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69 campgrounds and RV Parks near Fountain City, WI. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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Best campgrounds near Fountain City, WI
Sleepy Hollow Campground
Fountain City, WI (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+7
Merrick State Park
Fountain City, WI (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(65 sites)
+2
Drift Inn at Indian Creek
Fountain City, WI (5 miles away)
Pla-More Campground and Marina
Winona, MN (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(150 sites)
+8
Perrot State Park
Trempealeau, WI (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(102 sites)
+4
Great River Harbor Campgrounds and Marina
Alma, WI (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+5
Lake Road Campground
Trempealeau, WI (15 miles away)
$$$$$
+5
Pietrek Park
Arcadia, WI (17 miles away)
Lazy D Campground and Trail Rides
Minnesota (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(122 sites)
+8
Minneiska - Whitewater State Park
Minnesota (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
Main - Great River Bluffs State Park
Winona, MN (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(31 sites)
+4
Whispering Pines Campground
Holmen, WI (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(189 sites)
+8
Most common amenities
Tables Showers Grills Toilets Pet friendly Firewood Playground Dump station Internet Laundry
Campgrounds near Fountain City, Wisconsin
Fountain City sits on the Mississippi River in Buffalo County, along Wisconsin's Great River Road in the Driftless Area. The town is bracketed by tall limestone bluffs and Mississippi backwater channels, and camping options are concentrated along the river corridor within a short drive.
Merrick State Park is the closest state park campground, set directly on the Mississippi backwaters just north of Fountain City with 65 individual sites split across three campgrounds: north, south, and an island loop. Perrot State Park lies south near Trempealeau, offering 102 sites at the confluence of the Trempealeau and Mississippi rivers, tucked beneath 500-foot bluffs. Both parks are managed by the Wisconsin DNR and reserved through the state's online system.
Private options fill in around the state parks. Sleepy Hollow Campground and Pla-More Campground and Marina cater to RV travellers with hookup sites and river access, while Drift Inn at Indian Creek offers a smaller inland alternative away from the river bluffs.
Things to do near Fountain City
The Mississippi and its backwater sloughs drive most trip planning here. Boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are the main draws at Merrick State Park, which has two boat ramps and river access from many campsites, including moorage at each campground. Pla-More Campground and Marina provides direct water access for boaters using their own rigs.
Perrot State Park adds the region's best hiking, with 12.5 miles of trails including the steep Brady's Bluff route to sweeping river views and the 2.5-mile Riverview Trail along the water's edge. The park connects directly to the 24-mile Great River State Trail for cycling, and canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park office in season.
Wildlife viewing is strong: songbirds and waterfowl move through the bluff-and-backwater corridor each spring and fall, and the Perrot nature center offers exhibits on local ecology.
Camping spots and RV parks near Fountain City, WI
Seasonal patterns and when to visit
- spring
March - May
55° / 34°F 85 mmWet; migration peaks; watch river levels
- summer
June - August
81° / 61°F 115 mmWarm and humid; peak bookings; thunderstorms common
- fall
September - November
57° / 37°F 65 mmCrisp nights; peak hardwood color along the river
- winter
December - February
25° / 10°F 30 mmCold and snowy; most private campgrounds closed
The peak camping window along this stretch of the Mississippi runs from May through October. Summer weekends fill Merrick and Perrot state parks quickly, and reservations are strongly recommended for any Friday or Saturday night in that window. Canoe and kayak rentals at Perrot and the in-season dump station facilities are tied to this warm-weather stretch.
Spring brings mild temperatures, woodland and prairie wildflowers, and heavy songbird and waterfowl migration through the Driftless bluffs. It is also a wet stretch of the year, and low-lying backwater sites at Merrick's south campground have been affected by high river levels in past flood years.
Fall is widely considered a strong window for RV travel here. Mid-September through mid-October delivers crisp nights, hardwood color along the river, and lighter crowds. Winter camping is limited: Perrot stays open for hardy visitors interested in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, while most private campgrounds close for the season.
How to book Fountain City area campgrounds
Merrick State Park and Perrot State Park are both reserved through the Wisconsin State Parks reservation system, operated on the goingtocamp platform. Sites can be booked up to 11 months in advance, which matters for waterfront and electric sites that go quickly for summer weekends. A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required in addition to the campsite fee, with separate resident and non-resident rates.
At Merrick, the north campground holds most of the electric hookups, while the south and island loops lean toward waterfront and walk-in tent sites. At Perrot, 38 of the 102 sites have electric service.
