Best Campgrounds near Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Camping near Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin centers around wooded lakeside sites and county parks that provide access to the Wisconsin River and its tributaries. The area includes a mix of established campgrounds like South Wood County Park on Lake Wazeecha and Dexter Park near Pittsville, along with several family-friendly resorts with more extensive amenities. Petenwell Park, located about 30 miles south on Wisconsin's second-largest lake, offers year-round camping with both tent and RV options. According to visitors, many campgrounds feature "spacious sites with good privacy thanks to wooded buffers between campsites," making them popular for weekend getaways.

Most campgrounds in the Wisconsin Rapids area operate seasonally from May through October, with only Petenwell Park remaining open year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with July and August being the warmest and most humid months. Insects can be problematic, particularly in June and early July when biting flies and mosquitoes are most active. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with coverage generally reliable near Wisconsin Rapids but becoming spotty around lakeshores and in more remote areas. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when local campgrounds fill quickly.

The camping options around Wisconsin Rapids accommodate various preferences and needs. Family-oriented campgrounds like Lakeside Fire Campground & Waterpark feature amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. For those seeking a more natural experience, county parks like Dubay and Jordan offer riverfront sites with fewer amenities but more seclusion. Big-rig friendly sites are available at several locations, including Vista Royale and Pineland Camping Park, which provide full hookups and can accommodate larger RVs. Boat-in camping is possible at both Jordan Park and Wilderness Park, allowing water access to secluded shoreline sites. Most campgrounds are pet-friendly, though specific rules regarding leashes and restricted areas vary by location.

Best Camping Sites Near Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin (142)

    1. South Wood County Park

    3 Reviews
    Wisconsin Rapids, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 421-8422

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Some waterfront sites on lake Wazeecha. Great hiking and biking trails. Self serve firewood available. Lake has water ski shows in the summer. Price $20 -$28."

    "This is a nicely wooded and well-kept park right on the shore of Lake Wazeecha. We were lucky and snagged a lakefront site."

    2. Lakeside Fire Campground & Waterpark

    2 Reviews
    Nekoosa, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 886-3871

    $50 - $65 / night

    3. Petenwell Park

    11 Reviews
    Necedah, WI
    20 miles
    +1 (608) 564-7513

    "I have been going to this campground for years, walking around, going to the beaches, launching the family pontoon and fishing in Lake Petenwell. Everyone is always so friendly upon arrival."

    "Love camping right on the edge of the lake."

    4. Jordan Park

    11 Reviews
    Stevens Point, WI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 346-1263

    $28 / night

    "After a bit of uncertainty about how to access the sites (they were listed some places as "canoe in") we were pleasantly surprised to see the sites were just a walk over a bridge :)  All 3 canoe sites"

    "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."

    5. Vista Royale Campground Ltd

    4 Reviews
    Custer, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 335-6860

    "At the edge of the campgrounds is a fishing pond which is also a great ace to take dogs if you have any."

    "I would give 5 stars if it weren't for the speeding reckless driving of all the under age kids on the golf carts."

    6. Wilderness Park (Juneau County)

    6 Reviews
    Necedah, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 565-7285

    $17 - $23 / night

    "A great campground with out of this world lake views. Most sites come with amazing lake views. Great for watching the sun rise up over the lake. Great swimming, fishing and playing."

    "Some sites with electric can be found with lake access.  Plenty of space between sites.  Very quiet campground with a play area, beaches and other nice features. "

    7. Pineland Camping Park

    5 Reviews
    Friendship, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 564-7818

    "Good place for 4 wheeling, plenty of trails. Home made pizza and Bloody Mary's"

    8. Buckhorn State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Necedah, WI
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 565-2789

    "If you’re looking for a campsite that transports you away from the usual Midwest fare, this is the place to be! The site we stayed at was beyond perfect."

    "Gorgeous campground in the middle of no where Wisconsin! Perfect place to camp if you like to climb at Necedah! There are a few lake entrances and at one of them we saw a couple large gorgeous cranes!"

    9. Hartman Creek State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    King, WI
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 258-2372

    "Large private site surrounded by trees, with several options for positioning the trailer. The nearby chain of small lakes connected by narrows is ideal for kayaking."

