138 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The southwestern corner of Wisconsin near Mount Hope features diverse camping opportunities within the state's scenic Driftless Area, where the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers converge. Wyalusing State Park, approximately 25 miles southwest of Mount Hope, stands as a premier destination with two distinct campgrounds: Wisconsin Ridge offering dramatic bluff-top views of the river confluence, and Homestead providing more secluded, wooded sites. Nelson Dewey State Park in nearby Cassville offers additional camping with Mississippi River overlooks. The region's camping options extend across the border into Iowa at Pikes Peak State Park and Yellow River State Forest, where primitive backcountry sites and developed campgrounds accommodate various camping preferences from tent and RV sites to cabins and walk-in areas.
Reservations are essential during peak season (May through October), particularly for sites with river views. As one camper noted, "During peak season you will definitely need a reservation, likely months in advance, but there are a few same day spots held in reserve." Spring and fall bring milder temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer humidity can intensify mosquito activity. Flooding occasionally affects river access points and low-lying areas, particularly in spring. Most state park campgrounds provide modern restrooms and showers, though amenities vary significantly between parks. The region's rolling topography means many campsites feature uneven terrain, with several reviewers mentioning the need for leveling equipment at certain locations.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank among the most frequently mentioned highlights in camper reviews. "During my stay, I saw foxes, deer, eagles, and even skunks - which walked right through our campsite come dusk!" reported one Wyalusing visitor. The bluff-top sites at Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey provide panoramic views that campers consistently rate as exceptional. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to scenic overlooks, caves, and historical features including Native American effigy mounds. While swimming options are limited, boat launches provide access to both the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. The area's relative remoteness means campers should arrive prepared with supplies, as the nearest full-service town, Prairie du Chien, may be 20-30 minutes from some campgrounds.
"Located on the far western edge of Wisconsin this state park offers a little of everything - hiking trails connected to the camp grounds, boat access to the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, overlook of"
"This is an amazing park on the Wisconsin/Iowa border, overlooking where the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers join. I usually try to get in at least 1 trip a year, if lucky enough 2-3."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"This campground is a short hike away from beautiful trails that overlook the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. The boardwalk trails also lead to a small falls and more."
"It is within walking distance of the overlook of the magnificent Upper Mississippi River at the confluence of the Wisconsin River. There are other walking/hiking opportunities."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The site itself was sloped away from the road making it feel tucked into the trees. The downside was that the only flat space for the tent was very close to the fire pit."
"Friendly Crowds and secluded spot despite us staying next to the main road for the camping area. Sunsets were beautiful looking west over the Mississippi River."
from $18 - $110 / night
Check Availability"2 camping areas, Homestead and Wisconsin Ridge. Homestead provides secluded, wooded sites with a good distance between them.
Ridge sites have the veiw from high over the Wisconsin River."
"Hiking - there are miles of great hiking trails and two trails for mountain biking. While the trails to Big and Little Sand caves are lovely, they are also heavily trafficked."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"It was a beautiful area with the creek running right next to it only problem was there was some trash in the firing which we had to take care of. People are so lazy."
"Came to this spot with plans to drive up to yellow river for fishing but ended up with the sweetest spot along bloody run creak."
from $15 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $32 - $260 / night
Check Availability"Train tracks border the campground and train horns are loud. Has sites with views of the Mississippi."
"Railroad tracks border the campground. Train horns are loud and was awaken at 3 am. It does have a nice view of the Mississippi and you can see the river from many camp sites."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side. Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk."
"We did the backcountry camping (less than 0.5 miles walking), but did get to see the regular campgrounds. There are other parks and waterways to visit nearby and a town nearby."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"The location is very nice, right next to the river. I wouldn't exactly call it a river though. It's nice and quiet, and very nice trail runs through it as well."
"This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing."
from $12 / night
Check Availability
TravelerCampground is nice spacious and we’re well divided. The drive from the entrance of Governor Dodge to cox hollow was a good 2-3 miles but was very scenic.
ScoutBe advised site 14 is on such a steep hill it was honestly scary coming in an out of our camper! If an older couple were staying at this site in a camper I’m not sure if they would even be able to. Our second door entrance cannot be used due to how steep the hill is and we had to add wood to the bottom of our stairs because they didn’t touch the ground. Forgot to add you’re also under a very large black walnut tree that is currently dropping walnuts that are ripe.
LegendThough the CG is small, open, few interior trees for shade, it has a outhouse, fire rings, picnic tables, and dump station. Has 8 designated camp sites with sled registration. Great 1 mile access to the Middle Fork of the Little Maquoketa River ( Bankston Creek) and is stocked by the Iowa DNR with trout. Public hunting in park during seasons.
TravelerVery nice grounds with gorgeous tree covered sites, electric hookup on most of them. They have toilet facilities on each end of the grounds. They have shower facilities with potable water fill station next to the showers and water fountains in several locations. For those with kids they have a very nice playground area.
GuideCampground sits on a hill overlooking a number of farms. Absolutely beautiful. Decent sized sites, full hook-ups. Also a dump station. Small store on site. Trees provide shade. Many acres of paths and grass to walk the dog. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Whole place is neat and tidy. Only negative is highway noise. Pull through sites are farther from highway so may be less noisy there.
