Tent campsites near Stockholm, Wisconsin provide access to the Upper Mississippi River Valley's unique driftless area, characterized by steep limestone bluffs reaching 500 feet above the river. This unglaciated region features diverse ecosystems including hardwood forests, prairies, and wetlands. Camping season typically runs from April through October with occasional frost possible in late spring and early fall.
What to do
Hiking forested bluffs: At Whitewater State Park Gooseberry Glen, visitors can access a 4-mile loop trail that offers varied terrain and scenic views. One camper noted, "We did the 4 mile loop and it was perfect for us- a beautiful and challenging hike that wasn't too punishing. There were lots of scenic views, and a good variety of terrain to keep it interesting."
Wildlife viewing: The Mississippi flyway attracts numerous bird species during migration seasons. At Afton State Park Campground, the river location makes it excellent for spotting wildlife. A visitor shared that there's "no shortage of lovely trails at Afton to spend your day on" with "lots of elevation" and direct river access.
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas along the river and Lake Pepin. The water temperature averages 70-75°F during summer months. At Aefintyr, campers can explore the nearby Whitewater area with "a lot of great trout fishing spots along the river" according to one visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, tent campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. One camper reported, "The tent pad was very spacious and flat, great for sleeping! The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit."
Walk-in camping experience: Many tent campsites near Stockholm offer walk-in options with varying distances from parking. A camper at Nerstrand explained, "The walk in site was great - close to parking with plenty of tree shade."
Night sky viewing: The rural setting of the Mississippi River Valley provides excellent stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. A camper at Aefintyr described it as a "beautiful campground with great amenities available. The hike to the site is steep but worth it once you get up there... Very peaceful campground, great view of the stars on clear nights!"
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The river valley can experience sudden weather changes with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night with summer nights cooling to 50-60°F.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. According to one visitor, Nerstrand Big Woods is open "April 1 to October 23" while Great River Harbor Campgrounds runs "May to October."
Water access considerations: At Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground, the walk-in sites limit vehicle access. One camper noted, "You cannot leave any cars near your campsite, you can drive in to drop off or pick up your gear but otherwise vehicles are parked in the main parking lot outside of the gate, which is not a big deal but from the group sites it is a trek to the lot and to the beach."
Terrain challenges: Many campsites in the bluff country feature significant elevation changes. A camper at Whitewater State Park mentioned, "We stayed in one of the cart-in sites... it is a very short walk to the campsite. You are able to slightly see 1 cart-in site neighbor, but besides that it was very private and quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Group site options: Family groups can find designated areas at several campgrounds. At Hok-Si-La, a visitor recommended, "If you're staying with friends or have a large family, the group sites G0 and G2 offer views and lots of space for multiple tents. We've stayed here with a group of about 20 people with plenty of room."
Security considerations: Some campgrounds offer better security for family camping. According to one camper, "This campground is a bit more spendy than state parks and regional campgrounds, but the security and family friendly atmosphere make it worth the extra cash."
Shower facilities: When camping with children, access to showers becomes important. A visitor to Nerstrand Big Woods mentioned, "The bathroom/shower building was new and clean, the camp host was friendly and helpful."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: The Stockholm area offers fewer full-service RV sites compared to tent camping options. Most designated RV sites are found at state parks rather than private campgrounds.
Site access challenges: The bluff terrain creates navigation challenges for larger RVs. A reviewer at Nerstrand Big Woods noted, "There's some sites that are tricky to back a trailer into, which would have been helped by some maintenance - there were LOTS of branches that needed to be trimmed back."
Electrical service: When available, electrical sites are typically limited to 30-amp service. Most tent-focused campgrounds in the immediate Stockholm area do not offer hookups.
