Best Campgrounds near Wauzeka, WI

The Mississippi and Wisconsin River confluence area near Wauzeka, Wisconsin provides camping experiences along dramatic river bluffs and forested valleys. Wyalusing State Park Campground, situated on bluffs overlooking the confluence, offers tent and RV camping with both electric and non-electric sites. Additional options include Boulder Creek Campground in Bagley and Sports Unlimited Campground in Prairie Du Chien, both featuring cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas. Yellow River State Forest across the border in Iowa offers more primitive backcountry camping experiences with several campground options.

Camping seasons vary significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Wisconsin Ridge Campground in Wyalusing State Park features sites along the bluff with panoramic river views, though these popular spots require advance reservations during peak season. A visitor commented, "The Wisconsin Ridge Campground has great views IF you can get one of the sites with a view. Not all view sites are reservable and none have services." Campground amenities range from basic sites with vault toilets to full-service areas with electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Weather considerations include possible flooding along river areas in spring and early summer that can impact lower elevation camping areas.

Many campers highlight the unique topography as a defining feature of camping in this region. The ridge-top sites at Wyalusing State Park provide dramatic views but less privacy than wooded sites in the park's Homestead Campground. A recent review noted, "The Homestead Campground is wooded and more secluded. The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is where the views are at. It is busier and the showers and bathrooms aren't as clean and new." Recreational opportunities include hiking trails through bluff terrain, canoe trails with backwater access to the Mississippi River, and wildlife viewing. The area's campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for their scenic views and proximity to water recreation, though some reviewers mention noise from nearby trains and limited privacy at certain developed campgrounds during peak summer months.

Best Camping Sites Near Wauzeka, Wisconsin (133)

    1. Wyalusing State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    McGregor, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 996-2261

    $15 - $35 / night

    "Located on the far western edge of Wisconsin this state park offers a little of everything - hiking trails connected to the camp grounds, boat access to the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, overlook of"

    "This is an amazing park on the Wisconsin/Iowa border, overlooking where the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers join. I usually try to get in at least 1 trip a year, if lucky enough 2-3."

    2. Pikes Peak State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    McGregor, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 873-2341

    $20 / night

    "This campground is a short hike away from beautiful trails that overlook the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. The boardwalk trails also lead to a small falls and more."

    "It is within walking distance of the overlook of the magnificent Upper Mississippi River at the confluence of the Wisconsin River. There are other walking/hiking opportunities."

    3. Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $12 / night

    "The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side. Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk."

    "We did the backcountry camping (less than 0.5 miles walking), but did get to see the regular campgrounds. There are other parks and waterways to visit nearby and a town nearby."

    4. Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $12 / night

    "The location is very nice, right next to the river. I wouldn't exactly call it a river though. It's nice and quiet, and very nice trail runs through it as well."

    "This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing."

    5. Bloody Run County Park

    7 Reviews
    Marquette, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 245-1516

    "It was a beautiful area with the creek running right next to it only problem was there was some trash in the firing which we had to take care of. People are so lazy."

    "Came to this spot with plans to drive up to yellow river for fishing but ended up with the sweetest spot along bloody run creak."

    6. Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Cassville, WI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 725-5374

    $33 / night

    "The site itself was sloped away from the road making it feel tucked into the trees. The downside was that the only flat space for the tent was very close to the fire pit."

    "Friendly Crowds and secluded spot despite us staying next to the main road for the camping area. Sunsets were beautiful looking west over the Mississippi River."

    7. Little Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $12 - $20 / night

    "All of them, including the equestrian, have easy access to trout fishing. All are primitive - non-electric. Little Paint Creek:

    This is the larger of the two non-equestrian campgrounds."

    "The campground runs next to a trout stream and can be busy on weekends but with fishing, hiking, horse trails, the only setback is its primitive but being in the valley and near effigy mounds it's a winner"

    8. Boulder Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bagley, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 996-2201

    $32 - $260 / night

    9. Sports Unlimited Campground

    1 Review
    Prairie du Chien, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 326-2141

    10. Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    "Sounded by nature atop of hill hike near Fire tower ( only fire tower in Iowa), cell reception is found up here."

