Group Campground

Hello, Wisconsin outdoor adventurers! Are you looking to gather your friends, family, or youth group for an unforgettable camping experience right here in our beautiful state? Then the Group Campground at Yellowstone Lake State Park, nestled in Blanchardville, Wisconsin, might be exactly what you've been searching for. This fantastic state park offers a dedicated space for larger gatherings, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of nature, engage in a variety of outdoor activities, and create lasting memories with your crew. While it's known for its peaceful atmosphere and good spots, it's a state park facility, so understanding its unique quirks is key to a perfect trip. Let's explore what makes the Group Campground at Yellowstone Lake State Park a superb choice for your next Wisconsin adventure.

The Group Campground is located within Yellowstone Lake State Park at 7900 N Lake Rd, Blanchardville, WI 53516, USA. This prime location in southwestern Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Area offers a tranquil escape, yet remains accessible for groups coming from various parts of the state. Yellowstone Lake State Park itself encompasses 1,000 acres, with an additional 455-acre lake, providing ample space for diverse recreational opportunities.

While driving to the campground, it's worth noting that the approach can be along a "long winding road," and you won't pass a central office directly when heading into the specific group camping area. This can make initial navigation "a bit confusing" for first-time visitors. However, the serene, quiet atmosphere once you arrive is often praised, making the journey worthwhile. The park is well-signposted once you're on the main park roads, and using a GPS or having a map downloaded beforehand can help smooth your arrival. Its proximity to Yellowstone Lake means that fishing, swimming, and boating are just a short distance from your campsite, enhancing its accessibility for water-based activities.

The Group Campground at Yellowstone Lake State Park provides a range of essential services and amenities, primarily geared towards accommodating larger parties and ensuring a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping experience:

• Dedicated Group Sites: The park features five reservable, tent-only group sites. Three of these sites offer electrical hookups, a significant convenience for group cooking or charging devices. While most sites accommodate up to 30 individuals, one larger site (Site 204) can host up to 50 individuals, making it ideal for bigger gatherings. There is also a walk-in group site (Site 206) for those seeking a more secluded, vehicle-free experience.

• Basic Site Amenities: Each group campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for shared meals and evening campfires. These are standard for state park primitive camping.

• Flush Toilets and Showers: The campground offers accessible flush toilets and showers within the main family campground area, which are generally noted as being fairly clean, with warm water and good pressure, and private, lockable stalls.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at designated spigots within the campground area. It's always a good idea to confirm spigot locations upon arrival, as their exact placement can vary or be in a central area.

• Dump Station: A dump station is available for RVs and trailers, typically located near the park entrance or main campground area.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is often available for purchase at the park office or concession stand during operating hours, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, it's crucial to note that availability can be a challenge, with some past visitors reporting no available firewood within a significant radius and locked park wood storage, so it's advisable to call ahead or bring your own if permitted and if you prefer local wood.

• Concession Stand and Boat Rentals: Located at the east end of Yellowstone Lake, these services are available during summer months, offering convenience for food and water activities.

• Recycling and Garbage Containers: Available at designated points for proper waste disposal.

While the amenities are geared towards functionality rather than luxury, they provide the necessary infrastructure for a successful group camping trip within a beautiful natural setting.

The Group Campground at Yellowstone Lake State Park, and the park itself, boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Wisconsin locals:

• Picturesque Lake and Water Activities: Yellowstone Lake is a significant draw, offering 455 acres for swimming at a sandy beach, fishing for various species including bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, northern pike, and muskellunge, and boating with two boat landings and a canoe launch. This makes it an ideal spot for groups who love water-based recreation.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being a state park, the campground is often described as "nice quiet campground" with "good spots." The natural separation by greenery between sites contributes to a tranquil environment, allowing groups to enjoy their time together without excessive noise or disturbance.

• Extensive Outdoor Recreation: Beyond the lake, the park offers hiking trails, a significant 4,000-acre Yellowstone Wildlife Area adjacent to the park with additional recreation opportunities including horse trails and a shooting range. In winter, the park is open for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, making it a year-round destination.

• Variety of Group Sites: The availability of five group sites, including options with electricity and one large enough for 50 people, provides flexibility for different group sizes and needs. The walk-in site offers a more primitive, secluded experience for adventurous groups.

