Camping near Trempealeau, WI

The Mississippi River valley near Trempealeau offers established camping options from April through October, with some locations open year-round. Most campsites in the area feature electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables. Tent campers can find walk-in sites at several locations, while RVers have access to both partial and full-hookup options.

What to do

Kayaking on calm waters: Merrick State Park provides excellent paddling access directly from campsites. "We stayed in one of the lower walk in sites. It had a wonderful view and easy water access... I could carry my kayak into the water and paddle across the channel to the kayak/canoe trail that we could see from the campsite," notes one visitor to Merrick State Park Campground.

Bike trail access: Veterans Memorial Park connects directly to regional trail systems. "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," reports a camper at Veterans Memorial Park & Campground.

Fishing: Both river and pond fishing options exist throughout camping sites near Trempealeau. A reviewer at Pettibone Resort notes they "rented canoes and went out to the river for some good fishing and putzing around." River's Edge Campground also offers "water, fishing, tubing" according to campers.

What campers like

Riverfront site selection: Pettibone Resort offers direct water access. "If you're on the bay side you can bring your boat and beach it right by your campsite," explains a visitor to Pettibone Resort. Waterfront sites are available at several campgrounds in the area.

Family-focused amenities: Multiple campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "This campground always has something to do. Whether it's a movie night, live music, food trucks, or kayak rentals, there's always something. There is a playground for kids, and clean bathrooms," shares a camper at Prairie Island City Campground.

Spring and fall camping: Shoulder seasons offer fewer mosquitoes and beautiful colors. "Stayed here in the fall. Had a site right next to the bathroom big enough for 2 tents and 2 vehicles. Hikes here offer great views of the river and bluffs and the fall colors are gorgeous!!!" reports a camper at Great River Bluffs State Park.

What you should know

Train noise: Several campgrounds experience train disruptions, particularly at night. "Highway noise from the highway running along the river and from I-90 (while not really noticeable during the day) is ridiculously loud at night. Added to this were the half dozen trains that ran through the night (horns going off too)," warns a camper at Great River Bluffs State Park.

Mosquito management: Bug pressure can be significant, especially near water. "The mosquitos were almost unbearable. We fogged the site daily, had thermacells, and coated ourselves in bug spray - still came home completely bit up," notes one Perrot State Park visitor.

Water quality concerns: Some locations report drinking water issues. "There were signs posted that the drinking water cannot be boiled, nor can it be given to babies or elderly due to high nitrates. But we brought our own water anyways," advises a Perrot State Park camper.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas for easier supervision. Veterans Memorial Park offers "baseball fields, playgrounds, a couple of group shelters, volleyball courts, and tons of space for activities."

Golf cart rentals: Consider renting carts at larger campgrounds for easier mobility. "Definitely worth renting a golf cart for the day as the campground is pretty spread out," suggests a visitor to Champions Riverside Resort.

Walk-in site planning: Bring carts for gear transport if choosing tent sites. At Merrick State Park, "Island sites offer the best-in-park privacy for a campsite, but they are walk in (carts provided for hauling in). Worth the short walk in from the lot for what you get."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Prepare for uneven surfaces at some locations. A visitor to Pettibone Resort reports, "It was a grass site with two concrete strips for my TT tires. There was more than enough parking for my TT and truck and grass on either side. Site was a little unlevel."

Seasonal planning: Most campgrounds with full hookups close by mid-October. "A little pricey at $54 considering there were no sewer hookups," notes an RV camper at Pettibone Resort regarding value considerations.

Overnight farm stays: Small farm campgrounds offer unique alternatives. "We pulled in from a long driving day. We were greeted by our host. She was very friendly and explained where the site was. Had a great night sleep. This is a good overnight stop," shares a visitor to Frickson Family Farms.