Elroy-Sparta State Trail
3.5511 reviewsElroy-Sparta State Trail
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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...
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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
ProviderWhat Campers Say
3.55
Mixed Reviews
Based on 11 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."
Best Time to Camp at Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Pack a light jacket even in summer—the famous trail tunnels and dense tree canopy create noticeably cooler pockets of air that offer welcome relief on warm days. Be prepared for Wisconsin's seasonal mosquitoes and other insects, especially during peak summer months. The campground's primitive nature means you'll want to check current conditions before arriving, as specific seasonal dates aren't strictly enforced.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
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 Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Escape to a peaceful wooded retreat where the trail is quite literally at your doorstep. This intimate walk-in campground sits right alongside the legendary Elroy-Sparta State Trail, offering adventurous campers a back-to-basics experience with fire rings, picnic tables, hand-pump water, and vault toilets—all just a short uphill stroll from the parking area across Highway 71.
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 SignificanceThe 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 SeasonsPack a light jacket even in summer—the famous trail tunnels and dense tree canopy create noticeably cooler pockets of air that offer welcome relief on warm days. Be prepared for Wisconsin's seasonal mosquitoes and other insects, especially during peak summer months. The campground's primitive nature means you'll want to check current conditions before arriving, as specific seasonal dates aren't strictly enforced.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled in a tree-shaded corridor along Wisconsin's historic 32-mile Elroy-Sparta State Trail, this campground puts you at the heart of rolling farm country and forested landscapes. You're perfectly positioned to explore the trail's crown jewels—three dramatic rock railroad tunnels carved through the hillsides—and enjoy miles of shaded riding or hiking through surprisingly cool microclimates. The setting embraces simplicity: tall trees, dappled sunlight, and the quiet rustling of leaves replace manicured lawns and modern facilities, creating an authentic rustic experience that trail enthusiasts dream about.
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Campsite details
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation Platformshttps://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com (GoingToCamp)
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
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- 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.
Hazards
General hazardsDark, 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
-7
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 60%
Wind: 9.6 mph
Clear sky
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsSteep uphill walk from parking to sites (park across the road and carry gear about 0.1–0.2 miles), no on-site firewood sales, occasional heavy mosquito activity in season, occasional traffic or loud-vehicle noise from the nearby highway, confusing/unclear access directions for some visitors, and occasional access problems such as a flooded trail culvert that can block a bicycle approach.
Campground Map
Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Driving directionsPark in the adjacent parking lot off Highway 71, use the underpass beneath Highway 71, then follow a short paved/asphalt uphill path of about 100 yards to reach the walk‑in campsites.
Accessible by car to a parking lot along Highway 71; campsites are walk‑in only and reached via a short uphill paved approach from the lot.Nearby supplies
Elroy (small‑town amenities: food, supplies)
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.6
11 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 11 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 11 reviewsCommon 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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"park across the street then walk uphill for 0.2 miles to the site you booked"; "Hand-pumped water available"; "No firewood sold at this site".
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 14, 2025
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