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Bluewater Bay Campground

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Bluewater Bay Campground Overview

Rating

Address Reedsburg, WI 53959, USA

Website https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/mirrorlake/

Hours

Bluewater Bay Campground Location & Map

WisconsinSauk CountyReedsburg

Bluewater Bay Campground About

For folks in Wisconsin seeking a genuine escape into nature, Bluewater Bay Campground, nestled within the beautiful Mirror Lake State Park in Reedsburg, offers a truly refreshing experience. Far from the concrete jungle, this campground provides a tranquil setting where the sounds of nature replace the hum of city life, inviting you to unwind and reconnect with the great outdoors. It’s a popular spot for those who appreciate the simpler joys of camping, with an emphasis on spacious sites and natural beauty. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking to introduce your family to the wonders of Wisconsin’s state parks, Bluewater Bay presents an appealing option right in your backyard.

Bluewater Bay Campground is known for its serene atmosphere and well-maintained grounds, making it a fantastic destination for families, groups, or solo adventurers looking for a peaceful retreat. It's a place where you can pitch your tent, build a campfire, and truly immerse yourself in the natural landscape that Wisconsin is famous for. The campground's design ensures a sense of privacy, allowing campers to feel connected to nature without being on top of their neighbors.

Location and Accessibility

Bluewater Bay Campground is conveniently located in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, within the expansive and picturesque Mirror Lake State Park. Its address is Reedsburg, WI 53959, USA. This prime location places it just a stone's throw from the renowned Wisconsin Dells area, offering campers the best of both worlds: serene natural surroundings with easy access to popular attractions should you desire a day trip. Getting to the campground is straightforward, with clear signage within Mirror Lake State Park guiding visitors to Bluewater Bay. For those coming from Madison, it's roughly a 50-minute drive, while residents from La Crosse or Fond du Lac can expect about an hour and twenty minutes. The campground is accessible by car, with parking available near the sites, although some internal roads may be restricted to vehicles, with lit carts provided for transport, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere.

Its integration into Mirror Lake State Park means campers have immediate access to all the park's offerings, from extensive trail networks to the calm waters of Mirror Lake itself. This accessibility makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend getaways or longer, planned vacations for anyone living in the Wisconsin region.

Services Offered

Bluewater Bay Campground provides a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable stay for its visitors, particularly those who prefer a more traditional camping experience.

  • Vault Toilets: Available year-round, these are a consistent convenience for campers.
  • Seasonal Flush Toilets and Showers: These facilities are typically open during the main camping season (approximately mid-May to mid-October) and are weather-dependent. It's advisable to check the current status, especially during early spring or late fall.
  • Water Availability: Drinking water is seasonal in the campgrounds. However, it is available year-round at the park office. Water fountains are located throughout the campground, though some may be disconnected outside of peak season.
  • Firepits with Grates: Each campsite comes equipped with a firepit that includes a grate, perfect for cooking over an open flame and enjoying quintessential campfire experiences.
  • Picnic Tables: Every site also includes a picnic table, providing a convenient space for meals and gathering.
  • Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is available for RVs from mid-May until October, with potential variations based on temperatures in early spring and late fall.
  • Carts for Gear Transport: For specific areas, such as the walk-in group sites, carts are provided to help transport gear, as vehicles are not permitted on certain internal roads.
Features / Highlights

Bluewater Bay Campground shines with several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Wisconsin.

  • Spacious, Wooded Campsites: Campers consistently praise the generous space between sites, offering a sense of privacy and seclusion amidst the beautifully wooded environment of pines and oaks. This allows for a more intimate connection with nature, even when the campground is full.
  • Easy Access and Trails: The campground boasts easy access to various amenities and a network of scenic trails. These trails are ideal for hiking and exploring the diverse flora and fauna of Mirror Lake State Park.
  • Proximity to Mirror Lake: A significant draw is its close proximity to Mirror Lake itself. The lake is known for its often calm, mirror-like surface, reflecting the surrounding cliffs and wooded shoreline. This provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
  • Views and Natural Beauty: The overall setting offers great views and a chance to truly appreciate Wisconsin's natural landscapes. The high cliffs and serene lake create a picturesque backdrop for your camping adventure.
  • Non-Electric Sites: Bluewater Bay is primarily a non-electric campground, catering to those who prefer a more traditional and rustic camping experience, closer to nature.
  • Playground and Sand Volleyball Court: For families, the campground includes a playground and a sand volleyball court, offering recreational activities for children and adults alike.
  • Reservable Open-Air Shelter and Amphitheater: These facilities offer spaces for group gatherings or park programs, enhancing the community feel.
  • Kilbourn Trail Connection: The Kilbourn Trail conveniently connects the campground directly to the beach area of Mirror Lake, making it easy to enjoy a day by the water.
  • Friendly Staff: Visitors frequently commend the friendly and helpful staff, contributing to a positive camping experience.
Promotions or Special Offers