    "Campground Review: As someone who has camped my whole life, mostly at Wisconsin State Park, it is surprising that this was my first time at Hartman Creek."

    10. Roche A Cri State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Friendship, WI
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 339-6881

    "Chill and relaxing camp ground in Roche A’ Cri Wisconsin State park. Sites surrounded by old growth pines and adjacent to park’s name sake, Roche A’ Cri mound."

    "Loved how the trails were located right off the campground loop. The 303 stairs to the top lookout is a workout and worth the trip for the view."

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Recent Reviews near Wisconsin Rapids, WI

345 Reviews of 142 Wisconsin Rapids Campgrounds


  • Cynthia K.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Oakdale KOA

    Shady trees

    KOA Journey. We didn't feel like tackling Illinois at the end of the day, so we planned a stop here. 

    Check in was pleasant. We were in the back by the bathroom, which was my request. Lots of shady trees. This is a well established campground. As others have noted there is Interstate noise. It's easy on- easy off though.

     There's a Loves nearby.

  • Julia B.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Buckhorn State Park Campground

    West shore sites

    We usually stay at the east shore sites but tried the west shore this time. The shore was not as level as the east side sites but still sandy and shallow for swimming. We could hear the bar blaring music across the lake until 10 or 11pm . There are more trees now than the website pictures show so there is some privacy between sites. Mosquitos were the worst i have ever experienced. The second we got out of the car they were all over us. We used the heaviest deet possible nonstop.

  • Stephanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Buckhorn State Park Campground

    Quiet spot with beautiful views

    We got one of the spots that you needed to hike out to but it wasn’t far at all. There were 2 other campsites beside us but they weren’t reserved so we were all by ourselves. We had a little slice of beach and it was very beautiful during sunset. Bugs were really bad at this time of year. A family of raccoons passed our tent during the night and sounded like they were playing in the water which was cute.

  • Derek G.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Oakdale KOA

    KOA Oakdale

    The park rangers are very kind and extremely helpful. This park is very well maintained with bathrooms and showers that were up kept as well as my own home. Very nice place

  • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Fremont RV Campground

    Overpriced

    We stayed here for a night to visit Union Farm Cheese Factory. The campground was expensive at 80$ for water and electric only on a dirt pull through. The bathroom weren’t very clean either. Lots of full timers. The cheese factory was worth the stop and a great experience but this campground wasn’t the best for the price.

  • Ellen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Hartman Creek State Park Campground

    Good spot

    Pretty full, but also pretty quiet place. Clean bathrooms with showers. Most sites don’t have hookups. There’s an upcharge for out-of-staters. Easy access to trails, lakes, and a short jaunt to beautiful downtown Waupaca. Would stay again!

  • Mandy R.
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground

    Great place

    Great place, pretty trails. This campground just put in a dump station this year which also includes portable water to fill up your tank. Our site is connected to another site so we made sure to get both sites with friends and it worked out great. Couldn't swim due to a high bacteria in the water. No reception for verizon users. Tmoblie had a bar but spotty.

  • Shane E.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Roche A Cri State Park Campground

    Roche a cree

    This was a great experience rocheckery State Park as beautiful outlooks there's a lot of scenic sites goes from trees and Forest to rocks and scenic views if you like hiking and wilderness camping this is the place.

  • Life's Purpose
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Dexter Park

    Absolutely loved this campsite

    Dexter Campgrounds was a delight to stay at. There was a private bathroom/shower room that made the experience feel luxurious. It is right next to a beautiful river and lake. Very quiet and campers are very respectful. I would absolutely recommend this spot. It was $36 for one night. They also have a place to do laundry. They have camp sites that accommodate electricity as well!


