20 Best Private Campsites Near Prairie du Chien, WI, US 2026

If you're looking for a camping experience near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Hipcamp has over 90 private sites to choose from. With options as low as $20 per night and an average price of $40 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out top campsites like Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews) to see why they're so highly rated. Trash, potable water, and pet-friendly amenities are popular among campers, and you can enjoy activities like visiting historic sites, boating, and whitewater paddling.

100% (71) • 9 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Prairie du Chien

If you're looking for a camping experience near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Hipcamp has over 90 private sites to choose from. With options as low as $20 per night and an average price of $40 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out top campsites like Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews) to see why they're so highly rated. Trash, potable water, and pet-friendly amenities are popular among campers, and you can enjoy activities like visiting historic sites, boating, and whitewater paddling.

100% (71) • 9 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Prairie du Chien

1. Shady Rest Acres

100%

(316)

45mi from Prairie du Chien · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging

Once the site of the historic V.J. Fetzner Brewery from the late 19th Century. The land is now used as a hobby farm, honey bee sanctuary and nursery to a unique tree species normally not found in Southeastern Minnesota. Remnants of the brewery are still visible. Foundation walls outline the massive structure of the brewery. Nestled in the center of the foundation is the entrance to the sixty-seven foot deep cave that once held barrels of beer and can be accessed by canoe only. Hops have been located on the property and are believed to be ancestors of those raised to make the beer once stored in the cave. The pond that provides access to the cave was dug out in the early 1990's to create a fish out for the Spring Falls Trout Farm that used to exist across the highway. Some of the original brood stock still exist and continue to naturally stock the pond. It is not uncommon to see fish that are five to ten pounds in size. We do not allow fishing from our pond. The residents house is built to scale to the original brew master's house. While the house is only twenty-four years old it looks as though you have taken a step back in time. The name Shady Rest was given to the house by the Brew Master's wife. We thought it was appropriate to keep the name alive. Shady Rest Acres is comprised of twenty-three acres of beautiful woodlands and pasture that are protected forever in the Minnesota Land Trust. The pasture is home to Scottish Highlander cows, two miniature donkeys, five sheep, four goats, honey bees and a flock of chickens. Scottish Highlanders were selected for both their grazing and browsing abilities. They are very docile and make excellent pasture mates to the smaller species sharing the pasture. The cows are excellent forest managers. They clear out invasive species such as Honey Suckle, Buckthorn, and Barberry which can often be difficult to manage. A guided tour with the host can be taken to meet the pasture animals. The forest is comprised of many tree species. Some are unique in that they normally do not grow in this region of Minnesota. The yellow birch is a species normally found in Northern Minnesota. It's bark is golden in color and glistens when the sun hits it just right. We have a cluster of several yellow birch including one that is so big that the bark no longer looks golden but instead is grey and very rough. Years ago the largest of these trees made excellent wood for turning bowls. Blue Beech (musclewood) can also be found on the property. As the name indicates the bark is shaped like muscles. Songbirds and some other species will use different parts of the tree as a food source. Towering white pines also speckle the landscape. Mother pine requires at least two humans arm lengths to encircle the whole tree. She is a favorite resting spot for the barred owl. There is oak, elm, maple, ceders, poplars and numerous other species. Honey bees are an integral part of the landscape. We partnered with a friend and started raising honey bees two years ago in order to do our part to keep pollinators thriving. Their hives are located in the pasture where it has the perfect amount of early morning sun to get them moving and afternoon shade to balance out the summer heat. It is not uncommon to see them pollinating garden plants, trees and wild flowers around the property. One of their favorite feeding spots is the acre and a half prairie which offers a range of plants including big blue stem, wild indigo and baby blue stem, to name a few. Not only are honey bees essential to the food chain but they also provide a very enriching experience when they are observed moving about their hives. There is nothing more relaxing and fascinating than watching these amazing creatures.

2. RidgeRiverView Acres

100%

(8)

30mi from Prairie du Chien · 4 sites · Lodging

160 y/o six generation farm that has been documented and illustrated in both National Geographic and Picture magazines. Site of original log cabin. 20' deep spring fed pond excavated in 2010. 50 acres of trails,trees and wildlife.

