Best Campgrounds near Nelsonville, WI
The area around Nelsonville, Wisconsin features a variety of established campgrounds catering to different camping preferences. Lake Emily Park, located just north in Amherst Junction, offers both tent and RV sites with electric hookups in a wooded setting. Hartman Creek State Park Campground, situated southwest of Nelsonville near Waupaca, provides over 100 campsites with a mix of private and open areas. Several private campgrounds including Wild West Campground & Corral and S'Mores Campground supplement the public options with additional amenities. Most accommodations in the region support tent camping and RV parking, while some like Waupaca S'more Fun Campground also offer cabin rentals and glamping options.
Camping season in the Nelsonville area generally runs from April or May through October, with most campgrounds closing for winter. "The train runs right near this park, so not quiet at night," noted one visitor about Lake Emily Park, highlighting how proximity to transportation corridors can affect the camping experience. Advance reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Campground fees vary, with county parks like Lake Emily charging around $19 for tent sites and $25 for electric sites, while state parks charge additional entrance fees for non-residents. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables, with many also offering shower facilities and sanitary dump stations for RVs.
The region's campgrounds frequently feature lake or river access, making water activities a primary attraction. Jordan Park offers unique canoe-in sites on a small island that provide more seclusion than standard campgrounds. "The canoe camping site is cheaper and much more secluded with view of the lake," explained one camper. Hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and beach areas complement many of the camping locations. Sites with shade and proximity to water tend to receive the highest ratings from visitors. Campground reviews consistently mention the tradeoff between convenience and quietude—locations closer to town offer easier access to supplies but may experience more traffic noise, while more remote options provide a more peaceful experience. Several campgrounds in the area maintain nature centers or are situated near multi-use recreational trails for additional activities.