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Recent Reviews near Wauzeka, WI

484 Reviews of 133 Wauzeka Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Pulpit Rock Campground

    Excellent

    The camp ground is split in two separate sections. We camped in the south section and found it to be pretty nice spot. Although the north section looks to be a little nicer. Definitely a popular spot so book in advance! The dump station is really small and kind of wonky but works good. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Definitely would recommend during the fall time! The area is absolutely stunning!

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Creek Valley Campground

    Trip to Mackinac

    A little cramped, nice people. We didn't use the pool but it had adults only after dark. Our site backed up to the forest, there's a short trail thru the trees. Most sites have FHU, most are back-in. We had one of the sites with only water and electric. There is a dump station, small concession, playground. A small creek runs around much of the outside of the property.

  • Deb M.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Blackhawk Park

    Another nice COE campground

    Nice mix of sites at this park, many with electric hookups. There’s also lots of unnumbered sites FCFS sites around the park. Only 1 bathroom/shower building, and lots of vault toilets. The west loop sites (where we camped) were a bit close together, but large and level. Even on a busy Labor Day weekend, the campground was quiet and peaceful. AT&T service was good, and T-Mobile service was very spotty. There’s a dump station and potable water on site. We will definitely be back.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Wisconsin Riverside Resort

    THIS PLACE HAS IT ALL!!

    This campground was fabulous! Great pool, restaurant, live music, and Pickle Ball! Well kept facility. It has a security gate, which I really appreciated.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Cottontail lane

    We hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies! The site was of good size, dark and quiet. The shower house was close and clean.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tower Hill State Park Campground

    Lightning bugs galore

    We were here during a thunderstorm so didn’t have the best experience. Our hill top site had water flowing through and our screen tent had a branch fall on it. But the sites are adequate for tents and the picnic shelter is lovely. The mosquitoes are ferocious, as expected for July in Wisconsin. We enjoyed chasing lightning bugs. The toilets are as expected for an older park.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Gorgeous sunsets

    Clean and beautiful campsite. Dry firewood and kindling available. The toilets were clean. The ridge view sites are spectacular but not for those with a fear of heights.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Pulpit Rock Campground

    Very Nice

    Very nice City owned facility . City water only available central locations otherwise a delight spot in a wonderful town

  • D
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Beautiful views

    Clean sites with some privacy. Great showers and clean bathrooms. There are lots of places to walk the dogs and great hiking.

    Even if you have an inside or non cliff side site, there are plenty of places to sit and watch the sunsets.


Guide to Wauzeka

Camping sites near Wauzeka, Wisconsin sit in the unique Driftless Area, a region untouched by glacial flattening, resulting in steep river valleys and dramatic limestone bluffs. The elevation changes of 300-400 feet from valley floor to ridge tops create distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Train noise impacts several campgrounds in the region due to active rail lines following the river corridors.

What to do

Trout fishing access: Little Paint Campground offers direct stream access for both beginner and experienced anglers. "The trout stream is bigger than Little Paint and offers more challenging fishing. Fly fishing seems to be most successful but I catch most of my trout on an ultralight spinner rig," notes Kerry M., who frequently visits Yellow River State Forest.

Hiking to lookout points: Nelson Dewey State Park features trails of varying difficulty with panoramic Mississippi River views. "Hiking trails, fire wood for sale on site. Bathrooms very nice, showers like new! Lots of picnic sites along the bluff," shares Rebecca B., who appreciates the bluff-top vantages.

Water activities: While many campers focus on river activities, Boulder Creek Campground offers on-site water features for children. "Great for kids! The water attractions are great for the kiddos and the cabins aren't half bad either!" writes Amanda P., highlighting the family-friendly amenities available.

What campers like

Fire tower access: Camp John Schultz offers backcountry sites with proximity to Iowa's only fire tower. "Leave No Trace ethics include: minimizes fire impacts by gathering only dead, down, wood. Surrounded by nature atop of hill hike near Fire tower (only fire tower in Iowa), cell reception is found up here," explains James M. about his experience in Yellow River State Forest.

