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Campgrounds around Merrillan, Wisconsin provide numerous options for outdoor recreation, particularly along Lake Arbutus and the Black River. Jackson County manages several developed facilities including Russell Memorial Park, East Arbutus Campground, and West Arbutus County Park, all offering amenities for tent and RV camping. The Black River State Forest contains additional camping areas with East Fork Campground providing riverside sites in a more natural setting. Accommodation types range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, with some campgrounds like Hixton-Alma Center KOA offering cabin rentals and glamping options.
The camping season in this region typically runs from May through October, with some facilities remaining open year-round. Most developed campgrounds provide electrical hookups, drinking water, and toilet facilities, while shower availability varies by location. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months, especially for waterfront sites which tend to fill quickly. During off-season periods, self-registration may be available at some locations. Campers should be prepared for insects, particularly near water bodies. A visitor noted, "The mosquitos were horrendous. Try early in the season for best experience."
Waterfront locations consistently receive positive reviews, with Lake Arbutus sites being especially popular. Campers appreciate the spacious, well-separated sites at East Arbutus, where one reviewer mentioned "We really like how spacious and spread out the camp sites are. With big pine trees everywhere, there are lots of options for tents and campers to place their site." ATV enthusiasts will find the area particularly appealing as many campgrounds provide direct access to trail systems. The Black River State Forest offers quieter, more rustic camping experiences with one camper describing East Fork Campground as "the quietest we've ever been to" during October visits. Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities, making these campgrounds suitable for various outdoor interests throughout the camping season.
"The camp site was right up against a swamp area so it was kind of buggy, but it was a beautiful area with access to lots of hiking trails and fishing. The vault toilets were well maintained."
"The campsite is close to lots of hiking trails too!"
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Vault toilets throughout the campground and one building with showers and flush toilets near the visitor center with plenty of parking."
"You need a Wisconsin State Forest pass to camp here - an extra fee if you don’t have one already. The sites are varied. Some are closer together with less vegetation between them."
from $21 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Right on the lake so bring water toys. Nearby you can rent canoes and kayaks which will drop off and pick up right to your site. Hiking trails and fourwheeler trails too. Full shower areas as well."
"Loved our time at East Lake Arbutus. A warm shallow lake for swimming and boating, dog friendly, safe for kids."
"The waterfront has mostly electric only sites and run very close to size. We have a 28 5th wheel and we're snug. Site said 25 ft but the picture had a 5'er on it so we booked it."
"Some sites are tight, so make sure that you drive around the campground before picking a site. ATV parking is at the front."
from $7 / night
Check Availability"The sides are a little close to together and our gravel. We had to use boards to level our rig. There’s a swimming pool and a store and two bath houses."
"The campground is lovely considering it's only $20 for lakeside ($17 non lakeside). It has a shower house, bathroom, dump station, wood for sale ($6/bundle), ice for sale and is non electric."
"Spacious campsites, surrounded by trees. Try to get a lake side site, they are amazing! Hot showers, flush toilets, firewood available for purchase. Great campsite for tent or rv camping."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"This is a very well kept and very clean Campground they have activities all the time recording one where they hide painted Stones around the campground and if you find The Rock they have prizes such as"
"The lots are nice sites in a variety of settings, I prefer the wooded sites that are close to where the laser tag is."
from $80 / night
Check Availability"I go there at least two or three times every year and it’s so fun there’s a lot of trails that you can just ride your bike on so it’s fun."
"The lake is beautiful for fishing or relaxing. Right now the water is down, and there is no dock at the boat landing."
ScoutThe camp hosts are kind and friendly. The whole vibe of this llace is peace and quiet. The sites are huge with enough space and trees to be private. Deer came into our site both days. We liked it so nice, we stayed twice. Treat yourself.
