Camping sites near Wausau, Wisconsin sit within a transitional climate zone where winter temperatures can fall below -20°F while summer humidity often exceeds 80%. The region's glacial topography creates numerous water access points for campers, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,450 feet. Most campgrounds operate seasonally with variable opening dates depending on spring thaw conditions.
What to do
Hiking on the Ice Age Trail: The Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground connects directly to the Ice Age Trail with scenic river views. "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!" notes one camper.
Disc golf courses: Big Eau Pleine Park offers a wooded disc golf course as part of its recreational amenities. According to a visitor, "You can hike, bike, or ride your horse on the 12 miles of scenic, wooded trails. The park also offers several fishing points near the entrance and along the three boat landings. And you can enjoy a fun game of disc golf on the scenic wooded course."
Swimming and water activities: Council Grounds State Park Campground provides beach access and boat rentals. A camper explains, "We enjoyed being able to rent kayaks and paddleboards and relax on the beach. We also liked the proximity to the pit/vault toilet and water pump."
What campers like
Secluded tent camping: Horn Lake Camping offers free primitive camping right on the water. "A few mosquitoes, but the wind kept them to a minimum! Great view of the lake and very private. About 2 miles of dirt road to get there. Turn right when you get to ATV trail. Two camp sites 10 yards apart," shares one tent camper.
Group camping options: Big Eau Pleine Park Campground provides dedicated group sites with electrical hookups. "Group site is still a good deal. They've added electric for at least 8-10 campers. Big site. Your own covered picnic area," explains a frequent visitor.
River views and sunset spots: Dubay Park Campground features multiple loops with riverside sites. As one camper notes, "On the Wisconsin River, there are four 'loops' of campsites, with some on the river side of the road and some off the river. There is a nice dock that is a good spot to watch the sun set over the river if you can stand the bugs."
What you should know
Variable campsite privacy: Marathon Park Campground offers limited privacy between sites. One camper explains, "Couldn't have any fires, sites are easily visible from one end to the next, virtually no privacy from neighbors. Sirens all the time, no wildlife outside of squirrels and birds."
Seasonal water quality issues: Water conditions can affect swimming at some locations. A camper at Big Eau Pleine Park Campground warns, "I have camped with a club in the group site for years. Electric sites. No water. You now pay to dump your waste. BUT the water quality suffers from green algae almost the entire season."
Bug management: Insects can be problematic, particularly near water. At Dubay Park, "The good thing about that is that the dust from the ballfield seemed to keep the deer flies at bay, which was not the case on the riverside sites."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and splash pads: Marathon Park Campground offers urban camping with family amenities. "The campground is part of a larger park. There are multiple playgrounds, tennis courts, splash pads and even an amphitheater and ice rinks within the park," reports one visitor.
Beach access with shallow areas: Council Grounds State Park provides family-friendly water access. According to one review, "Fun for tiny tots, but too small for older kids. If you like hiking, find a different destination."
Bathroom facilities: Jordan Park offers shower access but varies in cleanliness. One camper notes, "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."
Tips from RVers
Urban convenience camping: Marathon Park Campground provides RV sites within city limits. A visitor explains, "Electric hookup only, but has coded bathroom facility if needed and fresh water and dump station in campground. Would recommend highly."
Site selection considerations: River's Edge Campground offers RV sites with variable sizing. "Great weekend! Most sites are very roomy some are little tight for the larger campers. Lots of activities to do and for the kids to do," according to one RVer.
Electrical hookups availability: Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground provides electric sites but with limited amenities. "The campsites are average, nothing fancy, but totally worth it to be able to rest after a day exploring this awesome park! Good place to have a fire and relax," notes a visitor.
