Camping opportunities within Marathon County and surrounding areas offer numerous options for outdoor recreation near Wausau. The region contains a mix of county and state parks with camping facilities in forested settings along waterways. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall nights can drop to frost levels requiring appropriate gear. River systems create distinctive recreational features throughout the area campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking on the Ice Age Trail: Access points connect to this national scenic trail from Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground, where visitors can explore unique geological features. "Beautiful water side trails. Connects to ice age trail. Basic sites. Can be a bit crowded," notes Rebecca B., highlighting the park's natural attractions.
Disc golf at county parks: Big Eau Pleine Park Campground maintains a wooded course that requires a daily fee. "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," mentions Terri in a detailed review.
Swimming at recreational beaches: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas, though water quality varies seasonally. "Great place to explore. Beautiful water side trails... Basic sites," writes one reviewer about the scenic water features at county parks, noting that facilities remain relatively simple despite natural beauty.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Council Grounds State Park Campground receives high marks for site quality and privacy. "Sites are wooded and offer plenty of shade. Well spaced so you feel like you're all alone. Quick walk to the river or drive along the loop to the beach," notes Erin A., describing the campground's layout.
Water recreation options: Boating and fishing opportunities exist at several area reservoirs and rivers. According to Tina D., "It has a nice beach, and boat launch area. Campers and Tents can camp there. There are all the hookups you need... You can kayak down the river past the dam."
Dog-friendly accommodations: Most campgrounds welcome pets with standard leash requirements. "There are not that many sites available here and most do supply electricity. More people tent camp here rather than RV camping," explains Michael M. about one of the dog-friendly campgrounds near Wausau, detailing the site configuration.
What you should know
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience, Horn Lake Camping offers free dispersed sites without facilities. "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," explains Skip H.
Seasonal algae concerns: Water quality at some lakes can deteriorate during summer months. "The water quality suffers from green algae almost the entire season. Fishing can be good. No longer good for nocturnal carp due to water," cautions Lori S. about seasonal conditions that affect water recreation.
Reservation requirements: Many parks require advance booking during peak season, particularly for weekend stays. "There is a 2 day minimum for online reservations. That's not required for walk up self registration so you can do one day as a walk up. Self registration has a 3 day maximum," notes Amber G. about reservation policies.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks maintain play structures for children. "The park is a little bit spread out between parts, instead of being in one small area, so be prepared to do some walking," advises Erin T. about Jordan Park, noting its family amenities require some navigation.
Beach activities: Sandy swimming areas provide recreational opportunities at several dog-friendly campgrounds near Wausau. "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," shares Tate T. about their family experience.
Multiple site bookings: Consider reserving adjacent sites when camping with larger groups. "This was our first camping trip as a group with 12 people and 4 cars... We didn't mind but didn't love being as close to the other group sites as well," explains one reviewer about accommodating extended family arrangements.
Tips from RVers
Urban proximity camping: Marathon Park Campground provides electric hookups within Wausau city limits. "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," explains Amber G., noting the amenities available at this in-town location.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups, requiring planning for waste disposal. "You now pay to dump your waste. Price is right for a county site," mentions one reviewer about changing policies at county facilities that may affect longer RV stays.
Site size limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted space for larger rigs. "The campsites themselves are small — if you have a camper there's not much room outside. Even the tent spaces are small," cautions a reviewer about space constraints that affect camping equipment setup at certain locations.
