Glamping opportunities near Trempealeau, Wisconsin extend beyond the Upper Mississippi River valley, with additional options in the driftless region's varied terrain. The area features limestone bluffs, spring-fed rivers, and hardwood forests that create distinctive camping microclimates. Winter glamping options typically maintain temperatures at least 20°F warmer than outside conditions when properly heated.
What to do
Kayaking the Kickapoo River: Visitors can access prime paddle sports near Wildcat Mountain State Park, where the Kickapoo River offers shorter paddling routes. "Ontario to bridge 5 was 2.5 hours," notes one visitor who enjoyed the river access.
Golfing between camping sessions: Some glamping resorts combine outdoor accommodation with recreational amenities. "The Old Barn Resort combines glamping with an 18-hole golf course, great camp site, wonderful bar and food," according to a camper who found the food options particularly convenient during their stay.
Hiking to geological formations: Several parks feature unique rock formations alongside glamping options. "Ice Cave trail was a neat, quick walk. The trails around have gorgeous views of the driftless area and Kickapoo river," reports a camper who appreciated the shorter trail options.
What campers like
Minimal insects at select locations: Not all glamping sites suffer from typical woodland pests. At Whitewater State Park, "We were surprised that there were minimal mosquitoes at Whitewater. We have always enjoyed hiking here too," reported one pleased visitor who found the park surprisingly comfortable.
Stargazing opportunities: The region's relative distance from urban light pollution creates prime stargazing conditions. "All in all, it's a pretty great place to camp. Beautiful, quiet, spacious, and relaxing. Also, it doesn't hurt that you're away from the bright lights of the city, so star gazing is amazing!" one camper at The Old Barn Resort observed.
River sounds from private sites: Select glamping sites offer water features with natural soundscapes. One camper at Eagle Cliff Campground noted, "The Root River goes right alongside most of the campsites which creates a really peaceful space," highlighting how water proximity enhances the experience.
What you should know
Nighttime noise variations: Not all glamping locations provide silent nights despite natural settings. At Great River Bluffs State Park, one camper noted significant sound issues: "Highway noise from the highway running along the river and from I-90 is ridiculously loud at night. Added to this were the half dozen trains that ran through the night and the light aircraft flying into Lacrosse airport."
Military base proximity: Glamping near Fort McCoy includes unique auditory elements. "Reveille, call to mess, retreat, tattoo and taps daily. If you was in the military and haven't heard bugle calls for awhile, this is the place," reports a visitor to Pine View Campground who experienced the military soundscape.
Shower facilities vary widely: Water facilities differ significantly between glamping locations. At Whitewater State Park, "The showers are push button so you get no heat control and the water shuts off after about 30 seconds," while another visitor to The Old Barn Resort noted, "The coin operated shower in the women's shower house was ice cold and couldn't be adjusted and the men's shower house in same building was scolding hot."
Tips for camping with families
Pool options for children: Some glamping destinations include swimming amenities with family-specific features. At Neshonoc Lakeside, "With 2 swimming pools, daily activities, movies, and a full ice cream shop you won't be bored here. The top one is very large and new with a splash pad area. The lower pool is older and smaller, and where grown ups tend to go for a dip."
Evening entertainment options: Family-friendly glamping often includes organized activities. "In the evening there was a Glow Parade where the full timers decked out their golf carts and drove around- candy for kids and lots of dancing. Bingo, tie dye, outdoor movies, and other relay races kept the kids happy and adults amused," noted a visitor to Neshonoc Lakeside.
Wildlife viewing with children: Kids can experience close wildlife encounters at select sites. "We saw a cardinal and 3 hummingbirds because they came to hang out right in our campsite," mentions one camper who appreciated the natural encounters their family experienced.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV glamping requires attention to site dimensions and positioning. At Pine View Campground, "The sites were paved and level. Nicely wooded and made it easy to setup a hammock as well. The site had full hook ups," notes a camper who appreciated both the functional aspects and natural features.
Off-peak seasonal advantages: Visiting during shoulder seasons provides different experiences. "We visited in winter (February) and while there was snow on the ground, the spaces were kept plowed with easy access to the electric boxes," observed an off-season visitor who found winter camping accessible.
Site spacing awareness: Privacy levels vary significantly between glamping destinations. At River's Edge Campground, one reviewer cautioned, "nightly camping sites are stacked on each other so no privacy - we heard the drunk neighbors all weekend long," while at Wildcat Mountain State Park, another noted "The sites were spaced apart far enough so you weren't on top of the other campers."
