Best Campgrounds near Alma, WI

Camping along the Mississippi River valley surrounding Alma, Wisconsin includes a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed options across state parks and forests. Reicks Lake Park in Alma provides electric hookups, showers, and sites for tents and RVs at affordable rates. Nearby, Nelson's Landing RV Park offers full-hookup sites with level gravel pads for larger rigs. For more primitive experiences, Richard J. Dorer State Forest and Zumbro Bottoms State Forest provide rustic camping opportunities with minimal facilities. The region features both riverfront camping with boat access and more secluded forest sites throughout southeastern Wisconsin and nearby Minnesota.

Seasonal changes impact camping conditions, particularly along the Mississippi River where flooding occasionally affects campground availability. Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with most open from April or May through October. "There is a main campground and a bonus sites section," explained one visitor to Nelson's Landing RV Park. "Sites tend to be very long and could accommodate even large-size Class A rigs." Train noise presents a consistent consideration for campers throughout the river valley, with railroad tracks running parallel to the Mississippi River. Water access varies by location, with some campgrounds offering boat landings while others feature more limited river access due to terrain or seasonal high water.

Campers consistently mention the natural beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities as highlights of the area. "This is a well maintained campground with private feeling sites. Some with firewood provided. Fire rings have attached grills. Lovely walking trails. Near Lake Pepin," noted one reviewer of Kruger Campground in Richard J. Dorer State Forest. Developed campgrounds like Merrick State Park feature multiple camping loops with varying amenities – some offering electrical hookups while others provide more rustic experiences. The waterfront sites receive particular praise, though they may flood during high water seasons. Budget-conscious campers appreciate the state forest campgrounds, which offer more affordable primitive camping options compared to the developed sites with electrical hookups and shower facilities found at established campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Alma, Wisconsin (119)

    1. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    50 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    "Easy access to hiking trails. My site was close in distance to adjacent ones, but was on the edge by the creek, so it was pretty quiet."

    "Keep watch on the ground to not accidentally step on a snake. They do have Timber Rattlesnake but they are so rare I didn't see one."

    2. Merrick State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Fountain City, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 687-4936

    "This is our first Wisconsin state park camping experience. This place is lovely! Nice and secluded. Our site is spacious. Nice deep fire ring with a grill grate. Really close to the river, as well."

    "We always bring the kayaks, so the water access offered is why we stay.   3 Campgrounds:

     - Island sites offer the best-in-park privacy for a campsite, but they are walk in (carts provided for hauling"

    3. Kruger Campground and Management Unit

    4 Reviews
    Kellogg, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-3401

    $14 / night

    "Nice and tucked away. Sites are very private. Has beautiful trails. Next to the river great for exploring and fishing."

    "Lovely walking trails. Near Lake Pepin. One negative was orange/rusty water from hand pump well. $14 a night!!! We plan to camp there again."

    4. Nelson's Landing RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Nelson, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 951-2842

    $10 - $40 / night

    "There was a large open grassy area behind us that our two dogs enjoyed. Brand new fire rings/pits. Beautiful view of the bluffs. Walking distance to several restaurants."

    "Walking distance to local restaurants and shops. Just pay online. No worries about checking in."

    5. Frontenac State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Frontenac, MN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-3401

    "Quiet, pretty hiking trails, nice people, close to home but tucked away enough to be away from everything"

    "The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience."

    6. Big River Resort

    2 Reviews
    Nelson, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 565-9932

    $68 / night

    "Short drive to Stockholm and Pepin Wisconsin."

    7. Reicks Lake Park

    2 Reviews
    Alma, WI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 685-3330

    $20 / night

    "Rieck’s Lake is located 3 miles northwest of Alma, Wisconsin. For $15 a night you will enjoy paved camping pad, fire pit, picnic table, coin-operated shower, and restroom."

    8. Kruger Unit - RJD Memorial Hardwood State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Kellogg, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 299-3000

    $17 - $50 / night

    "Hiking trails and the Zumbro river are available for outdoor adventures. Primitive camp ground. Pit toilets and a well, though we brought our own water supply."

    9. Carley State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Plainview, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    "Carley State Park is easy to overlook in favor of nearby Whitewater State Park. Whitewater has an actual visitor center, the dramatic scenery, the flush toilets, and spacious/level sites."

    "Site #2 is further down a path with 4 picnic tables and room for 4-5 tents. The site is right at the park border, with farm land/prairie just on the other Side of the trees."

    10. Zumbro Bottoms State Forest

    1 Review
    Kellogg, MN
    10 miles

    "There is a parking spot near a known dispersed camping site with easy vehicle access next to it. There are hiking trails that pass by this site."

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Recent Reviews near Alma, WI

457 Reviews of 119 Alma Campgrounds


  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Secluded Site and Great Views Close to the Twin Cities

    We did a one night camping trip for my birthday at Cart-In Site 1 the second to last weekend of September.

    We loved the hiking at Frontenac State Park - walking along the lake and then walking along the bluffs at sunset was magical! Fantastic views. I imagine if we had gone two weeks later, we would have had a fantastic display of fall color. We went a little too early to catch the changing leaves.

    We loved how easy Frontenac was for a casual weekend getaway. It was an easy, scenic one hour drive from St. Paul that was very enjoyable. The park was also nice with great bathrooms at the main campsite, nice trails, and they even had board games to check out at the front office for a rainy day- a great idea!

