Camping options near Schofield, Wisconsin primarily concentrate in Marathon County's forested regions, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,400 feet. The area experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 80°F in July and August, while spring camping often means dealing with muddy conditions from snowmelt across the central Wisconsin landscape. Dispersed camping opportunities remain limited compared to established campgrounds, with most sites requiring advanced reservations.
What to do
Hiking along riverways: Marathon County Dells of the Eau Claire Park connects to the Ice Age Trail, offering scenic paths along rock formations. "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!" notes a visitor.
Boat launching access: River's Edge Campground provides river access for watercraft. "Great weekend! Most sites are very roomy some are little tight for the larger campers. Lots of activities to do and for the kids to do," reports Jason W., highlighting the Wisconsin River access.
Disc golf courses: Big Eau Pleine Park Campground features a wooded course with daily fees. According to Nicole H., "Lots of families. Lots of stuff to do. Nice trails and single-track. Heads up there is a daily fee for disk golf course."
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Campers appreciate the serenity at Council Grounds State Park Campground, especially midweek. Erin A. shares, "This was dry camping at its best. Sites are wooded and offer plenty of shade. Well spaced so you feel like you're all alone. Quick walk to the river or drive along the loop to the beach."
Proximity to water: Horn Lake Camping offers free primitive sites with lakefront views. "Great spot right on the water. There are 2 camp spots with stone rings. They are about 40' apart on a cul-de-sac at the end of the road where the boat launch is," notes Skip H.
Wooded sites: The tall pines throughout the region provide natural shade and privacy. At Marathon Park Campground, Victoria G. comments, "Beautiful wooded campground, quiet and peaceful. Electric hookup only, but has coded bathroom facility if needed and fresh water and dump station in campground."
What you should know
Reservations and seasonal timing: Many campgrounds implement minimum stay requirements during peak season. Amber G. explains about Marathon Park: "There is a 2 day minimum for online reservations. That's not required for walk up self registration so you can do one day as a walk up. Self registration has a 3 day maximum."
Water quality concerns: Algae blooms affect swimming options in some locations. At Big Eau Pleine Park, Lori S. warns, "I have camped with a club in the group site for years. Electric sites. No water. You now pay to dump your waste. Price is right for a county site. BUT the water quality suffers from green algae almost the entire season."
Road noise: Several campgrounds experience traffic sounds despite wooded settings. At Jordan Park, a visitor noted, "The only down fall was that you could hear semis on the road very clearly during the evening."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Marathon Park includes multiple play areas integrated into the campground. According to Amber G., "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."
Beach options: Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground offers water recreation for various ages. Jeremy W. mentions, "There is a beach area perfect for kids. 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."
Group camping sites: Council Grounds State Park provides dedicated group areas for family reunions. "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," shares Amanda G., noting the convenience of nearby facilities.
Tips from RVers
Urban camping considerations: Marathon Park Campground offers in-town RV options with tradeoffs. Wade W. explains, "Couldn't have any fires, sites are easily visible from one end to the next, virtually no privacy from neighbors. Sirens all the time, no wildlife outside of squirrels and birds."
Pad surfaces: Most sites in the region have gravel or dirt pads rather than concrete. Erin A. notes at Council Grounds State Park, "Dirt pads but fairly level in our spot. (We did have a huge storm during our stay that created a river in our site - so tent campers may want to choose wisely)."
Site spacing variations: Big Eau Pleine Park has both cramped and spacious options. As David O. observes, "Kind of crowded, clean, no lights in restrooms or sanitizer," while Walter W. counters, "Camping sites are very nice and level w majority elec. Wood available for fires an reasonable."
