Special Section

5 Sweet Places to Pitch a Tent

V1 Staff |

1. Coon Fork Lake County Park E 25501 County Road CF, Augusta • 839-4738 • Located 30 miles from Eau Claire, this serene campsite has excellent facilities including a boat landing, swimming beach, volleyball court, playground, toilet facilities, shower buildings, hiking trails, and boat/canoe rental. Choose from more than 100 sites for a quiet, weekend getaway.
 
2. Harstad County Park near Augusta, take Highway 12 to County AF to County HHH • 839-4738 • This overlooked campsite overlooks the Eau Claire River, and offers a more simple and rustic vibe for enjoying the outdoors (no electricity or running water). The campground lies in a quiet forest, and the spacious sites provide a quality environment for kayaking and canoeing. If you want to camp and enjoy the simplicity and rawness of the outdoors, this is the place for you.
 
3. Lake Wissota State Park 18127 County Highway O, Chippewa Falls • 382-4574 • If you live in Chippewa Falls, you’ll find this campground very close to home (and it’s open year round). The park offers all the watery fun associated with a big lake, but also has lots of secluded trails for hikers and mountain bikers, a playground, picnic area, and more. It has all the amenities of home (flush toilets, showers, electricity) and is perfect for families.
 
4. Brunet Island State Park 23125 255th St., Cornell • 239-6888 • Many campers are drawn to Brunet Island State Park’s quiet lagoons and channels, perfect for fishing, canoeing, swimming, or just watching wildlife (the park is well-known for its roaming deer population). If you’re an adventurous camper, check out the Old Abe State Trail, a 20-mile abandoned railroad grade that connects Brunet Island with Lake Wissota State Park. You won’t leave disappointed.
 
5. Willow River State Park
1034 County Highway A, Hudson • 386-5931 • Fish for trout, canoe on peaceful, non-motorized Little Falls lake, hike 13 miles of great trails (varying difficulty), enjoy the scenic overlook near Willow Falls (one of the best waterfalls in the state), and rock climb the Willow River Gorge (don’t miss it!). Swimming areas and frisbee golf are also available. In winter, this is a great place to snowshoe. With so much to do, and being open year round, it’s definitely worth the drive!