Best Campgrounds near Onalaska, WI
Campgrounds near Onalaska, Wisconsin range from state parks to county-managed recreation areas along the Mississippi River and its backwaters. The region includes established sites like Veterans Memorial Park & Campground in West Salem and Goose Island in Stoddard, both within 15 miles of Onalaska. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering electric hookups, water access, and basic amenities. Perrot State Park Campground in nearby Trempealeau provides camping with scenic bluff views, while Pettibone Resort in La Crosse offers riverside sites with full hookups for RVs.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with many sites operating from mid-April through October. Winter camping options are limited but available at select locations like Perrot State Park. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. "This camp South of Lacrosse Wisconsin is a great family or road tripping camp," noted one visitor about Goose Island, which features sites directly on Mississippi River backwaters. Road conditions are generally good with paved access to most developed campgrounds, though some primitive sites may require short walks from parking areas. Cell service is reliable throughout most of the region, with stronger signals near La Crosse and Onalaska proper.
The Mississippi River and its backwaters define the camping experience in this area, with many sites offering direct water access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Campers frequently mention the scenic bluffs and river views as highlights. "Great hiking trails and overlooks. A favorite pastime is early in the morning and listening to the Cranes calling from their rookery nearby," shared one visitor about Perrot State Park. Train noise affects some riverside campgrounds, particularly Merrick State Park, where several reviews mention passing trains. For more seclusion, the cart-in sites at Great River Bluffs State Park across the Minnesota border provide more privacy while still offering river valley views. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, with many also providing shower facilities during the main camping season.
