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Russell Memorial Park allows pets at all campsites with electric hookups and some full hookup options. Nearby pet-friendly options include East Fork Campground in Black River State Forest, Castle Mound Campground, Jackson County East Arbutus Campground, and Hixton-Alma Center KOA. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Merrillan, Wisconsin. Most campgrounds enforce leash requirements, with East Arbutus Camp offering spacious, spread-out sites ideal for campers with dogs. The lake at East Arbutus provides a warm, shallow swimming area that's dog-friendly and safe for children. Pet waste stations are available at several locations, with Wildcat Mound County Park offering more primitive options for those seeking a quieter experience with their pets.
Hiking trails accessible from Black River State Forest campgrounds provide excellent dog walking opportunities, though mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months, especially near river sites. Many campers recommend visiting East Fork Campground in early spring or fall to avoid the worst of the insects while enjoying the peaceful river setting with pets. ATV trails near Russell Memorial Park and East Arbutus Campground offer additional recreation options for active campers with dogs. The Hixton-Alma Center KOA features a swimming pool and small dog park area. Wildcat Mound County Park's primitive $7/night sites provide budget-friendly options for tent campers with pets who don't mind basic amenities consisting of pit toilets and non-potable water pumps.
"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 $45 / night
Check Availability"Dog friendly, quiet and nice showers. The water sites enjoy a beautiful view across the 640 lake. You can pull your boat right up to many of the sandy beach campsites and swim right there too."
"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"Dog park. There's also plenty of activites to do! You can swim in the pool, fish in the pond etc. Bathrooms are very well kept and clean! Showers are hot! Sites are good sized, and well spread out!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
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."
TravelerIf you are a tent camper, I would suggest going to local nearby state parks vs. this campground. Nice for a quick weekend away in an RV. On the Mississippi River and close to town. Across the street from a dog park so if you bring your fur-friend with, there is a nice enclosed area for them to run while being supervised.
TravelerLarge campground with many amenities. Playground for kids and a very nice dog park. Right off the river. Will definitely be back!
TravelerIt is a nice clean quiet campground. Trails and dog park close were nice. It could have been not as nice if it was full. Sites are good and a little ways apart.
GuideSmall, clean campground! Very friendly staff, very well kept! Dog park. There's also plenty of activites to do! You can swim in the pool, fish in the pond etc. Bathrooms are very well kept and clean! Showers are hot! Sites are good sized, and well spread out!
TravelerLOTS OF TICKS be aware to check yourself and any pets you may bring. Site was nice, hike felt transformative and lake was incredible to jump in after.
LegendThis is a diamond in the rough - exactly what we wanted on our journey. Our criteria - less than $100, pet friendly and rustic.
This is a sawmill that has it all - they run the mill when needed, but also have primitive cabins (where we stayed), full cabins with in house bath, electric RV/tent camping and more. Even wood fired pizzas with homemade crust most nights of the week and sometimes live music!
We were in cabin #3 - rustic. Yes - it did have heat! A little ceramic heater had it so toasty when it was 30 degrees outside we actually turned it off - so it's sure to please on chilly nights. The interior was amazing - lumber that I'm sure came from the mill and ceiling planks that were gorgeous - left over planks from many years ago, stored in a shed and re-purposed for the cabin. The bed was very comfortable with clean sheets and squishy (in a good way) pillows. A small covered front porch and we just parked in front.
Bathroom - if you are in a cabin without a bath, it's very nearby. One of the largest, cleanest bathrooms I've seen. He built it himself. Women's had 2 sinks with a large vanity area, about 3 stalls (very large - you don't have to squish into them) and two very large shower stalls with full doors - not shower curtains. Heated as well.
Pets - easy pet policy. Just let the owner know and it's no problem as long as you are responsible, pick up after them and leash them when necessary. Just a small charge for them and they were very welcomed here.
He even has event space indoors (heated) and outdoors for weddings and such. And hiking trails (6 miles) if you choose to take on the outdoors.
The owner plans on adding saunas and a hot tub in the near future - so this would be the place to drop for a while if you want something out of the norm, peaceful, rustic and relaxing. It's off the main road, behind a field in Amish Country. Lovely place to stay for the night. Very quiet.
GuideWe enjoyed our stay except nightly camping sites are stacked on each other so no privacy - we heard the drunk neighbors all weekend long. Eventually left a day early, they were way too loud. Wonderful activities for kids and families, pet friendly, beautiful scenery, beautiful perm site, no room for hiking or nature walks. Bar on premises but very odd hours. Owners on site which was nice.
