Best Campgrounds near Sparta, WI

Campgrounds near Sparta, Wisconsin range from state-operated facilities to private family resorts, with options for tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals. Pine View Campground at Fort McCoy and Leon Valley Campground offer well-maintained sites with amenities such as electrical hookups and shower facilities. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail provides walk-in tent sites that serve cyclists using the popular rail trail. Several campgrounds feature waterfront access, including Neshonoc Lakeside and Veterans Memorial Park & Campground.

Most campgrounds in the Sparta region operate seasonally, with the majority open from April through October, though select facilities like Pine View Campground and Wildcat Mountain State Park remain available year-round. Many sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends. The terrain around Sparta features a mix of rolling hills and valleys with several water features that attract outdoor enthusiasts. Weather considerations include occasional summer storms and mosquito activity, which can impact camping experiences. A camper noted, "This is a basic, straight forward, few amenities campsite with a pit toilet, water, garbage and recycling. Campsites are large, so if traveling with a group would have room for 3-4 tents in one site."

Campers consistently highlight clean facilities and family-friendly atmospheres as standout features of Sparta area campgrounds. Several private campgrounds provide enhanced amenities like swimming pools, organized activities, and access to hiking and biking trails. Public sites typically offer more basic accommodations but tend to provide better access to natural surroundings. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near Interstate 90. One reviewer mentioned, "The site is close to I90 so traffic noise is great, particularly during the week." Visitors seeking more secluded camping experiences may prefer Wildcat Mountain State Park or the primitive sites within Black River State Forest. Proximity to the Elroy-Sparta bike trail is frequently cited as a significant advantage for active campers wanting to explore the region on two wheels.

Best Camping Sites Near Sparta, Wisconsin (144)

    1. Pine View Campground - Fort McCoy

    8 Reviews
    Sparta, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 898-3517

    "Situated within short distance of the Mississippi surrounded by trails and kayak friendly rivers."

    "Near-by La Crosse has baseball and softball teams from the Northwoods collegiate summer league."

    2. Sparta Campground — Elroy-Sparta State Trail

    5 Reviews
    Sparta, WI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (608) 337-4775

    $15 - $21 / night

    "This is a walk-in campground intended for very light camping, particularly for those biking the Elroy-Sparta or Lacrosse Trails, as it is right on the Elroy-Sparta trail and only a 10 minute bike ride"

    "After biking 47 miles was a welcome respite on our first day of biking the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail. We spent a second night on our out and back along the trail."

    3. Neshonoc Lakeside

    9 Reviews
    Bangor, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It was spacious and very well kept, with a great view of the lake. Wry easy to back in and get set up, almost level and took very little adjustment to get our spot in order."

    "They are pretty open, so you’re close to you neighbors and little shade or privacy. All RVs here, some tents as overflow for kiddos whose parents are staying in the RV."

    4. Whiskey Creek Family RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Sparta, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 269-4796

    $45 - $185 / night

    "Sparta (Walmart plus other shops) is less than ten minutes away. The park is near an Amish community giving the region a great country feel."

    "Situated on 30 acres, there is plenty of room to roam. There is river access, walking trails, and so much more. This is the perfect place for your next family vacation or solo travel stop-over."

    5. Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Ontario, WI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 337-4775

    "Walk-In Sites If you are looking for privacy, cart-in site 119 is quite a ways off the trail and far from the parking lot, but it's a bit small."

    "My site was hike in but the distance was pretty short. There were wagons available for transporting things to sites but I just carried my pack."

    6. Veterans Memorial Park & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Onalaska, WI
    15 miles
    +1 (608) 789-8599

    "Vet's Park has direct access to the La Crosse Great River Trail where you can connect onto Elroy/Sparta Trail to the east and it directly to La Crosse Great River Trail to the northwest."

    "Great location!"

    7. Leon Valley Campground

    1 Review
    Sparta, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 269-6400

    $45 / night

    "It is only 5 minutes south of Sparta, WI where one can ride on a nice WI State bike trail too."

    8. Justin Trails Resort

    1 Review
    Sparta, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 351-1001

    9. Pigeon Creek Campground — Black River State Forest

    10 Reviews
    Warrens, WI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 284-4103

    $16 / night

    "All the Wisconsin State Parks are great. This one has a nice man-made lake with good fishing and lots of turtles."

    "Bugs were sometimes bad but it was June in the woods in Wisconsin. Nice space and enjoyed the beach area with the kids."

    10. Oakdale KOA

    10 Reviews
    Camp Douglas, WI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 372-5622

    $27 - $129 / night

    "It’s early in the season so the campground is mostly empty, but this KOA is a convenient stop off the highway for local adventures at the nearby state parks or Elroy Sparta bike trail."

