Glamping options within an hour of Platteville, Wisconsin range from riverfront sites to wooded retreats. The surrounding Driftless Area features distinctive rolling hills and bluffs formed when glaciers bypassed this region during the last ice age. Winter temperatures typically range from 10-30°F, while summer averages 70-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
River adventures: Grant River Recreation Area offers direct access to the Mississippi River for boating, fishing, and shoreline exploration. "It's right next to the Mississippi, and that's it's shining quality... Park was really well maintained," notes Dene H. The location provides concrete pads with river views, though trains pass regularly.
Cave exploration: Eagle Cave Resort LLC offers underground camping experiences during winter months. "Winter is best for cave camping! Mostly scouts and church groups during the winter," reports Jennfer C. The resort includes cabin accommodations with bunk beds and cave system tours that can be physically challenging.
Hiking trails: Cox Hollow Campground at Governor Dodge State Park maintains several trails with varying difficulty levels. "We stayed at a hike in site in May and had great hanging options for our hammocks, excellent privacy in the hike-in sites, and beautiful options for hiking, fishing, and photography," shares Kathy S. The Canyon Trails and Stevens Falls area feature informational plaques about early settlers.
What campers like
River views: Nelson Dewey State Park Campground offers walk-in sites with panoramic views overlooking the Mississippi River. "The walk-in, non electric campsites are gorgeous!! Campsite C and D are my favorite. Putting the view of the Mississippi River in rare form," states Jaspmine B. Sites require reserving months in advance, especially for summer weekends.
Clean facilities: Palace Campground maintains well-kept grounds and facilities. "Very spacious, grassy and clean," reports Ivana B. The campground features grassy sites, playground areas, and clean bathrooms with proximity to both Galena attractions and shopping areas.
Wildlife watching: Grant River Recreation Area provides opportunities for bird watching, including bald eagles. "Beautiful views of the Iowa and Wisconsin Mississippi River bluffs," writes Adam. The river attracts diverse wildlife year-round, with fishing opportunities directly from the shoreline.
What you should know
Train noise: Several riverfront campgrounds experience regular train traffic. "Until midnight, trains went by about every 1/2 hour. After midnight about every other hour," reports Lyle B. about Grant River Recreation Area. Some sites at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground also experience train noise, though the views compensate for many campers.
Reservation timing: Peak season requires planning months ahead. "Peak season reservations are a definite (weeks to months in advance for weekends)," notes Jen L. about Governor Dodge State Park. Walk-in sites with river views at Nelson Dewey book up to six months in advance.
Site selection: Swiss Valley County Park offers varied site layouts. "Meticulously maintain with good size, level sites. We had a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby," shares Tom R. However, some reviewers note that sites can feel close together, with one commenting they are "stacked on top of each other."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Governor Dodge State Park has active wildlife that may visit your campsite. "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD!" warns Jen L. Store food securely and use provided trash facilities to minimize encounters.
Water activities: Wisconsin Riverside Resort offers multiple swimming options for different age groups. "There is a decent sized pool that is clean and well-maintained with a smaller kiddie pool with a slide. There is also a man-made lake with a beach for swimming and bigger kids to enjoy the large inflatable slides and swim platforms," explains Kim L. The resort also provides river tubing with a free shuttle service.
Pet-friendly options: Several parks accommodate family dogs with designated areas. "My boyfriend and I brought our two dogs here to camp. They had a dog beach for them to swim in which was a huge plus!" reports Sarah B. about Governor Dodge State Park. Wisconsin Riverside Resort is near a dog run where pets can exercise off-leash.
Tips from RVers
Dump station planning: Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area offers dump facilities that may have waiting times during busy periods. "The line to clean out the tanks was long and blocks the way in and out," notes Bill L. Plan your departure timing accordingly or use facilities during off-peak hours.
Site leveling: Consider requesting specific sites based on your rig size and leveling needs. "We stayed in site 33. We slept with our heads lower than our feet in our camper van," reports Lee D. about Governor Dodge State Park. Wisconsin Riverside Resort offers more level sites near the lagoon area for larger rigs.
Hookup access: Wisconsin Riverside Resort provides conveniently placed utilities. "The electrical and water hook ups were conveniently located, and the site was easy to get into. There were a lot of big Class A motorhomes, so the sites are plenty big," shares Kim L. However, some sites better accommodate smaller trailers under 31 feet.
