Medford Park Campground

For Wisconsin locals seeking a straightforward, affordable, and conveniently located camping experience, Medford Park Campground in Medford, WI, presents an excellent option. As an "excellent City Park" with a focus on ease of access and basic amenities, it's a practical choice for those looking to enjoy a quick getaway or a peaceful stopover in the north-central part of the state. In Wisconsin, where outdoor recreation is a way of life, finding a well-maintained city park campground that offers great value is always a welcome discovery.

Medford Park Campground is praised by visitors for its simplicity, quiet atmosphere, and prime location. One satisfied camper enthusiastically stated, "This is an excellent City Park with a very nice walkway path around the lake/pond. Overnight fee for camping was $15. Great job Medford." This highlights its affordability and the appealing natural features it offers. Another review emphasizes its laid-back nature: "Quiet and easy going. First come first served." This makes it an appealing choice for spontaneous trips without the need for advance reservations. However, it also offers a practical note: "Bathroom is by the pool area across the street. Long walk at night if you don't know the area." and "Bring your kayak because you are 50 feet from the river." These insights provide valuable expectations for prospective campers.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Medford Park Campground, detailing its exact location and accessibility, the services it offers, and the key features that make it a suitable choice for locals. We will also provide contact information and conclude with why this specific campground is a great fit for Wisconsin residents. Our goal is to equip you with all the necessary information to plan your next budget-friendly and relaxing outdoor adventure in Taylor County.

The reviews collectively paint a picture of a well-regarded city-managed facility that, while basic in some aspects, delivers solid value and a pleasant environment for camping. Its integration into the larger city park system, with direct access to local amenities and natural features, makes it a convenient hub for exploring the Medford area and its beautiful surroundings.

Medford Park Campground is located in the heart of Medford, WI 54451, USA. As its name suggests, it's an integral part of the city's municipal park system. This central location within the city offers a unique blend of natural surroundings and urban convenience, making it highly accessible for Wisconsin locals.

Medford itself is situated in Taylor County, in north-central Wisconsin. The city is easily reachable via State Highway 13, a major north-south route that connects to other significant state highways, providing straightforward access from various parts of Wisconsin. For instance, from Wausau or Eau Claire, the drive is typically less than an hour and a half, making it an ideal destination for a weekend trip without extensive travel.

The campground's "city park" setting means it is typically well-signed and easy to find once you enter Medford. Unlike more remote wilderness campgrounds, you won't navigate long stretches of gravel roads. This urban-adjacent location ensures that essential services are always within a short distance. Reviews highlight this convenience, noting its proximity to local amenities. Campers can quickly access grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and other retail services within Medford, simplifying resupply needs and providing dining options beyond campfire cooking.

Furthermore, a significant accessibility feature is its direct connection to the city's recreational infrastructure. The campground is nestled alongside a lake/pond and boasts a "very nice walkway path around the lake/pond." This integrated path allows campers immediate access to scenic strolls and light recreation without needing to drive anywhere. The close proximity to the Black River—"50 feet from the river"—also provides direct access for water-based activities like kayaking, as recommended by a reviewer. This combination of easy road access, in-town convenience, and direct connection to local natural features makes Medford Park Campground remarkably accessible for local Wisconsin campers.

Medford Park Campground, as a municipal park facility, offers a straightforward set of services primarily focused on providing essential camping necessities at a budget-friendly price point. While it doesn't boast extensive resort-style amenities, it covers the basics well for self-sufficient campers.

• Affordable Overnight Fee: A major service highlight is the low cost of camping. Reviews state an "Overnight fee for camping was $15," making it a highly economical option for short stays or extended budget travel.

• First-Come, First-Served Sites: The campground operates on a "First come first served" basis. This means campers do not typically make reservations in advance; they arrive, select an available site, and pay the fee. This offers flexibility for spontaneous trips but also means popular times might see sites fill up quickly.

• Campsites with Basic Hookups (Implicit): While not explicitly detailed, city park campgrounds at this price point typically offer electric-only sites or a mix of electric and primitive sites. The mention of "Electricity seemed clean according to our WatchDog" in a review implies that electrical hookups are available at some, if not all, sites. Campers should confirm specific hookup availability upon arrival.

• Restroom Access (Across the Street): Restrooms are available, though they are located "by the pool area across the street." This means it's not a direct, immediate walk from every campsite, especially "at night if you don't know the area." Campers should be prepared for this distance, especially if needing nighttime access. The review mentions the "Shower house is OK," suggesting functional but not luxurious facilities.

• Water Access (Implicit): While not explicitly stated, basic water access (likely shared spigots or a central fill station) is generally available in city parks offering camping. Campers should bring their own containers for water.

• No Fire Rings (Implicit): The provided reviews do not mention fire rings at individual sites. While not explicitly stated as absent, it's common for city parks to have communal fire pits or restrict individual fires. Campers should inquire or plan to bring a portable, self-contained fire pit if allowed.

