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Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground










Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground Overview
Rating
Phone (608) 588-7282
Address 6174 US-14, Arena, WI 53503, USA
Website https://wisconsincanoe.com/
Hours
Monday, 3:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Tuesday, 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Wednesday, 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Thursday, 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Friday, 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Saturday, 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Sunday, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground Location & Map
WisconsinIowa CountyArenaU.S. 14
Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground About
For those of us throughout Wisconsin seeking an authentic outdoor adventure that combines natural beauty with a lively, welcoming atmosphere, Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground in Arena stands out as a premier destination. Nestled along the breathtaking Lower Wisconsin Riverway, this isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant hub where the tranquility of the river meets the fun-loving spirit of a community. Whether you're planning a peaceful family retreat, an exciting river excursion with friends, or simply looking to unwind with good food and live music, Trader's offers a unique Wisconsin experience that draws visitors back year after year. It’s a testament to the dedication of its owners who, as many long-time patrons will tell you, take immense pride in creating the best possible experience for everyone.
Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground provides a distinctive camping experience on the iconic Wisconsin River. As a state-certified campground, it caters to a variety of preferences, offering both traditional tent camping sites and accommodations for RVs and pop-ups. What truly sets Trader's apart is its seamless integration with the lively Trader's Bar & Grill. While the main bar is just a short drive away, the Island Campground itself features a popular Tiki Bar and food trailer, creating a centralized spot for relaxation, refreshments, and entertainment right by your campsite. This unique setup allows campers to enjoy the serene beauty of the river by day and then embrace the social energy of the Tiki Bar, often with live music, as evening falls. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the daily grind while still enjoying a sense of community and fun, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a memorable Wisconsin getaway that’s more than just a typical campground. The reviews consistently highlight the welcoming nature of the owners and their continuous efforts to improve the camping experience over the years, making it a place many return to regularly.
Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground is strategically located at 6174 US-14, Arena, WI 53503, USA. This prime location places it directly on Highway 14, ensuring easy access for travelers from across Wisconsin and beyond. For those of us driving from major urban centers in the state, the campground is remarkably convenient: it's approximately 30 minutes from Madison, about 1.5 hours from Milwaukee, and roughly 3 hours from Chicago. This makes it an ideal spot for a quick weekend escape without the hassle of a lengthy drive. The main Trader's Bar & Grill is found at this address, while the Island Campground and its popular Tiki Bar are situated just a few miles away, closer to the Wisconsin River, offering a perfect balance of accessibility and a secluded, natural environment for camping.
The accessibility of Trader's extends beyond its road connections. Being on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway means direct access to one of the state's most cherished natural resources. The campground is a launchpad for countless river adventures, from leisurely canoe and kayak trips to exhilarating tubing experiences. The convenience of their shuttle service, which picks you up upstream and drops you off with your gear to float back to the campground, takes all the stress out of planning your river outing. This thoughtful service truly enhances the overall accessibility of the Wisconsin River for campers of all experience levels. Whether you're bringing your own gear or utilizing their rentals, getting on the water is made easy, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our state’s incredible river system.
Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground offers a comprehensive range of services designed to make your stay enjoyable and hassle-free:
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State-Certified Camping:
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Electrical Hookups:
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Potable Water Access:
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Restroom Facilities:
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On-Site Tiki Bar & Food Trailer:
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Provisions and Supplies:
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Pizza Delivery:
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Canoe, Kayak, and Tube Rentals with Shuttle Service:
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Pet-Friendly Policy:
These services collectively contribute to a comfortable and engaging camping experience, ensuring that most of your needs are met right on-site.
Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a truly special place for Wisconsin locals:
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Unbeatable Wisconsin River Access:
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Stunning Views:
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Vibrant Tiki Bar with Live Music:
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Convenient Food Options:
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Family-Run Operation with Continuous Improvements:
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Welcoming to All Groups:
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Nearby Attractions:
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ATV/UTV Trails Nearby:
These features combine to create a dynamic and memorable camping experience that caters to a wide range of interests, from serene nature lovers to those seeking lively social engagement.
While Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground may not always advertise explicit "promotions" in the traditional sense, their commitment to providing excellent service and a fantastic experience for their campers is a continuous offering. They aim to accommodate visitors as best as they can, as noted by long-term patrons.
One key aspect to consider is their pricing structure, which is typically around $25 per person/night, with children under 5 years old camping for free in tents. It is always advised to confirm the number of people in your party when making a reservation, as this directly impacts the cost. While specific discounts for extended stays or off-peak seasons are not widely advertised, it is always a good idea to contact them directly to inquire about any current deals or flexibility for group bookings. Weekend reservations are strongly recommended due to the campground's popularity, especially during peak season, ensuring you secure your desired spot. Keeping an eye on their social media or website for any last-minute availability or special announcements is also a good practice for potential deals. The value here comes from the unique combination of river access, entertainment, and the attentive service of a family-run business.
