87 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The central Wisconsin region surrounding Rothschild features numerous county and state park campgrounds situated along rivers and lakes, with most facilities operating seasonally from May through October. Big Eau Pleine Park Campground, located on a peninsula jutting into the Big Eau Pleine Flowage about 20 miles west of Rothschild, offers 106 sites with both electric and non-electric options. Council Grounds State Park near Merrill provides year-round camping with wooded sites along the Wisconsin River. Closer to town, Marathon Park in Wausau offers urban camping with convenient access to city amenities but less seclusion. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Jordan Park featuring specialty sites such as walk-in island camping for those seeking more privacy.
Camping reservations are essential during the peak summer season, particularly for weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking through county or state reservation systems, with fees typically ranging from $18-30 per night depending on amenities and location. "The campsites were clean and spacious, we had enough room in our site for a tent, screen tent, and a boat," noted one visitor to Council Grounds State Park. Weather conditions remain relatively predictable from June through August, though occasional thunderstorms can occur. The region experiences significant seasonal changes, with most campgrounds closing by late October due to colder temperatures. Insects, particularly mosquitoes and deer flies, can be prevalent near water during summer months, as mentioned in reviews of riverside sites.
Water access represents a defining feature of camping in the Rothschild area, with many campgrounds situated on rivers or lakes that support fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The Wisconsin River flows through the region, with several campgrounds including Dubay Park offering riverfront sites arranged in loops. "On the Wisconsin River, there are four loops of campsites, with some on the river side of the road and some off the river," explains one camper. Wooded sites with mature trees provide shade and privacy at many locations, though site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds. Families particularly appreciate the beaches, playgrounds, and water recreation opportunities available at parks like Council Grounds and Jordan Park. Hiking trails, including segments of the Ice Age Trail, connect with several campgrounds, allowing for day hikes directly from campsites.
"This gorgeous county park in Marathon County, Wisconsin is 1,450 acres of mixed hardwoods forming a two-mile peninsula jutting out deep into the waters of the Big Eau Pleine Flowage."
"We do everything we can to make this campsite a home away from home for all our visitors. We pride ourselves on keeping everything natural. We pick up trash and garbage anywhere we find it."
from $18 - $23 / night
Check Availability"The evening is mostly quiet, but with traffic noise from the outside of the park streets and occasional loud vehicles that can be disruptive. Morning was largely quiet as well."
"Along both sides of the river are some of the best walking trails in the area. The scenery is beautiful such as the natural rock formations. There is also a playground for kids."
"The hiking trails are great and go all the way out to the Ice Age trails. It goes along the river. Very scenic. Ran into a bear around Xmas time, during a warm winter!"
"On the Wisconsin River, there are four “loops” of campsites, with some on the river side of the road and some off the river."
"The spaces seem close to neighbors but our site was pretty large in the back. Easy to back into. Really quiet and the lake views are serene. Nice little playground too."
"Stayed here one night while driving home from Lake Superior. I found this to be a pricey evening as you have to pay for a day use fee as well as a camping fee."
"Beautiful forest, boating, dam views along the Wisconsin River."
from $18 - $150 / night
Check Availability"After a bit of uncertainty about how to access the sites (they were listed some places as "canoe in") we were pleasantly surprised to see the sites were just a walk over a bridge :) All 3 canoe sites"
"The good Small campground clean nice walking trails,dog friendly main park across hwy free and clean showers. The bad is a lot of road noise some sites are very close together."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"Should be monitored more closely to prevent issues."
"We made a list of everything we felt was important in a seasonal campground and we drive 2 1/2 hours each weekend because of what they offer."
GuideGreat little camping area with 2 spaces set up with fire pits. A boat launch and some four wheeler trailers along with hiking trails. Very peaceful! Camped here on way to Lake Superior and liked it so much, we stayed again on way back. Wasn’t busy but was early in the work week. We did hear wolves the second night.
TravelerI biked into the park and was assisted by the campground host. The swimming area was closed for the season but there was much to see and explore. There was no way to pay in person at the campground. The cost was $27 per night but there was a hefty $10 processing fee. A bit high.
TravelerMunicipal RV park. Not much on amenities but very clean bathrooms and showers. Great price. Good for those passing thru.
TravelerBeautiful city park and campground with very reasonable rates. Most sites have 30 or 50 amp, electric and water as well as walk-in campsites for tents. Park has a rental shelter, dump station frisbee golf a man-made lake for fishing and multiple areas with playground equipment.
ScoutStopped here on the way home from further north. Lots of logging in the way in. Both campsites were taken but I found a spot near boat ramp. (Don’t block it though.) There is a third walk in site near the ramp and another about a quarter mile back in the road. Perfect for a small 4x4 like Jeep or Taco to get in.
ScoutLots of things to do and fun for both adults and kids. Well kept, clean facilities and a great park!
ScoutRelaxation at its finest. Nice small size campground. Clean spots, play equipment, showers. Beach, fishing, grills, bathroom a short walk away.
ScoutWe highly recommend visiting the Pigeon River Campground. Beautiful property with walking trails, a dog park, and clean facilities!
