Pine View Campground

Pine View Campground, prominently located within Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, is a distinguished destination within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, offering an extensive range of services and recreational opportunities. This introduction provides a detailed and objective overview of the campground, encompassing its environment, services, features, and available promotional information, drawing from various online sources to present a comprehensive picture for local users.

The environment at Pine View Campground is a significant aspect of its appeal, providing a diverse and engaging natural setting. Nestled in a wooded area, approximately a quarter mile west of Fort McCoy's cantonment area, the campground is strategically bounded by Suukjak Sep Lake to the east and the La Crosse River to the west and south. This unique geographical positioning offers campers a blend of lakeside tranquility, river access, and the serene backdrop of mature trees. The landscape is meticulously maintained, balancing natural aesthetics with practical camping infrastructure. The presence of Suukjak Sep Lake creates a central hub for water-based activities, offering a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing, and providing opportunities for fishing and boating. The surrounding woodlands contribute to a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those seeking to escape urban hustle and bustle. The air is typically fresh, and the natural sounds of the forest and lake enhance the feeling of being immersed in nature. The campground's layout often features camping circles, designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural contours of the land, while offering a sense of community among campers. The environment also adapts seasonally; while lush and vibrant in warmer months, it transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland, especially with its proximity to Whitetail Ridge Ski Area, highlighting its four-season appeal.

As a robust offering within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, Pine View Campground provides a wide array of services and goods to cater to various camping preferences. For RV campers, the facility boasts 176 campsites, with 138 designated for recreational vehicles and trailers. Of these, 121 sites offer full hookups, including water, sewer, electricity (30-amp and 50-amp service), and even cable TV, providing a high level of convenience. Additional RV sites feature water and electric hookups or are non-electric. For tent campers, 38 dedicated non-electric tent sites are available, often providing a more traditional, rustic camping experience. Each campsite, regardless of type, is typically equipped with a fire pit and a picnic table. Beyond individual sites, Pine View Campground ensures a comfortable stay with comprehensive communal facilities. These include modern comfort stations featuring hot showers and flush toilets, which are consistently reported as clean and well-maintained. Laundry facilities are on-site, a vital service for extended stays. An LP (propane) fill station is also available, ensuring RVers can keep their tanks full. A well-stocked camp store serves as a convenient hub, offering basic necessities, camping supplies, snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. Importantly, the campground office at Pine View also sells Wisconsin fishing and hunting licenses, as well as Fort McCoy fishing permits, streamlining the process for those looking to engage in outdoor sports. Recreational equipment checkout is another key service, allowing guests to rent various gear, from boats to bikes. For larger groups, picnic shelters with grills and picnic tables are available for rent, complementing the general picnic areas.

The features of Pine View Campground are extensive and cater to a broad spectrum of interests, solidifying its reputation as a premier recreational area. The centerpiece for many is Suukjak Sep Lake, which provides opportunities for swimming at its sandy beach, fishing (stocked annually with rainbow trout, and home to largemouth bass and panfish), and non-motorized boating, with paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards available for rent. Land-based recreation is equally diverse. The campground offers an 18-hole miniature golf course and a 9-hole disc golf course. Various sports courts are available, including basketball and volleyball courts, along with areas for horseshoes, shuffleboard, bean bag toss, and ladder golf. For those who enjoy exploring on foot or by bike, Pine View features extensive hiking trails, including a trail to Trout Falls, and biking trails. Bicycle rentals, including mountain bikes and fat-tire bikes, are available. The recreation area is particularly notable for its four-season activities, thanks to the adjacent Whitetail Ridge Ski Area. During winter months, this area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding on three slopes, with equipment rental and instruction available. A thrilling tubing area with a Magic Carpet conveyor lift is also a major draw. Additionally, groomed trails are available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For a unique experience, Tactics Paintball and Gel Ball are also located at Whitetail Ridge. Children are well-catered for with multiple playgrounds throughout the grounds. For pet owners, a dog park is also a welcomed feature. The provision of accessible fishing docks and accessible picnic and playground areas highlights the campground's commitment to inclusivity. The constant availability of varied activities means that visitors can easily find something to enjoy, regardless of the season or their preferred activity level.

Regarding promotional information, Pine View Campground at Fort McCoy offers various incentives and pricing structures to attract a wide range of visitors. As a military recreation facility, it provides discounted rates for military personnel and Department of Defense (DoD) affiliates, a significant promotional aspect. However, it is also open to the public, with slightly higher but still competitive rates. Reviews indicate a clear distinction in pricing between military/DoD and public rates, with daily and monthly schedules available. For example, some non-electric sites might be $20 for military/DoD and $25 for the public, while full hookup sites could range from $45 to $105 for military/DoD, and $55 to $115 for the public, depending on the camper size. Specific promotions include deals like "Stay Friday & Saturday Night - Get Sunday Night Free" for campsites, encouraging longer stays. They also offer rentals of A-Liner, 22', 26', and 29' campers, including pet-friendly options with a cleaning fee, catering to those who prefer not to bring their own RV. Hourly rentals for recreational equipment such as paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and bikes are also available at affordable rates for both military/DoD and the public. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made up to two years in advance, with a 50% deposit required. The campground also promotes its amenities and seasonal activities through its official Fort McCoy MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) website, which serves as a central hub for detailed information on hours, costs, and restrictions. Potential visitors are always advised to consult this official source for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing and promotional offers. The ability to book online or via phone (608-388-3517 or toll-free 800-531-4703) further facilitates planning a visit to this comprehensive recreational destination.