Campgrounds near Nelsonville, Wisconsin offer a range of accommodations within the Central Wisconsin region, characterized by sandy soil, pine forests, and several small lakes. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through October, with most sites closing before the first frost. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 55-65°F at night, making it ideal for outdoor recreation.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: Hartman Creek State Park Campground maintains a clean swimming area on a small lake. "The lake was a smaller lake, but nice for swimming. They do a great job of keeping the beach and swimming area clean," notes one visitor. Water activities are family-friendly with rental options available.
Fishing spots: Early morning fishing yields good results at several lakes. "Allen Lake has a fishing pier that the kids loved fishing from. Good catches early in the morning!" shares a camper at Hartman Creek State Park. Most lakes in the area are no-wake, making them peaceful for anglers.
Biking trails: The region offers both paved paths and off-road options for cyclists of all levels. One visitor to Lake of the Woods Campground mentioned, "The group campsite is phenomenal... tons of space for each family and a great community area for your group." Many campgrounds connect to wider trail networks suitable for family rides.
What campers like
Quiet evenings: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, particularly at certain campgrounds. "We loved the quietness at night. Not entirely sure, but I believe there is a quite policy after 10pm. Gorgeous to look up and see the amazing stars at night," shares a Hartman Creek visitor.
Organized activities: Wild West Campground & Corral offers unique experiences not found at other sites. "Being able to watch the horses was very calming. We would recomend this place to others and we would go back," writes a camper. Several parks schedule weekend events during peak season.
Shade coverage: Many sites feature tall pines providing natural cooling. A visitor to Pearl Lake RV Campground noted, "This campground is nestled in a stand of tall red pine trees so shade is found everywhere." This natural canopy helps moderate temperatures during summer camping trips.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies: Site isolation differs significantly between campgrounds. "Sites are close together with nothing in between. No privacy," warns one camper about certain locations. Research specific site numbers when making reservations.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and accessibility of facilities varies widely. At Omro RV Park, "Showers and toilets. The sites are gravel, and that's about it," explains a visitor. Some parks offer full shower houses while others provide basic facilities.
Sandy soil conditions: The region features sandy soil which affects tent camping. "The only thing I didn't like was the sandy soil, but otherwise our site was awesome," mentions a Hartman Creek visitor. Bring extra stakes or weights for tents during windy conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation facilities. "This campground has something for every age. We always had great time," shares a visitor to Lake of the Woods Campground, which offers "a store, a bar, coin op laundry, a pool, a clean little pond & a great playground."
Swimming for kids: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park (Fremont RV Campground) offers extensive water features. "Great waterfront camping. Great outdoor waterpark. Fun dance for kids on Saturday night," reports a camper. Most swimming areas around Nelsonville are supervised during peak hours.
Wildlife viewing: Many parks provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "My son was pretty enamored by all of the awesome wildlife we saw on the strip," shares a Jellystone visitor. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: RV sites near Nelsonville, Wisconsin often present specific challenges. "All of the sites are 90 degree back ins which can be tight with longer rigs- especially if your neighbor across the road has their vehicle or toys parked right up to the paved surface," cautions a Pearl Lake visitor.
Hookup variations: Electric service ranges from basic to comprehensive across the region. At Ox Creek Campground, you'll find "water views for shorter rigs" with standard 30-amp service. Check specific amperage requirements before booking as not all parks accommodate larger rigs.
Dump station availability: Most parks provide dump stations even when full hookups aren't available. "Dump station and fresh water on site. Large gravel sites are flat but not secluded," notes an Omro RV Park visitor. Some facilities charge additional fees for dump station use for non-guests.
