The Driftless Region surrounding Westby, Wisconsin features dramatic elevation changes with valleys 350-500 feet deep carved by ancient waterways. This unique topography creates microclimates where canyon bottoms can be 5-10 degrees cooler than ridgetops, affecting camping comfort throughout the season. Westby's location at 1,230 feet elevation provides access to numerous campgrounds with varied terrain options for all camping styles.
What to do
Kayaking the Kickapoo River: Launch from Wildcat Mountain State Park for scenic paddling. "Great location for kayaking and hiking. The facilities are well maintained and clean. Camping sites are spacious and the stars at night is amazing. Bring or rent kayaks to float the Kickapoo River. Ontario to bridge 5 was 2.5 hours," notes John B.
Trout fishing streams: Several campgrounds offer direct access to quality fishing spots. The Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park provides "good trout fishing at this campground. Recommended spots are one of the 5 ponds or the Bad Axe River," according to ranger reviews.
Night sky observation: Low light pollution in rural areas makes stargazing exceptional. "The stars at night is amazing," mentions John B. from Wildcat Mountain, while another camper at Kickapoo Valley Reserve reports, "No ambient polluty, stars magnificent."
Hiking Ice Cave Trail: A short but rewarding hike near Ontario. "Ice Cave trail was a neat, quick walk. The trails around have gorgeous views of the driftless area and Kickapoo river," shares Steph from Wildcat Mountain State Park.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campgrounds in the area generally provide good separation between campsites. At Wildcat Mountain State Park, "The sites were spaced apart far enough so you weren't on top of the other campers," reports David F., while another notes sites are "wooded, far enough apart, well maintained."
Clean facilities: Despite rural locations, most campgrounds maintain good amenities. At Boat Landing Campground, "Facilities could be cleaner but it wasn't terrible. Gorgeous area. Nice stream right behind our campsite," shares Ruthie L.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peace they find. "Step away from time & back to what life is all about," says Sara M. about Boat Landing Campground. Another camper describes Blakey Hobbit Campground as a "Beautiful trout stream along the sites. Great place for star gazing as well."
Primitive camping options: For those seeking solitude, Kickapoo Valley Reserve offers remote sites. "You'll be VERY far away from any other campers. The site itself was huge. You could easily fit 10 people," explains Sean M.
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Spring flooding can affect campground availability. At Goose Island, visitors should "Beware of the flooding and mosquitoes!" warns one camper. Plan accordingly during wet seasons.
Reservation requirements: During peak periods, secure your spot in advance. "If you a planning on camping on holiday weekends or wanting electric sites book in advanced," advises a ranger reviewing Esofea campground.
Site terrain variations: Many campgrounds have uneven sites due to the hilly topography. At Goose Island, "Sites are right on top of each other and often people are very noisy here. There's a big weekender/party crowd here," reports one camper.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly near water. "Bring bug spray for the evening because the mosquitoes do come out in force," recommends Joe R. from Goose Island. Conversely, at Wildcat Mountain, one camper noted they "never used bug spray."
Limited cell coverage: Digital connectivity varies significantly. At Sidie Hollow Park, "You will have patchy phone coverage. If that's what you are looking for, then you will find it here," shares Sara M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The playground is on the beach. My kid really loves that!" notes Sara M. about Goose Island, while at Sidie Hollow Park Main Campground, "The main campground had nicer facilities and a playground for kids."
Short hiking options: Look for family-friendly trails appropriate for younger hikers. "Very nice park. Great views. We were hoping for some more rock faces and challenging/longer distance hiking," mentions Kristina K. at Wildcat Mountain, indicating the trails are manageable for families.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy spotting local animals. "We hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies!" shares Kay K. from Wildcat Mountain State Park.
Weekend activity planning: Some campgrounds offer scheduled family entertainment. At Goose Island, "Weekends also feature live bands and kids activities," according to Dawn N., providing extra entertainment options.
Tips from RVers
Approach challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. At Wildcat Mountain, "The driveway leading to the campground is a bit daunting (especially if pulling a camper), but its well worth it!" warns Holly W. Another camper notes, "if you have a low car, the front end is going to get scraped at the bottom of the mountain."
Site leveling needs: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. At La Farge City Park, "Sites are slanted on hillside," reports Lindy T., while at Sidie Hollow, "Water/electric sites have gravel drives. Not all level."
Hookup availability: Electric options exist at most campgrounds, but other hookups vary. At Westfork Sports Club, campers get "30-amp hookups" with some sites featuring more complete services. La Farge City Park offers "50amp service and potable water halfway up the hill."
Dump station access: Plan your waste management strategy. Bob M. notes that La Farge City Park costs "$20/night for 30amp and one dump use," indicating limited dumping opportunities.
