Cabin camping near Wausau, Wisconsin provides access to recreational opportunities in Wisconsin's central forests and river valleys. Located in Marathon County at an elevation of around 1,200 feet, the region experiences warm summers with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F and cold winters where temperatures can drop below zero. Winter cabin rentals are available at some locations, though most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October.
What to do
Water activities on the Wisconsin River: At River's Edge Campground, cabins are positioned close to water recreation areas. According to visitor Jason W., "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. Themed weekends throughout the season."
Hiking on Ice Age trails: Wooded cabin sites at Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park provide quick access to regional hiking paths. Rebecca B. noted this park offers "bike trails, near ATV trails and they offer disc golf." The park connects to the Ice Age Trail, Wisconsin's 1000-mile hiking trail.
Swimming at natural waterfalls: Tilleda Falls Campground features cabins near natural swimming areas. Visitor Jordan stated it offers "great fishing and relaxation for a weekend getaway" while Mary P. described "a lovely small cascading falls and swimming area" on the Embarrass River.
What campers like
Winter cabin options: Some locations offer year-round camping. Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park hosts winter events, with Charles M. sharing his experience: "Loved the whole experience, the cold, the snow, the hammock camping. Quite an event!" The park remains open from May through early December.
Family-focused amenities: Pine Grove Campground offers cabins with proximity to children's recreation areas. Joe W. reports it "has a nice sand beach with clear water for swimming, as well as a pool area that are both great for the kids." The campground also features animal feeding stations and dance parties.
Fishing access: Many cabin sites include easy access to fishing spots. At Tilleda Falls Campground, Kathy S. notes the "beautiful, friendly campground" has "swimming area, waterfall, steam, fishing. This camp has it all." Most riverside cabins come equipped with electricity and heat.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Wausau-area cabin rentals require advance planning, especially for holiday weekends. At Vista Royale Campground Ltd, seasonal campers note the importance of booking early. The campground operates from April 20 through October 20, with Cassie W. explaining, "We return yearly for trick or treat weekend. We also camp during the summer as well!"
Pet policies: Most cabins allow pets with restrictions. Kinney Lake Campground (formerly Farmer Gene's) has specific breed restrictions according to Cassie W.: "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."
Firewood regulations: Campgrounds typically require purchasing firewood on-site rather than bringing your own due to invasive species concerns. Some visitors note varying quality - purchase small bundles first to test burn time before stocking up.
Tips for camping with families
Themed weekend selection: Many Wausau-area campgrounds schedule special events throughout the season. S'Mores Campground offers family-friendly programming, with Annabelle G. noting, "We watched a movie by the playground area - it was amazing and free!" She also mentioned, "You can make reservations on line, see pictures on line, rates on line, and see the camp map."
Cabin furnishing variations: Most cabins include beds but requirements for additional supplies vary. At S'Mores Campground, cabins come equipped with "fridge, air conditioner, two windows, plenty of plugs in. Bring your own sleeping bags/towels and etc as these are not provided."
Group site options: For larger family gatherings, some campgrounds offer specialized group areas. River Forest Campground provides "very spaced out group sites [that] can accommodate up to 30 people per site," according to Amy A. She notes these arrangements create a "very unique bonding experience."
Tips from RVers
Electrical capacity awareness: If using cabin air conditioning during peak summer, be prepared for potential electrical limitations. At West Bay Camping Resort, Vincent S. reported "electrical issues the entire time we stayed there in a very hot part of summer," suggesting using minimal appliances during peak heat times.
Campsite selection strategy: Experienced campers recommend researching specific cabin locations before booking. At S'Mores Campground, campers note that site 106 has heavy traffic while waterfront sites 17, 61, 63, and 65 offer more privacy and lake views. Most cabin areas include a mix of rental units and seasonal campers.