LegendWe got here on a Monday and got a great spot in the back. The sunrise was spectacular. Then the fog moved in off the river and it was pretty cool.
ScoutArrived late at night and struggled to find correct site as there were no numbers posted. Also no external lighting or picnic table. Bathrooms were clean and office help was accommodating when reservation was made.
ScoutI reserved online same day; didn’t show up until dusk/dark - @8:30pm on a Tuesday evening. My assigned pull through site was occupied and office closed. So I looked, found an open site and pulled in. Just overnight and I least @8:15am next morning so did not see any employee.
LegendNice spot right on the mighty Mississippi.
The southwestern Wisconsin region near Mount Hope features distinctive karst topography, with steep limestone bluffs rising up to 500 feet above river valleys. Autumn camping season brings vibrant fall colors from mid-September through October, while lower river elevation creates higher humidity than surrounding areas. Dispersed camping options are limited in this region, with most sites contained within established campgrounds.
Trout fishing access: Big Paint Campground in Yellow River State Forest offers direct access to stocked trout streams. "Visited in 2024 to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball... Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame," notes camper Tori L.
Astronomical viewing: Several campgrounds provide dark sky viewing opportunities away from city light pollution. At Wyalusing State Park, "there is an astronomical observatory on site," according to Jim J., making it ideal for stargazing enthusiasts.
Mountain biking trails: The region offers several dedicated bike trails through hilly terrain. One camper at Yellow River State Forest mentions "miles of great hiking trails and two trails for mountain biking," making it suitable for both casual and serious cyclists.
Historic site exploration: The area contains numerous Native American cultural sites. At Pikes Peak State Park, camper Tori K. notes, "On your way to the falls, just north of the main overlook, you will notice Bear Mound, an effigy built by ancient American Indians who inhabited the area from 800-1200 A.D. There are 63 mounds in the park."
Waterfront camping sites: Multiple campgrounds offer direct river or creek frontage. At Bloody Run County Park, Jazz C. reports having "the sweetest spot along bloody run creak. Caught plenty of German brown trout and cooked over the fire pits at the site (grate included)."
Modern bathroom facilities: While many campgrounds have basic amenities, some feature exceptionally well-maintained facilities. One camper at Wyalusing raves about "the new bathroom/shower block. While I didn't take photos (should have) this is one of the nicest public bathrooms I've ever been in. Not just in a state park, ever. It was built in 2019 and has been treated well by visitors."
Affordable pricing: Camping costs remain relatively low throughout the area. Yellow River State Forest charges just $9 per night for primitive sites, which one reviewer called "cheap but one of the best campsites I've been to."
Walk-in site privacy: Several parks offer walk-in sites for those seeking seclusion. At Nelson Dewey State Park, camper Ashley F. notes, "We stayed in a walk to site and the views were incredible. Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable."
Train noise disruption: Multiple campgrounds sit near active railroad tracks. At Grant River Recreation Area, one camper reports, "Our site was about 100 ft from rail and campground was where train would blow their whistle. Until midnight, trains went by about every 1/2 hour. After midnight about every other hour."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance planning. For Pikes Peak State Park, one camper notes, "When we made reservations this site required a two-night minimum stay. Don't know if that is for all seasons."
Primitive facilities: While some campgrounds offer modern amenities, others have minimal facilities. At Yellow River State Forest, a camper mentions, "Sites are primitive with tables, fire rings/grates, pit toilets, self registration, ice/wood available across road at visitors station."
Seasonal crowding patterns: Fall colors bring increased visitation. According to one reviewer, October at Pikes Peak State Park is "one of their busiest times of the year due to the fall colors, which peak around Oct 9-15th."
Accessible hiking options: Some parks offer specially designed trails. At Pikes Peak State Park, Hannah N. points out "a very nice smooth wood walk way for one of the trails making it easy for all ages."
Nature programming: Several parks offer organized activities for children. At Wyalusing, Jennifer B. shares, "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time."
Playground availability: When selecting a family campsite, check for play areas. Boulder Creek Campground gets high marks from Amanda P. who says it's "Great for kids! The water attractions are great for the kiddos and the cabins aren't half bad either!"
Site selection for safety: Parents should be aware of potential hazards. At Wyalusing, Connor M. warns, "Just keep in mind that it's on a bluff so there are some steep drop-off points that children could take a pretty nasty fall from."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require equipment for proper setup. At Pikes Peak State Park, Grace D. notes their pull-through site was "large enough for our 36' 5th Wheel and pickup tow vehicle, needed more leveling than some."
Hookup availability: RV sites with utilities vary across the region. According to Danny J., at Pikes Peak, "Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!"
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer sanitary facilities. Yellow River State Forest camper Tori L. specifically mentions, "There is no dump site."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Boulder Creek Campground camper Sharon B. warns the campground "Can flood with a good downpour," potentially making RV access difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mount Hope, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mount Hope, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Mount Hope, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Mount Hope, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Hope, WI is Wisconsin Ridge Campground — Wyalusing State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 53 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Hope, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Mount Hope, WI.
Keep Exploring
