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51 campgrounds and RV Parks near Athens, WI. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
51 campgrounds
3721 campsites
34 RVs available for delivery
From $26/night
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Best campgrounds near Athens, WI
Council Grounds State Park
Merrill, WI (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+3
Lake Dubay Shores Campground
Mosinee, WI (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(219 sites)
+10
Spirit Falls Camping
Tripoli, WI (29 miles away)
SARA Park Campground
Tomahawk, WI (34 miles away)
+5
River's Edge Campground
Stevens Point, WI (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(190 sites)
+9
Wedges Creek Hideaway
Greenwood, WI (37 miles away)
+5
Sure-wood Forest Campground
Tomahawk, WI (38 miles away)
+2
Terrace View Campsites
Tomahawk, WI (39 miles away)
$$$$$
(45 sites)
+5
Northforest Campgrounds
Tomahawk, WI (42 miles away)
$$$$$
(152 sites)
+5
Otter Lake Park Campground
Stanley, WI (43 miles away)
$$$$$
(22 sites)
+5
Cozy Inn Motel and RV Park
Wisconsin Rapids, WI (46 miles away)
$$$$$
(17 sites)
+7
Ridgewood Campground
Plover, WI (46 miles away)
Most common amenities
Toilets Showers Tables Grills Dump station Playground Pet friendly Firewood Laundry Internet
Camping near Athens, Wisconsin
Athens is a small village in Marathon County in north-central Wisconsin, roughly 30 miles west of Wausau. The surrounding country is a mix of farmland, working forest, and the upper Wisconsin River corridor, which drives most of the camping options in the region. RV travelers typically use Athens as a quiet base for reaching state parks, county forests, and river-lake reservoirs within a 30 to 60 minute drive.
The closest full-service public option is Council Grounds State Park along the Wisconsin River near Merrill, which offers family and group campsites, wooded trails, a beach area, and an accessible fishing pier. Private options along the river include Lake Dubay Shores Campground near Mosinee and River's Edge Campground near Stevens Point, both of which cater to larger rigs.
Further north, SARA Park Campground in Tomahawk is a municipally managed campground on the Wisconsin River with 30- and 50-amp electric and water hookups, a public beach, boat ramp, and pavilion. Spirit Falls Camping, in the Northwoods town of Tripoli, rounds out the nearby choices for travelers heading north from Athens.
Things to do around Athens
The Wisconsin River is the main draw. Lake DuBay holds walleye, bass, panfish, catfish, muskie, and northern pike, and Wisconsin's inland fishing season for many species runs year round with proper licensing. Boat launches at Lake Dubay Shores Campground and SARA Park give RVers direct water access without paying a separate launch fee.
Hiking, swimming, and paddling are easy day-trip options. Council Grounds State Park offers swimming at the beach, a playground, walking trails through the woods, and paved campground roads suitable for biking. Farther north, the Bearskin State Trail is a paved rail-trail running between Minocqua and Tomahawk through northern forest and past lakes and wetlands, which works well for families with bikes.
Downtown Wausau and Stevens Point add restaurants, groceries, and rainy-day options within a short drive.
Camping spots and RV parks near Athens, WI
Seasonal patterns and timing
- spring
March - May
52° / 30°F 66 mmPrivate parks open in May; sites still easy to book
- summer
June - August
77° / 55°F 102 mmPeak season; holiday weekends fill months out
- fall
September - November
54° / 36°F 75 mmFall color peaks early October; quieter weekends
- winter
December - February
25° / 9°F 33 mmDeep freeze; most campgrounds closed for the season
The core camping season in this part of Wisconsin runs from late spring through mid fall. Private parks near Athens and the SARA Park municipal campground typically open in early May and close in mid to late October. River's Edge Campground sits along the Wisconsin River near Stevens Point and operates on a similar May through October window, which is representative of the private season in the area.
Summer weekends are the busiest window, especially around the Fourth of July and Labor Day. Weeknights in June and early September are usually easier to book and see fewer bugs than mid-July. Fall color across the maple and birch forests peaks from late September into early October, and daytime temperatures stay comfortable for hiking well into that period.
Winter camping is limited. Snow, ice, and single-digit lows shut down most private RV parks, and Council Grounds closes for the season on October 31. Travelers looking for a shoulder-season trip should target mid-May to mid-June or the last two weeks of September for the best balance of weather and site availability.
