The Wisconsin Driftless Area surrounding Prairie du Chien features unique limestone bluffs and deep valleys untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. Glamping options near Prairie du Chien range from elevated walk-in sites to unique seasonal accommodations, with most locations requiring advance reservations during peak summer months.
What to do
Trout fishing in stocked waters: Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park offers excellent fishing opportunities in multiple ponds and the Bad Axe River. A camper noted, "Nice campground, beautiful stream runs through it. Mountains, valleys, just gorgeous. Clean bathrooms with hot water. Shed with dry wood for purchase."
Cave exploration in winter: Eagle Cave Resort LLC provides unique winter cave camping experiences, particularly popular with scout groups. "We only spent a night at the resort (actually slept in the cave). One thing to know for sure, bring a tarp or tent to cover yourself. We went in March, so with all the runoff from the snow it was a very wet experience," shared one visitor.
Canoeing and kayaking: The Upper Iowa River provides excellent paddling opportunities from Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground. A camper mentioned, "We booked a spot for our RV because we wanted to explore the Decorah,IA area and its abundant set of activities. The campground is more on the rustic side but they have a nice clean shower house, very well kept grounds and a ton of space to spread out."
What campers like
Generous amenities at county parks: Waukon City Park offers exceptional value with free firewood and utilities. "Free firewood, free wifi, water and electric at each campsite. Found a nice shady site for tent camping," reported one visitor. Another noted, "$15 tents. Includes electric and water and showers and firewood. Best value I have found yet."
Clean facilities: Nelson Dewey State Park Campground maintains exceptionally clean facilities. "I'll begin by saying this is by far the cleanest campground I have stayed at. The facilities were well kept including the vault toilet houses," commented one camper. Another mentioned, "Clean restrooms, park and trails. Good views of the Mississippi while hiking. Trails are good for beginners and moderate hikers."
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. "Most campsites have privacy and are quiet due to being a smaller park. Bathrooms and showers are modern and clean," noted a visitor to Nelson Dewey State Park. At Sidie Hollow County Main Campground, campers appreciate the "nice grassy sites next to a cool creek."
What you should know
Trains create noise disturbances: Grant River Recreation Area sits directly alongside active railroad tracks. "Campground was neat and tidy. Vault toilet was clean. Most sites had view of river. A railroad mainline ran along the campground. Our site was about 100 ft from rail and campground was where train would blow their whistle. Until midnight, trains went by about every 1/2 hour," reported one camper.
Flooding can affect accessibility: Boulder Creek Campground experiences occasional flooding issues. "Can flood with a good downpour. Nice cabins. Close to railroad tracks so you will hear the trains go by," noted one visitor.
Walk-in sites require preparation: At Nelson Dewey State Park, walk-in sites involve some planning. "We stayed in walk-in site C, which is the furthest site from the parking lot. Arrive before dark!! The wheelbarrows provided are a lifesaver, the trail to the site is manageable until the last 50 feet, which is steep and rocky," advised a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for children: Boulder Creek Campground offers kid-friendly water activities. "Great for kids! The water attractions are great for the kiddos and the cabins aren't half bad either!" noted one visitor.
Spacious sites for group activities: Swiss Valley County Park provides well-maintained spaces for family gatherings. "Campground is well maintained, restrooms, showers, recycling station, fire wood available, campground host onsite, resident park ranger, standard RV sites, some electric tent sites otherwise primitive with fire rings and tables," described one camper.
Early reservations needed: For luxury camping experiences during summer months, book well in advance. "Ranger Mark is awesome! He helped me with firewood and helpful facts for the weekend. The walk-in, non electric campsites are gorgeous!! Campsite C and D are my favorite. I had my site reserved for 6 months!!" shared a Nelson Dewey visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: When selecting sites, check for level ground. At Nelson Dewey, "the site itself was sloped away from the road making it feel tucked into the trees. The downside was that the only flat space for the tent was very close to the fire pit."
Site spacing for larger rigs: Red Barn Resort and Campground offers well-designed RV spaces. "The sites are very spacious and easy getting into for RV's/campers. Price is very reasonably priced. The creek adds to the wonderful scenery," noted a regular visitor.
Electric and water connections: Most glamping options near Prairie du Chien provide electric hookups, though water connection availability varies. "Nice size sites good water plenty of electricity they have a great price on wood this is our camp grounds to go to," reported a Swiss Valley County Park visitor.
