
Lake Wissota State Park
A sprawling 1,000+ acre park with a swimming lake, diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and peaceful, wooded campsites.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and quiet

Lake Wissota State Park
Best Time
Peaceful and quiet

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 1,000+ acre park with a swimming lake, diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and peaceful, wooded campsites.
"The park is quiet, well kept and a nice spot surrounded by woods."

🗺️ Grab a Park Map
Trails crisscross; a map is essential for navigation. Download offline or grab one at the entrance.
📶 Prepare for Low Signal
Cell service is spotty, especially on the northwest side. Consider a booster if needed.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Trail Views
Along the lakeshore
An easy, scenic path offering beautiful views of the man-made lake, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Wooded & Private Campsites
Campground
Enjoy peaceful stays with spacious, well-maintained campsites offering ample shade and privacy.

Winter Recreation
Throughout the park
Experience the park's snowy beauty with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Trails
Camping Costs & Connectivity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Grab a Park Map
Trails crisscross; a map is essential for navigation. Download offline or grab one at the entrance.
📶 Prepare for Low Signal
Cell service is spotty, especially on the northwest side. Consider a booster if needed.
💰 Check Camping Fees
Non-resident fees and parking costs can add up. Budget accordingly for your stay.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Lake Access
Dogs can enjoy splashing in the lake, like Otto in this reel! Always check park rules.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Grab a Park Map
Trails crisscross; a map is essential for navigation. Download offline or grab one at the entrance.
📶 Prepare for Low Signal
Cell service is spotty, especially on the northwest side. Consider a booster if needed.
💰 Check Camping Fees
Non-resident fees and parking costs can add up. Budget accordingly for your stay.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Lake Access
Dogs can enjoy splashing in the lake, like Otto in this reel! Always check park rules.
🚴 Scenic Bike Trails
Enjoy rides like the one from Lake Hallie to the park. Pack a picnic for a beach break!
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Rent gear for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Experience the park's snowy charm.
🏕️ Peaceful Camping
Sites are wooded and private, offering a quiet escape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Lake Wissota State Park to be a peaceful and well-maintained destination with beautiful wooded campsites and clean facilities. The lake offers recreational opportunities, and the trails are scenic, though navigation can be tricky. Some find the non-resident fees and parking costs to be on the higher side, and cellular service is notably limited.
"This is a nice park. We hiked the Lake Trail to the Red Pine Trail back to the Lake Trail. Tons of different kinds of mushrooms. The trails were well maintained, but cross over each other so much it's next to impossible to know where you are without a map."
Glorkar Floki
"Sites are very wooded and private. The campground was very peaceful! A gorgeous quick walk to the lakeshore via stairs behind the play area. We only stayed one night passing through in our RV.
As a non-resident, I found it pretty pricey with all the fees and parking costs.
🚻 Bathrooms/shower facility renovations finished May 2025.
• Very nice and clean
• Free showers with reservation
• Nice and warm water
💰Reservation Cost
Electric Site: $38/night
Non-resident Fee: $15
Reservation Fee: $7.95
$16 parking fee for 1 night
Total 1-Night: $76.95
If staying multiple days, parking fee does have a max. I believe around $30.
🪵 Firewood
• Available via host (cash only)
• Purchase station near restroom facility (card only)
Sue, the campground host, was very kind and helpful. She’s been the host for over 9yrs!"
Jen Ball
"We stayed at Lake Wissota State Park for four days during weekdays, and it was super peaceful and very quiet. Very few dogs and little barking. Campsites are very clean and a good size. Electric hookup was the standard 15, 30 & 50 amp breaker box. The park is very large and meandering with the beach very far from most campsites, as is the boat launch. We did have one bear tick while at the park. It was caught before digging in. The main park restrooms have recently been redone and are very nice. The kids' play area is so new that the ground hasn't seeded out yet. The only negative is the almost complete lack of cellular signal on the northwest side of the park. Signal is strongest by the beach and boat landing, but there are no campsites close to that. If you have a cell phone booster, you may get a good signal. There is a lot to do in the area, including golf, shopping in Chippewa, super clubs, wineries such as Autumn Harvest, berry picking at Connell's. There are not a lot of walking trails as you'd see at other state parks, but it's a very nice park."
Beerar Itumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Wissota State Park is located near Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. It's accessible by car via local highways. Many visitors arrive by RV or car for camping and day trips.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It's best to drive or arrange for a ride. Many visitors use their own vehicles or RVs for access.
While trails are well-maintained, they can crisscross. It's highly recommended to use a park map, either downloaded offline or obtained at the entrance, to avoid getting lost.
