The Marathon County region around Rothschild, Wisconsin combines glacial features with mixed hardwood forests at elevations averaging 1,200 feet. Central Wisconsin campgrounds remain accessible from late April through mid-October, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-80°F. Many sites offer river frontage with numerous glacial lakes nearby.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Wild West Campground & Corral provides direct access to horse trails with camping options specifically designed for equestrians. A recent visitor noted, "Being able to watch the horses was very calming. We would recommend this place to others and we would go back."
Water recreation: At Big Eau Pleine Park Campground, visitors can explore the 1,450-acre park on a two-mile peninsula. One camper explains, "You can hike, bike, or ride your horse on the 12 miles of scenic, wooded trails. The park also offers several fishing points near the entrance and along the three boat landings."
ATV riding: Embarrass River Campground offers designated ATV tracks and wooded trails for off-road enthusiasts. According to a visitor: "You can bring your ATV to ride on the ATV track there or on the trails in the woods. We seen deer while riding through the trails. If you don't have an ATV you can always just kick back and relax."
What campers like
River camping spots: Embarrass River Campground and ATV Park features sites along a flowing river. A camper shares: "My favorite sites are on the river as its relaxing and comforting listening to the fast moving stream especially at night."
Swimming options: Lakeside Fire Campground includes water recreation facilities beyond natural swimming areas. A reviewer mentions the campground has "Ice cream Shop in hot Dog," providing additional refreshment options during summer visits.
Large, private sites: Many Marathon County campgrounds provide spacious sites with natural screening. At Big Eau Pleine Park, campers appreciate that "Sites have a little bit of trees between for privacy. Lots of families. Lots of stuff to do. Nice trails and single-track."
What you should know
Water conditions: Water quality can vary seasonally at some locations. One experienced camper at Big Eau Pleine notes: "I have camped with a club in the group site for years. Electric sites. No water. You now pay to dump your waste. BUT the water quality suffers from green algae almost the entire season."
Primitive options: Underdown Campground offers truly basic camping without facilities. A visitor explains: "No running water, no bathrooms, no crowded plots. It's as primitive as can be. Very ample space except near the water. Multiple small lakes around the area."
Seasonal limitations: Many horse-friendly campgrounds near Rothschild close during colder months. Wild West Campground operates from April 15 through October 15, allowing for spring through fall equestrian camping opportunities.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible accommodations: Marathon County Dells of the Eau Claire Park offers disability-accessible options. A reviewer shares: "The campground is pretty basic nothing fancy. You get privacy from campsite to campsite which is nice. The most epic part of the place is the Eau Claire river with the rocks and mini water falls."
Water activities: Big Eau Pleine Park provides multiple water access points for children. A visitor notes: "There is a beach area but sometimes it gets washed out pretty bad. I visit the place at least once a year. We like going and hiking there too."
Handicap-friendly sites: Several campgrounds offer specialized sites for campers with mobility needs. At Big Eau Pleine, a camper shares: "I camped on the handicap site as I am disabled. The site is near the bathroom which is good it's a nice big site. It was big enough for an camper and a tent."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Lakeside Fire Campground & Waterpark offers full-service sites with modern amenities. A reviewer noted it was "Nice, seems recently well updated" and that they found "very friendly atmosphere and more comfortable sized sites than we expected considering what we typically look for."
Electric options: Many campgrounds offer electric-only sites with 30-amp service. At Embarrass River Campground, "They recently updated the sites to have electric. They do have RV sites with full hookups. Showers and flushable toilets up at the entrance."
Sanitation facilities: Horse campgrounds typically provide dump stations for RVs. At Wild West Campground, campers can access full hookups or use the sanitary dump station when departing, making it convenient for those traveling with horses and RVs.
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