Westfork Sports Club & Campground offers upscale glamping near Newton, Wisconsin in the Driftless Area's unique topography. This region features steep ridges and deep valleys formed during the last ice age when glaciers bypassed this section of land. The West Fork of the Kickapoo River winds through the area, creating opportunities for trout fishing and paddling during the summer months when water levels typically range from 1-3 feet deep.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Esofea/Rentz Memorial County Park offers excellent trout fishing. "There is good trout fishing at this campground. Recommended spots are one of the 5 ponds or the Bad Axe River," notes one visitor. The park maintains well-stocked fishing spots throughout its 27 campsites.
Hiking through bluffs: Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground features trails that showcase the Driftless region's distinctive landscapes. "Ice Cave trail was a neat, quick walk. The trails around have gorgeous views of the driftless area and Kickapoo river," explains a recent camper. Most trails are under 3 miles round-trip.
Kayaking the rivers: The Kickapoo River offers winding water routes accessible from several campgrounds. "We kayaked the Kickapoo river and stayed here for a night. Ontario to bridge 5 was 2.5 hours," reports a visitor to Wildcat Mountain State Park, highlighting a popular paddling segment for beginners and intermediate paddlers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Sidie Hollow County Main Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting. "Nice grassy sites next to a cool creek. Electric but no water hook up," mentions one camper who stayed in site #34, which "has shade all afternoon" and is "very level."
Clean facilities: Great River Bluffs State Park Campground maintains quality bathrooms and showers. "Campground had nice clean facilities (w/ showers!) and forested campsite added some extra privacy," notes a visitor who appreciated the attention to maintenance.
Well-maintained grounds: Campsites throughout the region receive regular care. "The campground is well groomed with lots of camping spots available," writes a reviewer about Westfork Sports Club, while another mentioned, "The fireflies at night were an added bonus!" about Great River Bluffs, highlighting the natural light show common in summer months.
What you should know
Membership requirements: Red Barn Resort and Campground and Westfork Sports Club both operate with membership models. The membership at Westfork "covers all amenities" according to visitors, with a yearly fee structure that reduces camping costs for return visits.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from mid-April through mid-October due to Wisconsin winters. "The campground is open for camping between April 15th and October 15th each year," states a visitor to Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park.
Reservation needs: During peak times, securing spots in advance is recommended. "Reservations are not always necessary but if you are planning on camping on holiday weekends or wanting electric sites, book in advance," advises an Esofea/Rentz Memorial visitor, reflecting a common pattern throughout Newton area glamping sites.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Pine View Campground - Fort McCoy offers numerous recreation options. "The beach was clean nicely set up, the office was very helpful with put put golf and peddle bikes," mentions a visitor. The campground includes a beach with lifeguards on duty during summer.
Nature exploration: Children enjoy the natural features at many sites. "My kids really liked the pond and playground. They spent most of the weekend getting tadpoles from the water then letting them go again," explains a visitor to Bluebird Family Camp, highlighting hands-on nature experiences.
Spacious campsites: For families needing room to spread out, several campgrounds offer larger sites. "The sites are very spacious and easy getting into for RVs/campers," notes a Red Barn Resort camper, which proves helpful for families with multiple tents or outdoor gear.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many glamping areas near Newton have varied terrain. "The sites are all level with a gravel pad, some also have concrete patio and all have nice fire pits," reports a visitor to Neshonoc Lakeside, noting the minimal adjustments needed to set up.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "We were told to go straight to our site and setup and they will check on us later... The sites were paved and level. The site had full hook ups," explains a Pine View Campground visitor, describing the efficient check-in process for RVs.
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow or winding access roads. "This one has some campsites that may be a little tricky to get a camper in and out of without their help," warns a Bluebird Family Camp reviewer, suggesting asking for staff assistance when navigating to certain sites.