Yes, the park is near Chippewa Falls, offering shopping, dining, and wineries like Autumn Harvest. You can also find golf courses and berry picking nearby.
From Eau Claire, take US-53 N to WI-29 E, then follow signs for Lake Wissota State Park. From Minneapolis/St. Paul, take I-94 E to Eau Claire and then follow the same route. Always check real-time traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Wisconsin State Parks typically require a park admission sticker for vehicles. Non-residents may also face additional fees. Check the official Wisconsin DNR website for current pricing and sticker options.
Camping fees vary by site type and residency. Electric sites are around $38/night, plus a non-resident fee, reservation fee, and a parking fee which can max out around $30 for multiple days.
Yes, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. You can typically book through the Wisconsin DNR's reservation system online.
State parks are generally open year-round from 6 AM to 11 PM. However, specific facilities like campgrounds and visitor centers may have different hours. Always check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
Wisconsin residents can purchase annual park stickers, which are more cost-effective for frequent visitors. Specific discounts for seniors or disabled veterans may be available; check with the park office.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming at the beach, fishing, boating, and camping. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular.
Yes, there is a beach area where visitors can swim and relax. It's a popular spot, especially during warmer months.
The Lake Trail is recommended as an easy trail along the shore with great lake views. Other trails offer varying difficulty levels.
Dogs are generally allowed in Wisconsin State Parks but must be on a leash. They can enjoy areas like the lake, but check specific regulations for beaches and buildings.
Cellular signal is very limited, particularly on the northwest side of the park. Some areas near the beach and boat landing have stronger signals, but campsites are generally far from these spots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Lake Wissota State Park. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or camping meals.
Chippewa Falls offers various grocery stores and dining options. For immediate needs, check for convenience stores in nearby communities.
Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings at campsites. Firewood is available for purchase from the host or at a purchase station. Grilling is also allowed in picnic areas.
Chippewa Falls has several dining options, from casual eateries to supper clubs. Some visitors might look for places to watch sports, like a Packer game, in town [^R]. Check local listings for recommendations.
The park has picnic areas, and many visitors pack their own lunches to enjoy by the lake or on the trails. This is a great way to save money and enjoy the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The Lake Trail offers scenic lake views, especially during sunrise. The wooded campsites provide a rustic feel, and the beach area is great for capturing water activities.
Early mornings, especially for foggy sunrises, and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light. The changing seasons also provide unique photographic opportunities.
Look for diverse mushrooms on the trails, various bird species, and the changing colors of the forest. Wildlife sightings, though not guaranteed, can also make for great photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions like sunrise shots.
Drone usage is subject to federal and state regulations. Always check the latest rules and guidelines from the Wisconsin DNR regarding drone operation in state parks before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for limited cell service, which can be a blessing for families wanting to disconnect, but a challenge if you need to stay in touch. Bringing a map is crucial, especially with kids who might wander. Campsites offer privacy, allowing families to relax without feeling too crowded. Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options within the park are non-existent.
🏕️ Campers
🚴 Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
While the trails are generally well-maintained, some visitors have noted that they can crisscross extensively, making it challenging to navigate without a map. It's advisable to download an offline map or pick up a physical one at the park entrance to ensure you can explore the park's forests and prairies without getting disoriented. The variety of trails means there's something for every fitness level, from leisurely strolls to more challenging rides.
Camping Experience
However, it's important to be aware of the costs associated with camping. For non-residents, the fees can add up, including the electric site cost, reservation fee, and a parking fee. Additionally, cellular service can be a significant issue, with near-complete lack of signal on the northwest side of the park. If reliable connectivity is crucial, consider bringing a cell phone booster. Despite these considerations, the peaceful ambiance and well-kept facilities make it a popular camping destination.
Seasonal Activities
As autumn arrives, the park becomes a picturesque landscape with changing foliage, and visitors can capture stunning foggy sunrises. When winter blankets the area in snow, Lake Wissota State Park becomes a winter wonderland. Visitors can rent gear for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, enjoying the quiet, snowy trails. This seasonal diversity ensures that the park offers a unique experience no matter when you choose to visit.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit