Best Camping near Wausau, WI

Searching for the best camping near Wausau, WI? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Wausau, WI. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Wausau, WI (85)

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Showing results 1-10 of 85 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Wausau

Recent Reviews in Wausau

179 Reviews of 85 Wausau Campgrounds


  • C N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Emily Park
    Oct. 30, 2024

    Lake Emily Park

    3 sites great for a group

    Did some fall camping with friends, and there were 4 family’s. 3 of them stayed in these three sites which were fairly wide open and kind of looked over the lake. They would be great sites to book as a group, but I wouldn’t recommend them to book individually as you wouldn’t have much privacy, more so in the middle site. These three sites are E, F, and G. Bit if a corner site and you are next to some private homes.

  • C N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Emily Park
    Oct. 30, 2024

    Lake Emily Park

    Great location and plenty of space

    I have came here a couple times with friends for fall camping. The campground doesn’t have a lot of extra amenities, but still a nice simple campground to be in. There are a mix of sites that have a little more privacy, and others that are wide open which would be better for group setups.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jordan Park
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Jordan Park

    Nice small campground

    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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Horn Lake Camping
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Horn Lake Camping

    Great spot

    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.

  • Jarrett G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Horn Lake Camping
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Horn Lake Camping

    Simple and Free

    As a primitive camper who hates paying to sleep on the ground somewhere, this is my new favorite spot. Two sites, fire rings, no bathroom, water, electric.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Creek State Park Campground
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Hartman Creek State Park Campground

    Expensive if your non-resident .

    Campground is adequate, it has a functioning shower house and private spots. I used a primitive campsite and it cost me $30 ($15 if your from WI). That was on top of the $11 non resident park entrance fee. So $41 for a primitive tent site, $47.50 if you count the bundle of firewood I bought from them. So yeah, keep that in mind if coming here as a non resident. I’m sure there are cheaper places nearby.

  • Dave S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild West Campground & Corral
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Wild West Campground & Corral

    Great place to camp

    This was quiet and peaceful. When we needed our fire pit cleaned out theg came pretty quickly. Being able to watch the horses was very calming. We would recomend this place to others and we would go back.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eastwood NF Campground
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Eastwood NF Campground

    Dark nights and quiet

    Sites are well spread out, you barely notice they are other sites nearby. Dark and quiet at night. We didn’t get a chance to check out the Dam Lodge but were able to walk the Ice Age Trail which was just a path along the waters edge and was swampy in most areas. There are a couple of Pit toilets and a hand pump for water The pit toilets were tolerable to use( didn’t gag you)

  • Cassie W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kinney lake campground
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Kinney lake campground

    Fun campground but very strict

    We loved camping here when it was farmer genes our whole family. My brother's family and my parents. Now we can't camp here. None of us because of dog discrimination.

  • Jenni C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground

    Beautiful

    Nestled between towering trees, the campsites here were clearly marked and tidy. Each site has a nice fire ring with grate. Main road is paved and sites are small gravel. Hiking/running trails are wide enough to accommodate strollers.

  • Cassie W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Vista Royale Campground Ltd
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Vista Royale Campground Ltd

    Awesome campground

    We return yearly for trick or treat weekend. We also camp during the summer as well! Had my kids double birthday party here and it was fun! I'm so glad the campground allows visitors. I hate campgrounds that are strict on that! Keeps us coming back! Lots of room for kids to bike and play while the parents enjoy the campground! This year we will be here 3x!

  • Go A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eastwood NF Campground
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Eastwood NF Campground

    Bob A. Pennypacker

    Discover the beauty of Eastwood NF Campground, a family-friendly haven nestled in the serene landscapes of northern Wisconsin. With access to a stunning recreation area, this campground offers everything from picturesque hiking trails to a scenic lake perfect for relaxation and adventure. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Eastwood NF Campground provides the perfect blend of nature and comfort for families looking to unwind. Plus, for those moments when you want to relax indoors, don’t forget to check out the gogoanime app for endless entertainment options! Enjoy the best of both worlds with outdoor adventures and anime entertainment at your fingertips.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Horn Lake Camping
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Horn Lake Camping

    Great Little Spot

    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.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Tilleda Falls Campground
    May. 18, 2024

    Tilleda Falls Campground

    Wonderful, riverside campground !

