Best Campgrounds near Wausau, WI

The area around Wausau in Wisconsin has several camping options worth checking out. Hartman Creek State Park Campground gets good reviews for its trails and clean shower facilities. If you're looking to spend time on the water, Big Eau Pleine Park Campground sits on a peninsula that's great for launching kayaks. Hikers might prefer Eastwood NF Campground, which has larger sites and puts you right by the Ice Age Trail. People with RVs often head to Fremont RV Campground where the sites can fit larger vehicles and have the hookups you'd need. The Wisconsin River runs alongside Council Grounds State Park Campground, which draws many campers during summer months. Most places in this part of Wisconsin have basic facilities like pit toilets and water pumps. You can reach most campgrounds on regular roads, though some of the more remote spots might need a vehicle with higher clearance, especially after rain. Wisconsin's weather changes dramatically between seasons, so check forecasts before you pack up your gear.

Best Camping Sites Near Wausau, Wisconsin (85)

    1. Marathon Park Campround

    6 Reviews
    Wausau, WI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (715) 261-1566

    "The evening is mostly quiet, but with traffic noise from the outside of the park streets and occasional loud vehicles that can be disruptive. Morning was largely quiet as well."

    2. Council Grounds State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Merrill, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 536-8773

    "Stayed here one night while driving home from Lake Superior. I found this to be a pricey evening as you have to pay for a day use fee as well as a camping fee."

    "Beautiful forest, boating, dam views along the Wisconsin River."

    3. Big Eau Pleine Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Mosinee, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 261-1566

    $18 - $23 / night

    "This gorgeous county park in Marathon County, Wisconsin is 1,450 acres of mixed hardwoods forming a two-mile peninsula jutting out deep into the waters of the Big Eau Pleine Flowage."

    "we stayed in the west loop. sites were large and private. firewood available at the campground. beach and lake are beautiful. fish jumping all day long. hiking was really nice. we’ll maintained trails."

    4. Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Aniwa, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 261-1550

    "Along both sides of the river are some of the best walking trails in the area. The scenery is beautiful such as the natural rock formations. There is also a playground for kids."

    "The hiking trails are great and go all the way out to the Ice Age trails. It goes along the river. Very scenic. Ran into a bear around Xmas time, during a warm winter!"

    5. Dubay Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mosinee, WI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 457-2484

    "On the Wisconsin River, there are four “loops” of campsites, with some on the river side of the road and some off the river."

    "The spaces seem close to neighbors but our site was pretty large in the back. Easy to back into. Really quiet and the lake views are serene. Nice little playground too."

    8. Jordan Park

    11 Reviews
    Stevens Point, WI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 346-1263

    $28 / night

    "After a bit of uncertainty about how to access the sites (they were listed some places as "canoe in") we were pleasantly surprised to see the sites were just a walk over a bridge :)  All 3 canoe sites"

    "The good Small campground clean nice walking trails,dog friendly main park across hwy free and clean showers. The bad is a lot of road noise some sites are very close together."

    9. Horn Lake Camping

    4 Reviews
    Irma, WI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 539-1034

    "We camped here in May not much for skeeters, good sites on the lake with a fire pit on a dead end road with a boat landing."

    10. River's Edge Campground - Wisconsin River

    3 Reviews
    Stevens Point, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 344-8058

    "Should be monitored more closely to prevent issues."

    "We made a list of everything we felt was important in a seasonal campground and we drive 2 1/2 hours each weekend because of what they offer."

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Showing results 1-10 of 85 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wausau, WI

178 Reviews of 85 Wausau Campgrounds



Guide to Wausau

Camping near Wausau, WI, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Hartman Creek State Park Campground. “Lots of trails and beach access. Great for bikes and kayaks,” says a happy camper.
  • Fishing: Head to Petenwell Park for some fishing. One visitor mentioned, “If you want to bring a boat you can there is a landing in the park.”
  • Kayaking: Enjoy kayaking at Big Eau Pleine Park Campground. A reviewer shared, “The beach and lake are beautiful. Fish jumping all day long.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Council Grounds State Park Campground. One visitor noted, “This was a very nice clean place and the trails were excellent.”
  • Privacy: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Boulder Lake. A reviewer said, “It was decently spaced out from the other sites.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the activities at Fremont RV Campground. One camper mentioned, “This has been one of our favorite stopovers! Plenty of activities for the kids.”

What you should know

  • Costs for Non-Residents: If you’re not from Wisconsin, be prepared for higher fees at Hartman Creek State Park Campground. A camper pointed out, “I used a primitive campsite and it cost me $30 ($15 if you’re from WI).”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Big Eau Pleine Park Campground, don’t have showers or water hookups. A visitor mentioned, “No water. You now pay to dump your waste.”
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Fremont RV Campground. One reviewer noted, “Place is filled with activities for kids... very crowded on weekends.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Site: Research your spot before booking at Hartman Creek State Park Campground. A camper advised, “Research your spot before booking as some are wide open and others have privacy.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check out the amenities at Chute Pond Park. One visitor said, “There’s lots to do the whole weekend whether you want to go hiking, fishing, boating.”
  • Bring Snacks and Drinks: Some campgrounds, like Council Grounds State Park Campground, don’t have markets nearby. A camper mentioned, “NO market.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site at Fremont RV Campground. A reviewer noted, “Had to dock a star for the tight spot though. Way too difficult to back in.”
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Petenwell Park. One camper shared, “They also have put in new bathrooms and shower houses around their campground.”
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Jordan Park said, “The campground is cute and small but the people working at the park then were awful.”

Camping near Wausau, WI, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wausau, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wausau, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 85 campgrounds and RV parks near Wausau, WI and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wausau, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wausau, WI is Marathon Park Campround with a 3.2-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Wausau, WI.

What parks are near Wausau, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Wausau, WI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.