Campgrounds near Spencer, Wisconsin offer diverse camping experiences in central Wisconsin's rolling terrain. The area sits at approximately 1,250 feet above sea level with a mixture of wooded areas and lake access points. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day with cooler evenings around 55-60°F, making it comfortable for tent and RV camping.
What to do
Hiking trails: East Fork Campground offers access to numerous trails along the river with varying difficulty levels. One camper noted, "This campsite is close to lots of hiking trails too!" Another mentioned "There's a little trail along the river you can walk on which is nice."
Beach and swimming: Enjoy family water activities at Coon Fork Campground, which features two beaches and a no-motor lake. "This is a great place to camp. We have been back a few times. They have sites on the lake and off. If you can get a site on the water I highly recommend," shares one visitor. Another camper added, "The kids love swimming, kayaking, fishing, and bike trails."
ATV riding: Rock Dam Park connects directly to regional ATV trail systems. A visitor explained, "This campground is a place I have 4-wheeled to many times. The trails around it are well maintained and beautiful." Many campers use it as a base for trail riding: "Stayed one night to ride the nearby OHV trails."
What campers like
Affordability: Dorchester Park & Campground offers economical camping with good amenities. "Great little city park in the town of Dorchester Wisconsin. We're just doing a quick overnight but we have 30 Amp and water hookups. Also, we scored a pull thru! All for just $22/ night! ($25 for full hookups)."
Spacious sites: North Wood County Park provides room to spread out. One camper explains, "This park is well taken care of. You have plenty of room between campsites and if you're lucky enough to get a water front one it is just beautiful in the fall especially with the geese hanging out in the water and the sound of the water running over the dam."
Relaxation opportunities: Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at various campgrounds. At East Fork Campground, "The sites were well spaced and well sized. The sites on the river were really pretty but full of mosquitos. The sites on the other side are also nice and have a much smaller bug presence."
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Water quality varies through the season at some parks. "The water quality suffers from green algae almost the entire season," noted one camper about Big Eau Pleine Park Campground. Another advised, "Try early in the season for best experience. The mosquitos were horrendous" at East Fork Campground.
Campground rules: Different parks have different enforcement levels. At Big Eau Pleine, one camper warned, "The rangers and camp hosts will give you tickets for EVERYTHING. I was profiled for fitting the description of a vehicle they had an issue with the week prior and I got a $50 ticket!"
Bathrooms and facilities: Facilities quality varies between campgrounds. At Medford City Park, "Restroom was surprisingly clean for a public park restroom. Sites are level and paved." At North Wood County Park, "The shower rooms are kept clean. The suspension bridge is another favorite of ours to get to the other side of the park."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly playgrounds: Multiple campgrounds offer play equipment. At Dorchester Recreation Park, there are "lots of toys for kids of all ages to play on as well as a disc golf course! There was a scenic lake, but no swimming access."
Safety considerations: Coon Fork enforces quiet hours for families. A visitor mentioned, "Quiet hours are reinforced early at night but it's an excellent campground small children." Another noted, "DNR on duty and sheriff tends to drive through."
Pet-friendly activities: Wedges Creek Hideaway offers 6 miles of hiking trails perfect for dogs. "And hiking trails (6 miles) if you choose to take on the outdoors," mentions one reviewer. The campground maintains a straightforward pet policy: "Just let the owner know and it's no problem as long as you are responsible, pick up after them and leash them when necessary. Just a small charge for them and they were very welcomed here."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer some electric sites. Snyder Park campers appreciate the convenience: "The nice part for us is it's located on the ATV trails so we just drive in and out of campground."
Amenities for extended stays: Campground hosts at Snyder Park provide quality firewood. "You can buy firewood from the host and he's very generous and it's very nice wood," notes one camper, making longer stays more comfortable.
Dump station access: Medford City Park offers "30/50 amp on the west side of the street. 30/20 on the east side of the street against the river. Beautiful little city park." While noting "No sewer hookups but there is a restroom about 200 yards away near the pool."