GuideThis campground came to us through Thousand Trails Collection. At first we only had a W/E site and later was able to move to a full hook up site. All sites has a gravel pad with a grass yard, fire ring, and picnic table. The fire rings are sunk completely into the ground for some reason. The lots were spacious and the property offered a large pool, hot tub, restrooms, showers, laundry room, fishing and canoeing. This is a pet friendly park.
RangerIt’s early in the season so the campground is mostly empty, but this KOA is a convenient stop off the highway for local adventures at the nearby state parks or Elroy Sparta bike trail. The basic amenities are good- level sites, fire pit, a tree, nice store, playground, and a pool in warmer weather. It’s more of a place to park your camper than a destination. The campground is right off the highway, so we can see and hear trucks through the night. But they have some nice perks, like goats and chickens on site. The staff let the kids pet the goats and chickens, and loaned us discs to play disc golf. They have one practice basket in the back. There is a small but very nice playground, bathrooms and showers, and laundry facilities. So I would recommend staying here if you want to visit nearby parks and want the convenience of full hookup spots. Great for an easy pull off the highway on your way to more exciting locations. Since most things are closed due to Covid-19, I can’t comment on nearby activities. A clean and convenient location with very nice owners and staff. We would stay again if passing through.
Camping in the Jackson County area surrounding Merrillan, Wisconsin offers outdoors enthusiasts access to sandy lakeshores and extensive trail systems. The region sits at approximately 900 feet elevation and features several connected waterways including Lake Arbutus and the Black River. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels, particularly during July and August.
ATV adventures: The trail systems near East Fork Campground provide extensive riding opportunities. "Very remote, although Hatfield, which is on the nearby lake, seems like it's a party town for Motor boaters, ATVers and Hunters, Depending on the season," notes Brian O.
Hiking at Castle Mound: The trail system offers scenic overlooks and unique rock formations. "Cool rock formations and a decently easy hike," reports Ashley F. from Castle Mound. Another visitor adds "If you are into climbing there are some amazing sandstone boulders that are totally worth checking out."
Fishing and boating: East Arbutus Camp provides direct lake access for multiple water activities. A camper describes it as "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."
Spacious, private sites: Coon Fork Campground receives praise for its well-spaced campsites. "The sites are very generous with a lot of green between spaces. You are not on top of your neighbor," writes Amy G. Another camper adds, "Great private campsites. We love it here."
Budget-friendly options: Wildcat Mound County Park offers primitive camping at exceptional value. A visitor notes, "Small informal county campground. Pit toilet only. Large spaces. Only seven dollars a night." Another camper confirms, "7$ a night, pay for six get 7th free."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained grounds at Russell Memorial Park. "Lovely county park with lots of campsites. Office staff is super friendly. Our site is right on the water... so calm and peaceful. Family friendly. Nice and clean," shares Stacey N.
Seasonal insects: The mosquito population can significantly impact camping experiences. "The sites on the river were really pretty but full of mosquitos. The sites on the other side are also nice and have a much smaller bug presence," advises Shelagh R. at East Fork Campground.
Weather considerations: Late spring and early fall provide optimal camping conditions with fewer insects and moderate temperatures. "Try early in the season for best experience," suggests a visitor to East Fork.
Campground types: Stoney Creek RV Resort caters to different camping preferences. "This was a great campground that offered many different types of camping. If you like to camp in the open, with alot of tree coverings or in a cabin that had many different options," explains Melissa H.
Swimming areas: Coon Fork Campground offers excellent swimming options for children. "Two great beaches on a small, no-motor lake with a large campground and several nature trails," says Benjamin O. Another camper adds, "The kids love swimming, kayaking, fishing, and bike trails."
Activities for children: Hixton-Alma Center KOA provides various family-friendly amenities. "Small, clean campground! Very friendly staff, very well kept! Dog park. There's also plenty of activites to do! You can swim in the pool, fish in the pond etc," reports Lynn N.
Playgrounds and recreation: Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds near Merrillan offer dedicated play areas. "There is a pool, skate park, sand volleyball, pond And concessions. The roads were perfect for our kids bikes," describes a visitor to Stoney Creek RV Resort.
Site selection: Choose carefully when bringing larger rigs to Russell Memorial Park. "Our site was a little hard to get into. We stayed at site 116 with a 40 ft 5th wheel. I would recommend booking early to get a better spot for a big rig," advises Juliana R.
Utility access: Water stations and dump facilities require planning. "Water filling stations are all over the campground. It was our first time and we though the dump area was the water station. It was not," reports an RV camper at Russell Memorial Park.
Size limitations: Consider campground layout when bringing larger vehicles. "The majority are for tent camping and not larger RVs so if you have a bigger RV make sure you are looking ahead at the size of the pad," notes Scott M. about Castle Mound Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Merrillan, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Merrillan, WI is East Fork Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Merrillan, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 88 dog-friendly camping locations near Merrillan, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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