3. Bluffscapes Camping

100%

(138)

46mi from Prairie du Chien · 3 sites · Tents

This 235 acre property, located in the Driftless Region, has been in our family for over 100 years. From the wooded bluffs there are beautiful views of the Mississippi River and surrounding valleys. We never tire of hiking in the woods, seeing many different kinds of wildlife, or seeing the beauty of nature in any season of the year. Learn more about this land: Wooded campsites on bluff top overlooking the Mississippi River. Hardwood forest offering hiking trails, bird and wildlife watching. Convenience store, public boat landing and Mississippi River Trail bicycle route within a mile of the property.  You can either take a 20 minute hike to the campsite or if conditions are dry we can give you a ride in our Ranger for a small fee. The trail does get steep in a few areas and the hike can be strenuous for some campers. NO smoking or alcohol.

4. Cedar Springs

93%

(21)

39mi from Prairie du Chien · 2 sites · Lodging

The property has been in my family for over 40 years and was originally settled in the mid 1800's. It is about 10 acres and is primarily wooded with Cedar, Oak, Maple, Hickory and Birch. The topography is diverse, having steep heights, easy flats and everything in between; which makes hiking fun and interesting. The lower College Drive side features a historic limestone homestead and quarry, also a fossil rich creek-bed and rustic (4WD) road to the top. The upper property (Hwy. 52 access) offers a secluded forest as well as a spacious meadow. The woods are filled with birds and many other indigenous wild animals. We are only a half mile from towns edge and two miles from its center (also a five minute drive from Luther College). The Decorah area is well known for its scenic natural beauty and has extensive hiking trails, biking trails, cross-country ski routes, rivers, creeks and hunting areas. People come here year round for our outdoor recreation and beauty. Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Tubing, X-country skiing, and Trail Riding are very popular activities around here. Bring a side-by-side or ATV and have a blast both on the property and around the area. Decorah has several museums, a movie theater, 2 golf courses and bowling alley in addition to dozens of charming shops and several restaurants. You'll never get bored staying at Cedar Springs.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Make sure this gate stays latched after you go in or out. It keeps the cattle where they're supposed to be. ;)

L

Logan

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bluffscapes Camping

Beautiful campsites with stunning views, and great host. No complaints.

m

mark

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to RidgeRiverView Acres

Great site with a ton of trails and water activities available. Went fishing and caught some bass. Breathtaking views l.

K

Kyle

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Patty and Michelle are awesome hosts. Very available and acommodating if you need anything but totally out of your hair otherwise. Heart's Content was a lovely spot where you could hear the soft trickle of water flowing from pond to pond as you slept. Very close to a lot of cool spots including a great bluff hike in Reno, MN, and great boating/island hopping opportunities at Goose Island in LaCrosse, WI. The farm animals were all very chill and friendly and were very respectful of our space at the campsite, like not wandering in and being all up on us while we prepped meals or anything like that. They'd sometimes graze on the underbrush that rings the site. The goats loved being fed food scraps like carrot/potato skins, banana peels, etc. There was a very clean and well maintained outhouse on the premises and a water spigot nearby with very clean water. Great price on a generous amount of firewood that is stored in a dry shelter. Buy it in person, not through the app. ;)

Heidi

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Bluffscapes Camping

A beautiful campsite and close to hiking, kayaking or canoeing, fishing. Allen is a great host and takes very good care of the sites and his land. The views are stunning and its very peaceful. Breeze helps to keep bugs away mostly.

T

Ty

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bluffscapes Camping

Me and my son had an amazing time, Alan was friendly and so very helpful with anything we needed. I highly recommend staying here. Private and the view was incredible!

E

Ethan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Shady Rest Acres was amazing. I had high expectations and they were exceeded. The donkeys and goats were really friendly when they approached you to check things out and the cows were great to watch. The hosts were super friendly and answered any questions right away with helpful information. Secluded area which was very peaceful and where I could check out the milky way at night. 12/10 would book again

Andrew

August 2025

3 nights at Shady Rest Acres

Perfect place to decompress, with a touch of the farm life. The hosts were kind and available, letting us know how to approach the animals on our own time.

L

Lucas

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bluffscapes Camping

Beautiful private, secluded tent sites at the top of a bluff overlooking the river with a nice big fire ring. Decent little hike to get up there, with plenty of other hiking trails on the land to explore! The land owner Allen is a friendly and helpful guy so that makes things all the more pleasant. My girlfriend and I had a great time and would definitely come back in the future!