    Excellent campground! Well maintained and easy to maneuver around. Quiet and enough sun and shade for everyone. Owners are helpful and very nice! Nice playground for the kids, swim beach for great summer fun, campground store/food/drinks if you’re hungry or desire a cold drink to beat the heat and such amazing riverside views that melt the weeks stress away! We will definitely be back to this jem of a campground! Come see for yourself, don’t take my word for it!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Horn Lake Camping
    Feb. 12, 2024

    Horn Lake Camping

    Excellent camp spot

    Great spot right on the water. There are 2 camp spots with stone rings. They are about 40' apart on a cul-de-sac at the end of the road where the boat launch is. I'd suggest using your own firepit/ grill if you have one as some moron decided burning tires in the firepit was a good idea. It's a beautiful spot. Very quiet. Land to the north is private property, so keep that in mind. You'll see a few houses on the way in.
    If you travel to the left where the road "T's" off, take care. The road is tight and very twisty. There are numerous spots to camp, but no pits to the left. I would not recommend going to the left unless the max your hauling is a teardrop. Anyone up to 20' would be OK going to the right where the established 2 sites are.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from On The Rocks Family Kampground
    Sep. 4, 2023

    On The Rocks Family Kampground

    Outstanding campground located less than 2 miles off the Mountain Bay Trail

    Recommended by two locals, this campground is mostly for RVs but they do have areas away from the RVs.  The seasonal campers all appear to have golf carts that they run around all over the place.  The teenagers stay active into the night but it didn't bother my sleep but a few times.

    Good trees and tree spacing if you want to hammock camp.

    Full bar with standard bar fare available on-site.

    Overall, a very welcoming campground.  The staff were excellent.

  • Emily W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from River Forest Campground and Outdoor  Retreats
    Jul. 29, 2023

    River Forest Campground and Outdoor Retreats

    Beautiful Spacious Sites

    A last minute trip took us to this area and the online booking made it so easy to find availability. We were extremely pleased with the friendly and accommodating staff. The site we booked was very level and spacious for our toy hauler. They have many things to offer at the store where you check-in including: tap beer, cute local goods and crafts, and anything you may have forgotten to pack on your camping trip! The hosts were so friendly and accommodating. You can tell there is great care and a commitment to growth toward this campground. I would check out their website for any upcoming events. If you’re looking for an event, an adventure down the river or a charming wooded campsite, I would recommend this place every time.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Creek State Park Campground
    Jun. 28, 2023

    Hartman Creek State Park Campground

    Great park!

    Loved this park and will return again! I stayed at site 38 which had good privacy on one side, the other site was a little more exposed. Research your spot before booking as some are wide open and others have privacy. There are 100+ site at this park and two shower houses. The shower houses could use some work, however, the hot water was on point! Lots of trails and beach access. Great for bikes and kayaks. This is an older park, with some partying, but I’ll be back. Had a great time.

  • Kelli V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from On The Rocks Family Kampground
    Jun. 14, 2023

    On The Rocks Family Kampground

    It was good!

    We were hesitant to stay because of the previous owner- I am happy we did however! Our group stayed at sites 36-38. They were nice and level. We did have to pick up some dog poo when we first got there but it wasn’t much thankfully. My son (16) was pretty bored. There was lots of stuff for little kids to do! There was a nice little man-made swimming hole that we didn’t get to use because of the weather. The store didn’t have much in it when we got there. The shelves were filled by evening however! The bar was very big! They only had fried food at the time of our visit- no burgers.

  • Amy A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from River Forest Campground and Outdoor  Retreats
    Oct. 15, 2022

    River Forest Campground and Outdoor Retreats

    Amazing spacious Forest sites

    The owners are passionate about providing an excellent camping experience. It is not a normal campground, sites are very spaced out, group sites can accommodate up to 30 people per site. Large groups of campers come to explore natures untouched wolf river and experience white water rafting together. Groups have a very unique bonding experience through these river trips. They have a convenience store that magically has anything anyone may ever forget for peace of mind that you won’t have to leave your secluded nature sanctuary. Guests don’t want to leave and cannot wait to come back!


Drive Time


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 Council Grounds State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 13 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 Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Chequamegon-Nicolet NF.