RV Campgrounds & Parks In Rice Lake, Wisconsin

45.5061° N, 91.7382° W

Quick Overview

Rice Lake sits in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods, where pristine waters meet dense forests that stretch to the horizon. This charming city of 8,400 anchors Barron County with its namesake lake offering 930 acres of clear water perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. The surrounding landscape rolls gently through hardwood forests punctuated by countless smaller lakes, creating the quintessential Wisconsin lake country experience that draws RVers from across the Midwest.

The camping scene here centers around several established RV parks and campgrounds, with some offering free camping options. Most facilities provide full hookups with 30 and 50-amp service, though you'll also find more rustic options for those seeking a back-to-nature experience. The parks here cater primarily to families and fishing enthusiasts, with many offering boat launches, fish cleaning stations, and easy lake access.

From your campsite, you're positioned perfectly to explore the region's outdoor offerings. Rice Lake itself provides excellent walleye, northern pike, and bass fishing, while the nearby Red Cedar State Trail offers 14 miles of paved biking and walking paths. The Tuscobia State Trail connects to the system, creating over 70 miles of trail access for hiking and cycling. Downtown Rice Lake sits just minutes away, featuring the historic Norske Nook restaurant famous throughout the region for its award-winning pies. The annual WE Fest country music festival in nearby Detroit Lakes draws massive crowds each summer, making Rice Lake a popular staging area for festival-goers.

Camping styles here range from full-service RV resorts with pools and recreation facilities to more basic parks focused on lake access and fishing amenities. Several campgrounds offer seasonal sites for snowbirds who return year after year, while others cater to weekend warriors and vacation travelers. The area's state and county parks provide more primitive camping experiences with vault toilets and hand-pump water for those seeking solitude.

Summer brings the heaviest crowds, particularly during fishing opener in May and throughout the peak vacation months. Spring and fall offer excellent fishing with fewer crowds, while winter camping appeals mainly to ice fishing enthusiasts and snowmobilers. Most seasonal campgrounds operate from May through October, though a few stay open year-round for hardy winter campers.

Our listings below showcase the area's camping options, from lakefront resorts to budget-friendly parks, helping you find the perfect base for your Northwoods adventure.

Top Rated Dump Stations in Rice Lake

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All Dump Stations Near Rice Lake

Station Name	Distance	Rating	Category	Cost
Piece Of Heaven Campround	2.0 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Wolf's Den Tavern & Resort	7.9 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Shady Rest Campground	8.2 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Northwood Shores	8.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Country Quiet RV & Campground	10.3 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Prairie Lake Estates & Campground.	10.5 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Featherstone RV Park	12.5 mi	\u2014	RV Park	Varies
Whitetail Ridge Campground	12.6 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Lotts Landing	14.9 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Rolling Thunder RV Park & Camp	16.6 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies

Traveling to Rice Lake by RV

Rice Lake sits conveniently along Highway 53, the major north-south corridor connecting the Twin Cities to Superior and Duluth. This four-lane divided highway handles RVs of any size without issue, though you'll encounter more logging trucks during weekdays. From the south, take I-94 west from Minneapolis to Highway 53 north – it's a straight shot covering about 120 miles through increasingly forested terrain.

The most scenic approach follows Highway 8 west from Highway 53, winding through classic Wisconsin lake country with numerous small towns and roadside diners. This route adds time but rewards you with glimpses of pristine lakes and dense forests. RVers should note that Highway 8 has some rolling hills and tighter curves, so larger rigs might prefer sticking to Highway 53.

Fuel up before leaving the Twin Cities or plan stops in Eau Claire or Rice Lake itself. The Kwik Trip on Highway 53 in Rice Lake can accommodate big rigs and offers diesel at competitive prices. For supplies, Fleet Farm and Walmart provide RV necessities including propane exchanges and basic camping gear. The local Coborn's grocery store stocks fresh bait and fishing licenses if you're planning to wet a line.

Cell coverage remains strong throughout the area on major carriers, though some remote campgrounds might have spotty service. GPS works reliably, but keep paper maps handy since some back-road campgrounds don't show up accurately on older navigation systems. Winter travelers should monitor weather closely, as Highway 53 can become treacherous during blizzards despite regular plowing.

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Dump Station Costs in Rice Lake

Nightly rates in Rice Lake range from $25 for basic sites at county parks to $55 for premium lakefront spots with full hookups at private resorts. Most mid-range parks charge $35-45 per night for sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Weekly rates often provide significant savings, typically offering six nights for the price of five at participating campgrounds.

