Goose Island Campground

For those of us in Wisconsin seeking an outdoor experience that truly connects us with the majesty of nature, Goose Island Campground in Stoddard offers a phenomenal retreat. Nestled on an island in the vast backwaters of the Mississippi River, this county park is not just a place to set up camp; it's a destination renowned for its breathtaking views, unforgettable sunsets, and serene moonlit skies. Even after experiencing significant challenges like past floods, Goose Island continues to impress visitors with its resilience, spacious sites, and the genuine friendliness of its staff. Whether you're a seasoned RVer, a tent camping enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful spot for a family get-together, Goose Island Campground promises a truly enriching experience. We'll explore what makes this particular Wisconsin gem so special, from its idyllic location to the comprehensive list of services and highlights that ensure a memorable stay.

Goose Island Campground is uniquely located at W6488 County Rd G I, Stoddard, WI 54658, USA. This address places it on an actual island within the expansive backwaters of the Mississippi River, just three miles south of the vibrant city of La Crosse. This strategic positioning offers an unparalleled connection to one of North America's most iconic waterways. For residents throughout Wisconsin, its accessibility is a significant advantage. It's approximately an 11-minute drive from La Crosse, making it incredibly convenient to access city amenities, grocery stores, restaurants, and attractions, while still providing the tranquil isolation of an island retreat.

The campground's location on County Road G I ensures straightforward access for all types of vehicles, including large RVs. Its setting within the La Crosse District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge means campers are immersed in a rich ecosystem teeming with wildlife. This prime spot allows for direct engagement with the river's numerous channels, sloughs, and lakes, perfect for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The combination of easy access from major routes and its immersive natural setting makes Goose Island Campground an exceptionally appealing and convenient choice for Wisconsin locals looking for a spectacular riverside camping adventure without traveling too far from home.

Goose Island Campground provides a robust array of services and amenities, designed to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and engaging camping experience for all its guests.

• Extensive Campsite Options: With over 350 spacious, beautifully maintained sites, Goose Island offers a wide variety of options, including padded, grassy, and primitive sites. Many sites feature electrical and water hook-ups (20, 30, and 50 amp service available), and some are specifically designed as "big rig friendly." Tent sites are also available.
• Clean Restroom and Shower Facilities: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the cleanliness of the facilities. The campground provides three modern restroom and shower facilities with flush toilets and hot, coin-operated showers, ensuring a comfortable experience.
• Camp Store with Game Room: The on-site camp store and office area is staffed by "friendly people" and offers essential camping supplies, bait sales, and firewood for sale at a "great value." It also includes a game room for entertainment.
• Laundromat: For convenience during longer stays, laundry facilities are available on-site.
• Sanitary Dump Stations: Three sanitary dump stations are provided, ensuring easy waste disposal for RVers.
• Boat Ramps & Fish Cleaning House: With three boat ramps and a dedicated fish cleaning house, Goose Island is a paradise for anglers, providing excellent access to the Mississippi River's backwaters.
• Kayak & Canoe Rentals: For those looking to explore the river, kayak and canoe rentals are available, making it easy to get out on the water.
• Recreational Areas: The campground features two playground areas, a safe beach for swimming, miniature golf rental, volleyball, and basketball courts, offering diverse activities for all ages.
• Nature Trails: Campers can explore beautiful nature trails within the park, providing opportunities for walking, running, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
• Firewood for Sale: Conveniently available on-site, firewood ensures warm campfires for every site.
• Wi-Fi Hotspot: A Wi-Fi hotspot is available around the camp store, allowing guests to stay connected.
• Park Shelters: Several park shelters are available for gatherings, suitable for family reunions or group events.

Goose Island Campground is celebrated for several distinctive features and highlights that make it a truly remarkable camping destination in Wisconsin.

• Stunning Views and Sunsets/Moon Views: Repeatedly praised by visitors, the "views, the sunsets, and moon views are next level." The location on the Mississippi River backwaters provides an incredibly picturesque backdrop for camping, creating memorable experiences.
• Resilience After Floods: The fact that the campground "was still great" even after a "big flood had ravaged the grounds earlier in the year" speaks volumes about the dedication to maintenance and recovery, ensuring a quality experience despite challenges.
• Spacious Campsites: Reviewers consistently highlight the "very spacious" sites, noting they allow "for our tent, screen tent, and a ton of area for the kids to play." Even sites without full water hookups are praised for having "some space in between which was nice," offering a sense of privacy.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: The bathrooms are repeatedly noted as "very clean for camp site which was appreciated," underscoring the commitment to hygiene and guest comfort.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: The "friendly people" staffing the store and office area contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere, making campers feel welcome and supported.
• Abundant Wildlife: Being in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Goose Island is a haven for wildlife. Deer, eagles, ducks, geese, egrets, fox, beaver, raccoon, and muskrats are commonly spotted, offering fantastic opportunities for nature observation and photography.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The campground's location on the backwaters of the Mississippi provides "excellent fishing," with a dedicated fish cleaning house and bait sales. The 4-acre fishing pond at Veterans Memorial Park (part of the larger La Crosse County Parks system, closely associated with Goose Island) also offers bass, trout, and bluegill.
• Diverse Recreational Access: Direct access to nature trails, three boat ramps, and rentals for kayaks and canoes ensures ample opportunities for outdoor activities both on land and water.
• Great Value Firewood: The availability of "wood was a great value" is a small but appreciated detail that enhances the camping experience.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Goose Island Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: W6488 County Rd G I, Stoddard, WI 54658, USA
• Phone: (608) 788-7018
• Mobile Phone: +1 608-788-7018
• Website: While a direct specific website for just Goose Island Campground isn't explicitly listed, it is part of La Crosse County Parks system. Information and booking are often found via the La Crosse County website or third-party camping platforms.

Goose Island Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across Wisconsin, offering a unique and enriching outdoor experience that combines natural beauty with convenience and comprehensive amenities. For residents throughout the state, its prime location on an island in the Mississippi River backwaters provides unparalleled access to water-based recreation, including phenomenal fishing, boating, kayaking, and stunning views of sunsets and moonrises that are truly "next level." The ease of access from major routes and its proximity to the city of La Crosse means Iowans can enjoy a serene natural escape without sacrificing access to urban conveniences, making it perfect for both short weekend getaways and longer vacations.

The campground's commitment to cleanliness, spacious sites, and the friendliness of its staff creates a welcoming and comfortable environment for all campers, whether in an RV, tent, or simply enjoying a day visit. The abundance of wildlife, nature trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities ensures there's always something to do for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Even historical challenges like floods haven't diminished its appeal, a testament to its dedicated upkeep. Goose Island Campground embodies the best of Wisconsin's outdoor offerings, making it a highly recommended and convenient choice for your next adventure close to home, where memories are made under vast skies and alongside the mighty Mississippi.

Goose Island Campground

W6488 County Rd G I, Stoddard, WI 54658, USA