Merrick State Park RV & Campground Guide
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In the 1800s, areas like that upon which 322-acre Merrick State Park sits were considered a waste. The stretch of the Mississippi 50 miles upstream and downstream of Merrick State Park was an amalgam of shifting sands, wrecked steamships, and fallen trees, making navigation of the river's upper reaches impossible. Each year when the Mississippi flooded, the channel shifted, creating new natural dams and silt traps. One pioneering conservationist saw the possibilities that the Mississippi's backwaters offered along this stretch of the river and purchased all the silted lands. After control dams were constructed at locations near Lake City, MN, 40 miles upstream of the park, and Onalaska, WI, 40 miles downstream, the river bottom was dredged to a continuous 9-foot depth, reducing floods. Today, the land once considered worthless holds an increased value each year as families come to enjoy the fantastic bird population and incredible fishing that has grown since the taming of the river.
Spring 23-69 F
Summer 58-83 F
Fall 26-73 F
Winter 7-29 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Merrick State Park
As many RV enthusiasts can tell you, RV camping has a versatility that other means of camping do not. Add that to the comfort factor provided by an RV, and you discover that using an RV to explore the area in and around Merrick State Park is the best experience available to you. In Merrick State Park, there are various hookups that RVs can use to increase the comfort that campers can experience after a day of angling, hunting, wildlife viewing, or hiking. To find an RV rental, check out RVshare.
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
What to Do at
Merrick State Park
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.
How to Get to
Merrick State Park
Most travelers approach Merrick State Park via Minneapolis through Lake City, MN. Directions from Lake City to the park involve getting onto United States Highway 61 South (US-61 S) and driving southeast for 13.1 miles into Wabasha, MN. In Wabasha, turn left onto Shields Avenue and go for 0.1 miles, where the road merges onto Hiawatha Drive West. Continue driving for 0.4 miles, then turn left onto Bridge Avenue and go for 0.3 miles.
Turn right on the first cross street onto Grant Boulevard West and then turn left onto Minnesota Highway 60 (MN-60) and drive for 0.4 miles to cross the bridge into Wisconsin. Once you cross the river, you will be on Wisconsin Highway 25 North (WI-25 N). Continue following WI-25 N for 2.6 miles. Turn right onto Wisconsin Highway 35 South (WI-35 S). Travel WI-35 S for 22.4 miles until you reach the Merrick State Park Junction. Turn right, and the entrance to the park is 0.4 miles ahead on the right.
Entering Merrick State Park
Merrick State Park is a day-use area that is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Merrick State Park Entry fee per vehicle (Wisconsin license plates) : $8.0
Merrick State Park Per vehicle (Wisconsin license plates, resident age 65 or older) : $3.0
Merrick State Park Per vehicle (out-of-state license plates) : $11.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Merrick State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merrick State Park
The best time to visit Merrick State Park is during the dry season, from April through October. Snowmelt in the winter can cause flooding on trails and roads. Plan your trip for late spring or summer for dry weather conditions.
The climate of Merrick State Park is classified as warm and temperate. This means the temperature can be hot and muggy in the summer, while winters are mild in this region.
In Merrick State Park, you will see various wildlife such as kingfishers, ducks, muskrats, egrets, great blue herons, and the occasional presence of otters. You'll hear owls, frogs, and crickets at night.
Pets are allowed at Merrick State Park but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets may not be left unattended or allowed to swim in the lake at any time.
Yes, Merrick State Park is designed to be accessible to all visitors. The park offers both paved and unpaved trails, with handrails along the rocky shore. There are also flat areas around the swimming beach for wheelchairs and scooters.
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