J

Jeffrey

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

We asked if they could supply us with some beverages using hipcamp messaging since we bike packed to the location and they gladly helped us out. The camp site was great, well maintained and easy to find!

A

Abbey Renee

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Wonderful site adjacent to a farm featuring goats, donkeys, and ducks. Friendly hosts who were welcoming, providing am overview of the amenities. For a quiet getaway in a great location be sure to book with Michelle & Patty.

P

Pamela

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

Camped at Life is good site right by the farm animals which were super friendly. Fairly private and serene with beautiful stars at night and sunrises. There were a lot of flies but that’s to be expected around animals. Hosts were super friendly.

C

Carrie

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Another lovely stay at Patty and Michelle's cabin. It is a great way to enjoy all of the beautiful nature of the area with fewer mosquitos! We stargazed, spent quality time with the cats, goats, and made friends with the turkeys. Looking forward to coming back later this fall.

An important member of the welcoming committee! Just don't touch the belly 😊

B

Britt

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Patty and Michelle were lovely hosts. Gave us lots of ideas upon arrival for local attractions and when there was a possibility of severe weather, briefed us clearly on procedures. Thankfully, we didn't need them! The campsite is very well maintained and defined; plenty of wood chopped and ready to be used (for a very reasonable fee); delightful cast of critter characters around the farm; in the stillness of the night you can hear the water running into the pond below. Our group of 5 had three tents set up and there was plenty of room. The cooking grate on the fire was clutch!

S

Sarah

July 2025

With kids

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

This place is stunning beyond words. It’s absolutely gorgeous. As soon as we arrived, we regretted only booking for two nights and made up our minds right then and there that we’re coming back more prepared next time and booking the place for at least 5 nights. Patty and Michelle are very kind. They went out of their way to make sure we’re comfortable and have everything we need, and helped us order pizza. The farm, the animals and the scenery are simply outstanding. This place is perfect for both families and couples. It’s all incredibly beautiful and a real nice retreat from the city.

J

Julie

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Bluffscapes Camping

Great place, isolated in nature. Allen was very welcoming. We recommand, it was a very nice place to stay close to the Mississippi River.

B

Britnie

June 2025

Weekend Trip to RidgeRiverView Acres

We loved Jims Cozy Cabin. Jim was super laid back. This was a perfect place for me, my husband and our two pups. We stayed only two nights but could have stayed longer. Our pups loved exploring the farm and I loved floating in the pond with our neighbor. Whom stayed in the beautiful canvas tent on the other side of the pond. It was very secluded with all the amenities you'll need. He offered to help with our fire and he blew up floats for us. He even offered us fresh veggies from his garden. The cabin was very clean and cute. A/C worked great and was much needed. Cabin was only an hour away from Galena IL and 30 min from Dubuque IW both towns have great shopping, bars and restaurants. But if you're just looking to get away from the city and see the stars this place is where you need to be. We loved sitting on the dock at night looking at the stars. You can tell Jim spent a lot of hard work on his property to make it beautiful with all the flowers and hanging lights everywhere even around the lake. When we left we couldn't thank Jim enough. We will be back.

M

Matt

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Tremendous experience- lovely place to stay - hosts were great!

R

Rae

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Shady Rest Acres

Amazing hosts with an even better property. It was so cozy and peaceful, giving that “in the woods” feel without being too remote. Couldn’t recommend more!

C

Carrie

June 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

A wonderful place to unwind and connect with nature. I enjoyed looking through the reading material and listening to some of the vinyl records. My kids had a nice time petting all the sweet animals. The studio had plenty of space for the 4 of us. Keep in mind that many of the businesses in the small surrounding communities are not open midweek if that is of interest. Would stay here again!

Sarah

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Patrick and I really enjoyed our time at Shady Rest Acres, a beautiful and well cared for nook of field and forest. The hosts were very friendly and we were happy we followed up on the advice they gave us regarding hiking and food in the local area. Their animals were also very friendly and caused us to laugh many times with their antics but did not disturb us. At night the stars were visible when clear, and owls called back and forth. The sunrise over the Mississippi or behind the bluffs is gorgeous if you are up to witness it. A unique experience we had on their land was canoeing into the old beer cellar, which is actually a cave. We would highly recommend this Hipcamp! Thank you Patty and Michelle!