Lake Wissota State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Lake Wissota State Park is a 1,062-acre mix of pine forests and prairies near the town of Chippewa Falls, WI. This park is located on the northeast shore of Lake Wissota, a 6,300-acre manmade lake that offers boating, canoeing, kayaking and water skiing during the summer months. Parkgoers can also enjoy horseback riding, picnic and playground areas and hiking and biking year-round, while secluded campsites are available between April 15 and Nov. 29. However, you will need to be mindful of the season, as temperatures in the park change dramatically throughout the year.
Nearby Cities:
Eau Claire, WI
Menomonie, WI
Wausau, WI
St. Paul, MN
Spring 41–70 F
Summer 60–80 F
Fall 35–58 F
Winter 9–27 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Wissota State Park
Campground Accommodations
Family Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 53 feet
Other amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, showers, playground
Pine Harbor Campground
Pine Harbor Campground has full hookup sites as well as those with just electricity and water. There is a dump station on the premises, so if you cannot get a full-hookup site, you can still get rid of your wastewater. The camping sites are all level, and many of them offer shade to help keep you cool in the summer.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Horseshoes, playgrounds, and walking trails
O'Neil Creek Campground
O'Neil Creek Campground is only about 4 miles north of Chippewa Falls, and it is a place where kids will find plenty of activities to enjoy while you relax. This campground offers themed weekends, so make sure that you check the calendar to find a fun weekend that your family will enjoy. You can rent kayaks and tubes to use on the water at the campground, and there is a swimming beach. Kids can also enjoy the playgrounds, the ball courts, and the arcade.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Mini-golf, outdoor theater, and hiking and biking trails
Eagle Ridge Campground
Eagle Ridge Campground is a quiet place for the entire family to relax at night before venturing into Lake Wissota State Park. There is a lot of shade in the campground as well as a boat launch and a dock area where you can enjoy fishing. Since this is a quiet camping space, you will likely see wildlife living in the wooded areas.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: boating, fishing, hiking, and playgrounds
What to Do at
Lake Wissota State Park
Lake Wissota State Park offers year-round access. In the spring and summer months, you can take your boat, canoe or kayak out on the water. A boat launch is located at the southern end of the park. Numerous hiking, biking and horseback riding trails grace the park as well. In winter, you can take out your snowmobile or get in some cardio on the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.
Inside Lake Wissota State Park
While you are visiting Lake Wissota State Park, you will enjoy the lake by fishing off the pier and there is a swimming beach for the younger kids to play on. The lake is 6,300 acres, so you can spend an entire day fishing from a boat. Water skiing is also a popular activity here. In the winter, ice fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling are also enjoyed at the park.
Fishing
Lake Wissota offers several species of fish for anglers of all skill levels, including walleyes, muskies, bass, panfish, northern pike, catfish and sturgeon. A Wisconsin fishing license is required, and the park offers free fishing equipment to anglers of any age. A permanent fishing pier lies along the shore west of the boat launch, allowing those without a boat to test their angling skills as well.
Nature Watching
More than 200 species of birds can be found in the park, with the spring and autumn migration periods being the most active. Bird-watchers can pick up a species checklist from the park office. The Beaver Meadow nature trail is a 1-mile, self-guided trail that allows visitors to view lots of wildlife and a beaver pond.
Stargazing
While settled in the rural woods of northern Wisconsin, stargazers can enjoy the lack of light pollution and spot their favorite constellations throughout the year.
Flora and Fauna
The park lies in the transition zone between prairie and temperate forest. This creates an interesting mix of hardwoods such as sugar maple and oak and softwoods including red and white pine trees.
Hiking
There are more than 18 miles of hiking trails throughout the park. However, some of these trails are shared with off-road bicyclists, so you will want to keep an eye out for others while on the trail.
Boating
Boating on 6,300-acre Lake Wissota is a popular activity within this state park. You can find a boat launch and trailer parking in the southern part of the park. Canoes can be rented at the park office.
Swimming
A swimming beach and bathhouse are located in the park. However, there is no lifeguard on duty.
Biking
Bicycle enthusiasts can find a variety of biking options. Most of the park is level, but 11 miles of off-road biking can be accessed nearby. Bikers can also hop on the Old Abe State Trail and ride the paved railroad for 20 miles to Brunet Island State Park in Cornell, WI. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for this route.
How to Get to
Lake Wissota State Park
Lake Wissota State Park is located at 18127 Co Hwy O, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. When traveling from Eau Claire, WI, take US-53 N to WI-29 Trunk E. From there, you will turn onto WI-178 Trunk N and exit at County Hwy S E to County Hwy O E. The entrance, at the north side of the park off County Highway O East, will be on your right.
Entering Lake Wissota State Park
A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required to enter the park. This can be purchased online with a daily fee of $8 for in-state license plates and $11 for out-of-state visitors. Annual passes can be purchased for $28 and $38, respectively. You can find parking spots throughout the park, especially in the Family Campground area and near the boat launch.
Lake Wissota State Park Per Vehicle With Wisconsin License Plates : $8.0
Lake Wissota State Park Per Vehicle With Out-of-state License Plates : $11.0
Lake Wissota State Park Wisconsin Residents Aged 65 and Older : $3.0
Lake Wissota State Park is a popular camping destination because of all of the activities you can enjoy while visiting. Whether you want to spend a relaxing weekend in the woods or take part in something more exciting, you can find an option here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Wissota State Park
While the park is open year-round, the late spring and summer months are the best time to visit. You will be able to take advantage of all the activities the park has to offer without having to worry about the weather if you visit between May and September.
A large variety of fish species can be found in Lake Wissota. They include walleye, bass, northern pike, panfish and sturgeon. Beavers, birds, deer and squirrels are also commonly seen throughout the park.
Yes, you can find designated RV camping spots in the park's Family Campground.
Yes, you need to reserve a camping spot through the Wisconsin State Park System’s website. The cost is $28 per night for an electric campsite and $15 per night for a non-electric site.
Yes, pets are allowed to join you at the park. However, they must be kept on a leash and under your control at all times.