    "The campground is super easy to get to as it is adjacent to I-90 which means you’ll also deal with highway noise."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 144 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Sparta, WI

484 Reviews of 144 Sparta Campgrounds


  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2025

    Perrot State Park Campground

    WI State Park with access to the Mississippi

    Beautiful park located near the river. There are many sites and a few have water views. There are a variety of sites available as well from primitive to drive through and even a few “twin”sites where family or friends can camp right next to each other. Some sites are a bit more isolated than others as well for a variety of preferences.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2025

    North Campground — Merrick State Park

    Nice sites at a WI State Park on the River

    Nice large sites in a single loop. This is one of 3 campgrounds in this State park. There are a few river side sites in the loop and mature trees are within the loop. The shower building is in this loop although it’s closed over winter. Vault toilets still available.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2025

    South Campground — Merrick State Park

    Nice River campground

    This campground offers many nice sites. Some are more off by themselves and some are right next to each other. There is drive in, cart in, and pull in sites. There is nice ground for renting as well. Many of the sites are on the river. Nice state park! Open year round.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2025

    Island Campground — Merrick State Park

    Nice large “hike-in” sites on the river

    These sites are in 1 of 3 campgrounds in the State Park. They are technically “hike-in” or “cart-in” but have a very short hike to get to. They are large and have a fire ring and picnic table at each of the on the water sites. Very nice in my opinion!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Wonewoc Legion Park

    One Of Our Favorite Stops

    We were lucky enough to have this beautiful little gem all to ourselves. The campground is super quiet, clean and very well maintained. It’s located about 40 minutes away from the Wisconsin Dells and has easy access to the 400 State bike trail. We took the Dells boat tour and enjoyed biking through the beautiful surrounding countryside and sampling the delicious goods at Wonewoc’s farmer’s market. Everywhere we went, people were so kind and helpful. We look forward to stopping in again.

  • Anne P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Blueberry Fields Forever

    Great little spot

    Second time I’ve stayed up on Peach Peak. I’ve never had an issue driving up the hill. Great views of the stars. Plenty of deer this last time! It seems very secluded, but I did hear music from nearby one of the nights on my last trip.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

    Very nice

    I arrived late in the day and the office was closed but they have all the instructions and QR codes for an online reservation and check in. Very clean including the showers and bathroom. View of the Mississippi is amazing!

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Kennedy County Park

    Great price for a little campground

    Not the most elaborate campground or the best I stayed at, but the price was right for what you get. The sites are large. You could add a tent or RV to any of them, but some are tighter to get into than others because of the road and how it turns.

    There's a little playground and lots of open space. Each site has a fire pit, but I don't believe there's firewood available for purchase. There are some vault toilets here.

    Cost is only $15 cash and it's first come first serve. No reservations.

    I believe that they raised the rate on April 1st. It's now $15, but in this day and age of price gouging that's actually a bargain for a campsite. It's primitive, but it's nicely kept.

    A little train noise from the distance, but if you like the sound of a train horn, it's very soothing.

  • Cynthia K.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Oakdale KOA

    Shady trees

    KOA Journey. We didn't feel like tackling Illinois at the end of the day, so we planned a stop here. 

    Check in was pleasant. We were in the back by the bathroom, which was my request. Lots of shady trees. This is a well established campground. As others have noted there is Interstate noise. It's easy on- easy off though.

     There's a Loves nearby.


Guide to Sparta

Camping near Sparta, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are many trails to choose from. At Whitewater State Park, one visitor mentioned, "We hiked a trail with lots of steps," which adds a bit of a workout to your adventure. Another camper at Wildcat Mountain State Park noted, "The trails around have gorgeous views of the driftless area and Kickapoo river."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Buckhorn State Park is a great spot. One reviewer said, "Good trout fishing here," making it a perfect place for anglers.
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: The Kickapoo River is popular for water activities. A visitor at Eagle Cliff Campground shared, "They offer lots of extras including tube rental and transport," which makes it easy to enjoy the water.

What campers like

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Perrot State Park. One guest mentioned, "The sites are well spaced and well separated by trees," which adds a sense of privacy.
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A reviewer at Great River Bluffs State Park said, "The facilities are great. Very clean bathroom with nice showers."
  • Wildlife: Many campers enjoy the wildlife. At Beaver Creek Valley State Park, one visitor noted, "We saw turtles, bald eagles and lots of other wildlife," making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What you should know

  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service. A camper at Whitewater State Park mentioned, "Spotty cell service," so it might be a good idea to download maps ahead of time.
  • Mosquitoes: Some areas can have a lot of mosquitoes. A visitor at Perrot State Park warned, "Had to pull out the heavy-duty spray right out of the car."
  • Reservation Fees: Be aware of additional fees. A camper at Mirror Lake State Park mentioned, "The site cost was $35, but the Wisconsin DNR adds a 'parking fee' of $11," which can add up.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Wisconsin Dells KOA, one parent said, "Nightly and daily planned activities. Again, great for the kiddos."
  • Playgrounds: Check for playgrounds nearby. A reviewer at Bluewater Bay Campground mentioned, "The campground is kid-friendly, with a playground and a pool."
  • Safety: Keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Eagle Cliff Campground noted, "Facilities were clean and well-maintained," which is reassuring for families.

Tips from RVers

  • Big Rig Friendly: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. Buckhorn State Park is noted as "big rig friendly," making it easier for larger vehicles.
  • Dump Stations: Ensure there are dump stations available. A camper at Wildcat Mountain State Park mentioned, "There’s a sanitary dump," which is essential for RVers.
  • Electric Hookups: Check for electric hookups if needed. A visitor at Eagle Cliff Campground said, "They offer electric hookups," which can make your stay more comfortable.

Camping near Sparta, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sparta, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sparta, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 144 campgrounds and RV parks near Sparta, WI and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sparta, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sparta, WI is Pine View Campground - Fort McCoy with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sparta, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Sparta, WI.