Backyard Campground: Your Family-Friendly Retreat on the Wisconsin-Illinois Border

Backyard Campground Introduce

For Wisconsin residents seeking a fun, friendly, and activity-packed camping experience, Backyard Campground in Gratiot, WI, is a destination that consistently receives high praise from many local families. Located uniquely on the border of Warren, Illinois, and Gratiot, Wisconsin, this campground offers more than just a place to park your camper; it's a vibrant community where good times and lasting memories are made. While a single review highlighted a negative experience regarding alcohol service and family issues, the overwhelming sentiment from other visitors, including repeat customers, points to a welcoming atmosphere and a wide array of amenities that cater to all ages.

Backyard Campground is known for its dedication to creating a positive environment for its guests. The owners and staff, often personified by individuals like Nancy, are frequently commended for their kindness and attentiveness, ensuring that any initial confusion is quickly resolved and that campers feel well-cared for throughout their stay. This commitment to guest satisfaction is a hallmark of a truly great Wisconsin campground, fostering a sense of community and making visitors feel like part of the "backyard" family.

For us Wisconsinites, finding a campground that offers so much more than just a place to sleep is a real treat. Imagine challenging your family to a round of miniature golf, exploring scenic trails on your ATV or golf cart, or simply enjoying the friendly ambiance. Backyard Campground provides these opportunities and more, making it an ideal choice for a weekend escape or a longer family vacation. It's a place where you can relax, play, and connect with fellow campers, all within easy reach of many Wisconsin communities.

Location and Accessibility

Backyard Campground is strategically situated at 1263 County Road KK, on the border of Warren, Illinois, and Gratiot, WI 53541, USA. This unique geographical placement means it's easily accessible for residents across Southern Wisconsin and even Northern Illinois, serving as a convenient meeting point for families spanning state lines.

Gratiot is a charming village in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, part of the state's picturesque Driftless Region. While the campground offers a relaxed, rural setting, it's located on County Road KK, which provides good road access. For Wisconsin residents, reaching Backyard Campground is typically a straightforward drive through scenic farmlands and rolling hills, characteristic of the state's southwestern landscape. The proximity to the Illinois border makes it a particularly attractive option for those seeking a quick cross-border getaway or for families with members residing in both states.

Its location ensures that while you're enjoying a peaceful camping experience, you're not completely isolated. Nearby towns offer access to local services, supplies, and potentially other attractions should you wish to explore the surrounding area. The convenience of its location, combined with the variety of activities available on-site, makes Backyard Campground a practical and desirable choice for a local Wisconsin adventure.

Services Offered

Full Hookup RV Sites: Backyard Campground offers 171 full hookup RV sites, providing water, sewer, and electricity for ultimate convenience. This is a significant advantage for RV campers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Overnight and Seasonal Sites: The campground caters to both short-term visitors with 11 overnight sites and long-term campers with 160 seasonal sites, fostering a vibrant camping community.
Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV waste disposal.
Free Showers: Clean showers are provided free of charge, ensuring campers can refresh themselves comfortably.
Groceries and Snack Bar: A camp store or snack bar is available, offering basic groceries and snacks for convenience, reducing the need to leave the campground for supplies.
WiFi/Hot Spots: While not universally available, WiFi or hot spots are offered, allowing campers to stay connected if needed.
Wood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, making it easy to enjoy traditional campfires.
Credit Cards Accepted: For ease of transaction, the campground accepts credit cards.
Pets Welcome: The campground is pet-friendly, allowing campers to bring their beloved furry companions (leash rules and cleanup responsibilities typically apply).
Bar and Restaurant: An on-site bar and restaurant (often referred to as "her bar" in reviews) are available, providing food, drinks, and a social gathering spot. Some specific policies regarding alcohol service and guest conduct should be noted (as discussed in reviews, licensed establishments have the right to refuse service to anyone at their discretion, especially if there are concerns about intoxication or disorderly conduct, regardless of apparent sobriety or age).

