The La Crosse Area Staycation Camping Guide
Sometimes you don’t need a huge vacation to feel like you got away.
You don’t need flights, expensive hotels, or a week off work. Sometimes all you need is a cooler, a campfire, good company, and a nearby campground that helps you slow down for a couple of days.
Thankfully, for those of us in the La Crosse area, we live in a perfect place for camping staycations: family-friendly river campgrounds, bluff views, quiet woods, bike trails, kayaking, and nearby town access.
If you're ready for a cheap and relaxing getaway close to home, read about our area campgrounds below.
A Camping Staycation?
Camping close to home is actually a great idea. You don't need to see famous tourist attractions or spend days traveling every time you leave your house. Just changing scenery from living room couch to campfire circle is enough to reset and reconnect with friends or loved ones.
The idea is to break out of your normal routine and relax for a couple days without all the stress and expense of a traditional vacation.
One of the biggest advantages of camping staycations around La Crosse is how quickly the trip starts. You can leave after work on Friday and be sitting around a campfire before sunset.
No airports.
No hotel check-in.
No complicated planning.
Just a simple weekend outside.
Campground Spotlight: Goose Island Campground
Located just south of La Crosse along the Mississippi River, Goose Island is probably the classic local camping staycation destination in the area.
The campground sits among river backwaters and tree-covered islands, giving it a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere considering how close it is to town.
Goose Island is especially popular for kayaking, fishing, relaxing by the water, and easy family camping weekends. The sunsets along the river can be incredible during the summer months, and the short drive from La Crosse makes it one of the easiest possible weekend escapes in the region.
Goose Island is ideal if you want the easiest possible “escape without really going anywhere” experience.
Campground Spotlight: Pettibone Resort
For campers who want convenience and easy access to La Crosse, Pettibone offers a different type of staycation experience.
It’s especially popular for RV travelers, families, and people who want camping mixed with nearby city amenities.
One of the biggest advantages of Pettibone is how close it is to downtown La Crosse. You can spend part of the day enjoying local restaurants, Riverside Park, biking trails, or riverfront activities while still getting the experience of roasting marshmallows and staying up late around the campfire.
Campground Spotlight: Veteran’s Memorial Campground
If your ideal staycation is quiet, laid-back, and family oriented, Veteran’s Memorial Campground near West Salem is a strong option.
The atmosphere tends to feel slower and less busy than some of the larger destination campgrounds in the region.
Situated along the La Crosse River and adjacent to the La Crosse River State Trail, this campground has a more wooded, scenic feel and is highly favored for kayaking and biking.
Campground Spotlight: Neshonoc Lakeside Campground
For campers who want a more activity-filled staycation, Neshonoc Lakeside Campground near West Salem offers a different experience from the river and bluff campgrounds around La Crosse.
Built around a lake, Neshonoc has more of a classic summer vacation atmosphere with swimming, beach access, boating, and family recreation all in one place.
This campground works especially well for families with kids, larger groups, and beginner campers who want plenty to do throughout the day. The lake setting gives the entire campground a relaxed summer energy that feels more like a mini resort getaway than a traditional rustic camping trip.
Campground Spotlight: Great River Bluffs State Park
If you want your camping staycation to feel genuinely far away from everyday life, Great River Bluffs State Park in southeastern Minnesota is one of the best nearby options.
The campground sits high above the Mississippi River Valley, surrounded by wooded hills and dramatic bluff country scenery. It feels quieter, more secluded, and more rugged than many campgrounds closer to La Crosse.
The biggest draw here is the scenery itself. The bluff overlooks above the river valley are some of the most impressive views within driving distance of the La Crosse area, especially during summer evenings and fall color season.
Great River Bluffs is a great choice if you want to get in some hiking or photography.
Campground Spotlight: Perrot State Park
If you liked what you read in the last entry and are open to driving a little further down the road, Perrot State Park is another great option for hiking and bluff views.
Located near Trempealeau, Perrot combines river scenery with wooded trails and dramatic overlooks above the Mississippi River.
The drive to Perrot along the Great River Road is a great excuse to add a scenic drive to the overall camping experience. The proximity to Trempealeau also make it easy to pair camping with other activities.
You Don’t Need to Own a Garage Full of Gear
One thing that stops many people from trying camping is the idea that they need to buy thousands of dollars of equipment first.
The good news is that casual weekend camping can actually be very simple.
For occasional campers, renting gear can make more sense than buying:
tents
sleeping bags
camp chairs
cooking equipment
coolers
family camping setups
It’s an easy way to try camping, plan spontaneous weekends, or avoid filling your garage with gear you only use a few times each year.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about living near La Crosse is how many outdoor experiences are close by.
You don’t need a massive budget or a complicated itinerary to create a memorable weekend. Sometimes the best trips are the simplest ones: a nearby campground, a quiet morning outside, and a couple of days that feel slower than normal life.
That’s the beauty of a camping staycation.