How to book campsites
Wisconsin State Park sites, including Council Grounds, are reserved through the Wisconsin DNR reservation system. Camping reservations are required and can be made on the same day of your arrival or up to 11 months before the planned occupancy date, and campers must make a reservation before setting up on any site. Popular summer weekends book quickly at the 11-month mark, so set a reminder if travel dates are fixed.
Private campgrounds handle their own reservations. Lake Dubay Shores Campground, River's Edge Campground, and Spirit Falls Camping take bookings directly through their websites or third-party platforms. SARA Park Campground reservations go through Roverpass via a link on the City of Tomahawk website. For holiday weekends, booking two to three months out is a safer bet than relying on walk-ups.
What to expect on site
Sites near Athens range from rustic state park loops to full-hookup private resorts. The heavily wooded family campground at Council Grounds features 52 campsites, with 19 offering electrical hookups, plus flush toilets, showers, and a dump station open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October. Expect shade, a mix of pull-through and back-in sites, and reliable cell service in most areas.
Private parks lean toward larger rigs and longer stays, with water and electric standard and many full-hookup sites available. SARA Park offers 10 sites with 30/50-amp electric and non-potable water, a public beach, showers, boat landing, and a dump station at the nearby city garage. Bring bug spray from June through August, and pack layers for cool evenings even in mid-summer.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Athens, WI
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Athens, WI?
An RV rental in Athens is one of the most affordable ways to explore central Wisconsin's Northwoods. On RVezy, travel trailers in the Marathon County area typically start around $90 to $150 per night, while Class C motorhomes generally run $175 to $275 per night, depending on size, age, and season. Add fuel, campground fees (often $25 to $45 per night at county and state parks), and any host add-ons like generators or camp kits. To find a cheap RV rental Athens travelers love, book mid-week stays in May or September when demand drops but the weather is still beautiful. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book to lock in the best value listings fast.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Athens%2C%20WisconsinWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Athens, WI?
Great news for first-timers: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Athens, WI. Wisconsin does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal RVs, including Class A motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels driven for recreation. You'll need to be 25 or older to book on RVezy, and you'll verify your ID through the platform during checkout, which usually takes just a few minutes. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit along with your home country's license. That's it, you're cleared to hit Highway 29 toward the Northwoods.
wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/how-to-apply/lic-classes.aspxIs the RV rental protected if something goes wrong on my trip?
Yes. Every RV rental in Athens booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the road with real peace of mind. During checkout you'll choose from protection plan tiers based on how much coverage you want; higher tiers reduce your out-of-pocket responsibility for most damages to the vehicle. Coverage details, including what's included and any exclusions, are outlined in the RVezy Help Center so you can pick the plan that matches your trip. If you have questions about which tier fits your Athens RV trip, RVezy's support team can walk you through it before you book.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Athens RV rental?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy applies a clear, standardized cancellation policy to every reservation, so you're not locked in the moment you click confirm. Refund outcomes depend on how far out from your trip you cancel, and RVezy may also assist in special circumstances such as severe Wisconsin winter storms or tornado events that affect Marathon County. Hosts do not set their own cancellation rules on RVezy, which keeps things simple and consistent for every guest. If your plans change, open your trip in the RVezy app and follow the prompts, or message customer support for help. Book today and lock in those summer dates near Wausau with confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV trip from Athens, WI?
Absolutely, a pet-friendly RV rental Athens, WI is easy to find. Just use the 'Pet-Friendly' filter on RVezy and you'll see listings from local hosts who welcome dogs (and sometimes cats) on board, often with a small pet fee or refundable deposit. Once you're rolling, your pup will love the area: Rib Mountain State Park near Wausau allows leashed dogs on its 13+ miles of trails, and Big Eau Pleine County Park has dog-friendly campsites and lake access. Marathon County's Nine Mile Forest is another favorite for off-leash-style trail walks (leashes still required). Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm dog size or breed preferences, then pack a long lead for evenings at the campsite.
dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/petfriendlyCan the RV be delivered to my campground or home in Athens?
Yes. RV delivery in Athens is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, especially if you've never towed a trailer. Many RVezy hosts in the Athens, Wausau, and Marathon County area will deliver the RV to your driveway, a local campground like Rib Mountain State Park or Big Eau Pleine County Park, or a private event venue. They'll level the RV, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system before handing you the keys. Filter listings by Delivery and enter your destination address to see delivery fees upfront (usually based on round-trip mileage). It's the stress-free way to enjoy your motorhome rental Athens without any setup hassle.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Athens%2C%20WisconsinHow far can I drive on an RV road trip from Athens, WI?
