Chippewa County is ripe with possibility for those that enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, or something else altogether, there’s a place here to recreate. Hundreds of lakes, expansive forests, and rolling hills dot the landscape of this region.
Camping, in this neck of the woods, is a big deal. Campgrounds here are in abundance, with dozens upon dozens of facilities calling the county home.
What makes camping in Chippewa County special though, is that it doesn’t get the publicity it deserves. Truth be told, this area offers some incredible outdoor experiences. The diversity of options here is second to none. Whether you want a place with all the amenities or something a little more rustic, there’s an option. No matter the style, the budget, or the experience you can find the site you’re after in Chippewa County.
State Parks & Recreation Areas
The state of Wisconsin is home to more than 50 state parks and recreation areas, three of which are found right here in Chippewa County. These areas not only offer opportunities for camping but are great outposts for a variety of other outdoor activities, like fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, and more.
Lake Wissota State Park
Situated just northeast of Chippewa Falls, Lake Wissota State Park is one of the more well-known and popular parks in the region. Bordering the shores of the infamous Lake Wissota, the park is an incredible visit, whether you’re coming from near or far. The park encompasses more than 1,000 acres of prairie, forest, and lakeshore, in addition to paved roads and miles of trails.
Lake Wissota State Park features 116 secluded campsites, 58 of which have electricity. Campers have access to showers, flushable toilets, and a station for sanitary dumping. In addition to the individual sites, there is a large, group campground featuring two sites that can accommodate up to 100 people.
Visitors have access to a variety of outdoor opportunities including hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, a swimming beach, picnic areas, playgrounds, and more. Not to mention, being on Lake Wissota opens up activities like fishing, boating, and swimming.
As one of the more utilized campgrounds, it’s recommended you make reservations well in advance.
More to Explore in Chippewa Falls
Brunet Island State Park
Just outside the City of Cornell lies Brunet Island State Park, which encompasses more than 1,300 acres. Bordering both the Chippewa River and Fisher River, the park is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast despite being just a short walk from city limits.
The park includes 69 campsites, split into two distinct areas. The South Campground offers a more modern experience with 24 electric sites and access to showers and flushable toilets. The North Campground, on the other hand, offers a more remote adventure with 45 rustic campsites.
Beyond the camping, Brunet Island State Park is full of opportunity. Miles of hiking trails, bird watching, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and direct access to the Old Abe State Trail will keep you busy for days to come.
If nature’s beauty is what you’re after, then this is the place for you. To make reservations visit HERE.
Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area
The Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area is a hidden gem in Chippewa County. The area features more than 3,000 acres of natural beauty including dozens of lakes and section after section of expansive forests.
This area is certainly more primitive than the options mentioned earlier, but it offers a real one-of-a-kind experience for those that like to “rough it.”
The Chippewa Moraine offers just three campsites – two of which are hike in only. The third, however, can only be accessed via canoe and is about five miles from the area’s nature center (David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center). These are very primitive sites, so don’t expect any thrills.
While campsites are very limited, the opportunity here is abounding. Think hiking, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and more.
County Parks
In addition to the state-managed options, Chippewa County is also home to three county-managed campgrounds. These sites are spread throughout the region and feature a variety of amenities at a budget friendly price.
Reservations for these campgrounds can be made through the Chippewa County website. Each reservation allows for either one camper/RV and one tent or two tents, per site.
Morris-Erickson Campground
Morris-Erickson Campground is found in New Auburn on the shores of Long Lake. Touted for its clear water, Long Lake is one of the most pristine waterbodies in the county – making Morris-Erickson a popular spot for campers that want that admired “up north” feel.
The campground features 28 sites, each of which offer electrical hookups. Campground users have access to flushable toilets, a sanitary dumping station, playground, fish cleaning house and more.
The campground is adjacent to the lake’s boat launch, making access to the water extremely simple and efficient. Long Lake is a popular destination for anglers and recreational boaters alike. On-site boat trailer parking is available to guests that want to take advantage of the water. Additionally, boat docks are available through the campground for a nominal fee.
Otter Lake Campground
Otter Lake Campground is located just northeast of the Town of Stanley on the northern end of Otter Lake. In the eyes of many, this lake is considered of the best fishing spots in the area – making the campground a must visit for anglers that want a place to camp.
The campground is comprised of 22 electric ready sites and features flushable restrooms, shower facilities, a firewood dispenser and more. Visitors also have access to the on-site playground, fish cleaning house, and boat launch.
Otter Lake has a reputation for putting out quality and quantity fish, like panfish, bass, and walleyes. Like Morris-Erickson, dock slips are available to campers for a nominal fee – allowing for quick access to the lake.
Pine Point Campground
On the shores of Lake Holcombe lies Pine Point Campground, the largest of the three county-managed campgrounds. Lake Holcombe is one of the most popular lakes in the county in terms of fishing and recreation. Although it’s among the most popular, the lake is appreciated for it’s up north feel due to limited shoreline development.
Pine Point Campground features 48 campsites set up with electrical hookups and access to flushable restrooms, shower facilities, a firewood dispenser, and more. Additionally, the Day Park includes a beach (and swimming area), playground, grills, and other options.
Similar to the other county-managed campgrounds, dock slips are available for a small fee. Lake Holcombe is a great place to recreate and enjoy time on (or off) the water.
Private Options
Beyond the state- and county-managed offerings, Chippewa County hosts a significant number of private campgrounds. These privately-owned and operated campgrounds offer a wide range of amenities – including electrical and water hookups, restroom and shower facilities, camp stores, playgrounds, and more.
Many of these campgrounds are located within close proximity to a number of recreation-based activities, so no matter your preferred style of recreation, there’s a likely a camping option for you.
Costs vary largely depending on location and available amenities.
Chippewa County is a truly great place to camp. The options here are in abundance and there’s something here to fit a variety of styles and budgets. Looking for something rustic? We’ve got that. Maybe you’re more into “glamping”? We’ve got that. Let’s say you want a mix of both? We’ve got that too.
