Wood River Campground: Grantsburg, WI's Quiet Riverside Escape

Wood River campground Introduce

For generations of Wisconsin residents, camping isn’t just a weekend activity—it’s a deep-rooted tradition and a core part of the Badger State's identity. From the beautiful lake country to the vast state forests, opportunities for outdoor relaxation abound. Tucked away in the scenic northwestern corner of the state, in the charming community of Grantsburg, you’ll find a true hidden gem: **Wood River Campground**. This destination offers a peaceful, classic Wisconsin camping experience, perfectly situated for those looking to connect with nature, enjoy local wildlife, and find a welcoming community atmosphere.

Known for its tranquil setting adjacent to the beautiful Wood River, this campground provides the ideal basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of Burnett County. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer seeking full hookups or a family looking for a simple, quiet tent site, Wood River Campground delivers a high-quality outdoor experience that feels both convenient and wonderfully secluded. It’s the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle, providing the soothing sounds of the river and the opportunity to truly unwind. The positive feedback from previous guests, such as one who described it as a "Great campground by the river and lots of wildlife! Quiet little place! Nice neighbors!", speaks volumes about the friendly, relaxing environment you can expect.

***

Introduction / Overview

Wood River Campground is not just a collection of campsites; it is a valued community asset managed by the Village of Grantsburg, and it is part of the larger James N. McNally Campgrounds complex. This ensures it is well-maintained and integrated into the local park system. The campground offers a variety of site types to suit nearly every preference, from modern sites equipped with all utilities to more rustic, traditional camping spots. Its defining feature is its idyllic location directly alongside the beautiful Wood River and immediately adjacent to Memory Lake Park, offering guests immediate access to waterfront activities and peaceful natural settings.

The atmosphere at Wood River Campground is notably quiet and community-focused. The presence of friendly, long-term seasonal campers often contributes to a welcoming environment for weekend visitors. This combination of a serene riverside location, proximity to town conveniences, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a highly attractive option for Wisconsin campers, particularly those interested in fishing, wildlife photography, or simply lounging by the water. It serves as a perfect stepping-off point to explore nearby major recreational areas like the renowned **Crex Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary** and the **Governor Knowles State Forest**.

***

Location and Accessibility

The campground is ideally positioned in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, making it easy to access while providing a secluded feel along the riverbanks. Its central location in the town ensures that necessary supplies and local dining options are just a short walk or drive away.

The official address is:

213 N Pine St, Grantsburg, WI 54840, USA

Key highlights of its location and accessibility include:

**Urban-Adjacent Nature:** The site is conveniently located near the heart of Grantsburg, which means easy access to a local brewery, coffee shops, and stores, providing a nice balance between wilderness adventure and small-town comfort.
**Riverside Setting:** The campground's position along the Wood River is a major draw, offering campers scenic views and the soothing ambient noise of the flowing water, particularly near the lock and dam at the west end.
**Gateway to Wildlife:** It is one of the premier locations for accessing the famous **Crex Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary**, which is internationally recognized for its bird watching and stunning peat marshes that draw major spring and fall bird migrations.
**Major Road Access:** Grantsburg is easily reachable via State Highways, making the drive relatively straightforward from larger metropolitan areas, including the Twin Cities to the west, yet it retains a quiet, small-town atmosphere.
**Recreational Hub:** The location offers direct access to a nearby playground in Memory Lake Park, and is a short distance from the **St. Croix River**, providing opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and hiking the scenic trails that overlook both the Wood and St. Croix Rivers.

***

Services Offered

Wood River Campground is designed to offer a comfortable and well-equipped stay for all types of campers, integrating essential modern conveniences into the natural setting.

**Diverse Site Offerings:** The campground offers a mix of sites, including full hookup sites (water, sewer, and electricity), partial hookup sites (water and electric only), and rustic primitive sites for tents.
**Modern Bathhouse:** Guests have access to a clean and modern bathhouse, a crucial amenity for comfort, particularly for tent and primitive campers.
**Utility Services:** For RV users, the campground often provides both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service, and a sanitary dump station is typically available on-site (often free for registered campers).
**Connectivity:** Many sites in the complex offer access to amenities like **Wi-Fi** to help campers stay connected, or to arrange for additional services like cable TV and telephone through local providers for extended stays.
**Recreational Access:** The campground offers immediate access to fishing and swimming in the Wood River, along with a playground for children located in the adjacent Memory Lake Park.

***

Features / Highlights

The most compelling reasons to choose Wood River Campground are its unique blend of serenity and convenience, anchored by its outstanding natural features.

**Wildlife Viewing:** The area is a hotspot for wildlife, especially given its close proximity to Crex Meadows, making it a spectacular location for bird watching and spotting local fauna right from your campsite.
**Riverside Tranquility:** The opportunity to camp right by the Wood River, with the peaceful sounds of running water providing a natural soundtrack, is consistently highlighted by returning visitors as a major benefit. The nearby lock and dam further enhances this soothing, ambient soundscape.
**Family-Friendly Environment:** The adjacent Memory Lake Park offers a playground and open spaces, making this campground an excellent choice for families with children.
**Local Brewer Access:** The unique feature of having a local brewery within very close walking distance, often featuring a large patio and fire pit, allows adults to enjoy local craft beverages without needing to drive.
**Recreational Diversity:** The campground serves as a perfect launch point for exploring the Gandy Dancer Trail for biking and the beautiful hiking trails along the St. Croix River, catering to a wide range of outdoor interests.

***

Contact Information

Wood River Campground is operated by the Village of Grantsburg, and therefore, reservations and inquiries are typically handled through the municipal offices or the campground management directly.

**Address:** 213 N Pine St, Grantsburg, WI 54840, USA

For current rates, availability, and to make a reservation, prospective campers should contact the Village of Grantsburg or the campground office.

**Village of Grantsburg Contact Information (General Area Inquiries):** (715) 463-5384 (While this number is typical for the village, always confirm the best number for reservations on the official Grantsburg website.)

It is strongly recommended to book early, particularly for waterfront and full hookup sites during the prime summer season, as the campground has a loyal following of returning campers.

***

What is Worth Choosing

Wood River Campground is an outstanding choice for any Wisconsin resident seeking a balance of convenient access, modern amenities, and genuine natural beauty. What truly makes this campground worth choosing is the peaceful, welcoming community atmosphere, which is often described as having "nice neighbors," making it an exceptionally relaxing place to stay. You get the tranquility of a riverside escape, complete with wildlife and fishing access, without sacrificing the comfort of nearby town facilities and excellent utility hookups. Unlike isolated campgrounds that require long drives for basic supplies, Wood River Campground integrates the best of Grantsburg’s community life and Burnett County’s wild areas. It’s the perfect place to set up a home base for your next northern Wisconsin adventure, promising quiet nights, great scenery, and a genuinely friendly experience.