Campgrounds and RV parks near Bloomington, WI

The two state parks anchor most itineraries. Wyalusing State Park sits 500 feet above the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, with bluff-top overlooks, roughly 14 miles of hiking trails, a canoe trail, a boat landing, and canoe and kayak rentals in season at the Bluff Top concession near Wisconsin Ridge. The park also has the Huser Astronomy Center used for public programs. Nelson Dewey State Park overlooks the Mississippi from a high bluff and pairs well with a visit to the Stonefield Historic Site directly across the road. From Cassville, a seasonal car ferry crosses to Iowa for a half-day loop. Anglers head to Driftless trout streams and the river for smallmouth bass, and cyclists use quiet county roads that wind through the coulees.

The main camping season in southwest Wisconsin runs from spring through mid-fall. Wisconsin state park campgrounds accept reservations up to 11 months in advance, and Nelson Dewey's family campground is open from about mid-April through mid-October, with reservations accepted from May 1 through Columbus Day weekend and first-come, first-served sites after that until closing. Late May through August is peak season. Warm, humid weather brings thunderstorms, biting gnats in early summer, and busy weekends at both state parks and private resorts. Wisconsin Ridge at Wyalusing fills quickly for weekends with river views, so reserving in late winter or early spring is the safer play. September and October bring cooler nights, hardwood color across the bluffs, and lighter crowds, which is many RVers' favorite window. Winter is quiet. State park campgrounds close to overnight camping, though day use, cross-country ski trails, and eagle watching along the open river continue. Private parks may shut off water lines during freezing months, so campers should confirm hookups directly with the operator.

State park sites in this area are wooded and relatively private, but many are non-electric and pads can be dirt or gravel. At Wyalusing's Wisconsin Ridge, the outer ridge sites are smaller and non-electric, while the inner loop offers 30-amp electric hookups; larger rigs generally do better on the inner loop or at the Homestead campground, where the dump station is located. RVers relying on 30-amp service should target electric sites or book a private park. Whitetail Bluff and similar resorts offer full hookups, a camp store, laundry, and family amenities like pools and planned activities. Cell coverage is spotty in the coulees and on the bluffs. Firewood should be bought locally to avoid moving pests, and pets are welcome at most sites on leash, though some indoor and group facilities exclude them.