• Family-Friendly Environment: With a swimming beach, picnic areas, and playgrounds, the park is well-suited for families with children, making it an excellent choice for family reunions or youth group outings.

• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystems within the park and adjacent wildlife area provide opportunities to observe local fauna, adding to the natural immersion.

While a past review mentioned issues with firewood availability and a park ranger's headlights, these appear to be isolated incidents or potential communication issues rather than systemic problems. The core features of the park—its beautiful lake, extensive recreational opportunities, and dedication to group camping—remain strong attractions.

As a Wisconsin State Park facility, Group Campground operates under the Wisconsin DNR's fee structure rather than offering commercial "promotions or special offers." However, there are ways for Wisconsin residents to maximize their value when utilizing state park resources:

• Wisconsin State Park Vehicle Admission Sticker: This is arguably the best "deal" for frequent park visitors. For Wisconsin residents, an annual vehicle admission sticker costs $28 (as of the current information, subject to change) and provides unlimited access to all Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Recreation Areas for a full year. Daily passes are also available, but the annual pass offers significant savings if you plan to visit multiple times or explore other state parks throughout the year.

• Camping Fees: Group campsite fees vary based on amenities (e.g., electric hookups) and group size. It's always best to check the Wisconsin DNR website directly for the most current rates, as these can be adjusted seasonally or annually. There is a non-refundable reservation fee (typically around $7.95-$9.70) charged in addition to camping fees, which is important to factor into your budget.

• Trail Passes: While not specifically mentioned for Yellowstone Lake, if any maintained bike or other recreational trails within the park require a separate state trail pass, Wisconsin residents can often purchase an annual pass for a lower rate than daily passes, offering further savings for regular users.

While you won't find coupon codes or seasonal sales, the value provided by the state park system through its affordable annual passes makes a trip to Yellowstone Lake State Park's Group Campground an excellent investment for local outdoor enthusiasts. It encourages broader exploration of Wisconsin's natural treasures throughout the year. Always consult the official Wisconsin DNR website for the most up-to-date information on fees and reservation policies.

To plan your group's adventure at Yellowstone Lake State Park's Group Campground, here's the essential contact information:

• Phone: (608) 523-4427

• Mobile Phone: +1 608-523-4427 (This appears to be the same main park phone number, reinforcing it as the primary contact for Yellowstone Lake State Park.)

• Address: 7900 N Lake Rd, Blanchardville, WI 53516, USA

For specific inquiries about group site availability, current conditions, or detailed park information, calling the park directly at the provided number is recommended. Given the nature of state park reservations, it's highly advisable to utilize the Wisconsin DNR's online reservation system (often found via the DNR website or a search for "Wisconsin State Parks camping reservations") to book your group campsite well in advance, especially for popular dates. Group sites, due to their limited number and specific capacity, tend to fill up quickly. While the initial drive in might seem a bit confusing with no immediate office, rest assured the park is managed by the Wisconsin DNR, and thorough instructions or maps can often be found on their official site. Always check for any specific rules regarding group camping, quiet hours, and firewood policies before your arrival to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your entire group.

For us Wisconsinites, the Group Campground at Yellowstone Lake State Park is an incredibly suitable and appealing destination for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, it offers a dedicated, well-equipped space for larger gatherings right here in our backyard. Whether you're organizing a family reunion, a youth group outing, or just a large friends' trip, having reservable group sites, some with electricity and ample capacity, is a significant advantage that not all campgrounds provide. This caters specifically to our needs for collective outdoor experiences.

Secondly, the park's natural setting around Yellowstone Lake is a fantastic asset. The 455-acre lake provides endless opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, activities that many Wisconsin residents cherish. Beyond the water, the extensive hiking trails and the adjacent Yellowstone Wildlife Area offer diverse terrestrial adventures, ensuring there's something to engage everyone in the group, regardless of their preferred activity level. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere, despite the park's popularity, allows for genuine relaxation and quality time with your group.

Finally, as a Wisconsin State Park, it represents a fantastic value. With affordable annual vehicle admission stickers, we can access not just Yellowstone Lake but countless other state parks throughout the year, making it a sound investment in our local outdoor recreation. While there might be some initial navigation quirks or occasional firewood challenges, these are minor considerations given the overall quality of the experience and the dedicated facilities for group camping. It's a prime example of how our state parks provide incredible, accessible opportunities for us to connect with nature and each other.