Reservations are available at Petenwell Park, a county-managed campground on the shores of Lake Petenwell in Arkdale, Wisconsin, with sites that accommodate RVs up to 45 feet and electric and water hookups throughout. The park operates year-round and allows pets, though summer weekends draw consistent crowds. Come prepared with supplies. The nearest gas station requires a noticeable drive, and reviewers note that arriving stocked is the smarter move.
Site selection matters here. Tent sites sit along the lake's edge, giving campers direct water views, while RV spots range from partially shaded to full sun depending on location. Not every site has lake access, so campers who want waterfront should confirm when booking. Jabin W. sums up the draw simply: "Love camping right on the edge of the lake." A newer expansion area across the street from the main grounds is ATV and UTV friendly, with a separate entrance roughly 200 feet past the main car entrance, though ATVs are not permitted in the primary campground.
The park includes a boat launch with transient slips, a beach, a playground, fishing on Lake Petenwell, and hiking trails. Bathhouses are heated and described by multiple visitors as clean and well-maintained. The camp office area has a pool table and games, and firewood and ice are sold on-site. Diana R. calls it "a nice camping option with a more peaceful, spread-out lake feel," noting the combination of boating, swimming, and fishing in one location. Cell coverage works in the broader area but can be spotty right at the waterfront, at least on US Cellular.
One practical note: the park has no sewer hookups, so plan accordingly if you're in an RV. Biting flies and insects have been mentioned in summer reviews, particularly near the beach. Seasonal campers occupy a portion of the sites, which contributes to the busier feel on peak weekends. Campers looking for campgrounds near Petenwell County Park will find additional options in the surrounding area, including Moonlite Trails Campground to the northwest for a different setup.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPetenwell Park is located in Wisconsin near Necedah
Address
2024 Bighorn Dr
Arkdale, WI 54613
Coordinates
44.12000037 N
89.9560004 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/6/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/6/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 14 min from Wausau, WI
- 1 hr 17 min from La Crosse, WI
- 1 hr 21 min from Oshkosh, WI
- 1 hr 36 min from Madison, WI
