Merrick State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Merrick State Park includes 322 acres along the banks of the Mississippi River and is bordered by the lands and waters of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This unique terrain provides ample recreational activities such as boating, canoeing, camping, fishing and hunting. The park is open year-round, allowing you to enjoy cross-country skiing through the trail system or snowshoeing to explore the secluded areas of the park. Ice fishing is also encouraged along this section of the river, however, the park does not monitor ice conditions for safety purposes.
Fountain City, WI
Whitehall, WI
La Crosse, WI
Rochester, MN
Spring 23-69 F
Summer 58-83 F
Fall 26-73 F
Winter 7-29 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Merrick State Park
Camping Accommodations
North Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 50 feet
Other amenities: Fire pits, picnic tables, shower building
South Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other amenities: Fire pits, picnic tables
Merrick State Park Campground
Merrick State Park Campground offers 65 RV campsites, all of which are back-ins. The campsites have gravel pads, mostly level, with patches of grass. Most of the sites are beneath trees providing plenty of shade. A bare-bones campground, this park provides only 12 sites with electricity.
Water Hookup: No
Electric Hookup: 30 amps
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, warm showers, dump station
Fee: $31 per night
Prairie Island Campground
A large campground near Merrick State Park is Prairie Island Campground. The campground is a privately owned facility that provides 200 organized campsites and allows boondocking in some areas. Situated on the shores of the Mississippi River, this campground provides a limited number of pull-through sites. The sites are wide with graveled pads and grassy areas. With the park near the river, there are many swampy areas during the early spring and late fall seasons. A beach alongside the Mississippi allows for easy boat launching, and a camp store rents small boats, kayaks, and canoes. Fishing, hiking, and river viewing are the favorite activities of guests at this park. An 18-hole disc-golf course welcomes guests and non-camping players alike.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers, fire rings, picnic tables, dump station
Fee: $32 to $40 per night
Pla-Mor Campground
Pla-Mor Campground is a small, family-oriented campground that offers 70 RV campsites. The campground hosts concentrate on cleanliness, which, for some, is a major attraction. Located in a bowl behind bluffs overlooking the Mississippi, this campground never floods. Hiking, biking, and jogging trails travel up and down the hills and lead to impressive views of the Mississippi River. There is a heated swimming pool, a playground, and plenty of camp-organized family events. A rec hall includes a snack bar. The camp store sells firewood, necessary perishables, and propane.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers, fire rings, picnic tables, dump station
Fee: $41 per night
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
What to Do at
Merrick State Park
Merrick State Park is a sportsman’s paradise located on the bank of the Mississippi River. Two boat ramps can be found within the park that accommodate both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Designated hunting areas can also be found within the park. Visitors will want to make sure to check the seasonal Wisconsin hunting calendar to ensure they have the proper permits and licenses. Family-friendly activities are also available such as picnic areas, playgrounds and hiking trails.
Inside Merrick State Park
The location of Merrick State Park makes for an exotic visit alongside a backwater of the Mississippi River. Campers bring boats or rent kayaks, boats, or canoes to get onto the water. The fishing is excellent as many species are attracted to the lagoon-like water to feed on plentiful sources. Eagles, egrets, and osprey populate the surrounding area and are often observed diving into the waters beside anglers after sighting their prey. Three hiking trails run alongside the water, where those who do not wish to get onto a boat can fish from the bank.
Fishing
The Mississippi River offers terrific fishing opportunities for anglers of any experience. Basic fishing equipment can be checked out free of charge at the park office. Anglers can expect to catch large and smallmouth bass, bluegills, crappies and other species. Fishing can be done from shore or on a boat with two boat launches offering access to the river.
Nature Watching
The banks of the river offer excellent nature-watching opportunities as well as the various hiking trails throughout the park. Merrick State Park is home to blue herons, egrets, muskrats, ducks and even otters.
Stargazing
Stargazing is a popular nighttime activity, especially near the open air of the river bank. The park is situated far away from any major metropolitan area where light pollution may impact your ability to view your favorite stars.
Flora and Fauna
Flower lovers will want to visit the park during the spring and summer months as this is when many of the popular prairie flowers are in bloom. Parkgoers that visit the prairies can expect to see purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, hoary puccoon, spiderwort and butterfly weed. Other areas of the park are home to cardinal flowers, wild roses, wood anemones and wild geranium.
Hiking
There are two miles of hiking trails that connect most attractions of the park. The trail system is a relatively easy hike and suitable for most age groups. Hikers can expect to soak in river views as well as experience prairies, wetlands and the hardwood forest floodplain while making the two-mile trek.
Boating
Boating is encouraged on the Mississippi River. Two access points are located within the park grounds. One is for motorized boats and the other is for non-motorized.
Canoeing
A self-guided canoe trail starts near the lower boat launch. This trail features markers along the waterway so you do not get lost. Canoe rentals are available every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
How to Get to
Merrick State Park
If you are traveling to the park from La Crosse, WI, you will need to take US-53 north until you reach the WI-54 W/WI-54 Trunk W/WI-93 Trunk N. From here, you will continue onto WI-35N and take this road all the way through Fountain City, WI. The park entrance will be on your left once you pass Park St.
Entering Merrick State Park
A Wisconsin State Park System sticker is required for entry into the park. Wisconsin residents can obtain an annual pass for $28 or pay a daily fee of $8. Non-residents will need to pay a fee of $11 per day or $38 annually. Parking is available in the middle of the park within the Island Campground, which does not have any RV camping spots. There are no designated parking locations within the North or South Campgrounds.
Merrick State Park Entry Fee Per Vehicle (Residents) : $8.0
Merrick State Park Per Non-resident : $11.0
Merrick State Park caters to nature-watching enthusiasts. While there are picnic areas and a playground in the park, the riverfront land is the main attraction. Boating, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking are popular activities during the warmer spring and summer months. Winter offers parkgoers the opportunity to try their hand at ice fishing or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing if they are seeking something more physically active.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merrick State Park
The best time of year to visit the park depends on what activities you like to do. If you enjoy boating, fishing, hiking and nature watching, then the spring and summer months are the best time to visit. If you enjoy the snow, ice and cold temperatures, you can still find a lot to do during the winter months.
The park is filled with exciting wildlife, including blue herons, egrets, muskrats, ducks and otters. At night expect to hear frogs, crickets and owls.
Yes, there are designated RV camping spots in two of the three campgrounds. The North Campground offers electric hookups while the South Campground does not have electricity and is known to be shut down when the Mississippi River floods.
Yes, you need to reserve a camping spot when visiting the park. This can be done online. The North Campground has a nightly fee of $26 while the South Campground has a nightly fee of $15.
Yes, the park is pet-friendly. All pets must be kept on a leash no longer than eight feet and kept under control at all times.
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