Bluewater Bay Campground

For Wisconsin residents seeking a genuine escape into nature, away from the constant buzz and bright lights, Bluewater Bay Campground offers a truly unique and peaceful experience. Tucked within the stunning Mirror Lake State Park near Reedsburg, this campground is celebrated for its commitment to tranquility and its spacious, natural setting. It's the ideal spot for those who prioritize quiet relaxation, starlit nights, and the sounds of the wilderness over bustling amenities and programmed entertainment.

Bluewater Bay Campground stands out for its serene atmosphere, a point consistently highlighted by visitors who value peace and quiet above all else. Campers often praise the generous space between sites, ensuring a sense of privacy that can be hard to find in more crowded campgrounds. While some traditional amenities might be seasonal or limited, this is precisely what appeals to many local users – it's a place to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in the beauty of Wisconsin's natural landscapes. With easy access to hiking trails and stunning views, it encourages exploration and quiet enjoyment of the outdoors, making it a perfect retreat for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to recharge in a truly natural setting. The friendly staff and helpful "lit carts" for transporting gear to car-free internal roads further enhance the peaceful experience, emphasizing a focus on nature over vehicle traffic.

Bluewater Bay Campground is located within Mirror Lake State Park, with its address linked to the general Reedsburg, WI 53959, USA area. More specifically, it is situated adjacent to the Bluewater Bay picnic area and the park amphitheater within the state park. This prime location places it in south-central Wisconsin, a region renowned for its captivating natural beauty, including sandstone bluffs and the famously calm Mirror Lake.

Accessibility to Bluewater Bay Campground is facilitated by its inclusion within Mirror Lake State Park, which is well-marked and easily reachable via Wisconsin's state highway system. Visitors from major Wisconsin cities like Madison, Milwaukee, and La Crosse will find the drive manageable, leading them into a serene natural setting. While the provided address is a general one for Reedsburg, access to the specific campground loops is typically within the well-defined boundaries of Mirror Lake State Park. Guests will drive into the park, often past the park office or visitor center, to reach the campground area. Notably, the campground features "no car on the 'internal roads'," meaning visitors will likely park and then use "lit carts" to transport their gear to their specific sites, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere by limiting vehicle traffic within the camping loops. This unique accessibility design further enhances the quiet and immersive natural experience that Bluewater Bay offers, making it a truly desirable destination for those seeking a tranquil escape in Wisconsin.

Services Offered

• Campsites: Bluewater Bay Campground offers 63 non-electric sites across four separate loops, primarily catering to tent campers and smaller RVs/campers that do not require electrical hookups.
• Spacious Sites: Campsites are noted for being large, flat, and offering plenty of space between sites for privacy.
• Fire Pits with Grates: Each campsite comes equipped with a fire pit that includes a grate, ideal for cooking and enjoying campfires.
• Picnic Tables: Every site is furnished with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Restrooms: Features both flush toilets and vault (pit) toilets, available in season. Visitors note the pit toilets near campsites are "nice."
• Showers: A shower building is available on the main road, not far from the sites, providing hot showers in season.
• Drinking Fountains: Water fountains are available, with some located next to sites and others in common areas, though common area fountains may be disconnected in the off-season.
• Campground Host: A host site is located between the Group Camp parking lot and the shower building.
• Reservations: Campsites at Mirror Lake State Park (which includes Bluewater Bay) are generally reservable, either online or by phone through the Wisconsin DNR system.
• Group Camp Sites: Seven tent-only, walk-in group sites are available, accommodating up to 20 people per site, with carts provided for gear transport.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is typically open from approximately May 15 to October 15. Late fall through early spring, water and shower/flush toilet buildings are weather-dependent.

Features / Highlights

• Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently highlighted by visitors as a quiet and serene campground, ideal for relaxation and escaping noise.
• Large and Private Sites: Campers praise the spacious and flat campsites with ample distance between neighbors, ensuring privacy.
• Great Views: Offers beautiful views within Mirror Lake State Park, known for its scenic bluffs and tranquil lake.
• Easy Access to Trails: Provides easy access to numerous hiking and walking trails within Mirror Lake State Park, perfect for exploration.
• No Car on Internal Roads: This unique feature reduces vehicle traffic and noise within the camping loops, enhancing the peaceful and natural environment, with lit carts available for gear transport.
• Proximity to Mirror Lake: The campground is adjacent to the Bluewater Bay picnic area on Mirror Lake, offering opportunities for enjoying the lake's calm waters.
• Playground: A playground is available for children, offering recreational space for younger campers.
• Sand Volleyball Court: A court is available near the Bluewater Bay picnic area, with nets provided.
• Amphitheater: The park amphitheater is adjacent to the campground, potentially offering park programs or events.
• Close to Mirror Lake State Park Visitor Center: Located nearest to the park visitor center, providing easy access to park information and resources.
• Beautiful Wooded Setting: Nestled in wooded areas with pines and oaks, offering shade and a natural forest experience.

Contact Information

Address: Reedsburg, WI 53959, USA (Located within Mirror Lake State Park)

For reservations and inquiries, contact the Wisconsin DNR, as Bluewater Bay Campground is part of Mirror Lake State Park. The general park reservation phone number for Wisconsin State Parks is:

Phone: +1 888-947-2757 (Wisconsin State Park System Reservation Line)

It is advisable to check the official Wisconsin DNR website for Mirror Lake State Park for the most current information regarding camping regulations, reservation procedures, and seasonal amenity availability before your visit.

Bluewater Bay Campground is an ideal destination for Wisconsin locals who truly seek an immersive and peaceful outdoor experience. For residents of the state, the value of a campground that prioritizes quietude and connection with nature is immense, offering a stark contrast to the demands of everyday life. Its location within Mirror Lake State Park means easy access to a stunning natural environment renowned for its calm lake, towering sandstone bluffs, and extensive trail system. This proximity allows locals to fully leverage the park's offerings, from scenic hikes to peaceful boating on the "no-wake" lake, all without the need for long-distance travel.

The emphasis on large, flat campsites with ample space between them ensures privacy and a feeling of seclusion, a highly coveted feature for many campers. The unique "no car on internal roads" system, complemented by the use of lit carts for gear transport, further minimizes noise and pollution within the camping loops, contributing significantly to the tranquil atmosphere. While some amenities like flush toilets and showers might be seasonal, this aligns with the back-to-basics appeal for those who prefer a less commercialized camping experience.

For Wisconsin families and individuals seeking a genuine escape, where the focus is on natural beauty, quiet contemplation, and outdoor activity rather than constant entertainment, Bluewater Bay Campground perfectly fits the bill. It's a place to unwind by a campfire, explore scenic trails, and enjoy the simple pleasures of being immersed in the Wisconsin wilderness. Its affordability as a state park campground further enhances its appeal, making a quality outdoor adventure accessible to many. For locals, Bluewater Bay isn't just a place to stay; it's a sanctuary where the stresses of modern life can truly melt away amidst the natural splendor of Mirror Lake State Park.

Bluewater Bay Campground

Reedsburg, WI 53959, USA