Athens, WI sits in a sweet spot for a Northwoods RV road trip, with dozens of destinations within an easy day's drive. Door County is about 165 miles east (roughly 3 hours), the Apostle Islands and Bayfield are about 180 miles north (around 3.5 hours), Minneapolis is 220 miles west (about 3.5 hours), and the Wisconsin Dells are just 120 miles south (under 2 hours). Each RVezy host sets their own mileage policy: some offer generous daily allowances, and a few offer an RV rental with unlimited mileage. Always check the listing's mileage section before booking, and message the host if you're planning a longer loop so they can confirm the best rate for your route.
travelwisconsin.com/article/road-trips/wisconsins-best-rv-road-tripsWhat are the best campgrounds near Athens, WI?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to the best campgrounds near Athens. Big Eau Pleine County Park (about 30 minutes south) has nearly 100 sites along a scenic reservoir with electric hookups, swimming, and fishing. Marathon Park in Wausau is convenient and offers hookups close to town. Rib Mountain State Park, at the base of Wisconsin's iconic monadnock, is perfect for hikers and has electric sites. Lake DuBay Shores Campground in Mosinee is a family favorite with a beach and full hookups. Book Marathon County parks through the county recreation site and Wisconsin State Parks via the Wisconsin DNR reservation portal up to 11 months in advance. Reserve early for July and August: weekend sites at Big Eau Pleine fill up fast.
marathoncounty.gov/services/recreation-services/reservationsWhen is the best time to visit Athens, WI in an RV?
The sweet spot for RV camping Athens, WI is late May through early October, when central Wisconsin's weather is warmest and the campgrounds are fully open. June through August brings highs of 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit and lush green forests perfect for hiking and paddling. September is the local insider favorite: cool 60-degree days, fewer mosquitoes, and Marathon County's maple, oak, and birch forests blazing with fall color, typically peaking the last week of September. Winter dips well below zero with heavy snow, so most campgrounds close from November through April. If you want shoulder-season value with great weather, aim for the first two weeks of June or mid-September.
weather.gov/grb/I've never driven an RV before. Is renting in Athens beginner-friendly?
You're going to do great, and Athens, WI is actually one of the friendliest places in the country for first time renting an RV. The roads around Marathon County are mostly flat, lightly trafficked rural highways like Highway 29 and County Road A, with wide shoulders and easy pull-offs. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup covering the fridge, furnace, slide-outs, leveling, and dumping, and they're just a text away during your trip. Want zero stress? Filter for 'Delivery' and have the host set everything up at your campsite. Pro tip: do a slow practice loop around the Athens Memorial Park area before heading out, and you'll feel road-ready in 15 minutes.
wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/safety-eng/rv-safe.aspxWhat happens if the RV breaks down during my trip?
Take a breath, you're covered. Every RV rental in Athens booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so help is one phone call away, whether you're at a campsite near Big Eau Pleine, parked at Rib Mountain State Park, or rolling up Highway 51 toward Minocqua. Roadside assistance covers common road issues like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and towing to the nearest qualified service center. For anything mechanical or in-RV, message your host directly through the app since they know their RV best. Save the RVezy support number in your phone before you leave and you'll feel rock-solid the whole trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Athens RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, interstate travel is standard for an RV rental Wisconsin guests book in Athens: Minnesota, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Illinois, and Iowa are all popular cross-state routes, and your protection plan applies within the United States. Canada trips (think Thunder Bay or Sault Ste. Marie) may be allowed depending on the host and insurance validity, so confirm with your host before booking by messaging them through the listing page. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because protection coverage doesn't extend there. Bring your passport for any border crossing and let the host know your route in advance so they can flag any mileage adjustments.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat's the fuel budget for an RV trip from Athens, WI?
Fuel is easy to plan for an RV road trip from Athens, WI. Most travel trailers towed by a midsize truck average 10 to 14 MPG, Class C motorhomes typically get 8 to 12 MPG, and campervans can stretch to 15 to 20 MPG. Gas prices in Marathon County usually run a few cents below the national average, with stations in Athens, Edgar, and Wausau along Highway 29 being convenient fill-up points. For a sample weekend trip to Door County and back (around 330 miles round-trip) in a Class C, budget roughly $90 to $130 in fuel. Pro tip: use the GasBuddy app and fuel up in Wausau or Marshfield where prices tend to be lowest.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Athens?
