Council Grounds State Park

4.29

85 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Get Directions

Council Grounds State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Going To Camp

Provider

What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 85 reviews

344 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsshadelocationhiking

"Reviewers commonly praise the park's scenic Wisconsin River setting, wooded and generally spacious campsites, good short trails, fishing docks and a small sandy swim beach. Facility feedback is mixed — many note flushing toilets and a shower house, while others describe restrooms/showers as older or in need of maintenance."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at Council Grounds State Park

Summer brings the park to life with swimmers splashing in the river, boats gliding across the water, and anglers trying their luck from dawn to dusk. Be prepared for enthusiastic mosquitoes and deer flies during the warmer months—they're part of the authentic Wisconsin camping experience. Fall offers a quieter, more serene alternative, when the crowds thin out and the forest canopy transforms into a spectacular display of autumn colors.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

About Council Grounds State Park

Nestled along the scenic Wisconsin River, Council Grounds State Park offers families a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Spend your days exploring shaded woodland trails, cooling off at the sandy beach, or casting a line from the fishing docks, then return to your tree-canopied campsite where friendly neighbors and peaceful evenings await.

Family-oriented state park campground with a mix of electric and non-electric sites, wooded settings, and group camping options.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the park to life with swimmers splashing in the river, boats gliding across the water, and anglers trying their luck from dawn to dusk. Be prepared for enthusiastic mosquitoes and deer flies during the warmer months—they're part of the authentic Wisconsin camping experience. Fall offers a quieter, more serene alternative, when the crowds thin out and the forest canopy transforms into a spectacular display of autumn colors.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering mature trees create a cathedral-like canopy over the campground, offering welcome shade and a true north woods atmosphere. The Wisconsin River serves as the park's centerpiece, where you'll discover fishing piers extending over calm waters, a sandy beach perfect for family swimming, and easy launch access for canoes and kayaks. Don't miss the dam viewing area or the short hiking trails that wind through the property—some paths lead to breathtaking river overlooks while others venture into protected old-growth forest where ancient trees have stood for generations.

Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (wisconsin.goingtocamp.com)

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Showers

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Cell phone service

Flush toilets

Vault toilets

Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Active riverfront park offering short hiking trails, fishing, boating and a small sandy swim beach; also family-friendly features like playgrounds and picnic shelters.

Hiking

Several short, well-marked trails (reviews cite roughly 0.6–1.5 miles) with river views, an old-growth forest area, and connections to park features like the dam.

Fishing

Fishing on the Wisconsin River from multiple docks/piers and shoreline; reviewers reported catching smallmouth and frequent anglers near the dam.

Swimming

Small sandy beach and designated swimming area; reviewers note the swim area is small but usable and that you can swim past the markers.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Campsites include fire rings; visitors report firewood availability at the park entrance or in nearby town but note occasional shortages.
Quiet hours are posted (reviewers reported noise past 11 pm in at least one instance and inconsistent enforcement).

Hazards

General hazardsBiting deer flies at dusk and mosquitoes in wooded/river areas. River areas have shallow, fast sections and rocky banks in places; some campsites are uneven which can be problematic for large campers.

Weather at Council Grounds State Park

-8

°F

Dec 14

Sunday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 70%

Wind: 6.3 mph

Clear sky

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsSome reviewers report outdated or poorly maintained restrooms/showers, campsites that can be close together with limited buffering, occasional noisy groups and inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours. A few reviewers noted inconsistent firewood availability.

Campground Map

Council Grounds State Park

Driving directionsLocated along the Wisconsin River a few miles outside of Merrill, WI; see the Wisconsin DNR site for specific route and park entrance details.

Nearby places

Merrill (nearest city

a few miles away)

Nearby supplies

Merrill — grocery stores and gas stations (firewood often available at gas stations)

park entrance sells or lists firewood availability according to visitor reports.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.3

85 reviews

Satisfactory

Council Grounds State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers commonly praise the park's scenic Wisconsin River setting, wooded and generally spacious campsites, good short trails, fishing docks and a small sandy swim beach. Facility feedback is mixed — many note flushing toilets and a shower house, while others describe restrooms/showers as older or in need of maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 85 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic riverside location with dam views, multiple fishing docks, kayak/canoe rentals and a small sandy swim beach. Well-shaded, family-friendly campsites (many with electric) and short, well-marked...

Based on 85 reviews

Common Concerns

Heavy RV to tent camper ratio may detract from tent camping experience for some.[3]

Based on 85 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent for deer flies and mosquitoes (especially at dusk), reserve sites via Wisconsin's GoingToCamp system, expect most sites to offer electricity, and choose weekday stays for a...

Based on 85 reviews