Private campgrounds around Fountain City, including Sleepy Hollow Campground, Drift Inn at Indian Creek, and Pla-More Campground and Marina, are booked directly with each operator by phone or website. Holiday weekends should be reserved well ahead.
What to expect on site
Expect a river-valley setting: mature hardwood shade, limestone bluffs above the campgrounds, and either direct backwater frontage or short walks to the water. Merrick has flush toilets and showers in the north campground, a dump station, and firewood for sale at the contact station and in the north loop. Perrot offers flush toilets, showers, a seasonal dump station, and a nature center near the campground.
A mainline rail corridor runs along the river past both state parks, so light sleepers should plan for periodic night noise from freight trains. Mosquitoes can be persistent in the marshy backwaters during summer.
Both state parks are pet-friendly with leash rules, and both fill on summer weekends. Waterfront and electric sites are the first to book, so flexibility on loop and site number helps for last-minute trips.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Fountain City, WI
How much does an RV rental in Fountain City, WI typically cost?
RV rental in Fountain City, WI is one of the more affordable ways to explore the Driftless Area and the Mississippi River bluffs. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275, and larger Class A units run $250 to $400 per night. Shoulder seasons (late April to mid-June and September to mid-October) deliver the best value, with prices often 15 to 25% lower than peak July weekends. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book and travel midweek to save even more, then put the savings toward a tasting at Seven Hawks Vineyards.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Fountain%20City%2C%20WisconsinWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Fountain City, Wisconsin?
A regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Fountain City, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement for personal-use motorhomes or travel trailers, regardless of size. RVezy approved drivers are generally 25 or older, and your ID is verified inside the booking platform, so there are no extra trips to a DMV. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most first-time renters are approved and ready to roll along the Great River Road within a day.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection is included when I rent an RV in Fountain City?
Every booking on RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can focus on the river views instead of worst-case scenarios. You choose your coverage level at checkout (not the host), and the plan covers most physical damage to the vehicle during your trip. While it is not traditional auto insurance, it provides meaningful financial peace of mind for renters exploring the bluffs around Fountain City. Pro tip: first-time renters heading up curvy backroads to Elmer's Auto and Toy Museum often choose a higher tier, the lower deductible is worth the small daily upcharge.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Fountain City RV rental?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets a standard cancellation policy for every reservation (not the individual host), and there is a money-back grace period right after you book so you can lock in dates with confidence. Beyond that window, refund eligibility depends on how far in advance you cancel. You will see the exact terms before you confirm payment, and RVezy support is available to help if plans change. Pro tip: book early for popular Fountain City weekends, you can review the full cancellation terms during checkout and adjust your trip if needed.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Fountain City RV trip?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental in Fountain City is easy to find on RVezy, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter to see dog-welcoming rigs. Once in town, your pup will love the area: Merrick State Park (about six miles north) allows leashed pets on trails and in most campground loops, and the Great River State Trail offers a relaxed paved path for morning walks. Many Fountain City hosts charge a small pet fee (typically $25 to $75 per trip) to cover extra cleaning. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet details, then pack a long lead for shady afternoons at Fountain City's riverfront parks.
dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/petsinparksCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Fountain City?
Yes, RV delivery in Fountain City is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers who would rather not drive a 30-foot motorhome down Highway 35. Many local hosts will deliver and set up your rig directly at Merrick State Park or a private riverside site, then walk you through every system before they leave. Delivery fees typically run $2 to $4 per mile from the host's home base, and some hosts offer free delivery within a set radius. Pro tip: use the Delivery filter when searching, and ask about a stocked kitchen or pre-filled fresh water tank as an add-on so you can arrive, unpack, and head straight to the Monarch Public House for dinner.
dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/merrickHow far can I drive on a typical mileage allowance from Fountain City?
Plenty far to see the best of the Upper Mississippi. Most Fountain City RVezy hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night, and some list RV rentals with unlimited mileage, which is ideal for longer loops. From Fountain City you are about six miles south to Winona, MN, roughly 30 miles north along the Great River Road to Pepin (Laura Ingalls Wilder country), about 75 miles to La Crosse, 110 miles to Eau Claire, and roughly 135 miles to the Twin Cities. Extra miles typically cost $0.35 to $0.50 each if you exceed the allowance. Pro tip: filter for unlimited-mileage listings if you are planning a multi-stop Great River Road trip.
travelwisconsin.com/scenic-byways/great-river-roadWhere are the best campgrounds near Fountain City for an RV?
