Merrick State Park
3.91105 reviewsMerrick State Park
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
65 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
65 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsMerrick 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
ProviderWhat 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."
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.
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 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
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Campsite details
Total Campsites65 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 allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://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
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
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.
Hiking
About 3 miles of trails (short, mostly flat walks through woods and along backwater areas); not a park for long, challenging hikes.Fishing
Fishing 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.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes 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
-6
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 64%
Wind: 8.7 mph
Clear sky
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsFrequent train noise and horn blowing at times (several reviewers), mosquitoes and insects in summer, occasional cleanliness or maintenance problems in specific restrooms or showers, power/electric issues reported by some visitors, and isolated reports of poor upkeep at the island group site (litter/dog waste).
Campground Map
Merrick State Park
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
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.9
105 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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 14, 2025
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