Raw, natural beauty, historical landmarks and recreational activities are just some of the features that draw vacationers to the Wisconsin Dells. In fact, TripAdviser rated the area as the top family vacation destination spot in the United States and third among family destination spots worldwide. If you're planning a camping vacation to the area--RV, tent or remote--you'll be pleased by the wide range of campground accommodations.
History and Geography
More than 14,000 years ago, melting glacial waters carved out the Wisconsin River gorge, leaving behind sandstone bluffs and geological formations that seem to defy gravity and the currents of the Wisconsin River. Since French explorers discovered the Dells more than 150 years ago, the area has endured as a favorite spot among vacationers, honeymooners, naturalists and campers. Had you vacationed in the Wisconsin Dells during the 1950s, you would have found certain activities to be traditional: touring the Lower Dells and Red Bird Gorge in an amphibious duck boat, watching the Tommy Bartlett Ski and Sky Show, eating fudge from the confectioners in the Wisconsin Dells historic section and playing putt-putt or renting a go-kart. But thanks to a modern, resort-type campground, there are plenty of new traditions to make your camping vacation in Wisconsin Dells memorable.
RV Camping
Although many tourists camp in the Wisconsin Dells, some campgrounds are anything but rustic. Increasingly, many cater to vacationers looking for the comforts of home with some resort amenities. For a fraction of the cost of a hotel, these "resort" campgrounds offer shady, secluded campsites with full electric, water, sewage and cable/Internet hookups. Campgrounds such as Sky High Camping Resort organize weekly movie nights, Las Vegas Night and family hayrides. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Campground and Resort includes a free on-site waterpark, boat rentals and go-karting for its guests.
Tent Camping
If RV camping seems like an oxymoron to you, no worries. You can pack up your tent, sleeping bags and other gear and find the perfect camping accommodations in the Wisconsin Dells. Most RV campgrounds have dedicated sites for tent camping and more remote sites for a woodsy camping experience. Tent sites come with or without hookups and all guests, be they RV or tent campers, have access to campground amenities. Stand Rock Campground in Wisconsin Dells has over 200 campsites, many set up for tent camping. And all guests have access to the campground's pool, laundry, hot showers, on-site grocery store and game room.
Camping in the State Parks
If you'd like something a little more rustic, Mirror Lake, Devil's Lake, Rocky Arbor and the farthest, Buckhorn State Park are all within a half hour to a 40-minute drive from the Wisconsin Dells. All four offer camping, have limited bathroom and shower facilities, and average about $15 per night. Mirror Lake, approximately one and a half miles from Wisconsin Dells, has approximately 151 rustic campsites, over 1 mile of hiking trails, fishing and boating on Mirror Lake. Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, approximately six miles from Wisconsin Dells offers free kayaks and canoes in the summer. The lake is an excellent spot for bird watching coots, loons, ducks, cormorants, bald eagles and grebes. The park's rocky bluffs make it a draw for rock-climbing enthusiasts, and those who love to hike will find plenty of trails.
Outdoor Recreation
Many of the campgrounds in and around Wisconsin Dells offer a wide range of outdoor recreation geared toward fitness. Most have on-site swimming pools or freshwater lakes. One, River Bay Resort and Marina, has a marina where guests can dock their boats after cruising on the Wisconsin River. Most campgrounds listed in Wisconsin Dells have hiking trails, tennis and basketball courts, volleyball, miniature golf, weekly dances and on-site exercise classes. Even the state parks are close enough for you to take advantage of the 70 acres of indoor and outdoor waterparks, the BigFoot Zipline, historic downtown Wisconsin Dells and the amphibious duck tours.
Member Comments