Features / Highlights

ATV and Golf Cart Trails: A significant highlight mentioned by visitors is the availability of "trails that you can ride" for golf carts or ATVs. This is a major draw for motor-sport enthusiasts, providing a unique recreational opportunity directly on the property.
Miniature Golf: The campground offers miniature golf, providing a fun and engaging activity for families and groups of all ages, perfect for friendly competition.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many reviews emphasize the friendly environment, with visitors stating "all of the people were very friendly" and recommending it "to anyone with young kids or without young kids." This indicates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
On-site Bar/Social Hub: The presence of a bar/restaurant can serve as a social hub for adult campers, offering a place to relax, enjoy a drink, and connect with others. (Note: It is crucial for guests to adhere to all establishment rules, especially concerning alcohol service, as licensed venues in Wisconsin maintain the right to refuse service based on various criteria, including perceived intoxication or violation of property rules, as per state liquor laws.)
Swimming Pool: According to the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners, Backyard Campground features a swimming pool, offering a refreshing way to cool off on warm Wisconsin days.
Game Room and Pavilion/Rec Hall: For indoor entertainment and group activities, a game room and a pavilion/rec hall are available.
Theme Weekends and Planned Activities: The campground often hosts theme weekends and planned activities, providing structured entertainment and fostering a lively community atmosphere for all ages.
Pond for Fishing: There is a pond on the property for fishing, offering a relaxing activity for anglers. Bait and a fish cleaning house are also available.
Playground: A playground is available for children, ensuring plenty of fun for younger campers.
Proximity to Area Attractions: While packed with on-site amenities, its location also offers access to local fishing spots and shopping in the surrounding area.
Gilbert Brown Foundation Events: Notably, Backyard Campground is a venue for the Gilbert Brown Foundation, with former Green Bay Packers players (like Gilbert Brown and Eugene Robinson) hosting fundraising appearances, offering a unique opportunity for sports fans to meet legends. For example, Brown and Robinson are scheduled to appear from September 19-21.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Backyard Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 1263 County Road KK Located on the border of Warren, Illinois and, Gratiot, WI 53541, USA

Phone: (608) 574-9783

Mobile Phone: +1 608-574-9783

Your Hosts: Gerald & Nancy Heiman

Email: backyardcampground1@gmail.com

Website: www.backyardcampground.com

It is highly recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly via phone or email for the most current information regarding site availability, seasonal operating hours (they are open year-round), specific policies (such as those regarding the bar and visitor conduct), and any upcoming events or theme weekends. Given the positive feedback about Nancy and Gerald, direct communication will likely lead to a helpful and pleasant experience in planning your stay.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Wisconsin residents, Backyard Campground in Gratiot, WI, stands out as an incredibly suitable and appealing option for a diverse range of campers. Its strategic location on the Wisconsin-Illinois border makes it easily accessible for a wide segment of the population, providing a convenient escape without requiring extensive travel across the state. This proximity allows for spontaneous weekend trips, family reunions, or even just a quick overnight stay to enjoy the amenities.

The campground’s strong emphasis on a family-friendly atmosphere, as evidenced by positive reviews, makes it an ideal choice for those with children. The availability of "miniature golf," a "swimming pool," a "playground," and a "game room" ensures that younger campers have plenty of engaging activities, while theme weekends and planned activities add to the excitement for all ages. For adults, the on-site bar and restaurant provide a convenient social hub, though guests should always be mindful of and respect the establishment's policies regarding service, which are standard for licensed venues in Wisconsin.

A significant draw for many locals, particularly those who enjoy motorsports, is the access to "ATV and golf cart trails." This unique feature sets Backyard Campground apart from many traditional campgrounds, offering a thrilling recreational option right on the property. The provision of full hookup RV sites caters to modern camping needs, ensuring comfort and convenience for those traveling in their recreational vehicles, while seasonal sites foster a sense of community among regular visitors.

Despite a singular negative experience highlighted in reviews, the overwhelming majority of feedback, including repeat visits and strong recommendations, paints a picture of a well-run establishment with very friendly staff, such as Nancy. This commitment to hospitality and guest satisfaction ensures a welcoming environment for everyone. For any Wisconsin local seeking a campground that combines convenient accessibility, a wide array of activities, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere for families and individuals alike, Backyard Campground in Gratiot is a highly recommended and rewarding destination.