Free camping opportunities are limited here, with a portion% of the area's several campgrounds offering no-cost options, while a portion% charge fees. However, the nearby Chippewa County Forest allows dispersed camping at no charge for up to two weeks, though you'll need to be completely self-sufficient.

Seasonal pricing peaks during summer months, particularly around fishing opener in mid-May and during WE Fest weekend in August. Spring and fall rates drop by $10-15 per night at most parks, making these shoulder seasons attractive for budget-conscious travelers. Several campgrounds offer Passport America discounts during off-peak periods, cutting rates by 50%.

Groceries cost slightly more than urban areas, but the price difference isn't dramatic. Gas prices typically run 10-15 cents higher than Twin Cities averages. Good Sam membership provides discounts at several area parks, while Harvest Hosts has partnered with a local winery offering free overnight parking for members. Budget an extra $20-30 daily for activities like boat rentals, fishing guides, or trail passes.

Free: 5 stations (50%)

Paid: 5 stations (50%)

Contact station for pricing details.

Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Rice Lake

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Best Time to Visit Rice Lake by RV

❄️

Winter

December-February

10-25°F

Crowds: Low

Most campgrounds close, but ice fishing draws hardy winter campers to year-round facilities.

🌸

Spring

March-May

35-65°F

Crowds: Medium

Fishing opener brings crowds in mid-May, but early spring offers peaceful camping.

☀️

Summer

June-August

65-80°F

Crowds: High

Peak season requires advance reservations, especially for lakefront sites and festival weekends.

🍂

Fall

September-November

40-70°F

Crowds: Medium

Excellent fishing and fall colors, but some campgrounds close after October.

Explore the Rice Lake Area

For the best overall camping experience, target the lakefront parks on Rice Lake's north shore, where morning mist rises off the water and you can literally fish from your campsite. These spots fill up quickly during summer weekends, so book ahead if you're planning a July or August visit. The south shore parks tend to be quieter with better sunset views, perfect for evening campfires.

Boondockers should explore the Chippewa County Forest lands east of town, where dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 days. These spots require self-sufficiency but offer true solitude among towering pines. Always check current fire restrictions before heading out, as dry conditions can close these areas during summer.

The Red Cedar State Trail connects directly to several campgrounds, making it easy to bike into town for breakfast at the Norske Nook or supplies at Fleet Farm. Early morning walks along the trail often yield wildlife sightings – deer, wild turkeys, and occasionally black bears. Keep food secured and trash properly stored, especially at more remote sites.

For dining beyond the famous Norske Nook, try Lehman's Supper Club for classic Wisconsin fish fry on Fridays, or grab fresh walleye at Turtleback Golf Course restaurant. The farmers market downtown on Saturday mornings offers local produce and crafts. Pet owners will appreciate the large off-leash dog park near the municipal airport, plus numerous hiking trails where leashed dogs are welcome.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Rice Lake

What are the best RV campgrounds in Rice Lake?

The lakefront parks on Rice Lake's north shore offer the premium experience with direct water access and fishing opportunities. These facilities typically provide full hookups, boat launches, and fish cleaning stations. For a more budget-friendly option, the county parks south of town still offer lake access but at lower nightly rates.

Is there free RV camping near Rice Lake?

Free camping options are extremely limited in the immediate Rice Lake area, with most established campgrounds charging fees. However, dispersed camping is permitted in the Chippewa County Forest lands east of town for up to 14 days. These spots require complete self-sufficiency including water, waste disposal, and power generation.

What is the best time of year to camp in Rice Lake?

Late spring through early fall offers the best camping weather, with May through September being peak season. Fishing enthusiasts should target the opener in mid-May or fall months for excellent walleye action. Summer brings the warmest weather but also the largest crowds, especially during festival weekends.

Are there full hookup RV parks in Rice Lake?

Yes, most of the established RV parks around Rice Lake offer full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Many also provide 50-amp service for larger rigs, cable TV, and WiFi. The lakefront resorts typically offer the most comprehensive amenities including pools, recreation rooms, and boat rentals.

Can I boondock near Rice Lake?

Boondocking opportunities exist in the surrounding county forest lands, particularly east of town in the Chippewa County Forest system. These areas allow dispersed camping for up to two weeks but provide no facilities whatsoever. You'll need to bring all water, manage your own waste, and generate your own power for a true off-grid experience.

What outdoor activities are available from Rice Lake campgrounds?

Rice Lake offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass, with many campgrounds providing boat launches and fish cleaning stations. The Red Cedar State Trail system offers miles of paved biking and walking paths directly accessible from several campgrounds. Hiking, swimming, kayaking, and wildlife watching round out the outdoor recreation options.