    We stayed at Cart-In Site 1. I would rate the site itself a 3. It was very secluded and spacious, which was fantastic! We could not see any other campsites from our site, which was fantastic. We only occasionally saw some hikers on a nearby trail. We could hear some other noisy campers, but it wasn't too much of a disturbance. Very wooded, nice, spacious site. There is not water at the Cart-In parking lot, so be aware that you will have to fill up prior to parking and heading to your site (easiest place to do so is the main office/ visitor center).

    I also slept poorly because of a nearby train that kept going past and honking at least until midnight. So if you're a light sleeper, be aware of persistent train noise at these sites!

    Overall good site and an easy, fun, and relaxing weekend getaway from the twin cities.

  • 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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Great hiking trails NICE Bathrooms

    The campground is well maintained, all of the sites are clean and laid out nicely. Some sites are kinda close but there is brush growing between sites.

    There are a LOT of NICE TRAILS at this park. Many nice prairie trails and some fun trails in the bluffs along the Mississippi River too. One trail down along the River can be challenging because of MANY STAIRS.

    Large drive in picnic areas away from the campground that many people drive in to us and had a nice overlook on the Mississippi River. There are 2 nice overlooks that are great to walk to in the dark and watch the calmness and peaceful nature of the river and forest.

    The men’s bathroom and showers are GREAT! There is also very nice large full handicap bathrooms. The SHOWER WATER IS VERY HOT so be careful!

    Dump station is sloped so it makes it easy to drive in either direction to help dump waste water easily. Also fresh water at the dumping station.

    Always Plenty of firewood in the shed next to the office.

  • 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!

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Cleanest Campground Bathrooms Ever!

    Frontenac State Park had some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I’ve ever seen—clean, and modern. The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience. I also loved the little free library outside the bathrooms.

    The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren’t many trees for hammocking. It’s also a popular park, so it can get pretty loud at times.

    Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor (though the main road is on the other side). Decent privacy and potential for hammocking.

    21 – Nice views, but likely best for just one tent/car.

    22 – Very private, though the ground looked a little uneven.

    Other solid tent sites: 36, 25, 48, 49, 51. Site 57 also looked spacious with no neighbors, but it does border the visitor parking lot.

  • L
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Holden Park Campground

    Fall Ride in Ocotber

    Our group has been camping at the Holden County Park for 4 years now, this will be our 5th year.

     We are so happy that the shower/restrooms are finally done, its a great plus and we feel that more people will camp there now. 

    We love how quiet it is when we return from our daily rides, its like its our own place as there aren't many if any at all other campers there. This year may be different and if it is we won't mind at all, hopefully they don't either as we do stay up late by the fire but aren't wild crazy loud.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park

    Scenic

    Pros: great paved walking and bike trail; leads to state bike trail; MN only covered bridge; huge park playground; disc golf course; along branch of the river; easy walk into town; friendly camp host; very quiet Cons: few site pads, you just drive onto grass where you see electric/water posts and fire ring; restroom with 1 toilet and 1 shower were dirty (husband said it looks like it hadn’t been cleaned in a month) I concur on woman’s as well but there was toilet paper (happy) but no hand soap or paper towels; garbage in women’s shower

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Haycreek Valley Campground

    Beautiful surroundings

    Red Wing, Minn might be the prettiest small town in the US. Rolling hills, greenery, the Mississippi River, and genuinely nice people in a small city with lots of attractions.

    The campground is about a 10 minute ride from the city center. The amenities are sparse and aged, but the sites are level, plentiful, and reasonably priced.

    Be aware however…..The Dyrt is wrong. There are no sewer hookups at this campground. They have a dump station and will pump for a fee.

    There is a perfectly average pub on site. The food is okay, the price is reasonable.


Guide to Alma

Camping near Alma, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Perrot State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The sites are well spaced and well separated by trees."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Whitewater State Park. One review stated, "Bathroom and showers were clean and fresh."
  • Scenic Views: The breathtaking views at Great River Bluffs State Park Campground are a big hit. A camper said, "The elevation you get up on the bluffs gives you great views of the river and foliage."

What you should know:

  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many campgrounds. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "T-Mobile service is one (1) bar of LTE."
  • Mosquitoes: Some areas can have a lot of mosquitoes, especially during certain times of the year. A camper at Lake Wissota State Park Campground noted, "Had to pull out the heavy-duty spray right out of the car."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Frontenac State Park Campground has no showers or toilets, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Trails: Choose campgrounds with trails suitable for kids. Afton State Park Campground has great trails for all skill levels, as one parent noted, "Great trails for all different skill levels and nice staff."
  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park has several playgrounds for kids to enjoy.
  • Secluded Sites: Opt for more secluded sites to give your family some space. A camper at Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground mentioned, "Very private and not a huge walk from the car yet far enough!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Finding a level spot can be tricky. A reviewer at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park said, "Only tricky part is finding a level spot if you don't have leveling rams or jacks."
  • Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. Campers at Whitewater State Park Campground appreciated the mix of electric and non-electric sites.
  • Dump Stations: Check for dump stations before you arrive. A visitor at Frontenac State Park Campground noted, "A bit of a tight turn to get to the dump station."

Camping near Alma, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Alma, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Alma, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Alma, WI and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Alma, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alma, WI is Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 50 reviews.

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

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