Grant River
4.44346 reviewsGrant River Recreation Area, 3990 Park Lane, Potosi, WI, 53820
Grant River
$14.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates are $26 per night for standard electric sites, $14 for tent-only non-electric sites, and $25 for group picnic areas. Fees exclude taxes, discounts, or additional charges.
About this campground
Perched along the mighty Mississippi River in southwest Wisconsin, Grant River Campground welcomes adventurers to the heart of the state's renowned 'Catfish Capital.' Here, modern comfort meets riverside serenity, where hot showers await after a day of exploration, fresh drinking water flows freely, and well-maintained facilities ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable. Families gather at the playground while the aroma of grilling fills the air from picnic shelters, creating a perfect basecamp for your Mississippi River adventure.
Grant River Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and group picnicking. It provides sites with and without electricity.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living piece of American heritage where the historic town of Potosi beckons just moments away. The legendary Potosi Brewing Company stands as a testament to Wisconsin's brewing tradition, offering tours and tastings that tell the story of river commerce and community spirit. Your journey here follows the iconic Great River Road Scenic Byway, a storied route that has carried travelers, traders, and dreamers along America's greatest waterway for generations.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground comes alive from May through October, when warm breezes carry the songs of river birds and the Mississippi sparkles under the summer sun. Mother Nature occasionally flexes her muscles with dramatic rainstorms that sweep across the river valley, bringing fresh, clean air in their wake. The dynamic weather patterns create ever-changing skies that photographers dream about, though wise campers keep an eye on water levels during the wetter months when the mighty Mississippi reminds everyone of its power.
ElevationThe campground rests at river level, where the gentle slope of the land meets the Mississippi's endless flow, creating an intimate connection between campers and this legendary waterway.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape painted by nature's finest brushstrokes, where majestic limestone bluffs rise like ancient sentinels above the Mississippi's winding path. The campground's riverside setting reveals a tapestry of wetland marshes teeming with wildlife, while eagles soar overhead against a backdrop of forested bluffs. As day surrenders to night, the western sky erupts in colors that reflect off the river's surface, creating sunset spectacles that leave visitors reaching for their cameras and searching for words to capture the magic.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic driftless region of the Upper Mississippi River Valley, Grant River Campground occupies a remarkable geological wonderland. This unglaciated landscape showcases nature's raw artistry through towering limestone bluffs carved by millennia of river flow, interspersed with verdant wetlands and backwater sloughs. The Mississippi has sculpted this corner of southwest Wisconsin into a diverse ecosystem where prairie meets forest, and where the ancient river continues its timeless journey to the sea.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible drinking water, parking, picnic shelters, and showers. Concrete pads at campsites also enhance accessibility.
Sites SizeMost sites feature concrete pads and are described as spacious and well-maintained. Some sites may feel crowded due to their proximity.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between sites is limited, as noted in several user reviews. Campsites are described as fairly close together.
Total Campsites73 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRiverfront sites are recommended for scenic views and sunsets, but campers should be prepared for potential noise from trains.
Best CampsitesSites with river views are highly sought after and include spots like 50, 51, and 53.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of six persons per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spread across two loops, offering both electric and tent-only non-electric sites. Concrete pads are available for RVs.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens May 1 and closes October 25 for reservations, with an out-of-season period from October 26 to April 30 during which reservations are unavailable.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, mobile apps, or by contacting the campground directly.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability is noted; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the check-in date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties (e.g., forfeiting the first night's fee).
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Grant River Campground provides a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, birding, and picnicking. It is located near the Mississippi River, which allows for direct water access.
Fishing
Fishing is highly popular here, with species such as channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, crappie, northern pike, and bass commonly caught. The spring season is particularly recommended for good fishing before aquatic vegetation grows.Biking
Biking is noted as a popular activity by users, with nearby towns providing additional biking routes.Boating
The campground includes a boat ramp, though users noted challenges with launching larger boats due to low water levels and aquatic vegetation.Wildlife viewing
Birdwatching is particularly popular, with sightings of eagles and pelicans. The surrounding marshy area is noted for its rich bird population.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs and local attractions include the nearby Potosi Brewing Company and Museum, National Mississippi River Museum, and Lock and Dam 11.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Minimal water sports options are reported, mostly limited to kayaking and shallow-draft boating.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits. Visitors are encouraged to purchase local firewood to minimize the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include noise pollution from nearby train tracks, which operate day and night. Seasonal flooding has also been reported.
Active alertsNo current alerts are noted.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 75%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The closest emergency services are in Potosi, WI, which is about 2 miles away. For more critical needs, Dubuque, IA (approximately 20 miles away) offers hospitals and comprehensive emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - October 25
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but user reviews indicate occasional issues with overflowing garbage and flies.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated directly on the Mississippi River, providing access to boat ramps and fishing spots.
Common complaintsNoise from nearby train tracks is a recurring complaint, as well as occasional issues with campground hosts and maintenance (e.g., overflowing garbage).
HostThe campground host has received mixed reviews, ranging from 'helpful and friendly' to 'rude and unhelpful.'
Campground Map
Grant River Recreation Area, 3990 Park Lane, Potosi, WI, 53820
Driving directionsFrom WI-133, turn east on River Lane (two miles south of Potosi) and follow the directional signs approximately two miles to the campground. From US-61/WI-35, turn south on River Lane and follow directional signs to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but reviewers noted that the route from WI-133 and River Lane can be narrow and challenging for large vehicles. Seasonal weather conditions appear not to affect road access significantly.Nearby places
Potosi, WI - 2 miles (approx. 5 minutes)
Dubuque, IA - 19 miles (approx. 25 minutes)
Galena, IL - 28 miles (approx. 35 minutes)
Cassville, WI - 20 miles (approx. 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Potosi (2 miles away), while Dubuque (19 miles away) provides larger shopping options and specialty stores.
Camper Reviews
4.4
346 reviews
Grant River is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Grant River Campground has a mix of positive and negative reviews. Many users praise its scenic location next to the Mississippi River, accessibility, and general cleanliness. Trains passing frequently nearby are a major recurring complaint.
Review Summaries
Based on 346 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes clean facilities, well-maintained campsites, scenic views of the Mississippi River, and friendly staff. Users also appreciate the accessibility features and proximity to...
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Common Concerns
Common complaints revolve around train noise, which is described as loud and disruptive, particularly at night. Other issues include inconsistent water temperature in showers, limited privacy between...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring earplugs to manage train noise, especially at night. Choose sites farther from the railroad tracks for reduced noise. Early check-ins may help ensure better site selection.
Based on 346 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and early summer are recommended for fishing. Late summer sees challenges with aquatic vegetation for boating. Train noise is consistent year-round.
Based on 346 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The sunsets over the Mississippi River were breathtaking." "The trains were loud and ran all night, making sleep difficult." "Facilities were clean, but showers were cold and lacked water pressure."...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Certain sites, such as 27 and 29, are noted for erratic power supply, while others like 32 and 50 receive praise for their scenic views and spacious concrete pads. Users suggest avoiding sites near...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are generally praised, including concrete pads and accessible toilets. No reviews from users with disabilities specifically mention challenges.
Based on 346 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a six-foot leash. A few reviews mention interactions with pets and the rangers enforcing rules.
Based on 346 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025