."
What you should know
Cost factors: Prices vary significantly among campgrounds. Sara Park charges "$30 a day, all with electricity and water. There is a dump station nearby behind the city garage for $10." At Horn Lake Camping, sites are completely free with no amenities.
Bathroom facilities: Restroom access varies widely between campgrounds. "The pit toilets are not in the best shape and have no lighting so bring a flashlight," warns a camper about Camp New Wood. At Sara Park, visitors note "There are vault toilets with free showers."
Reservation systems: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Merrill require different booking approaches. Camp New Wood operates on a first-come, first-served basis. One visitor notes, "We decided to hit the road on Labor Day Weekend and took a chance on not knowing where we'd stay the night. This first come first served campground with only 7 sites still had some available."
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Marathon Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities in Wausau. "The campground is part of a larger park. There are multiple playgrounds, tennis courts, splash pads and even an amphitheater and ice rinks within the park," shares Amber G.
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. At Council Grounds State Park, visitors mention "Beautiful hiking trails, boating, dam views along the Wisconsin River." Marathon Park Campground offers "a splash pad for little kids and a little train to go around."
Group camping options: Council Grounds State Park provides dedicated group sites. "For this particular trip, we reserved group sites A and B. They each have concrete pads for 3 campers and TONS of space to spread out and/or set up tents. Non-flush toilets in between the two sites on opposite side of the campsites," notes Amanda G.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for varying terrain at the pet friendly campgrounds near Merrill. At Great Northern Campground, a visitor notes "Roads 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."
Electric hookups: Big Eau Pleine Park Campground offers about 60 sites with electric service. "Electric sites. No water. You now pay to dump your waste," mentions one camper. Another states, "The electric did not work on our site they were very helpful and getting us a different one."
Size limitations: Several campgrounds restrict larger RVs. At Horn Lake Camping, a visitor advises, "Anyone up to 20' would be OK going to the right where the established 2 sites are." The reviewer cautions, "If you travel to the left where the road 'T's' off, take care. The road is tight and very twisty... I would not recommend going to the left unless the max your hauling is a teardrop."
