RV camping near Nelson, Wisconsin provides riverside recreation along the Mississippi with occasional train noise as a trade-off for waterfront views. Most RV parks in the area operate seasonally from April through October, with temperatures ranging from 45-85°F during the camping season. Sites typically accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet with gravel or grass pads for overnight or extended stays.
What to do
Bird watching opportunities: The Nelson area serves as a critical habitat for bald eagles. At Stoney Creek RV Resort, campers frequently spot wildlife. "The views from the campground are pretty and there are a lot of eagles nesting in this area," notes one visitor who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
Walking tours of small towns: Several campgrounds are within walking distance of charming river towns. Visitors at Nelson's Landing RV Park appreciate the location, with one reviewer noting, "Walking distance to local restaurants and shops. Just pay online. No worries about checking in." Another camper recommends, "The Creamery is worth the short walk into town."
Biking on Root River Trail: The paved trail system offers scenic routes for cyclists. A camper at Peterson City RV Park explains, "The campground is right on the trail, so very handy. It's in a lovely park in the small (pop 199) town of Peterson, MN. The park includes a nice playground, horse shoes, a shelter, and HUGE open spaces for your badminton, croquet, or other games."
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds feature individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. "There were 3-4 private shower/toilet/sink rooms with full locking doors. Everything is brand new and pristinely clean: white subway tile, white walls, white fixtures. Great water pressure and temperature," describes a camper at Nelson's Landing RV Park.
Level sites for easy setup: Most RV parks in the area feature well-maintained, level sites. At Autumn Woods RV Park, a visitor notes, "Nice spots that are level (pull through and back in), right off Hwy 90, quiet, and friendly staff." Another camper adds, "Easy backing in, plenty of room."
Community fire areas: While not all sites have individual fire rings, communal fire areas are common. A camper at Treasure Island RV Park reports, "The sites do not have fire rings but there are some community ones and it appears the other campers brought their own smokeless fire pits to use."
What you should know
Train noise near Mississippi River: Railroad tracks run along the river, affecting some campgrounds. A camper at Nelson's Landing RV Park notes, "We heard two around 10 pm and either there were no more until the next morning, or we mercifully slept through them!" Another visitor mentions, "As with many RV parks they have railroad tracks nearby with trains come through several times a day/night."
Limited cell service in valleys: Reception can be spotty in river valleys. One camper at Treasure Island RV Park reports, "On Verizon I have full bars so we haven't tried the park WiFi but we've been able to use our chrome cast and two iPads off my cell phone with zero issues. Because it's in a river valley the air tv single is terrible."
Variable shower access: Some facilities limit bathroom access on weekends. A reviewer at Big River Resort appreciates "very clean" restrooms with "excellent, clean, roomy restroom/shower," while a camper at Autumn Woods RV Park cautions, "The restrooms and showers are locked on the weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Many parks offer recreational facilities for children. "They have a nice pool and mini golf. A bouncy pillow and a bubble maker for kids," says one visitor about Stoney Creek RV Resort. Another camper adds, "They have gaga ball, a bounce pillow, an arcade, mini golf, laser tag, swimming pool, skate park, playground, basketball court, volleyball court."
Seasonal activities vary by campground: Check event calendars when planning. A family that visited Stoney Creek RV Resort shares, "The theme weeks are all fun and well planned out. You can even order fresh baked donuts on Saturday mornings."
Sites with open space behind RVs: Some campgrounds offer extra room for kids to play. A camper at Nelson's Landing RV Park appreciated that "there was a large open grassy area behind us that our two dogs enjoyed." This setup works well for families needing additional outdoor space.
Tips from RVers
Check hookup placement before arrival: The layout of utility connections varies between campgrounds. An RVer at Peterson City RV Park mentions, "I was amazed that sewer hookup is included, along with water and electricity, although my sewer hose was not long enough." Another at Hidden Meadows RV Park notes, "Also oddly spaced power hook up with sewer and water placements."
Bring leveling blocks: Even at "level" sites, some adjustment may be needed. A camper at Stoney Creek RV Resort observed, "Sites are gravel and pretty level. Only a little leveling was needed."
Consider paved vs. gravel sites: Surface types affect both comfort and cleanliness. At Treasure Island RV Park, a camper explains, "It's mostly gravel but they have some tent sites on the grass. We have dogs so the fact that it's all asphalt and rock is a bit of a bummer but we are close to the exercise area."