You're spoiled for choice. Merrick State Park, just six miles north on Highway 35, has 65 campsites (many with electric hookups) right on the Mississippi backwaters, perfect for kayaking off your site. Perrot State Park, about 18 miles south near Trempealeau, offers wooded sites and dramatic bluff hikes. Pietrek County Park in Buffalo City (15 minutes away) is a quiet, family-friendly option with river access. Across the river, Prairie Island Campground in Winona, MN adds full hookups and a pool. Pro tip: Merrick fills up fast for July weekends, so reserve as soon as your dates are set and request the Island Campground loop for the prettiest sunsets.
dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/merrickWhen is the best time of year to take an RV trip to Fountain City?
Late May through mid-October is the sweet spot for RV camping in Fountain City, with peak summer running from mid-June to early September when daytime highs typically sit in the upper 70s to mid-80s F and the river is warm enough for swimming. September and early October are a local favorite: bluff foliage turns brilliant red and gold, bugs are gone, and campgrounds quiet down. Spring (April to May) brings wildflowers and migrating tundra swans through nearby Alma. Winters are cold with highs often in the 20s F, so many peer-to-peer rentals are seasonal. Pro tip: time your visit for summer evenings to catch live music at Fountain City's riverfront parks.
weather.gov/arx/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay around Fountain City?
You'll do great, first time renting an RV in Fountain City is genuinely beginner-friendly. Highway 35 (the Great River Road) is a flat, two-lane scenic byway with light traffic, generous shoulders, and 55 mph speed limits, exactly the kind of road that builds confidence. Every RVezy host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup covering driving, leveling, hookups, and dumping, and 24/7 roadside assistance is one tap away. If you'd rather skip the drive entirely, choose a host who offers delivery to Merrick State Park. Pro tip: practice a few right turns in the wide lot at Fountain City Park before heading north, and avoid the steep climb up to Eagle Bluff Overlook in a larger Class A, the views are better from the river anyway.
wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/road/default.aspxWhat if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You are never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so whether it is a flat tire on Highway 35, a dead battery at Merrick State Park, or a tow needed near Lock and Dam 5, help is one call away. Your host is also typically a quick text away for how-to questions on the water pump or awning, and RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your trip. Most issues are small and resolved the same day. Pro tip: snap photos of the RV's systems during your walkthrough, it makes troubleshooting a leveling jack or generator question much faster.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Fountain City RV rental into Minnesota or across the border to Canada?
Yes, crossing into Minnesota is easy and very common, the bridge from Fountain City to Winona is just a few miles south, and many travelers loop through Wabasha, Red Wing, and the Twin Cities without issue. Interstate travel within the US is covered under your RVezy booking. Cross-border trips into Canada depend on the specific listing and protection plan, so message the host before booking to confirm. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental because insurance coverage does not extend there. Pro tip: a fantastic cross-state route is the Great River Road loop, north through Pepin and Stockholm, WI, then back down the Minnesota side through Lake City and Wabasha.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel mileage and gas budget should I plan for?
Realistic numbers help. A campervan rental in Fountain City typically gets 16 to 20 mpg, a Class C motorhome 8 to 12 mpg, and a larger Class A 6 to 9 mpg. Travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle but expect 10 to 14 mpg combined. Wisconsin gas prices generally run a few cents below the national average, and you'll find convenient fuel stops in Cochrane, Winona (across the bridge), and Galesville. For a typical 3-night Fountain City RV trip covering 250 miles, budget roughly $90 to $160 in fuel for a Class C. Pro tip: top off in Winona, MN, where diesel and regular are usually a touch cheaper than the Wisconsin side, and avoid the small-town pumps north of Alma.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Fountain City?
Earlier is better, but you have options. Merrick State Park and Perrot State Park reservations open 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin DNR's reservation system, and prime summer weekends (especially July and Labor Day) often sell out within days of opening. For weekday stays or shoulder-season trips, 2 to 4 weeks ahead is usually plenty. Private parks like Pietrek County Park and Buffalo Trails are easier to grab last-minute. Pro tip: if Merrick is full, check back the Wednesday before your trip, cancellations open up surprisingly often. And remember, where to park an RV in Fountain City overnight is restricted on city streets, so always have a campground or host-approved spot lined up.
wisconsinstateparks.reserveamerica.com/What are the driving conditions like around Fountain City?
