Paddlers, anglers, and hikers all find reasons to return to Lake Wissota State Park Campground, where kayak and canoe rentals are available at the visitor center, a boat launch provides direct access to the lake, and roughly 10 hiking trails wind through fern and pine forest, prairie, and along a bluff ridge above the water. A trail connecting the two main campground loops runs along that bluff, giving walkers open sightlines toward the lake without requiring a separate trip. Fishing from the dock is a regular draw, and at least one visitor reported watching an eagle pull a fish from the water directly off the bow of their boat.
The 116 sites vary considerably in character, and site selection matters here. Non-electric sites in the 69-79 range sit closest to the lake with spacious layouts, though a hiking trail runs between them and the shoreline. Sites in the 100s tend to be quieter and more private, while sites near the playground field, like 65E, see heavier foot traffic. Debra M. notes the park is "on a smaller scale and less crowded than Devil's Lake," though summer weekends still bring a busy atmosphere with boat noise from the lake and some air traffic from a nearby airport.
The shower houses are functional but dated, with notes posted acknowledging their age and a planned renovation. Pit toilets are distributed throughout the loops. AT&T and Verizon users report strong enough cell coverage to stream video. Firewood, ice, and free yard game rentals are available through the visitor center, and single-stream recycling dumpsters are on site. Pets are welcome, and several stairways down to the lake provide dog-friendly water access away from the main beach.
Chippewa Falls sits within a short drive and has grocery stores, restaurants, and other resupply options. The Old Abe Trail, a paved multi-use path, has an entry point near the park and runs for miles in both directions. Mallory S. recommends a visit to Irvine Park while in the area. Campers exploring the region can also browse places to camp around Lake Wissota State Park or consider nearby options like Pine Harbor Campground and O'Neil Creek Campground. Reservations are available and fill quickly for summer weekends, so booking early is worth the effort.
Description
This park, northeast of Chippewa Falls, offers secluded campsites, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, picnic and playground areas and a swimming beach on a 6,300-acre man-made lake. Boating, canoeing, kayaking and water skiing are popular summer activities on Lake Wissota. Family and group campsites, and two picnic shelters are reservable.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake Wissota State Park Campground is located in Wisconsin near Jim Falls
Directions
From Chippewa Falls, take State Highway 178 north to County Highway S. Turn right (east) on Highway S. In about 2 miles, Highway S goes over the Chippewa River where it empties into Lake Wissota. About 500 feet after the bridge, turn right (east) on County Highway O. Go about 2 miles to the park entrance, which will be on your right.
Address
18127 County Highway O
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Coordinates
44.98064591 N
91.30459997 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/6/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/6/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 18 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 1 hr 17 min from Wausau, WI
- 1 hr 49 min from La Crosse, WI
- 2 hrs 7 min from Rochester, MN






























































