Is Lake Wissota State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Wissota State Park 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 Lake Wissota State Park before I book?

Yes! Lake Wissota State Park has 19 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 Lake Wissota State Park?

Yes, Lake Wissota State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Lake Wissota State Park?

Cell phone service at Lake Wissota State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Lake Wissota State Park have?

Lake Wissota State Park has 121 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Wissota State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Wissota State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lake Wissota State Park?

Lake Wissota State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Wissota State Park?

Popular activities at Lake Wissota State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Wissota State Park

4.29

209 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Wisconsin

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

948 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

121 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Wissota State Park is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

948 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

121 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Wissota 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

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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 209 reviews

721 Google reviews

Most mentioned

showershikingwaterlake

Some mention

noise

"Reviewers generally praise Lake Wissota State Park for its scenic lake setting, well‑wooded and private campsites, strong trail network, friendly staff, and functional campground amenities (showers, flush toilets, potable water, dump station). Common negatives center on beach water quality (algae, goose droppings), occasional cleanliness or capacity issues with older bathhouses, and uneven enforcement/noise experiences."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lake Wissota State Park

44.9798, -91.3109

Nearby supplies

Chippewa Falls (town amenities referenced include a public pool, breweries, restaurants and other services).

Best Time to Camp at Lake Wissota State Park

Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, brilliant hardwood color, and far fewer bugs. Expect daytime temperatures in September and October generally between the mid-40s and mid-60s°F, with peak foliage in late September through October. Crowd levels drop after Labor Day, making campsites and beaches noticeably quieter. Summer swimming conditions at the beach vary. The park occasionally experiences blue-green algae blooms, and multiple reviewers reported goose droppings on the beach during warmer months. Check current water conditions before planning swims.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall noted as best season: brilliant hardwood color, comfortable temps and fewer bugs.

Planning Tips

About Lake Wissota State Park

Lake Wissota State Park sits on the shore of a 6,300-acre reservoir on the Chippewa River, about 8 miles east of Chippewa Falls. The campground offers 121 sites scattered through rolling hardwood forest and prairie, with electric hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Reviewers consistently praise the wooded privacy and well-maintained trail network, though beach conditions vary and some bathhouses show their age.

Mixed campground with electric and non-electric sites suitable for tents and RVs; sites are mostly wooded and not directly waterfront.

Historical Significance

The park contains a Native American earthwork, a roughly 2,000-year-old panther mound. At least one visitor noted brush and possible damage on the mound in recent years.

Weather and SeasonsFall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, brilliant hardwood color, and far fewer bugs. Expect daytime temperatures in September and October generally between the mid-40s and mid-60s°F, with peak foliage in late September through October. Crowd levels drop after Labor Day, making campsites and beaches noticeably quieter. Summer swimming conditions at the beach vary. The park occasionally experiences blue-green algae blooms, and multiple reviewers reported goose droppings on the beach during warmer months. Check current water conditions before planning swims.

Natural Features and SceneryThe reservoir defines the park. Lake Wissota was created by a dam on the Chippewa River and now covers more than 6,000 acres, with a shoreline that alternates between forested bluffs and open prairie. Most campsites sit beneath a canopy of mixed hardwoods and pine, providing shade and natural screening. A wooden stairway descends from a lakeside bluff to the water, where walleye and panfish draw anglers. The park's trail system connects wooded ridges to prairie openings that frame sunset views over the lake. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the park entrance if you don't bring your own.

Geological RegionOn the shore of man-made Lake Wissota, a reservoir on the Chippewa River; park includes rolling forest, prairie, and shoreline.

Scenic ViewsBroad sky and sunset views across prairie areas and lake overlooks from trails and the bluff stairway; most campsites do not have direct lakefront or water views.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com)

Total Campsites121 campsites

Best CampsitesSites 41 through 60 tend to be more open, according to reviewer comments. Site 67 is relatively open as well. Site 98 is described as large. Sites near the wooden stairway and closer loops provide quicker access to the lake.

Need help booking Lake Wissota State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

GoingToCamp Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Campground provides basic modern amenities: flush toilets and showers in bathhouses, potable water spigots and a pump-out/dump station at the entrance, picnic tables and fire rings with grills at sites, and on-site sales of firewood and ice near park headquarters.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Wissota State Park offers multi-use trails, lake access and a swimming beach, a boat launch with paddlecraft rentals, and abundant wildlife-viewing and fishing opportunities on Lake Wissota.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPeriodic blue‑green algae blooms and heavy goose droppings on the beach; beach access areas and some wood barriers/bridges have been described as awkward or hazardous for children/elderly. Other common nuisances include spiders in older bathhouses, tall vegetation/bites from insects, and occasional noisy groups.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Weather at Lake Wissota State Park

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

4.3

209 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Reviewers generally praise Lake Wissota State Park for its scenic lake setting, well‑wooded and private campsites, strong trail network, friendly staff, and functional campground amenities (showers, flush toilets, potable water, dump station). Common negatives center on beach water quality (algae, goose droppings), occasional cleanliness or capacity issues with older bathhouses, and uneven enforcement/noise experiences.

Review Summaries

Based on 209 reviews

What Campers Love

Wooded, private campsites; extensive hiking and biking trails; lake recreation (boat launch, kayak/canoe rentals, fishing); on-site amenities such as flush toilets, showers, potable water spigots and...

Based on 209 reviews

Common Concerns

• **Beach conditions**: The most frequent negative comments concern the **swimming beach**, with multiple TripAdvisor reviews citing **excessive goose poop** on the sand and times when **blue‑green...

Based on 209 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early for summer weekends; confirm electric vs non-electric when booking; bring bikes or kayaks to enjoy trails and lake; check beach water conditions before planning swims; expect to walk to...

Based on 209 reviews