Camping areas around Onalaska, Wisconsin sit within the Mississippi River Valley's unglaciated Driftless Area, with elevations ranging from 640 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasons, with camping generally available from mid-April through October when temperatures range from 60-85°F. Several campgrounds provide direct access to the 600-acre Lake Neshonoc, a relatively shallow body of water with maximum depths of 11 feet.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Neshonoc: Neshonoc Lakeside Camping Resort provides excellent lake access for kayaking and fishing. "Lake Neshonoc is a local favorite! There is so much to do in La Crosse county. Shopping, food, hiking, boating, fishing kayaking," notes one camper. The 600-acre lake supports multiple fish species including Lake Sturgeon, Bass, Muskie, Pike, Walleye, and Bluegill.
Biking the La Crosse River Trail: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to regional bike paths. The trail connects to camping areas and allows for scenic rides through the countryside. "Nearby recreation of the LaCrosse River trail for biking is a short drive away, and plenty of exploring can be done within a 30 min drive. Bring your bikes and enjoy this gorgeous area."
Swimming options beyond the river: Stoney Creek RV Resort maintains a swimming pool for campers who prefer controlled swimming environments. "There is a pool, skate park, sand volleyball, pond and concessions. The roads were perfect for our kids bikes," reports one family. Some campgrounds also feature swimming ponds with recreational equipment: "They also have a beautiful white sand beach around a 1-acre swim pond. The water was the color of the Caribbean with these huge blow-up toys and slides in the middle."
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: Whiskey Creek Family RV Park earns praise for its ample camping areas. "Awesome campground, big sites with grass and trees, and right next to trail system," states one review. Many campgrounds in the region provide full-hookup RV sites with gravel pads designed for easy leveling.
Recreational amenities: Campgrounds around Onalaska offer varied activities beyond typical outdoor recreation. "There are a mini golf course and a swimming pool on site. Stoney Creek is a fun place to bring the whole family," notes one camper. Another adds: "They have gaga ball, a bounce pillow, an arcade, mini golf, laser tag, swimming pool, skate park, playground, basketball court, volleyball court....the list of amenities goes on and on."
Organized weekend activities: Several RV parks host regular scheduled events. "Planned themes and activities on the weekends, great fun for the whole family," mentions a Whiskey Creek visitor. Another camper at Stoney Creek reports: "The theme weeks are all fun and well planned out. You can even order fresh baked donuts on Saturday mornings."
What you should know
Campground character varies significantly: Campsites range from densely packed to spacious, depending on the facility. At Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground, "The sites were spaced apart far enough so you weren't on top of the other campers." Conversely, some riverfront locations have closer quarters: "This campground is right on the waters of the Mississippi. There are several locations to launch boats, canoes, & kayaks... Make sure to bring bug spray because the campground can be overtaken by the pesky mosquitoes."
Terrain challenges at some locations: Access roads to some campgrounds may present difficulties. "The driveway leading to the campground is a bit daunting (especially if pulling a camper), but its well worth it!" warns one Wildcat Mountain visitor. Another notes: "If you have a low car, the front end is going to get scraped at the bottom of the mountain."
Some campgrounds prioritize specific camping styles: Research which campground best matches your camping approach. "The campground is more for motorhomes/rvs and the 'glamper' types. Not ideal for tent campers," explains one visitor to Neshonoc Lakeside. Another camper shares: "Although this is a very clean campground with lots to offer to me is more like a tiny home 55+ with a golf cart at every trailer."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds for kids: Some Onalaska area campgrounds specifically cater to families with extensive recreation options. "With 2 swimming pools, daily activities, movies, and a full ice cream shop you won't be bored here. The owners were super friendly and helpful. If you're looking to escape into nature, this is not your park. If you want full hook ups and a summer camp family experience, this is great."
Special weekend programming: Goose Island offers regular family activities during peak season. "Weekends also feature live bands and kids activities," mentions one review. "In the evening there was a Glow Parade where the full timers decked out their golf carts and drove around- candy for kids and lots of dancing. Bingo, tie dye, outdoor movies, and other relay races kept the kids happy and adults amused."
Multiple playground options: "There are a few playgrounds for kids to have fun at. Lots of areas for picnics and just to hang out, bring your hammock if you have one!" advises a Goose Island visitor. The proximity of play areas to swimming and other activities varies by campground, with some placing playgrounds near beach areas for convenient supervision.
Tips from RVers
Reservations essential during peak periods: RV campgrounds in Onalaska, Wisconsin become particularly busy during summer weekends. "We stayed over memorial weekend with a group of friends," recounts one visitor to Neshonoc Lakeside. "Kind of pricey, but it's worth the money for all the extras you get. Super easy back ins, plenty of space for extra cars or shade tents on the site."
Site selection considerations: Pettibone Resort offers various site types depending on your priorities. "Stayed in pull-through campsite #308 which was shady. It was a grass site with two concrete strips for my TT tires. There was more than enough parking for my TT and truck and grass on either side. Site was a little unlevel. Neighbors are close." Waterfront sites offer special advantages: "We stayed in site 183. It was spacious and very well kept, with a great view of the lake. Very easy to back in and get set up, almost level and took very little adjustment to get our spot in order."
Connectivity varies by carrier: Cell service fluctuations happen throughout the region's RV parks. "1-2 bars on AT+T," reports one camper at Neshonoc Lakeside, while another detailed: "AT&T had 2-3 bars of LTE and Verizon 1 bar of LTE service. AT&T Speedtest: 146 Mbps down, 4.8 Mbps up. Verizon Speedtest: 016 Mbps down, 0.14 Mbps up."
