Is Elroy-Sparta State Trail first-come first-served or reservation?

Elroy-Sparta State Trail accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Elroy-Sparta State Trail before I book?

Yes! Elroy-Sparta State Trail has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Elroy-Sparta State Trail?

Elroy-Sparta State Trail does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Elroy-Sparta State Trail?

Fire policies at Elroy-Sparta State Trail: Each site includes a fire ring. The DNR indicates no firewood is sold at the campground and enforces firewood movement restrictions; campers should obtain approved firewood offsite.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Elroy-Sparta State Trail have?

Elroy-Sparta State Trail has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elroy-Sparta State Trail?

Pets are not allowed at Elroy-Sparta State Trail. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Elroy-Sparta State Trail?

Elroy-Sparta State Trail offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elroy-Sparta State Trail?

Popular activities at Elroy-Sparta State Trail include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elroy-Sparta State Trail

3.00

15 reviews

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Wisconsin

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,060 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 13 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,060 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Elroy-Sparta State Trail

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No official fees listed in source material. A reviewer reported paying about $28 for most sites and about $48 for larger/double sites, but official...

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

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What Campers Say

3.00

Mixed Reviews

Based on 15 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietsites

Some mention

noise

"Mostly positive, low‑frills walk‑in campground favored by trail users for direct access to the Elroy‑Sparta State Trail and its tunnels. Reviewers praise the rustic, wooded sites and trail access but note basic facilities and some access/maintenance and noise issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Elroy-Sparta State Trail

43.7457, -90.2812

Nearby supplies

Elroy (small‑town amenities: food, supplies)

Best Time to Camp at Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Fall is best. Daytime highs run 50s–60s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F, and the wooded corridors turn red, gold, and orange. The tunnels stay pleasantly cool instead of buggy. Weekends see moderate crowds, especially during peak leaf season. Summer brings more mosquitoes and warmer days, though the tree canopy and tunnel sections offer relief.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Description states 'Fall is best' with crisp days, colorful woods and pleasant tunnel conditions.

Planning Tips

About Elroy-Sparta State Trail

This 13-site walk-in campground sits directly on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, a 32-mile rail-trail famous for its three railroad tunnels. Sites are wooded and primitive, with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and hand-pump water. Parking is across Highway 71; you'll haul gear uphill about 0.1–0.2 miles to reach the sites.

Small, wooded walk‑in (hike‑in) DNR campground directly adjacent to the Elroy‑Sparta State Trail. Sites are primitive in character with basic amenities (fire ring, picnic table).

Historical Significance

The campground provides direct access to the historic Elroy-Sparta rail-trail and its signature railroad tunnels, a regionally significant rail-trail recreation resource.

Weather and SeasonsFall is best. Daytime highs run 50s–60s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F, and the wooded corridors turn red, gold, and orange. The tunnels stay pleasantly cool instead of buggy. Weekends see moderate crowds, especially during peak leaf season. Summer brings more mosquitoes and warmer days, though the tree canopy and tunnel sections offer relief.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a tree-shaded corridor along the rail-trail, surrounded by rolling farm country and wooded hillsides. Sites sit under a dense canopy that keeps temperatures noticeably cooler, especially near the trail's three rock tunnels carved through the hillsides. The setting is rustic: tall trees, dappled sunlight, and the quiet of the forest rather than manicured lawns. Mosquitoes can be heavy during summer months.

Scenic ViewsWooded, tree‑lined trail corridor with views toward rolling farmland and easy access to the Elroy‑Sparta trail and its rock tunnels.

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Amenities available

Very basic, low-development walk-in campground: each site has a fire ring and picnic table, hand-pump water is available, and restrooms are vault toilets. Parking is in an adjacent lot across the highway and campers carry gear up a short paved/asphalt path (about 100 yards) to sites. The DNR notes no firewood sales at the campground.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Primary use is direct access to the Elroy–Sparta State Trail for biking and hiking; the trail is known for three long railroad tunnels and rural, tree-lined scenery.

Hiking

Biking

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDark, damp tunnels require lights and can be cool; mosquitoes and other insects can be abundant in season. Reviewers reported occasional flooding of the trail culvert/access and sporadic highway traffic noise. The campground is walk‑in only and not vehicle accessible at the sites.

Weather at Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.0

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Elroy-Sparta State Trail has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mostly positive, low‑frills walk‑in campground favored by trail users for direct access to the Elroy‑Sparta State Trail and its tunnels. Reviewers praise the rustic, wooded sites and trail access but note basic facilities and some access/maintenance and noise issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Direct trail access to the Elroy‑Sparta State Trail and its famous tunnels; small, quiet, wooded sites with picnic tables and fire rings; simple, rustic charm suitable for bike-and-trail users.

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

For the Elroy walk‑in campground itself, no detailed complaint patterns appear in the limited online reviews.[1] At the closely related Sparta DNR campground on the same trail, campers mention...

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a wagon/pull-cart or cooler with wheels to haul gear; bring water containers and be prepared to use hand-pump water; bring insect repellent for mosquitoes; carry flashlights or bike lights for...

Based on 15 reviews