Camp New Wood County Campground

🏞️ Introduction / Overview of Camp New Wood County Campground

For Wisconsin residents seeking a blend of historic charm and serene riverfront recreation, Camp New Wood County Campground offers a unique and appealing destination. Located just northwest of Merrill, this small, county-managed park is not only situated along the scenic Wisconsin River but also occupies the former site of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp active in the 1930s, lending a palpable sense of history to the area.

Camp New Wood is designed to be a quiet, family-friendly retreat, differentiating itself from larger, often louder, commercial campgrounds. It is a compact facility, spanning approximately 16 acres, and focuses heavily on providing excellent river access and day-use amenities. It features only a small number of campsites (historically 7 sites), ensuring a low-density, peaceful atmosphere. Recently, a significant upgrade brought electrical service to the campsites, offering modern convenience while retaining the park's rustic appeal.

Whether you are looking to launch a canoe, fish the river, or simply enjoy a picnic next to the water, Camp New Wood provides a beautiful, accessible setting praised by locals for its peaceful, natural beauty.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility for Wisconsin Users

Camp New Wood County Campground is conveniently located for Central and Northcentral Wisconsin residents, providing an easy drive to an immediate river setting.

• Highway Location (Address: N 4715 WI-107, Merrill, WI 54452, USA): The park is situated approximately 10 miles northwest of Merrill directly on State Highway 107, making it very easy to find and access, even with a larger RV or trailer.
• Riverfront Positioning: The park is built along the picturesque Wisconsin River, with several amenities positioned right against the riverbank, providing excellent views and immediate water access.
• Proximity to Urban Centers: It is located within a manageable driving distance of major Central Wisconsin population centers like Wausau (approximately 20-30 miles away) and Tomahawk, allowing for easy weekend trips.
• Land Management: The park is part of the Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks system, ensuring it is well-maintained and managed for public recreational use.

💧 Services Offered

While still considered rustic, Camp New Wood has recently upgraded its services, offering a significant improvement for campers needing power.

• Campsites (7 Total): A small, intimate collection of sites is available. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Electrical Hookups (NEW!): Electricity is now available at the campsites. Sites 1-5 offer up to 50 AMP service, and sites 6 & 7 offer up to 30 AMP service, making the campground accessible to a wider range of RVs and trailers.
• Water: Potable drinking water is available on-site via a water pump (or bubbler, as one visitor noted).
• Sanitation: Outhouse-style restrooms (pit or vault toilets) are provided. Showers are typically not available at this rustic county park.
• Sanitary Dump Station: There is no dump station directly on-site. However, Lincoln County provides information on nearby facilities in Merrill and Tomahawk for RV waste disposal (fees may apply).
• Reservations: The county has transitioned to an online reservation system, though sites may also be reserved upon arrival if available. The current fee for sites with electric hook-ups is $35.00/night.
• Firewood: The county sometimes provides a supply of cut and split firewood in a shelter for campers to use, though campers are advised not to bring wood from more than 10 miles away to prevent the spread of invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer.

🏞️ Features / Highlights

The highlights of Camp New Wood focus on its family amenities, river access, and connection to Wisconsin’s extensive trail network.

• Wisconsin River Access: A dedicated boat landing is available, providing easy access to the river for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The Wisconsin River is noted for its fishing opportunities, including Musky, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT): The Scenic Wisconsin River Segment of the Ice Age Trail passes directly through the park, offering immediate access to miles of hiking and nature exploration.
• Day-Use Amenities: The park features a welcoming picnic area, several grills right up against the river, and two covered pavilions with plenty of picnic tables (reservable for groups), making it an excellent spot for family gatherings and day trips.
• Family Fun: A well-equipped playground for the kids is available, a feature explicitly praised by customer reviews for engaging younger visitors.
• Historic Significance: The site's history as a CCC camp adds a unique educational and historical element to the park, appealing to those interested in the history of the Great Depression and conservation efforts in Wisconsin.

📞 Contact Information

For the most current information, reservations, and fee structures, Wisconsin users should contact the Lincoln County Parks and Forestry Department.

Phone: (715) 539-1034

Mobile Phone: +1 715-539-1034

Address: N 4715 WI-107, Merrill, WI 54452, USA

Online Reservations: Visit the Lincoln County Parks website for the dedicated online reservation link.

⭐ What is Worth Choosing at Camp New Wood County Campground

For the Wisconsin camper, Camp New Wood County Campground is the ideal choice when you need the convenience of electrical hookups combined with the intimate, quiet atmosphere of a small county park. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons:

First, the unbeatable river access—with a boat launch and grills situated right on the Wisconsin River—makes it a perfect base camp for anglers and paddlers exploring the river system.

Second, the recent addition of 30/50 AMP electrical service on a limited number of sites allows RV campers to enjoy the scenic, secluded beauty without sacrificing power, which is a rare blend for such a small, non-State Park facility.

Finally, its direct link to the Ice Age Trail and excellent family amenities (playground, pavilions, grills) make it a highly versatile and welcoming destination for a quiet family getaway or a memorable day-use event near Merrill.