Camping sites near Merrimac, Wisconsin occupy a unique position in the state's glacial terrain, with most campgrounds situated within a 400-foot elevation range that showcases Wisconsin's distinctive morainal landscape. The region experiences summer high temperatures averaging 78-82°F with occasional thunderstorm activity, particularly during June and early July. Nighttime temperatures typically drop into the 50s even in midsummer, creating ideal conditions for campfires and evening activities.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on Mirror Lake: Located about 15 miles from Merrimac, Mirror Lake State Park offers excellent flat-water paddling opportunities. "The lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs. We only did 2 hiking trails but they were well maintained," notes Julia B.
Challenging hikes with elevation: Devils Lake State Park Group Campground provides access to strenuous trails with significant elevation gains. "Spent about 5 hours hiking the East Bluff, it was challenging for some of our younger hikers... I've been to Devils Lake before but forgot just how beautiful this place is. Everyone was impressed by Devils Doorway," shares Charles M.
Swimming with water features: Multiple swimming options exist, from natural lake beaches to developed facilities at Skillet Creek Campground where "They had a nice playground for the kids and a small fishing pond. Owners were very friendly and accommodating to our family," according to Kendra R.
Off-season hiking: Fall and early spring hiking offers quieter trail experiences. "We took the east and west bluff trails are the most popular. We headed out early on Monday and did an 8 mile loop right from our campsite. We saw beautiful overlooks and only encountered 1 person on the trail," reports Art S.
What campers like
Spacious group camping areas: The group sites at Devils Lake provide ample space for multiple families or larger gatherings. "Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site," mentions jon D., who adds that "The birds near the group camp are cool, but can also sound like a large pack of dinosaurs squawking at each other...very loud."
Clean bathroom facilities: Northern Lights Campground consistently receives praise for maintenance. "Despite the very crowded campground, the bathrooms were immaculate. Even the Men's room was super clean. They have 3 indoor showers in each gender bathroom, and a couple of outdoor shower stalls," writes Celina M.
Family-friendly amenities: Merry Mac's Campground stands out for its extensive recreational offerings. "Super fun campground with so much to do! Lots of games for all up by lodge. DJ dance party on the deck at night. Lake full of all kinds of floats the kids can climb and jump on. Clean pool to cool off in," reports Tracy C.
Tree cover and shade: Many campgrounds provide significant tree cover for temperature regulation. "The sites had plenty of trees for shade, but were close together. Our site was right across the road from the restrooms on one side, and the water pump on the other side," Jessica H. explains about her camping experience.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Securing camping spots requires advance planning, especially for summer weekends. "You need to book the 11 months in advance, especially for holiday weekends. Shower facilities are nice and clean. This park does get very busy with outside visitors on the weekends as well," advises nicole T.
Cost considerations: Bluewater Bay Campground at Mirror Lake State Park provides a more affordable alternative to Devils Lake. "The park was beautiful and quiet. The campsites were very large. We came in a group with multiple cars and tents, but the sites easily accommodated us," Sarah D. mentions.
Weather preparedness: Weather conditions can change rapidly. "It did storm hard while we were there and the shore store had everyone in the store for the storm. The storm came in really fast too," warns Melissa K.
Weekend crowding: Popularity impacts the experience on weekends. "Weekends are pack with campers. The beaches have hard pebbles and rocks," notes Dawn D., highlighting the importance of weekday visits for those seeking quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near playgrounds for convenience. "Our spot, F-2, was right across from the playground and great for my kiddo. Only neighbors to the sides and woods behind," shares Kim L. about Fox Hill RV Park.
Water recreation options: Multiple swimming options suit different ages. "The kids loved the blow ops in the pond. The pool was nice, but a bit colder than the pond. It's heated with a solar cover. There are well kept large outdoor games like chess, connect 4, and checkers," reports Joan about Fox Hill RV Park.
Activity scheduling: Weekend organized events keep children engaged. "Plenty of things to do here to keep the kids engaged and busy very clean Campground the campsites are well-kept swimming Pond was clean and plenty of fun things to climb on and slide down," David H. says about Merry Mac's Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Some campgrounds feature active wildlife. "We were an out of state vehicle and they were there as soon as they saw us in the site without our family that rents the space. It's kept very clean, there is a fishing pond that allows fishing without a license. Catch and release only. There are bass and pan fish as well as snapping turtles," Melissa K. mentions.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Prepare for potentially uneven sites. "Our site was very unlevel side to side. It took two 2x6 and a 1x6 under the camp side to be level. That made the first step into the coach, and last step out of the coach extremely high off the ground," Jeff G. cautions about Fox Hill RV Park.
Site selection strategies: Choose sites based on shade and amenities. "The new section will be a lot better next year, but just finished construction and it is still a wide open area. It was dusty and hot because the grass isn't grown in yet, there's still a ton of sand, and no trees," notes Kim L.
Firewood delivery services: Multiple campgrounds offer convenience services. "They will deliver wood to your campsite when needed. Some of the campsites are lacking some grass which is the reason I took off 1 star but otherwise a very nice place to camp!" reports Erin A.
Hookup positioning: Check utility location details. "The hook ups are on the wrong side so we had to back in sideways to make it work. With the camper sideways the back is only a foot from the pop out bed on the camper behind us," Kelly W. warns RVers about potential site layout challenges.