Off-season affordability: Pikes Peak State Park provides full hookup sites at reasonable rates during shoulder seasons. "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa's state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!" reports Danny J. about camping at Pikes Peak.

Historic features: Several campgrounds include access to native archaeological sites. "On your way to the falls, just north of the main overlook, you will notice Bear Mound, an effigy built by ancient American Indians who inhabited the area from 800-1200 A.D. There are 63 mounds in the park, most of them conical or linear in shape," describes Tori K. about the cultural resources at Pikes Peak State Park.

What you should know

Train noise impacts: Multiple campgrounds experience regular train disturbances throughout the night. "The campground is adjacent to a BNSF rail line. Though loud when trains pass, I didn't lose any sleep," reports James and Susan K. about their stay at Sports Unlimited Campground.

Seasonal flooding issues: Low-lying campgrounds can experience significant water issues after heavy rain. "It can flood with a good downpour. Nice cabins. Close to railroad tracks so you will hear the trains go by," warns Sharon B. about Boulder Creek Campground.

Cell service limitations: Reception varies dramatically across the region's campgrounds. "There wasn't cellphone service at the campground, I had to drive out of the park and up the hill by the small church to get reception," notes Judy B. about Little Paint Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Walk-in sites with views: Nelson Dewey State Park offers walk-in sites with spectacular views requiring minimal hiking effort. "I camped in a walk to site and the views were incredible. Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable. The campground was quiet except for the occasional train that rolled through those are quite loud due to how close they are to the campground," advises Ashley F.

Off-trail adventures: The region offers geological features kids enjoy exploring. "The sand caves are cool, lots of unique hiking features. The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," shares Jennifer B. about her family's Wyalusing experience.

Cabin options: For families wanting more comfort, several campgrounds offer cabin accommodations. "We stayed at site #125 which has fantastic views of the river and surrounding area's, but the wind is stronger at this spot because it's open. The entire campground is situated on top of a bluff so this compounded our wind issue," reports Connor M., noting the terrain challenges at Wyalusing State Park.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Choose sites away from train tracks when possible. "Dropping it to 4 stars as we were on site 52 and there is a driveway right behind those sights and it was getting lots of use," notes Scott G. about his stay at Pikes Peak State Park.

Leveling requirements: Many ridge-top sites require significant leveling for larger RVs. "Nice pull-through, large enough for our 36' 5th Wheel and pickup tow vehicle, needed more leveling than some. Some sites have power and water, ours only power. There's a water pipe and dump station on the way out," explains Grace D. about her RV experience at Pikes Peak State Park.

Limited full hookup options: Call ahead to confirm hookup availability as descriptions can be misleading. "Campgrounds are clean and easy to navigate with our 31' TT. Camp host was very helpful. Shower/bathroom was super clean and smelled clean," reports Scott D., who appreciated the facilities at Pikes Peak State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What summer recreation activities are available in Wauzeka?

The Wauzeka area offers abundant summer recreation opportunities centered around its rivers and natural areas. At Pikes Peak State Park Campground, you can hike beautiful trails overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers or explore boardwalk paths leading to waterfalls. Water enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on the Wisconsin River. Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park features two large lakes with swimming beaches and excellent pan fishing opportunities. The region also offers excellent stargazing, museum visits in nearby towns, and scenic biking trails along riverside paths.

Where can I find camping spots in Wauzeka, Wisconsin?

While Wauzeka itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are within a short drive. Wyalusing State Park Campground offers both secluded wooded sites in the Homestead area and spectacular ridge sites overlooking the Wisconsin River. For riverside camping, Wisconsin Riverside Resort provides well-maintained facilities with direct access to the water. Nearby Boulder Creek Campground near Bagley is another option with drive-in access, water, and toilet facilities that accommodate larger RVs.

What camping is available near Wauzeka, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wauzeka, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 133 campgrounds and RV parks near Wauzeka, WI and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wauzeka, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wauzeka, WI is Wyalusing State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 59 reviews.

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

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