Guide to Wisconsin Rapids

Camping near Wisconsin Rapids offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do

  • Hiking and exploring trails: There are plenty of trails to hike, especially at Buckhorn State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Plenty of hiking, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities inside the park." Another camper noted, "The beauty of this trail is amazing!"
  • Canoeing and kayaking: The lakes around Hartman Creek State Park Campground are perfect for water activities. A reviewer shared, "Great for bikes and kayaks," highlighting the park's accessibility for water sports.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Cliffwood Campground, provide excellent fishing spots. One camper said, "Great fishing, photography, hiking, and camping," making it a well-rounded destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

What campers like

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy campsites at places like Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "Our campsite was nice. Spaced out enough from neighbors that we were comfortable."
  • Clean facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A reviewer at Wisconsin Dells KOA mentioned, "The campground is well-kept, and the restrooms are clean."
  • Natural beauty: Campers love the scenic views and natural surroundings. One visitor at Roche A Cri State Park Campground said, "The natural beauty makes the park stand out."

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: Many campers have noted the presence of mosquitoes, especially at Buckhorn State Park Campground. One camper warned, "The only reason I gave this 4/5 stars is because the mosquitoes!!!"
  • Highway noise: Some campgrounds, like Rocky Arbor State Park Campground, are close to highways. A visitor mentioned, "There is highway noise and the park and spot we stayed was just fine."
  • Reservation fees: Be prepared for additional fees when booking. A camper at Wisconsin Dells KOA expressed frustration about the costs, saying, "The deluxe cabins were $300 a night, very poor air circulation."

Tips for camping with families

  • Look for kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer playgrounds and planned activities. A reviewer at Wisconsin Dells KOA noted, "Nightly and daily planned activities. Again, great for the kiddos."
  • Pack bug spray: Given the mosquito situation, it's wise to bring bug spray. One camper at Hartman Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "I could hear kids at the group sites but didn't really bother me."
  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A visitor at Cliffwood Campground said, "Decent privacy between sites."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A reviewer at Wisconsin Dells KOA mentioned, "Tight spots and narrow roads but convenient location."
  • Look for amenities: RVers appreciate campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Bluewater Bay Campground said, "The sites are a reasonable size that you can park on."
  • Plan for noise: Be aware of potential noise from nearby roads. A visitor at Rocky Arbor State Park Campground noted, "The freeway travels along the outer ring of campsites."

Camping around Wisconsin Rapids has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Wisconsin Rapids campgrounds?

Campgrounds around Wisconsin Rapids offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Yukon Trails Camping provides woodland sites with activities like mini-golf, a playground, and seasonal events, making it ideal for families. Arrowhead RV Campground excels with recreational options including two swimming pools, put-put golf, volleyball nets, disc golf, a trampoline, and special events like outdoor movies. Many area campgrounds feature basic amenities such as water access, vault toilets, and fire rings. Some state park campgrounds offer shower buildings, though they might have vault toilets rather than flush facilities. Campgrounds closer to Wisconsin Dells, like Stand Rock, often include additional amenities such as restaurants and bars that operate on weekends.

Are there RV camping facilities in Wisconsin Rapids?

Yes, the Wisconsin Rapids area has several RV-friendly camping options. Oakdale KOA offers full hookup sites adjacent to I-90, making it easily accessible for RVs though you may experience some highway noise. River Bay Premier Camping Resort provides RV accommodations along the Wisconsin River with amenities like a swimming pool and play areas. Tomorrow Wood Campground is another option for RVers seeking a relaxing woodland setting surrounded by lakes and countryside. Additional RV-friendly facilities near Wisconsin Rapids include Pineland Camping Park near Arkdale and Vista Royale Campground, both offering full hookups and big-rig-friendly sites. Many of these campgrounds are open seasonally during the warmer months, typically from spring through early fall.

Where are the best campgrounds near Wisconsin Rapids?

The Wisconsin Rapids area offers several excellent camping options. Buckhorn State Park Campground stands out with its secluded sites completely hedged by trees, offering privacy and a serene natural experience. Many sites are within walking distance of the lake, and visitors might spot wildlife like cranes. For families seeking activities and recreation, Roche A Cri State Park Campground provides spacious, wooded campsites surrounded by old-growth pines adjacent to the park's namesake mound. The park features excellent hiking trails, native plants, and a tower offering panoramic views. South Wood County Park near Lake Wazeecha is another convenient option closer to Wisconsin Rapids with reservable sites, water, and toilet facilities.