Glamping and canvas accommodations near Warrens, Wisconsin offer alternative lodging in the driftless region characterized by dramatic sandstone bluffs and valleys. Located in Monroe County at approximately 910 feet elevation, the area experiences warm summers and cold winters, with prime camping season from late April through October. Winter temperature often drops below freezing, making three-season accommodation more practical for most canvas structures.
What to do
Hiking trails with elevation: Mill Bluff State Park Campground provides access to unique rock formations with panoramic views. "The bluffs were beautiful and really fun to climb!" reports one visitor, while another notes "This state park is highlighted by a truck up the side of a bluff with a beautiful panoramic view of the area."
Kayaking the Kickapoo River: Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground serves as a gateway to river adventures. "We kayaked the Kickapoo river and stayed here for a night," shares a camper. "Great location for kayaking and hiking. The facilities are well maintained and clean. Camping sites are spacious and the stars at night is amazing."
ATV trail access: Russell Memorial Park connects directly to local trail systems. "We stayed with a group for Memorial weekend. We have such a great time... Our site was a little hard to get into. We stayed at site 116 with a 40 ft 5th wheel," notes one visitor. The campground provides dedicated ATV parking at the front.
Lake activities: Lake Arbutus offers swimming and boating opportunities at several access points. "We reserved spot 16 knowing it had lake access (not all spots do)... the park is fairly crowded with lots of seasonal campers... but it's clean, the main bath house is nice and the playground is large," reports a camper at Petenwell Park.
What campers like
Privacy in wooded sites: Many canvas accommodation areas feature natural screening. At Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground, "The sites were spaced apart far enough so you weren't on top of the other campers. Very beautiful scenery, especially from the lookout. All the fire rings come with grill racks for cooking."
Water access from sites: Lakefront sites remain among the most requested. "We stayed at sites right on the lake and they were hands down the most beautiful sites I've personally ever camped at! We didn't need to leave our site!" reports an enthusiastic visitor at Petenwell Park.
Bike trail proximity: Tunnel Trail Campground offers direct access to the historic Elroy-Sparta Trail. "The Elroy Sparta Bike Trail, North America's first rails-to-trails project, runs through the Tunnel Trail Campground. The campground is very nice, especially for tents and smaller campers and caters to bicyclists," explains one reviewer. Another adds, "Campground is right on the Elroy-Sparta bike train. They have a very nice pool and the Amish come through on weekends and sell candy and bakery out of their horse and buggy."
Affordable cabin options: For those seeking solid walls while maintaining budget. "A great campground for a nice getaway, Cabins are affordable and packed with amenities. There is a small camp store and boat rental where firewood is available," notes a visitor at Pine View Campground - Fort McCoy.
What you should know
Military base proximity: Some canvas structures near Fort McCoy experience bugle calls and occasional training noise. "North impact area is North of campgrounds. Mortors shooting one evening when we was there. Reveille, call to mess, retreat, tattoo and taps daily," reports a visitor at Pine View Campground.
Highway noise at some locations: Mill Bluff sites experience road sounds. "I camped here last summer and wasn't impressed at how close the camp sites were. We camped in a tent and there were several RV's nearby. Additionally when we went to hike around the area we couldn't seem to escape the sounds of the nearby highway."
Limited amenities at certain parks: Services vary significantly between locations. "If you want a secluded no amenities experience, this is your place. The bluff hike was cool, the beach was ok and very small. Lots of train traffic and flights due to the nearby military base," notes a visitor at Mill Bluff State Park Campground.
Seasonal operation: Most canvas structures close for winter. "The site was of good size, dark and quiet. The shower house was close and clean," notes a summer visitor at Wildcat Mountain, while another adds "We loved it so much that I've already planned another trip!"
Tips for camping with families
Look for built-in activities: Campgrounds with onsite recreation reduce travel needs. A reviewer at Tunnel Trail Campground notes: "The pool opened the day we got there and my kids enjoyed it although it was definitely to cold for me. Frogs pulled us to sleep the first night but disappeared the second. My kids enjoyed playing in that. There's a mini golf course which may have seen better days but is still playable."
Consider lake swimming options: Several parks offer beach access for children. At East Arbutus Camp, visitors enjoy "a warm shallow lake for swimming and boating, dog friendly, safe for kids. Lots of electric sites, but no sites with water or sewer so Sunday checkout there's a line of campers waiting to dump."
Check for playground facilities: Russell Memorial Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Lovely county park with lots of campsites. Office staff is super friendly. Our site is right on the water... so calm and peaceful. Family friendly. Nice and clean. We saw the sheriff's deputy drive through a number of times at night."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose locations based on rig size and slide-out needs. 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."
Advance planning for dump stations: Not all parks offer full hookups. "Loved our time at East Lake Arbutus... Lots of electric sites, but no sites with water or sewer so Sunday checkout there's a line of campers waiting to dump."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. At Tunnel Trail Campground, "We had difficulty getting to our site as tight corners for rigs 38 feet or more."
