RV camping near Merrillan, Wisconsin offers access to multiple waterfront camping options within Jackson County. Located in west-central Wisconsin where the Black River flows through rolling hills and forests, campgrounds in this region typically operate from May through October due to seasonal temperature changes. Winter lows regularly drop below freezing while summer highs average in the mid-80s, creating distinct camping seasons.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Neshonoc Lakeside features two swimming pools, including a large newer pool with a splash pad area and a smaller pool where adults often gather. According to Kim L., "With 2 swimming pools, daily activities, movies, and a full ice cream shop you won't be bored here... The top pool is very large and new with a splash pad area. The lower pool is older and smaller, and where grown ups tend to go for a dip."
Outdoor games and activities: Stoney Creek RV Resort offers numerous recreational facilities including volleyball, basketball, and mini-golf. Jen A. mentions, "They have gaga ball, a bounce pillow, an arcade, mini golf, laser tag, swimming pool, skate park, playground, basketball court, volleyball court....the list of amenities goes on and on."
ATV trail access: Hideaway RV Park & Campground provides direct access to local ATV/UTV trail systems. According to Tonya B., "Awesome campground, big sites with grass and trees, and right next to trail system. Bar at the campground has an air-fryer for light food/pizzas and fun atmosphere."
Fishing opportunities: Chapman Park Campground sits on a peninsula between two small lakes, creating excellent fishing access. One camper noted, "The waterfront is beautiful with a nice picturesque bridge to a little island... The camp sites themselves were standard and good, no complaints there."
What campers like
Family-friendly atmosphere: Whiskey Creek Family RV Park receives praise for its family activities and entertainment options. Tim M. shared, "This is a great destination RV park if you are looking for a family getaway or just a quiet trip for two. There is plenty to do at the park including a cool swimming pond with inflatables, live music most weekends, corn hole tournaments, Friday fish fry, and much more."
Clean facilities: Russell Memorial Park maintains clean shower facilities and well-kept grounds. Stacey N. commented, "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."
Large campsites: Wedges Creek Hideaway offers spacious sites with electricity and accommodations for larger RVs. Jeff V. describes it as "On a double dead end road with several miles of hiking trails, electric hook up, cabins, fully furnished houses, and lots of stars for your next stay in central Wisconsin!"
Theme weekends: Neshonoc Lakeside organizes regular themed activities. Kim L. noted, "In the evening there was a Glow Parade where the full timers decked out their golf carts and drove around- candy for kids and lots of dancing. Bingo, tie dye, outdoor movies, and other relay races kept the kids happy and adults amused."
What you should know
Varying noise levels: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby highways, while others offer quieter settings. At Chapman Park Campground, campers report peaceful stays with limited crowds even on holiday weekends. Scott J. noted, "We pulled in on Saturday over Labor Day weekend and the campground is only half full so this is a great spot for those folks just passing by."
Limited winter camping options: Most RV camping facilities near Merrillan close between October and May, with few exceptions offering year-round service. Wedges Creek Hideaway provides heated cabins with ceramic heaters that keep accommodations warm even when temperatures drop to 30 degrees.
Varying cell service: Rock Dam Park and other rural campgrounds have limited or no cell coverage. Beth D. mentioned, "No cell service, no towns nearby. But two local bars that were fairly close."
Site selection importance: Some campgrounds have significant variations in site quality and size. At Russell Memorial Park, Robert W. advises, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Stoney Creek RV Resort provides numerous planned activities for children. Nate M. shared, "This campground is definitely at the top of the list. The sites are huge almost state park like with ample room for your kids to play. Lots of activities on the weekend on top of the bounce pillow, pool, lagoon, skate park, volleyball, and basketball court."
Group camping options: Whiskey Creek Family RV Park accommodates families with special needs. Tim M. explains, "My wife and I have a special needs adult son that they welcomed and fully accommodate. The park is clean and the staff are friendly and helpful."
Scavenger hunts and activities: Several campgrounds organize family-oriented games and challenges. At Stoney Creek, Jaime P. mentioned, "My teen loved searching for 'moose antlers'. I think he searched the entire park. The park is well kept and clean. Money well spent here."
Proximity to facilities: When camping with kids, select sites near bathrooms and recreational areas. At Chapman Park, David W. noted, "Our site was on a small, beautiful lake and close to the bathrooms. We had a slight breeze and very few bugs."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: At Russell Memorial Park, Juliana R. advises, "I would recommend booking early to get a better spot for a big rig. Water filling stations are all over the campground. It was our first time and we thought the dump area was the water station. It was not."
Full hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. Chapman Park Campground provides comprehensive options according to Scott J.: "They have 20-30-50amp hook ups with a dump and water."
Seasonal site considerations: For those looking for longer stays, Robert W. from Russell Memorial Park suggests, "The camp has a lot of long term sites on the waterfront so getting on one usually gets you into spring and camping. The back sites are ATV/UTV site. They have good access to the trails. They seem a bit bigger."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may be unpaved. Beth D. noted about Rock Dam Park, "The road to Rock Dam is gravel/dirt," which can impact arrival conditions during wet weather.
