Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Nelson, WI has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Nelson, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Nelson, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"to drive through the same area."
"Quiet, pretty hiking trails, nice people, close to home but tucked away enough to be away from everything"
"Easy access to hiking trails. My site was close in distance to adjacent ones, but was on the edge by the creek, so it was pretty quiet."
"Keep watch on the ground to not accidentally step on a snake. They do have Timber Rattlesnake but they are so rare I didn't see one."
$10 - $40 / night
"There was a large open grassy area behind us that our two dogs enjoyed. Brand new fire rings/pits. Beautiful view of the bluffs. Walking distance to several restaurants."
"Walking distance to local restaurants and shops. Just pay online. No worries about checking in."
$14 / night
"Nice and tucked away. Sites are very private. Has beautiful trails. Next to the river great for exploring and fishing."
"Lovely walking trails. Near Lake Pepin. One negative was orange/rusty water from hand pump well. $14 a night!!! We plan to camp there again."
$68 / night
"Short drive to Stockholm and Pepin Wisconsin."
$22 - $132 / night
"It is only 1 1/2 hours away from the TwinCities which makes it an ideal getaway. The campsites are wooded and have enough distance between them that noise is minimal."
"The lake view was spectacular and the park manager, Joanne was so humble! Joanne lives on the grounds so it made for easy access to any answers we needed while camping."
$17 - $50 / night
"Hiking trails and the Zumbro river are available for outdoor adventures. Primitive camp ground. Pit toilets and a well, though we brought our own water supply."
$20 / night
"Rieck’s Lake is located 3 miles northwest of Alma, Wisconsin. For $15 a night you will enjoy paved camping pad, fire pit, picnic table, coin-operated shower, and restroom."
"The dispersed camping near here is awesome but very hard to find. Also the mosquitoes when we went were everywhere."
TravelerNice village park with camping area. Fishing, paved bike loop for kids. Great public pool, well maintained lawns. Small level pads. Deer pens for animal viewing on site.
GuideViews were stunning, trails and picnic areas were well maintained (w/ clean vault toilets). Campground had nice clean facilities (w/ showers!) and forested campsite added some extra privacy.
GuideThis park is beautiful. It’s as green as green gets. Lots of room. Only electric hooks ups at each site. They do have a fresh water filling station and a dump station. Well worth the $30 per night charge.
GuideNice grass for your tent. Sites away from the water have beautiful shade. Near the water no shade. The whole tent camping area is in the middle of a frisbee golf course so lots of foot traffic by the sites.
TravelerMy dogs favorite, including the dog swim beach. Not best for dogs not good with a busy place in the summer. Showers clean, firewood, elec on every site! Shade on most, stick to the outsides of camp for better shade.
TravelerDuring a cross country trip we were tired and looking for a place to rest. Found this campground it was clean. Nice bathrooms and easy access. Found a site paid on line.
GuideWe had a reservation on the North Shore, but switched it to Whitewater when we saw the ice and snowstorms in the forecast.
Our site was large and easy to back into, all sites have a picnic table and fire ring. We had no cell service at our site, but 2 bars plus WIFI outside the visitor center. A water spigot was there, too, since the water and bathhouse are off/closed for the winter season. Firewood is available for $8 per bundle, you can pay by QR code if you have enough service. Or you can grab wood and pay in person at the other end of the park - a small shop is there near picnic areas and trailheads.
The wood was small pieces of mill offcuts, but it burned better that we expected, enough to warm up and to cook. It started drizzling, so we didn’t sit out by an evening fire. We think our bundle was oak. In any case, it was good, dry hardwood. It exceeded our first disappointing impression.
We had great weather our first day and saw few other people on the trails. It got colder and rainy and most of the campers left.
Overall, this was a great spot to get away into the fresh air. We’ll be back another time for fishing.
RangerI thought I was getting punked. I had the entire State Park to myself. It was super cool be eerie. Great hikes and the view from the top was worth it. Campsites in the campground are really close together, so when full, I imagine that is a downside. Didn’t matter to me, there were zero other campers.
GuideMy husband had a fall break at the beginning of October, and we were looking for beautiful fall colors a short drive from the twin cities for a one night camping trip. We wanted a quiet, secluded campsite, but one we wouldn't have to backpack into. Several people recommended Whitewater State park for fall colors close to the twin cities, and I cannot thank all the people who recommended it enough!
We stayed in a cart in campsite and it was perfect. The sites were quiet, woodsy and secluded... We could see site 4 from our site, but all we could hear was the stream. Our campsite was perfect in October, with sun and golden leaves and the sound of the water. We were in site 3, which was very spacious. If we came again just the two of us, we would book site 4 because it was the most private and right next to the water, although the area to pitch a tent was small, so if we came with a larger group we would book site 2 (right on the water and very spacious). The cart in sites felt woodsy and secluded, but it was a fairly short walk back to the parking lot, bathrooms, and water. For those that want to take a shower, you could drive up to one of the electric campgrounds at the park and use the very clean, nice bath houses. I love backpacking, but my husband had never been, so carting in was a good first camping trip for us as a couple.
The hiking at Whitewater State Park is great. We did the 4 mile loop and it was perfect for us- a beautiful and challenging hike that wasn't too punishing. There were lots of scenic views, and a good variety of terrain to keep it interesting. Fantastic for fall colors.
This was the perfect trip for a relaxing, beautiful 24-hour getaway in the woods. We may make it an annual tradition!
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Nelson, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Nelson, WI and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nelson, WI is Frontenac State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Nelson, WI.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Nelson, WI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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