would like suggestions for vacations within approx a 6-7 hr drive of Madison.

I have been all over Michigan's UP and love it, but I am looking for something New. Camping is preferred, since I am on a budget. The budget is also why I am only looking for something within a limited distance, since gas is over $3.

I like to stay at a place for a few nights see the area then travel to somewhere else. I prefer primitive areas for tents (not backpack though) rather than big commercial RV type places.

Thanks for any suggestions. If you have a really great suggestion, but it is a little farther away I would still love to hear it.

I would like to keep this vacation for 2 under $1000 including gas. I know it probably won't be possible but that is my goal for the initial planning stage.



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Sorry, I was trying to post this in the Wisconsin topic, not generel US, but it didn't go there.

There isn't a Wisconsin page, only one page for ALL US posts.

Also I'd suggest checking some of the sites for camping like the ACA. They list camping sites, activites, sites to see, site amenities and of course rates.

Have a fun time.

My suggestion would be the western part of Wisconsin - heading to La Crosse, maybe Wyalusing State Park. You can find a site www.wigreatriverroad.com that will also take you along the Mississipi throughout your trip. Of you can head across the river to Iowa for Pikes Peak State Park for camping and great views. Or head south to Galena, Illinois for history and more rolling hills. This would be a 2-3 hour trip from Madison. If you like to canoe, you can pack your canoe with camping supplies for an overnight trip on the Wisconsin River (Sauk City/Spring Green, Wisconsin area). A number of firms will shuttle you while your car stays safely parked.

If you have been to LaCrosse area (north & south), how about heading to the northwoods like Minocqua, Tomahawk area. Or Crivitz area has some lovely camping sights as well.

I wish I could provide more campground info, but we have been doing more "hotel" traveling in recent years while we bike the State of Wisconsin. I think by starting in LaCrosse near the river, you can find a number of destinations in Iowa, Illinois & Minnesota within your budget and timeframe.

One more addition n choosing camping spots. In Wisconsin, we have found beautiful "county" parks that are reasonable and don't require reservations. Once you pick an area in Wisconsin, see if you can find some county park options...particularly if you are unable to get into the State Parks.

Maybe the it is time to re-visit Western/N-west WI again. Have a Bro In Law who lives in Arcadia and it's always nice to see him for a day.

N Wis may be a possibility if I can find a lake with an inexpensive cabin to go fishing. Minocqua and that area is getting pretty pricy, would have to go up to Slinger or Hawyard.

Good Suggestions. Will look around the ACA too. Thx

josie23,
Have you been to the Bayfield area? We always enjoyed the drive around that area - Wasburn, Bayfield, Cornacopia, Port Wing, etc. Otherwise the Hayward area is also fun - La Court Orelles, Stone Lake, Hayward. If you have kids the Hayward KOA is awesome! My daughter and her family go there every year for a vacation. All kinds of stuff for the kids - outdoor movies, ice cream stand, pool & waterpark, mini golf, hayrides, playground etc. I believe they have a website. If you can't find it let me know. Pam

Oops, I see you said for 2 people.
Disregard the info for kids

The Turtle Flambeau Flowage near Mercer has remote island camping for free. Outstanding experience but it does require a boat to get there. I did this with my 2 sons in a 14ft/15hp boat so you don't need a big one.

How about the Boundry Water Canoe Area (BWCA). Canoes can be rented at put in points of Minnesota.

The county parks of Vilas and Oneida county are pretty attractive and reasonable. Try Crystal Muskie, Firefly, Clear Lake and others in the area.

I'll second Clear Lake in Oneida County.
I also think Copper Falls State Park near Mellon is beautiful with nice short hikes - especially in the autumn. No lake though.

I just returned Sunday night from camping cabin-style at Camp Nawakwa in Lac du Flambeau, near Minocqua. I highly recommend it. They still have a few cabins available for summer. Prices aren't bad, either, especially for what you get.

I've also camped numerous times at Wyalusing State Park. The campground is on a bluff overlooking the Wisconsin and Mississippi River valleys. You can actually see the confluence of these two rivers from some of the campsites.
We've taken canoes from the small launch site in the park into the sloughs of the Mississippi that edge the park. With another car you can put in canoes at the first and/or second Wisconsin River bridge upstream of the confluence, canoe down into the Mississippi and work your way back through the sloughs to the boat ramp inside the park.
Also, check out Wildcat Mountain State Park in the driftless area near Viroqua and LaCrosse. Again, no lake - but with a canoe and two cars you can do the Kickapoo River which runs partially through the park and is a really nice float with numerous put-ins and take-outs along most of it's length (generally at highway bridges that cross the river).
Don't forget Devils Lake State Park and Mirror Lake State Park (both within an hour of Madison, and both with boat launches).

I'm sorry.
Somehow I got the impression that you had a boat - but after re-reading your posts I find no reference to it.
My bad.

Try the State Tourist office..If you haven't been there, The Dells!

Thanks for all the great advice.

I haven't been up to the Bayfield area and will check that out. Also the cabins in the Mercer area & Lac du Flambeau.

I have to agree that copper falls is wonderful. But they are usually full-up all summer.

I don't have a boat. But could possibly borrow a canoe if I decide to go that route.

I get to to Devil's lake about every other weekend for a day trip/picnic and agree its great.

I will check out the WI tourist website.

Every few years we end up at the Dells with DH family for a day. It just reminds us that it is not for us.

It has been years since I have done this but we really liked the Brule River. Do you canoe? We used the rental service. http://www.brulerivercanoerental.com/ When we last went there were primitive campsites along the river.
Just be sure to get out before the rapids get really big!
You could take a two or three day trip and still have time to do Bayfield and camp on the Apostle Islands.

Clear Lake is in the American Legion State Forest in Oneida County just off Hwy 47 between the towns of Lake Tomahawk and Woodruff.

There are also some nice Nat'l Forest campgrounds in the Nicolet Nat'l Forest just east of Eagle River at Kentuck Lake, Franklin Lake, Sevenmile Lake (just west of Butternut Lake), and Luna Lake (just east of Butternut Lake).

Try Langlade County. There are ounty campgrounds as well as state and federal ones. The Wolf River has miles of canoe water form mild to wild. September fishing is usually good. Search 'Langlade County'.