Best Campgrounds near Nelson, WI

Camping near Nelson, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities that make it a great getaway. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking Trails: Explore the many hiking trails in the area. Campers at Whitewater State Park enjoyed the trails, with one reviewer noting, "We hiked to Chimney Rock and Inspiration Point and found the trails more challenging than we expected."
• Bird Watching: The region is rich in wildlife. One visitor at Merrick State Park mentioned, "Eagles! and this is a migratory route for thousands of birds."
• Water Activities: Enjoy the Mississippi River for kayaking or fishing. A camper at Prairie Island City Campground said, "We had one of the primitive sites on the river front, and it was huge!"

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Frontenac State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms are VERY CLEAN."
• Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Highland Ridge, with one visitor noting, "Site Privacy: GOOD - not a fence forest, but tremendous spacing makes up for it."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. A camper at Haycreek Valley Campground mentioned, "Friendly campers and staff."

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Whitewater State Park noted, "Spotty cell service."
• No Firewood Available: Some campgrounds, like Carley State Park, do not provide firewood, so plan ahead.
• Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Prairie Island City Campground mentioned, "It’s very crowded and there were what seemed to be a lot of seasonal pass type campers set up."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Highland Ridge said, "Great playground and hiking area."
• Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities. A camper at Prairie Island City Campground recommended, "Highly recommend site 152 if you have some camping games you like to play."
• Check for Events: Many campgrounds host events. A visitor at Haycreek Valley Campground mentioned, "Activities and a BAR/Restaurant."

Tips from RVers:

• Site Selection: Choose sites carefully, as some may be tricky to back into. A reviewer at Highland Ridge noted, "Some sites are difficult to back into if you have a large rig."
• Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Frontenac State Park Campground mentioned, "There are limited electric sites."
• Plan for Noise: Be aware of potential noise from nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Merrick State Park said, "The trains do go by quite a bit, but it really hasn’t bothered us."

Camping near Nelson, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot or a lively campground, you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.