To plan your visit or get more information about Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground, here’s how you can get in touch:
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Address:
6174 US-14, Arena, WI 53503, USA (This is the address for the main Trader's Bar & Grill, with the Island Campground and Tiki Bar a few miles away, near the river.) -
Phone:
(608) 588-7282 -
Mobile Phone:
+1 608-588-7282 -
Email:
tradersbargrill@gmail.com -
Website:
For more details and booking information, visit wisconsincanoe.com.
It is highly recommended to make reservations, especially for weekend stays, to ensure your spot. Direct phone communication is often the best way to get clear information about availability and discuss specific needs or group bookings. They accept all major credit cards for convenient payment.
Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground is an exceptional destination for Wisconsin locals seeking a memorable and dynamic outdoor experience. Its prime location on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway provides unparalleled opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing, making it a hub for water enthusiasts. For those of us living in Wisconsin, its convenient accessibility from major cities means a fantastic getaway is never too far away. The unique blend of rustic camping with the lively atmosphere of the on-site Tiki Bar, complete with live music and delicious food, creates a social and engaging environment that appeals to a wide range of visitors, from families to groups of friends.
What truly makes Trader's special for locals is the personal touch of a family-run business that genuinely cares about its visitors. Reviews consistently highlight the owners' dedication to improving the campground and ensuring everyone has a great time. While it's important to understand that it offers a "best service possible" experience rather than a "full-service" resort, this honest approach contributes to its authentic charm. It’s a place where you can disconnect from everyday stresses, immerse yourself in nature, enjoy vibrant social gatherings, and create lasting memories, all within the beautiful landscape of our beloved Wisconsin. For a truly unique and enjoyable camping adventure that combines relaxation with a touch of lively entertainment, Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground is undoubtedly a top choice.
Customer Reviews
Stopped in to check out the place, for some drinks. Ordered a couple appetizers, made a little at pull tabs, donated it back on dice. Then had a blast with darts and music. Oh, and the pup was a super cute surprise! Thanks for a great afternoon!
The BEST camping and canoe trips are had at Trader's. Been frequenting the campgrounds for nearly 20 years and have seen all the improvements made over that time. The owners really take pride in offering up the best experience possible and will try their best to accommodate if it can be done. The camping, while not an entirely remote experience, is on sites with the best views of any campground in the Midwest. From small gatherings to large groups, the campground welcomes all. Canoe trips are the highlight of the weekend, and Trader's takes the stress and hassle out of the way. Let them know when you want to be picked up (usually call up in the morning about an hour in advance) and they pick you up, drive you up stream, and drop you off with your gear. From there, you just canoe back to the campgrounds taking as much time (weather permitting) as you'd like. The Tiki bar is a wonderful addition and the stage recently added for live music is awesome well. Whether you go to the bar and listen or just turn off your campsite tunes and enjoy, having the campgrounds filled with live music is welcomed by most. The bar is a 5 minute car ride away for any provisions that may be needed (mostly ice and wood), but if staffing and time permit they may be able to deliver. While at the campground, one has to keep in mind that this is not a 'full service' experience but instead the 'best service possible' experience and have some patience and understanding for the owners that are trying to run an amazing business the best they can with those they have. Keep coming back, and keep telling your friends, and over the next nearly 20 years you will see the place just keeps getting better!
This is a wonderful Wisconsin bar and grill. The food is well prepared and quickly served. Prices are very reasonable and I really enjoy the friendly and informal atmosphere. Have not made it down to the tiki bar along the river yet but look forward to seeing it when Spring finally returns. There are few places like this left along Hwy 14 and Trader's is well worth stopping at for some refreshments and fun! I particularly love that there is a piece of the old bridge over the nearby Wisconsin river prominently displayed over the bar! This place is real authentic and a really good time!
By far the easiest way to canoe, if you and your group like to horseplay and soak in the fun. I have been going to Trader's for over 15 years now. Other rental places will give you time slots and a schedule to go by for designated pick ups. If you miss the pick up times then you're basically screwed. Plus, you constantly worry about time management when there are scheduled times. Once you are out on the majestic river, it is hard to keep track of time, how far you've gone down river already, and where you are located. Cell phone signals may be difficult out there too. With Trader's, there are no schedules to follow. Their landing site is their own, so you can get back whenever you'd like to....and your car will be there aleady, so packing/loading your things up is at your leisure as well. Simple, easy. Best way to enjoy yourselves... leave the stress at home folks!
Best place in southern Wisconsin! If you want to kayak, fish, camp, this is the place. Terry the owner is one of the coolest person I’ve ever met! Thanks Terry! Sorry for almost losing the canoe :)
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