TravelerStayed hear on a very hot 90+degree day during a road trip, easy to reach from I90/94. Midweek, we were the only overnight guests. -Occasional loud noise from the road and train tracks. -At first was wary of paying for no showers and pit toilets for the price, but pit toilets were actually clean with no odor. -Spring fed swimming pond was good for a dip once you found a cool spot, but there are spots that felt like a hot tub. Beach is very nice sand, and there’s a playground for the kids. -Definitely check out the short hike up to Mill Bluff if you can tolerate steep rocky stairs, the view is beautiful. -Tried to check out the other trail near Camel Bluff but it was too overgrown to continue. -Electrical box is in the middle of the campsite near the picnic table, so power cables will need to be at least 30 feet long to comfortably reach your rig. -National Parks Pass is accepted for vehicle admission (separate from camping fee in WI) as this is part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve! -Sites 20/21 are great for proximity to swimming pond and toilets
ScoutThe campground is minutes from Lake Wissota, close to Lake Wissota State Park, and has very nice oversized campsites. Nice bath and shower house with plenty of hot water.
TravelerWe loved how well spaced out the sites were and traveled on a busy June weekend. Our kids loved taking their scooters on the campground road and to the lake swimming. The kids loved the playground and path, beach. We had one person that was blaring their music and there was no ranger around. Finally someone must have called the police and they shut off their music
GuideNorth Wood County Park is a hidden gem. Many of the sites have a view of water and several even have water access right from your site. There are several loops that range from paved with electric to rustic and non-electric. We stayed at site 59 which stretched down to a paved trail and then one of the lakes. We were close to the suspension bridge, which is a fun attraction. There is also a low roadway that goes over the water that is absolutely beautiful and sometimes floods. There are several dams and it makes for a great kayak or fishing spot. Most of the campground is paved, which is awesome if you have an ebike or e scooter. They sell wood at a decent price ($7), but nothing else. You also have to book your site online with a $10 fee for using the online booking. It does make arrival super easy, you just pull in and set up camp. Overall I would highly recommend spending a few nights here.
TravelerI am making a cross country road trip to my next job. I left Vermont and will end in Washington. I was amazed that this is the prettiest place I’ve stopped so far. Wisconsin for the win!
GuideVery quiet layed back place, lots to explore and see.
GuideWe wanted to visit family in the area at the last minute, and pulled up to see if they had any spot available. They gave us a list of available options, we drove through, and picked a site with the perfect spot to watch the sun set. Amenities are clean, theres a pool table and games in the office area.
GuideIf you want a stop on a drive, or a home base for exploring the local tourist attractions (look up toilet on the side of the road,) this is the place for you! Think about bringing your own drinking water, though, the water from the pumps is a dark red-brown color, either from rust or from tanin.
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The good:
The Merrillan area in west-central Wisconsin offers a range of camping options clustered around Lake Arbutus and the Black River State Forest. Developed campgrounds like East Fork and Castle Mound provide established sites within the state forest system, while county parks including Russell Memorial Park and East Arbutus Camp feature lakeside sites with varying amenities. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations also offering cabin rentals or glamping options. The region's camping areas typically provide access to water recreation on Lake Arbutus or the Black River, making it popular for paddling, fishing, and swimming activities.
Seasonal considerations vary across camping areas near Merrillan, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Russell Memorial Park, East Arbutus Camp, and West Arbutus County Park tend to close by November, while a few facilities like Castle Mound Campground and Jackson County East Arbutus Campground remain open year-round. The terrain primarily consists of wooded areas surrounding lakes and rivers, with moderate temperatures in summer and potential for significant bugs near water. Many campsites require advance reservations during peak summer months. A camper at East Fork noted: "The sites on the river were really pretty but full of mosquitoes. The sites on the other side are also nice and have a much smaller bug presence."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Merrillan region. Lake Arbutus campgrounds receive consistently positive reviews for their spacious waterfront sites and swimming opportunities. Several visitors highlighted the water-based recreation options available, particularly at East Arbutus Camp. "We really like how spacious and spread out the camp sites are. With big pine trees everywhere, there are lots of options for tents and campers to place their site. Many have lake views," reported one visitor. ATV trail access serves as another notable feature at several campgrounds including Russell Memorial Park, which visitors praise for its convenient trail connections. The area's developed campgrounds generally offer electric hookups, with some providing full services including water and sewer connections, while maintaining a natural setting with ample shade and privacy between sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Merrillan, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Merrillan, WI is East Fork Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
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