RV camping near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin provides access to bluff-top vistas along the Mississippi River where elevations reach 1,200 feet above sea level. This driftless area features unique topography untouched by glacial activity, creating dramatic limestone outcroppings and deeply carved river valleys. Camping opportunities span from primitive tent sites to full-service motorhome accommodations across multiple counties within 45 minutes of Prairie du Chien.
What to do
Trout fishing: Access premium streams in Yellow River State Forest where stocked trout provide reliable catches. "Many different trails for hiking, biking or equestrian. Camp sites are mostly grass. Beautiful park," notes one visitor at Big Paint Campground. Multiple fishing locations throughout the forest offer year-round angling opportunities.
Swimming and river sports: Cool off during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F. "This campground has a lot of fun activities from April 15 thru Oct 15. Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids," according to a camper at Skip-A-Way Resort. Water temperatures typically reach the mid-70s by late June.
Hiking the backbone trail: Experience unique limestone formations while traversing ridge paths. "Great trails and campsites & lots of geocaching!" reports one visitor about Wyalusing State Park Campground. The park maintains over 21 miles of marked trails with varying difficulty levels and provides trail maps at the entrance station.
What campers like
Scenic vistas: Enjoy unobstructed river valley panoramas that showcase the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. "We stayed at the Homestead Campground, which consists of four loops named after cardinal directions," explains a camper at Wyalusing State Park. "This campground's sites are mostly among trees, and have a fair amount of privacy (forest understory growth) between sites."
Clean facilities: Access modern shower buildings with regular maintenance. "Let me wax poetic about the new bathroom/shower block. While I didn't take photos (should have) this is one of the nicest public bathrooms I've ever been in," notes one reviewer about Wyalusing State Park Campground. Many facilities have been renovated within the past five years.
Recreation options: Take advantage of on-site activities without leaving the campground. "Outdoor games set-up on the grass like Cornhole, croquet, etc. The store had firewood, ice, but grocery type items were very limited," writes a visitor to Rustic Barn Campground RV Park. Most campgrounds offer both structured and unstructured recreation options from May through October.
What you should know
Train noise: Prepare for overnight train disruptions in riverside locations. "Only weird thing is it's along the Canadian pacific railroad so a train comes through at 10pm and 3am every night almost," reports a camper at Bloody Run County Park. Trains follow the Mississippi River corridor with regular schedules and audible warning horns at crossings.
Reservation policies: Book well in advance for peak summer weekends and holidays. "This is a great place to stay but make sure you get your reservations in early if you plan on staying on the weekend," advises a visitor to Six Pines Campground. Most reservations open 6 months prior to arrival date and fill quickly for holiday periods.
Water quality concerns: Check swimming advisories before planning water activities. "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it," notes one camper about certain area lakes. Local water conditions can change rapidly with rainfall and temperature fluctuations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select campgrounds with dedicated play areas for children under 12. "There are lots of things for kids to do!" reports a visitor at Skip-A-Way Resort. "They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting but they were out of order for repairs when we were here. You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have mini golf but you have to pay 8 dollars for that."
Evening entertainment: Plan for nighttime activities that accommodate early bedtimes. "There is a store and bar on the grounds as wellas a pavilion for use any time where they also have children's movies every Saturday night during season," notes a reviewer about Skip-A-Way Resort. Most structured activities conclude by 9:00 PM.
Educational opportunities: Incorporate learning into camping trips with ranger-led programs. "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," shares a visitor to Six Pines Campground. Programs typically run 30-45 minutes and cover local wildlife, geology, and history topics appropriate for children aged 4-12.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Bring adequate leveling blocks for sites with natural terrain. "All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park," explains a visitor to Rustic Barn Campground RV Park about site conditions. Most RV sites require minimal leveling but preparation ensures comfort.
Seasonal campground operations: Confirm opening dates before planning early spring or late fall trips. "Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station," shares a camper at Big Paint Campground. Many facilities reduce services or close entirely between November and March.
Wind exposure: Secure awnings and outdoor items in bluff-top locations. "This campground is noted for its rip-roaring winds, one camper told us that during the rainy and wind night before, their shelter took off and tumbled down the valley," warns a visitor about Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Wind speeds can exceed 20 mph on exposed ridge tops, particularly in spring and fall.
