Camping sites near Stevens Point, Wisconsin offer natural woodland settings with access to the Wisconsin River, Lake Wazeecha, and Lake Emily. The area features a mix of county-operated parks and privately-owned campgrounds with varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds operate from April or May through October, with sites available for as little as $14 per night for non-electric sites at county parks and up to $28 for premium waterfront locations.
What to do
Kayaking on multiple lakes: Lake Wazeecha at South Wood County Park offers excellent kayaking opportunities with convenient shore access. "Great spot to ride bikes or kayak. Clean & green. Loved our stay there!" reports one visitor who appreciated the well-maintained waterfront.
Disc golf course: Big Eau Pleine Park has a full disc golf course set in wooded terrain. According to a camper, "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." Note that there is a daily fee for using the disc golf course.
Mountain biking on wooded trails: Hartman Creek State Park Campground offers excellent biking opportunities with designated trails. One regular visitor mentions, "Enjoy bringing the family's bikes and love the single trail bike paths through the woods. Has a nice small lake to bring your own kayaks and SUPs or rent on site."
What campers like
Sandy beach swimming areas: The swimming areas at Lake Emily Park are particularly popular during summer months. "Swimming area, playground, boat landing, very clean showers and bathrooms. Only downfall is an active train going through at night," notes one reviewer, highlighting both the benefits and potential disruptions.
Spacious, wooded sites: Vista Royale Campground features well-designed camping areas with appropriate spacing. "Great sites, very roomie, tons of stuff for the kids to do. Campground has many theme weekends, which is fun for all," writes a camper who appreciated the generous site dimensions and recreational activities.
Canoe-access camping: Jordan Park offers specialized canoe-in sites that provide a more secluded experience. "The canoe camping site is cheaper and much more secluded with view of the lake. Great experience," explains one enthusiastic camper who gave the experience five stars.
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Lake Emily campers should prepare for nighttime train noise. One visitor reports, "This a small county park in Portage County, camping was $14 per night and was not full. There was shelters, playground and a lake to swim. But the trail to the lake was down a hill, either by stairs or another route. After having fun on the beach, you got to remember you have to go back up that hill with all your beach stuff. Sleeping at night, better hope you use to noise! Highway 10 and the train runs right near this park, so not quiet at night."
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds near Stevens Point experience traffic noise. A Jordan Park visitor noted, "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."
Water quality concerns: At Big Eau Pleine Park, water quality can be an issue during warmer months. A regular visitor cautions, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Best places for young children: Vista Royale Campground offers numerous child-friendly amenities. "We've been going here for the last couple of years and Vista Royalle is a highlight for the family. They have a man-made sandy pond with lots of inflatables and kayaks on it. Also a Pavillion and 'octo-ball' court," writes a parent who found the facilities ideal for family recreation.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds, with Jordan Park offering convenient facilities. A regular visitor states, "Smaller county park far enough from town to be in the wood, but close enough if you forgot anything. Close to Jordan River, and it's parks, beaches, Pavillion, and playground. They also have a nature center to explore right next door!"
Theme weekends for families: Look for scheduled activity weekends at various campgrounds. One camper shares, "We return yearly for trick or treat weekend. We also camp during the summer as well! Had my kids double birthday party here and it was fun! I'm so glad the campground allows visitors. I hate campgrounds that are strict on that! Keeps us coming back!"
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: River's Edge Campground offers sewer, water and electric connections, though some sites may be challenging for larger rigs. "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. Themed weekends throughout the season. Great bar and grill on property," notes an RVer who stayed at the facility.
Dump station and water fill locations: South Wood County Park provides dump station access and water fill points, though no full hookups. "Nice spacious sites. Some are blacktop. 30-50 amp electrical. No sewer or water at sites but dump station and drinking water is available. Some waterfront sites on lake Wazeecha," explains a visitor who appreciated the practical RV facilities despite the limited hookups.
Site access considerations: Sites vary significantly in accessibility and size across the best places to camp near Stevens Point. "This was quiet and peaceful. When we needed our fire pit cleaned out they came pretty quickly. Being able to watch the horses was very calming," reports a visitor to Wild West Campground, one of the area's more unique camping options.