Backyard Campground Photos

Backyard Campground Location

Backyard Campground

Wisconsin Lafayette County Gratiot

1263 County Road KK Located on the border of Warren, Illinois and, Gratiot, WI 53541, USA

Backyard Campground Reviews

I do not recommend this place, my husband and my youngest son, came here for 2 nights. This was our very first time here. We stayed there July 3rd & July 4th, 2025.. on July 4th, my oldest son went into her bar, and he wanted a shot, he showed his ID, and he was sober, and she refused him service, and he will be 22 years old next month. She refused my husband n I we were also sober. Claims she dont want to lose her liquor license. She needs to re take the class!! I have a liquor license for 3 counties in WI and 1 in Iowa. She claims to say she dont want to lose her license because she lies about people's ages. It's very disgusting!! I was also with my son when she denied him service, and she had no reason or reasons to deny him. I also have family out there who are camping as well, and they got told they had to leave because, someone got kicked out of there on father's day and got told they couldn't be on the property, that car pulled up in the road to pick a family member up out there who was there visiting. She used that against my family, and its just wrong. She also lied about something else and I won't go into that. She is a drunk who lies and is very rude and disrespectful. I will never go there again.
Jul 05, 2025 · Shawna
I booked a weekend for my mom,dad,aunt and uncle to stay at the backyard campground with both of their campers and at first there was a little confusion but it got figured out real fast.A shout out to Nancy for being very nice and checking on us. Although I did not stay overnight at the campground my mom dad aunt and uncle all had a great great time. They even made the remark that they would definitely come back to this Campground.I am so very happy that they had a great time at the backyard campground all of the people were very friendly so yes I would recommend this place to anyone with young kids or without young kids it is a very great time.I know they offer so much more like miniature golf and if you have a golf cart or ATV they do have trails that you can ride which is very cool and I seen a lot of people doing that so it must be a lot of fun.Thank you backyard Campground and Nancy for allowing me to have a great time with my family❤👍❤
Jul 12, 2020 · Samantha Lacy
Was a bit hesitant about moving here after reading the reviews. but we did and were there during February march for work didn't have any issues owner was nice and friendly campground was pretty quiet good place to come stay for a while there is a pool table and game room payed in advanced and owner was more than fair with the reimbursement as we left early to relocate for work. Will defiantly stay here if needed in the area again
Mar 06, 2024 · Sheldon Buchanan
I was told that this place used to be an ok place to camp n stay..But due to the lady that runs the grounds and her crookedness, her explosive temper and disrespect of the people that pay to stay there... She stirs up trouble and makes up new rulz ontop of rulz to justify her lying ways. The campground has gone down hill due to poor management. The showers 🚿🚿 are nasty and unsanitary ✓The lady that runs the place is foul mouthed and very unprofessional and I'm surprised that they are still in business today... The showers r in the milk house sober up already; I can't believe u forgot already... Come on forgetful #
Jul 26, 2024 · Ryan Ritschard
Gerald, Doug, Douglas and his other crew worked really hard to get us into a permanent spot last September -October. We really loved being there and we were looking forwards to camp there for a very long time. . The other campers were extremely friendly but we pretty much stayed to ourselves. When we talked to Gerald and Nancy about the campgrounds rules they said no rules here. Be kind and courteous to your neighbors and you will be fine. HOWEVER on Aug 19 I went to the pool area with my 7 year old grandson and his 25 year old sister. My gs did run and jump into the shallow part of pool. 5-6 other kids were jumping in as well but they were going in the 5 foot depth area. (NO POOL RULES are posted). The owner Nancy got in my gs face yelling at him and he just stood there. She yelled at him again louder and he acknowledged her question by shaking his head up and down saying yes. My gd asked her to please not talk to him like that. Saying she was being rude. Nancy turned her attention to gd. Got in her face asking her do you know who I am...gd said you are Nancy. Nancy goes..do you know who I am..im the owner of this campgrounds and told gd to get the hell out of the pool. Gd was trying to get out of the 5 foot depth and Nancy would not stop yelling at her. Gd got to the bench where her towel glasses and shoes were. Nancy asked her what site she was on and I told Nancy that she was with me. Nancy is in her face saying she is no longer going to be back at the campgrounds and she's banned from the campsite. My granddaughter is part owner of the camper. When we drove back to my daughters camper and was explaining to her and her husband what just happened. Nancy and her 16 yo daughter Amy barged in their camper and started swearing at all of us. We told both of them to leave. She was giving gd 10 minutes to vacate the property or she will call the cops. We should have called them ourselves so there would be a report. I tried to talk with Nancy but she would not hear anything I had to say. There were many of HER people outside in the road. I recognized her husband and so called security (two young guys in backyard campground tshirts with SECURITY on them)...ready to escort her out. Nancy also accused us of driving through the grounds more than 10 mph.. doing donuts. She said they had the incident on tape but refused to allow us to view it. Saying that the so called tape was in the hands of the security company. The car was supposed to be a white KIA.. they drive a white Ford explorer. That night Nancy blocked my daughter and I from the Backyard campground Facebook page and was spreading lies about us. Saying if we don't pay we don't play. I was paying her 100.00 a month which she agreed to. My daughter asked her several times what she owed and Nancy never told her. We have since spent money to move out. Nancy was really nice at first but has a problem with alcohol and is a very rude, foul mouth, narcissist person. I suggest going camping elsewhere because you never know when Nancy will turn on any of your family.
Aug 29, 2023 · Marayne Teal