Merrick State Park

3.91

105 reviews

Merrick State Park

Quick Facts

682 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

682 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Merrick 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

3.91

Mixed Reviews

Based on 105 reviews

326 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsshadewater

Some mention

noisemosquitoestrain

"Visitors praise Merrick for its quiet, riverside setting, easy access to Mississippi River backwaters for paddling and fishing, mature shade trees, and generally well‑kept facilities. Common negatives are train noise (close railroad), summer mosquitoes, occasional facility issues (variable shower/ hot water, occasional power failures), and limited trail mileage."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Merrick State Park

44.1582, -91.7596

Driving directionsLocated along Wisconsin's Great River Road near Fountain City on the backwaters of the Mississippi River.

Accessible from the Great River Road near Fountain City (specific route details not provided).

Nearby places

Fountain City (a few miles south)

Nearby supplies

Fountain City for dining and supplies

Best Time to Camp at Merrick State Park

Plan accordingly for the river's rhythms: summer months bring active mosquito populations, so pack your repellent and screen shelter. The Mississippi's water levels can rise significantly during wet periods, occasionally requiring campers to relocate to higher ground within the campground. These natural fluctuations are part of the authentic river experience, reminding visitors they're camping in a living, breathing floodplain ecosystem.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Great for paddling and fishing, but summer mosquitoes are frequently called out as a major downside.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Likely excellent: fewer bugs, pleasant weather and fall colors enhance scenery and paddling.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Paddling/fishing resume but spring floods and bugs can be issues; reviewers warn of changing river levels.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Water-based activities limited; park may be quiet but winter recreation not described.

Planning Tips

About Merrick State Park

Tucked along the Mississippi River, Merrick State Park offers a tranquil escape into the heart of river country. This intimate campground draws visitors seeking waterside serenity, with shaded campsites nestled among towering hardwoods and direct access to quiet backwater channels perfect for paddling and fishing.

The park has multiple developed loops and an island area: electric RV/tent sites in an upper loop, tent/primitive walk‑in sites on island and south campground, plus a group island site.

Weather and SeasonsPlan accordingly for the river's rhythms: summer months bring active mosquito populations, so pack your repellent and screen shelter. The Mississippi's water levels can rise significantly during wet periods, occasionally requiring campers to relocate to higher ground within the campground. These natural fluctuations are part of the authentic river experience, reminding visitors they're camping in a living, breathing floodplain ecosystem.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to the gentle lap of backwater channels just steps from your tent, surrounded by a cathedral of mature hardwoods. The park's lowland river bottom creates a rich tapestry of marshy wetlands, winding sloughs, and wooded islands that feel worlds away from everyday life. Many campsites sit right at the water's edge, where cattails sway and channels wind through the landscape, offering front-row seats to the Mississippi's quieter side. This is classic river-bottom terrain—flat, lush, and teeming with wildlife—where the focus is on intimate water access rather than dramatic overlooks.

Geological RegionMississippi River backwaters / lowland river bottom with marshes, channels, and wooded islands

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Merrick State Park is focused on river/backwater recreation — paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing — with a small network of trails for short walks and birdwatching. The park is quieter and less developed for swimming or long-distance hiking.

HikingAbout 3 miles of trails (short, mostly flat walks through woods and along backwater areas); not a park for long, challenging hikes.

FishingFishing from shore or from boats is a primary activity; many campsites (island and south campground) have direct access to Mississippi River backwaters for mooring and fishing.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and other biting insects (especially in summer), poison ivy in some sites, occasional train noise from nearby tracks, potential shoreline drop-offs near docks/boat landings, and flooding during high river stages. Some reviews mention boat traffic/unsafe boat wakes near campsites.

Weather at Merrick State Park

Reviews

3.9

105 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Merrick State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors praise Merrick for its quiet, riverside setting, easy access to Mississippi River backwaters for paddling and fishing, mature shade trees, and generally well‑kept facilities. Common negatives are train noise (close railroad), summer mosquitoes, occasional facility issues (variable shower/ hot water, occasional power failures), and limited trail mileage.

Review Summaries

Based on 105 reviews

What Campers Love

Direct backwater access for boating and fishing; scenic, shaded campsites; helpful park staff and camp hosts; clean restrooms and shower buildings reported by many visitors; accessible features...

Based on 105 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent issue mentioned is **mosquitoes and bugs**, especially in summer, which some campers describe as “persistent” due to the marshy backwater surroundings.[1] A few reviews on general...

Based on 105 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early for waterfront sites (limited and popular); bring strong insect repellent and be prepared for mosquitoes in summer; bring boats/canoes/kayaks to take advantage of river access; watch...

Based on 105 reviews

Camper Quotes

"quiet, secluded walk-in sites"; "South campground right on the Big Muddy!"; "trains, trains, trains" (multiple reviewers noted persistent train noise).

Based on 105 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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