Council Grounds State Park Group Campground

Introduction / Overview

If you and your friends, family, or organization are looking for an exceptional place to gather and connect with the great Wisconsin outdoors, the Council Grounds State Park Group Campground near Merrill, Wisconsin, is a premier destination. Nestled along the picturesque Wisconsin River, this state park is steeped in natural beauty and rich local history, with the grounds reportedly serving as a site for Native American council meetings long ago. It offers a stunning blend of tranquil Northwoods scenery and convenient recreational access, making it a favorite for water enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape from the everyday.

This location is particularly well-suited for larger parties, offering dedicated group campsites designed to accommodate bigger gatherings, complete with essential amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Whether you are planning a multi-family trip, a youth group outing, or an annual reunion, Council Grounds provides the perfect backdrop for making lasting memories right here in Central Wisconsin.

One local visitor noted, “The changing leaves were incredible in October,” while another praised the “spacious, wooded sites that provide plenty of shade,” highlighting the park’s appeal across the seasons. The peaceful, quiet atmosphere—a hallmark of the Wisconsin State Park System—is consistently appreciated by campers.

Location and Accessibility

The Council Grounds State Park Group Campground is situated in Merrill, a charming community in Lincoln County, Wisconsin. Its central location makes it readily accessible for residents throughout the state and the wider Midwest region, serving as an ideal mid-point meeting spot.

The park’s defining feature is its location directly on the banks of the Wisconsin River, which here forms the beautiful Lake Alexander due to a dam. The park is conveniently located just a short drive from the city of Merrill, meaning you’re never far from essential services or local shops, yet you feel completely immersed in the peaceful Northwoods environment once you’ve arrived at your campsite.

Accessing the park is straightforward, typically involving a short journey off major local routes. Once inside, the park road provides easy access to the family campground, group camping area, beach, and boat landing. The proximity to Merrill ensures that any emergency or last-minute supply run is quick and hassle-free, maximizing your time enjoying nature rather than driving.

Services Offered

• Dedicated Group Campsites: Three outdoor sites (A, B, and C) specifically designed for large parties, with sites A and B accommodating up to 32 people and 3 wheeled campers each, and Site C accommodating up to 22 people and 1 wheeled camper.
• Electrical Hookups: All group campsites offer electricity, a significant convenience for modern group camping needs. Note: Wisconsin State Parks do not allow generators, so securing an electric site is key if power is required.
• Potable Water: Drinking water fountains and a sanitary dump station with potable water are available within the group campground or the nearby family campground area (availability can be seasonal, especially in early spring or late fall).
• Restroom Facilities: The group campground features vault toilets. Clean, free showers and flush toilets are also available for use within the heavily wooded family campground area.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A dedicated station in the family campground is available for RV and trailer tank emptying and filling, which group campers can also utilize.
• Recreational Rentals: The park often offers rentals for water activities, such as kayaks and paddleboards, providing an easy way for your group to get out on the water without having to transport your own equipment.
• Firewood: Firewood is often conveniently sold near the entrance or welcome station, ensuring your group can enjoy a cozy campfire in the provided fire rings.

Features / Highlights

• Wisconsin River and Lake Alexander Access: Enjoy fantastic water recreation opportunities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park features a boat launch for easy access to the lake and river.
• Sandy Swimming Beach: A 217-foot beach is available on Lake Alexander, providing a great spot for swimming, cooling off, and sunbathing during the warm Wisconsin summers.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Explore several miles of wooded trails that feature varying terrain, including the nearly one-mile Big Pines Nature Trail. Trails offer stunning river views, and some connect to the broader Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
• Accessible Fishing Pier: An accessible fishing pier is available near the beach and boat landing, ensuring everyone in your group can participate in the popular Wisconsin pastime of fishing for species like Northern Pike, Walleye, and Bass.
• Picnic Amenities: Each group site comes equipped with multiple picnic tables, a fire ring, and a grill, facilitating group meals and shared outdoor experiences.
• Peaceful Wooded Atmosphere: While the group sites can be more open than the family sites, the overall park is heavily wooded with tall trees, providing shade and a quiet, peaceful ambiance away from city noise.

Contact Information

For reservations and the most up-to-date information regarding fees, seasonal closures, and operating hours, please consult the Wisconsin DNR State Park System website or contact the park directly. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for group sites, and can often be made up to 11 months in advance of your visit.

Address: Merrill, WI 54452, USA (The physical park entrance is at N1895 Council Grounds Dr, Merrill, WI 54452)

Phone: 715-536-8773 (Council Grounds State Park Office)

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing the Council Grounds State Park Group Campground is choosing a uniquely memorable Wisconsin experience, especially for groups. What truly sets this location apart is the combination of dedicated, electrified group facilities and its prime riverside location.

For group organizers, the certainty of having spacious sites (like the 32-person capacity sites A and B) with electric service is a major benefit for logistics and comfort. The availability of clean, modern vault toilets in the group area, plus the added bonus of nearby free showers in the family campground, addresses the practical concerns of a large group staying outdoors.

The natural environment here is another powerful draw. As one visitor mentioned, the camping experience features “Tall trees, peaceful, quiet,” making it a truly restful place. The direct access to the Wisconsin River and Lake Alexander—offering everything from gentle paddling to a sandy beach—means no one in your group will be bored. Whether your group is interested in a challenging hike along a scenic trail, a day of fishing from the accessible pier, or simply relaxing around a campfire under the stars, this Wisconsin State Park has it covered. The beautiful scenery, from the wooded trails to the incredible fall colors witnessed by visitors in October, ensures a stunning backdrop for any group adventure or retreat.

For a seamless blend of outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and group-friendly amenities in the heart of the Badger State, Council Grounds State Park Group Campground is a choice that consistently delivers for local Wisconsin users.