ScoutI have been A South side CAMPGROUND Host for 6 years now. My review may be a BIT biased for that reason, but I'll give my take. We do everything we can to make this campsite a home away from home for all our visitors. We pride ourselves on keeping everything natural. We pick up trash and garbage anywhere we find it. We try to greet as many guests we see. We are always trying to make our pit toiĺetsas presentable as we can considering what they are. We have someone come in and do what they call deep clean every toilerepaint jobst at least once a week. Some of them are due for a painting which should happen in the next year we are hoping. We are in the process of reworking picnic tables throughout the park now. We ask campers to please let us know if they see one needing repairs. Please come give us a try. My wife and I are host's on the South Park admin sight. Stop and say hello.
Camping opportunities near Rothschild, Wisconsin center on forested landscapes at elevations between 1,100-1,300 feet, where the Wisconsin River creates a natural corridor through the region. Most campgrounds maintain operating seasons from May through October, with typical temperatures ranging from 45-80°F during this period. Marathon County parks generally offer more competitive pricing than state facilities, with comparable amenity levels.
Hiking the Ice Age Trail: The Dells of the Eau Claire segment connects directly with several campgrounds near Rothschild. "Hiking on the Ice Age Trail is 5 star. Ice Age trail is easily accessible from the park. Absolutely beautiful day of hiking here. During the week we only ran into 2 other people on the trail," notes a visitor to Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground.
Disc golf courses: Big Eau Pleine Park offers a complete wooded course as part of its recreation options. "You can enjoy a fun game of disc golf on the scenic wooded course," mentions a camper, though be aware there's a daily fee for course use that runs $5-8 per player.
Wildlife viewing: The peninsula formation at Big Eau Pleine Park Campground creates excellent wildlife habitat. "Camping sites are very nice and level with majority electric. Wood available for fires at reasonable prices. Trails for hiking and lots of wildlife. Kids will love it," explains one visitor who stayed midweek when the park was quietest.
Island camping: For visitors seeking maximum privacy, Jordan Park offers unique walk-in island sites. "The canoe camping site is cheaper and much more secluded with view of the lake. Great experience," reports one camper who stayed at Jordan Park. These sites require a short paddle or walk but reward with waterfront positioning.
Urban proximity: Marathon Park provides an unusual camping option within Wausau city limits. "Beautiful wooded campground, quiet and peaceful. Electric hookup only, but has coded bathroom facility if needed and fresh water and dump station in campground," notes a camper at Marathon Park Campround, appreciating the balance of urban convenience with natural setting.
Shaded sites: Many campgrounds feature mature forest coverage. "The campsites here were clearly marked and tidy. Each site has a nice fire ring with grate. Main road is paved and sites are small gravel. Hiking/running trails are wide enough to accommodate strollers," describes a visitor to Dells of the Eau Claire.
Water quality concerns: Algae blooms affect several area lakes during summer months. "The water quality suffers from green algae almost the entire season. Fishing can be good. No longer good for nocturnal carp due to water," explains a long-time visitor to Big Eau Pleine Park.
Reservation requirements: Most county park campgrounds require minimum stays on weekends. "2 night minimum, 14 night maximum reservation," notes a camper at Jordan Park, describing the walk-in sites policy that applies throughout peak season.
Variable facilities: Council Grounds State Park Campground offers more complete shower and bathroom facilities than many county parks. "Bathrooms and showers were clean. Showers were free, which is a plus," shares one visitor, highlighting an amenity not universal across all area campgrounds.
Splash pads: Marathon Park offers water recreation even without a beach. "The campground is part of a larger park. There are multiple playgrounds, tennis courts, splash pads and even an amphitheater and ice rinks within the park," explains a family who appreciated these amenities during summer heat.
Beach quality: DuBay Park Campground provides lake access with sandy beach areas suitable for children. "A beautiful, full forest Park with great sites. Lots to do: mountain biking, swimming, hiking. Dog friendly. Nice beach area, sandy," notes a visitor assessing the family-friendly features.
Group sites: For family reunions or multi-family trips, Council Grounds offers dedicated group camping areas. "For this particular trip, we reserved group sites A and B. They each have concrete pads for 3 campers and TONS of space to spread out and/or set up tents. Non-flush toilets in between the two sites on opposite side of the campsites," reports a group organizer who found the arrangement ideal for their gathering.
Electric hookup availability: River's Edge Campground provides full hookups but site configurations can present challenges. "Some tight spots for big campers, family fun activities, kind staff," notes one RVer who visited with a larger rig.
Campsite leveling: Big Eau Pleine Park features relatively level sites suited for RVs without extensive setup. "Camping sites are very nice and level with majority elec," explains an RVer who found the terrain accommodating.
Pad types and access: Council Grounds group sites feature concrete pads that simplify RV setup. "They each have concrete pads for 3 campers," highlights a visitor who used the group site, noting this construction detail that improves camping experience during wet weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Rothschild, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rothschild, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Rothschild, WI and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Rothschild, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rothschild, WI is Big Eau Pleine Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rothschild, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Rothschild, WI.
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