Easygoing for the most part. Highway 35 (the Great River Road) hugs the Mississippi with flat, smooth pavement and stunning bluff scenery, making for relaxed RV driving. The main thing to watch is the steep, winding climb up to Eagle Bluff Overlook (550 feet, the highest point on the Upper Mississippi), which is best skipped in rigs over 30 feet. County highways inland can be hilly and narrow, especially around Kinstone and County Road G. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk year-round, and for occasional flooding on backroads in spring. Pro tip: check 511 Wisconsin before heading out for real-time road conditions, and stick to Highway 35 north and south for the most stress-free RV road trip from Fountain City.
511wi.gov/What hookups and amenities will I find at Fountain City area campgrounds?
You'll find a good range. Merrick State Park offers electric hookups (20/30/50 amp) at most sites, modern restrooms with flush toilets and showers, a dump station, and potable water fill, but no individual water or sewer hookups, you'll fill your fresh tank on arrival and dump on the way out. Perrot State Park has similar amenities. For full hookups (water, electric, sewer at the site), head to private parks like Prairie Island in Winona or Great River Harbor in Alma. Pro tip: the public dump station at Merrick State Park is one of the most convenient in Buffalo County, use it before checking out so you roll home empty and clean.
dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/merrick/campingWhat's inside a typical RV rental in Fountain City?
More creature comforts than you might expect. Most Fountain City motorhome rentals on RVezy come with a queen or king bed, convertible dinette and sofa for extra sleepers, a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), wet or dry bath with toilet and shower, roof air conditioning, furnace, and a TV. Many include a generator or solar setup for off-grid nights, plus seatbelts for every listed passenger. Cell and WiFi coverage can be patchy in the Driftless Area's bluff country, so many travelers use a phone hotspot. Listings clearly show sleep count, slide-outs, and included gear. Pro tip: filter by Sleeps 6+ for a family RV trip in Fountain City, and ask the host about included camp chairs and a fire-ready cooler.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Fountain%20City%2C%20WisconsinWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts in Fountain City offer some genuinely useful extras. Common add-ons include linen and bedding packages ($25 to $75), camp kitchen kits, bikes, kayaks (great for Mississippi backwaters), generators, propane fills, and pre-stocked firewood. Pickup is usually at the host's home anywhere from Fountain City to Cochrane, Alma, or Winona, with delivery available for a per-mile fee. Mileage allowances, pet rules, and generator hours are listed clearly on each listing. Pro tip: if you are booking a cheap RV rental in Fountain City and want to keep extras low, skip the linen package and bring your own bedding, then splurge on the kayak add-on, paddling out of Merrick State Park at golden hour is unforgettable.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Fountain%20City%2C%20WisconsinHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Simple and transparent. You pay securely through RVezy at booking (no cash or e-transfer with the host), and your card information stays protected inside the platform. A refundable security deposit, separate from your booking payment, is typically pre-authorized on your card before pickup and released after the trip assuming no damage or policy violations. To avoid any holds, complete a thorough walkthrough with photos at pickup and dropoff, follow the mileage and generator limits, and return the RV with the same fuel and propane levels. Pro tip: ask your Fountain City host for a quick video tour of any existing scratches or dings before pickup, it is the easiest way to ensure a fast deposit release.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat are the best road trip destinations from Fountain City?
You're perfectly positioned for an RV road trip from Fountain City. Head 30 miles north on Highway 35 to Pepin, WI (Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthplace) and Stockholm's art galleries. Continue 75 miles north to Red Wing, MN for pottery shops and Barn Bluff hikes. South 75 miles brings you to La Crosse and Grandad Bluff's panoramic views. The Twin Cities sit 135 miles northwest for a big-city contrast. For a bucket-list loop, drive 240 miles north to Duluth and Lake Superior's North Shore. Pro tip: the 90-mile stretch between Fountain City and Red Wing on the Great River Road is arguably the most scenic in the Midwest, plan a 4-day round-trip with overnights in Alma and Lake City for the perfect introduction to Driftless RV travel.
travelwisconsin.com/scenic-byways/great-river-roadNearby cities with campgrounds
Minneapolis, MNMadison, WICedar Rapids, IAApple Valley, MNHopkins, MNPrior Lake, MNRice, MNLong Lake, MNHiawatha, IAHudson, WIChamplin, MNRockland, WIAntigo, WIDurand, WIMaplewood, MNSaint Anthony, MNCoon Rapids, MNSandstone, MNBecker, MNSaint Francis, MNSavage, MNBelle Plaine, MNFairfax, IALake Wissota, WI