East Fork campground Introduce
Are you searching for "camping near me" that offers a blend of spacious campsites and access to water activities? East Fork Campground, located at N 9534 Campground Rd, Merrillan, WI 54754, USA, might be just the place. You can reach them at (715) 284-4103 or +1 715-284-4103 for more information. Based on recent reviews, this campground offers a potentially peaceful setting with some notable highlights and a significant concern regarding the river's condition.
For local users looking for "camping near me" with roomy campsites, East Fork Campground appears to deliver. One visitor described the sites as "spacious," which is often a desirable feature for campers, providing more room for tents, equipment, and general comfort. The setting is also noted as "peaceful," suggesting a tranquil environment where one can relax and enjoy the sounds of nature. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a quiet escape from the everyday.
A major highlight of East Fork Campground, according to a reviewer who visited over Labor Day weekend, is the opportunity for kayaking on the East Fork River and the nearby Lake Arbutus. The campground provides a good ramp near the park entrance for easy access to the water. One suggested route for kayakers is to drive up to the East Fork Road bridge and paddle downstream to the campground. While this route may have some rocky sections and require navigating lower water levels at the end of summer, it offers a scenic way to experience the river. Not all campsites directly on the river offer easy kayak access, so the main ramp is a valuable feature.
In terms of services, the campground offers basic but essential amenities. Visitors can expect pit toilets, a water pump for fresh water, and dumpsters for garbage and recyclables. It's important to note that showers are not available at East Fork Campground. For those needing firewood, there is a self-service firewood shack open 24/7 where bundles are available for $5 each. One reviewer also mentioned that they experienced very few bugs during their Labor Day weekend stay, which can be a significant comfort for campers.
The environment of East Fork Campground is characterized by its proximity to the East Fork River and its access to Lake Arbutus. There is also a nature trail that extends a mile along the river from the campground, providing access to some fishing spots. For those interested in more extensive hiking, the major hiking trail areas within the state forest are a drive away but are reportedly excellent, suggesting that while the immediate campground offers a riverside and lakeside experience, broader hiking opportunities require a bit of travel.
However, a significant concern was raised by one reviewer regarding the condition of the river water. They described seeing foam and pollution in the morning, making it look like "someone dumped a tank of detergent" into it. This was particularly disappointing given the expectation of a clean, natural environment. The reviewer hoped that this issue would be addressed, as it detracts from the potential of what is otherwise described as a nice and well-maintained campground. This is an important factor for potential visitors who plan to engage in water-based activities or simply want to enjoy a pristine natural setting.
There is no specific promotional information mentioned in the reviews. For local users interested in potential discounts for longer stays, off-season rates, or any other special offers, it would be best to contact East Fork Campground directly using the provided phone numbers. They would be able to give you the most up-to-date information on pricing and availability.
In summary, East Fork Campground near Merrillan, WI, offers spacious campsites in a peaceful setting with direct access to the East Fork River and nearby Lake Arbutus, making it a good option for those interested in kayaking and riverside nature. The campground provides basic amenities like pit toilets, a water pump, and a self-service firewood shack. However, a concerning report about pollution in the river should be taken into consideration, especially for those planning to use the water. While the campground itself is described as nice and well-maintained, the river's condition seems to be a potential drawback. For local users seeking "camping near me" with a focus on water activities, it would be wise to inquire about the current state of the river when contacting the campground. Despite the river issue, the spacious sites and kayaking opportunities may still appeal to many outdoor enthusiasts.
East Fork campground Photos










East Fork campground Location
East Fork campground
N 9534 Campground Rd, Merrillan, WI 54754, USA
East Fork campgroundN 9534 Campground Rd
Outdoor Group CampgroundMerrillan
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East Fork campground Reviews
East Fork Campground had a lot of potential spacious sites and a peaceful setting, but the experience was dampened by the river. Everything was great until I saw the water in the morning; it looked like someone dumped a tank of detergent in it. The foam and pollution were really disappointing, especially when you’re expecting a clean, natural environment. It’s a shame because the campground itself was nice and well-maintained. Hopefully, this issue gets addressed because it has the potential to be a great spot for outdoor lovers.
Oct 03, 2024 · Pierog TravelsFirst visit here on Labor Day weekend. Most campsites were occupied, but spread out pretty well. Pit toilets, water pump, garbage & recyclable dumpsters; but no showers. Firewood shack was open 24/7 with $5 per bundle. We had very few bugs during our stay.Highlight is kayaking on the east fork and Lake Arbutus. Not all campsites on the river side have kayak-friendly access, but a good ramp is by the park entrance. We drove kayaks up to the East Fork Road bridge, and paddled downstream to the campground. Some rocky sections; with end-of-summer water levels we got hung up on rocks a couple times, but didn't have to get out of the kayaks.One nature trail from the campground goes a mile along the river and accesses some fishing spots. The state forest major hiking trail areas are a good drive away, but are excellent.
Sep 08, 2020 · Jim DressnerStayed here in June of 2020. Clean, nice, right of the east fork of the Black river. Garbage dump area was maintained, pit toilets were decent but very buggy during my stay(you walked in and the mosquitos went to town), still not much of an issue cause there are alternatives. The site I occupied was right on the river with a cool view. My only issue with this place, was the couple in the tent one site over. Guess what sounds woke me up in the middle of the night.
Mar 25, 2021 · David SWe hiked through here during the off season when the campground was closed. Many beautiful sites on the water, they are spaced out very well. Vault toilets available. A nice picnic area by the boat launch. No showers or electricity, which seems to be typical for WI state parks when you get waterfront sites. Nice nature trail at one end of the campground winds along the Black river.
Mar 28, 2024 · Lara GNice and quiet, no electricity, vault restrooms but they were clean. Nice big sites right on the river.Kayaking/canoeing to the lake is good just a bunch of rocks right under the surface of the water makes it interesting.
Sep 08, 2020 · Jonathon Grulke
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