For peace of mind, book your campground as soon as your RV rental in Athens is confirmed, especially for summer weekends. Wisconsin State Parks like Rib Mountain open reservations up to 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin DNR reservation portal, and Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends sell out fast. Marathon County parks like Big Eau Pleine can be booked through the Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry reservation system, typically several months ahead. Mid-week stays in June or September are easier walk-ups. Pro tip: set up account profiles on both reservation sites in advance so you can check out in seconds when your dream site opens.
dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/camping/reservationsWhat are driving conditions like around Athens, WI?
Driving conditions around Athens, WI are about as RV-friendly as it gets: rural Highway 29 is a four-lane divided expressway running right past town, connecting easily to Interstate 39 in Wausau and to Eau Claire heading west. Roads are well-maintained, traffic is light outside of Wausau rush hour, and there are no major mountain passes or tight tunnels to worry about. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk (Marathon County has high deer activity), and be aware that spring thaw can produce frost heaves on county roads through April. Winter brings real snow, so if you're traveling November through March, ask your host about tire and chain readiness before booking.
511wi.gov/Can I rent an RV in Athens, WI during the winter?
Yes, winter RV adventures are absolutely possible in Athens, WI, and they're magical if you go in with the right setup. Look for RVezy listings that mention four-season packages, heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and shore power capability, then message the host to confirm winter availability. Granite Peak Ski Area on nearby Rib Mountain is one of the Midwest's top ski resorts, and ice fishing on Lake DuBay and Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is a beloved Northwoods tradition. Most campgrounds close in winter, so you'll usually park on private property with full hookups. Pro tip: rent skirting from your host if available and dress in real subzero gear: January lows in Athens routinely hit minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/wintercampingWhat amenities do campgrounds near Athens, WI offer?
Campgrounds near Athens, WI are well-equipped for a comfortable trip. Big Eau Pleine County Park and Marathon Park in Wausau offer electric hookups (most 30-amp, some 50-amp), potable water fill stations, and dump stations on site. Lake DuBay Shores Campground in Mosinee has full hookups including sewer at each site, plus a beach, pool, and Wi-Fi. Rib Mountain Campground has electric and water with a centralized dump. For free dumping between trips, the Marathon County fairgrounds and several Wausau-area Pilot/Flying J stations offer paid dump access. Pro tip: top off freshwater at your campground before heading deeper into the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where boondocking is allowed but services are scarce.
fs.usda.gov/cnnfWhat's included inside an RV rental in Athens, WI?
You'll be impressed by how loaded most RVs are. A typical motorhome rental Athens, WI includes a full kitchen (fridge, freezer, propane stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with shower and toilet, sleeping for 2 to 8 people depending on layout, climate control (furnace and rooftop air conditioning), and seatbelts for travel passengers. Many listings throw in linens, cookware, outdoor chairs, and a TV. Wi-Fi and generators are common add-ons, so use the RVezy filters to find listings that include what you need. A campervan rental Athens, WI is more compact but still has a bed, kitchenette, and often a portable toilet. Message the host with your must-have list and they'll confirm before you book.
rvia.org/todays-rvsWhat add-ons and pickup details should I know about?
RVezy hosts in Athens, WI offer a fantastic menu of add-ons that make your trip easier: generators ($25 to $50 per day), camping kits with chairs and grills, bedding packages, bike racks, kayaks, and propane top-offs are common. Pickup and dropoff are usually at the host's home base in or near Athens, Edgar, Marathon City, or Wausau, with most rentals running 3 PM check-in and 11 AM check-out. Each host sets their own daily mileage allowance (often 100 to 250 miles per day) with a small per-mile fee beyond that, or sometimes unlimited mileage on weekly bookings. Pro tip: bundle add-ons at the time of booking instead of asking later, and many hosts will throw in a discount.
visitwausau.com/How does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment on RVezy is simple, secure, and handled entirely through the platform, so you never hand cash to a host. When you book your RV rental in Athens, you'll pay by credit or debit card and the charge is processed by RVezy. A separate refundable security deposit is held on your card (the amount depends on the listing) and released back to you after the trip ends, assuming the RV is returned in good condition with no damage or excessive cleaning needs. To avoid any deposit issues, take time-stamped photos at pickup and dropoff, return the RV with fuel and tanks per the host's instructions, and report any small issues right away through the app.
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