The Mount Hope area offers RV campers access to the distinctive terrain of Wisconsin's Driftless Region, with steep river bluffs rising 500+ feet above the Mississippi River. Camping options near Mount Hope provide varying degrees of access to waterways including the Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Grant Rivers. Seasonal considerations are important as facilities often operate between April and October, with reduced services outside peak periods.
What to do
Fishing at Bloody Run Park: County park with direct access to a trout stream. "Caught plenty of German brown trout and cooked over the fire pits at the site (grate included)," reports one camper at Bloody Run County Park. "It was a beautiful area with the creek running right next to it."
Cave exploration: Several parks near Mount Hope feature unique geological formations. "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," notes a visitor to Wyalusing State Park Campground. "There are amazing caves at a state park near by," adds another camper staying at Rustic Barn Campground.
River recreation: Opportunities for paddling and water activities exist throughout the region. "Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids," explains a visitor to Skip-A-Way Resort, approximately 45 minutes from Mount Hope.
What campers like
Scenic overlooks: The high bluffs provide exceptional views of river valleys. "The views will speak for themselves. Great clean park. Many spots to have picnic," notes one camper at Wyalusing State Park. Another visitor to Nelson Dewey State Park Campground mentions, "Sunsets were beautiful looking west over the Mississippi River. The Driftless region is fun to explore."
Stargazing: Rural locations offer minimal light pollution for astronomical viewing. "There is an astronomical observatory on site," reports a camper at Wyalusing State Park. Another visitor notes, "Fireflies emerged as we began to setup camp and we watched the sunset over the Mississippi before calling it a night."
Winter camping: Year-round options exist for off-season visits. "We camped in 30 degree weather and freezing rain came into our campground," shares a visitor at Wyalusing State Park about their early April trip. The campground remains open year-round, though with reduced services.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad proximity affects several campgrounds in the region. "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," explains a camper at Grant River Recreation Area. At Bloody Run County Park, a visitor notes, "First night at 3am we were awoken but a train blaring its horn the whole way through the camp ground and the second night it happened at midnight and 3am."
Site leveling challenges: Terrain can require equipment for proper setup. At Nelson Dewey State Park, a camper advises, "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."
Seasonal bugs: Insects vary by location and time of year. "Lots of nats," reports a visitor to Grant River Recreation Area. At Skip-A-Way Resort, the management provides "several stations set up with poop bags/garbage" for pet owners.
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Kid-friendly amenities at several parks provide recreation options. Skip-A-Way Resort offers "a beach for swimming. Boats for renting but they were out of order for repairs when we were here. You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have mini golf but you have to pay 8 dollars for that," according to a recent visitor.
Educational programs: Nature-focused activities enhance family trips. "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," shares a visitor to Wyalusing State Park Campground. Another camper notes, "They also have children's movies every Saturday night during season."
Safety considerations: Geographic features require supervision. At Wyalusing State Park Campground, a visitor cautions, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site preferences: RVers recommend specific locations for the best experience. At Rustic Barn Campground RV Park, a camper advises, "We stayed in site 25 which was on an end, had great views, a concrete patio with table and chairs, and was level. Not all sites had the patio nor were level."
Concrete pad availability: Several rv parks near Mount Hope, Wisconsin offer upgraded site surfaces. "Cement pads and blacktop roads. Clean shower houses," notes a visitor to Grant River Recreation Area. At Rustic Barn Campground, "All sites had a concrete patio on it. Gravel roads and site are well maintained."
Winter considerations: Seasonal closure affects many rv parks. While some facilities like Wyalusing State Park Campground operate year-round, others have limited availability. Coconut Cove RV Resort near Mount Hope caters to "RV life style with lots of amenities such as restaurant, beach bar, water feature with floating water obstacle course, pool and more."