• Well-Maintained Grounds: The "Grass is mowed nicely," indicating a level of routine maintenance and upkeep of the camping areas, contributing to a pleasant environment.

The services at Medford Park Campground are designed for practical, no-frills camping, offering essential utilities and a well-kept environment for a low cost.

Medford Park Campground, despite being a straightforward city park offering camping, boasts several key features and highlights that enhance the visitor experience and make it a desirable choice for locals.

• Exceptional Affordability: The "Overnight fee for camping was $15" is a significant highlight, making it one of the most budget-friendly camping options in Wisconsin. This low cost allows for accessible outdoor recreation for more individuals and families, and provides excellent value.

• Quiet and Easy-Going Atmosphere: Campers consistently describe the environment as "Quiet and easy going." This relaxed and peaceful ambiance is perfect for unwinding and enjoying nature without the hustle and bustle often found at larger, more commercial campgrounds.

• Scenic Lake/Pond with Walkway Path: A major attraction is the very nice "walkway path around the lake/pond" directly adjacent to the campground. This paved or well-maintained path offers beautiful views and opportunities for leisurely strolls, jogging, or simply enjoying the lakeside scenery, making it an integral part of the park's appeal.

• Proximity to the Black River: The campground's location "50 feet from the river" (the Black River) is a notable highlight for water enthusiasts. This immediate access encourages activities like kayaking, canoeing, or fishing, offering direct engagement with one of Wisconsin's scenic waterways.

• Convenient In-Town Location: Being located "right in town" in Medford means campers have effortless access to local amenities. This includes gas stations, grocery stores, and various dining options, providing convenience that many remote campgrounds cannot offer. This makes resupply easy and quick.

• Clean Electricity: One reviewer specifically noted that "Electricity seemed clean according to our WatchDog," which indicates a reliable and stable power supply at the sites, important for RV safety and appliance operation.

• Well-Maintained Grounds: The observation that "Grass is mowed nicely" suggests that the city takes pride in maintaining the park's appearance, contributing to a pleasant and tidy environment for campers.

• First-Come, First-Served Flexibility: For spontaneous travelers, the "First come first served" system is a highlight, allowing for impromptu camping trips without the need for advance planning or reservations, which can often be difficult to secure at popular campgrounds.

These features collectively define Medford Park Campground as a practical, affordable, and pleasantly situated option for various types of campers in Wisconsin.

For inquiries or further information regarding Medford Park Campground, given its status as a city park, the best point of contact would typically be the City of Medford Parks and Recreation Department or the main City Hall.

Address: Medford, WI 54451, USA (This is the general location of the park itself, not a specific office.)

While a direct phone number for the campground itself might not be publicly listed, the main city contacts for Medford can typically provide information or direct you to the appropriate department:

City of Medford Main Phone Number (often associated with City Hall or general inquiries): (715) 748-4321 (This is a commonly found general phone number for the City of Medford).

For Parks and Recreation related questions, it might be beneficial to search for a specific department number on the City of Medford's official website.

Given that it's "First come first served," reservations are not typically taken. However, you might call to inquire about peak season availability, specific rules, or any current conditions like water levels if planning river activities.

Medford Park Campground is exceptionally suitable for Wisconsin locals due to its compelling combination of affordability, convenience, and direct access to both natural and urban amenities. It caters perfectly to residents who prioritize practicality and value in their outdoor adventures.

Firstly, the incredibly low "Overnight fee for camping was $15" makes it an outstanding choice for budget-conscious families, solo travelers, or those who enjoy frequent, short camping trips without incurring significant expenses. For many Wisconsinites, this affordability means that enjoying the outdoors and a change of scenery is always within reach, fostering a stronger connection to their state's natural beauty without financial strain.

Secondly, its "right in town" location in Medford is a major convenience. Locals can easily access grocery stores, gas stations, and dining options within minutes, simplifying trip planning and reducing the need for extensive packing. This blend of nature and urban proximity is ideal for those who appreciate the tranquility of camping but still desire easy access to modern comforts and immediate resupply options. It also makes spontaneous last-minute trips much more feasible, as less preparation for remote logistics is required.

Moreover, the park's integration with local recreational features is a significant draw. The "very nice walkway path around the lake/pond" offers an immediate and accessible avenue for exercise and enjoyment, perfect for daily strolls or morning jogs. The fact that you are "50 feet from the river" (Black River) provides easy access for kayaking, canoeing, or fishing, appealing directly to Wisconsin's strong culture of water-based recreation. This direct access allows locals to seamlessly transition from relaxation at their campsite to active engagement with the natural environment.

While it operates on a "First come first served" basis, this actually appeals to many locals who enjoy the spontaneity of camping and prefer to avoid the rigidity of reservation systems. It allows for flexible travel plans, a common preference for weekend warrior type of trips.

In conclusion, Medford Park Campground is a practical, charming, and highly accessible option for Wisconsin locals. It offers an affordable gateway to enjoying the state's outdoors, combining the peace of a park setting with the convenience of an in-town location, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of camping needs.

Medford Park Campground

Medford, WI 54451, USA