As Bluewater Bay Campground is part of Mirror Lake State Park, promotions or special offers typically align with statewide park initiatives rather than independent campground deals. Visitors should be aware that a vehicle admission sticker is required for entry to Mirror Lake State Park, and these can often be purchased online. For current information on any state park passes, discounts for Wisconsin residents, or specific events happening within Mirror Lake State Park that might coincide with your visit, it’s always best to check the official Wisconsin DNR website or contact the park directly. Sometimes, special programming or educational events are offered free of charge with park admission, enhancing your camping experience. Given the peak season from May to October, it's wise to make reservations well in advance, especially for popular weekends, as sites are reservable up to 11 months ahead.

Contact Information

For reservations and detailed inquiries about Bluewater Bay Campground, which is part of Mirror Lake State Park, here is the contact information:

Address: Reedsburg, WI 53959, USA

For camping reservations, you can call 888-WI-PARKS (888-947-2757), which is the toll-free number for Wisconsin's campsite reservation service. You can also visit their website for online reservations: wiparks.net.

For direct park information regarding Mirror Lake State Park and Bluewater Bay Campground, you can call the Mirror Lake State Park office at (608) 254-2333.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Bluewater Bay Campground in Reedsburg is an ideal destination for Wisconsin locals seeking a quintessential outdoor experience without traveling too far from home. Its location within Mirror Lake State Park provides immediate access to one of the state's most scenic natural areas, offering an authentic escape from daily routines. For those living in Madison, La Crosse, or other parts of Central and Southern Wisconsin, the drive is manageable, making it perfect for a weekend getaway or even a spontaneous mid-week camping trip.

The campground caters well to families and groups, with spacious sites that offer a comfortable level of privacy. This means you can truly relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, whether you're setting up multiple tents or just enjoying the ample space around your individual site. The emphasis on a traditional, non-electric camping experience makes it particularly appealing for locals who appreciate unplugging and embracing the simplicity of outdoor living. The firepits with grates are a big plus, allowing for easy campfire cooking, a beloved tradition for many Wisconsin campers.

Beyond the campsites themselves, the wealth of activities available right within Mirror Lake State Park – from hiking on varied trails with great views to enjoying the calm waters of Mirror Lake for kayaking or paddleboarding – ensures there’s always something to do. While swimming in Mirror Lake may have mixed reviews regarding water quality, the availability of a beach area for cooling off is still a draw. The commitment to maintaining clean facilities, even if seasonal, also contributes to a pleasant experience.

In essence, Bluewater Bay Campground offers Wisconsin residents a convenient, beautiful, and authentic camping adventure. It’s a place where memories are made around crackling campfires, where children can explore and play freely, and where adults can de-stress amidst the tranquility of nature. It truly embodies the spirit of Wisconsin’s natural beauty and is a highly recommended spot for any local looking to reconnect with the outdoors.

Customer Reviews

4.0
74 reviews
C
C Morales
Sep 12, 2024

We had a wonderful experience, 6 of us, 4 tents. A clean campsite, enough space between sites. Pros: Easy access, nice trails, great views, plenty of space between sites, no car on the "internal roads" but lit carts to transport things, and friendly staff. Cons: The toilet pits need maintenance, and while the water fountain next to our site worked well, the ones in common areas like the beach and pier were disconnected.

M
Missie Ithi
Jun 29, 2023

It would have been a higher rating if the flush toilets and showers had been repaired before our visit instead of closed for the season. I do not recommend swimming as the water is just nasty. But the campsites are large and flat. They have a firepit with a grate which is nice.

S
Savannah Nieman
Oct 11, 2023

Nice place to camp, dogs allowed. Just kind of rocky, and know that there are a couple birds in the area that are quite noisy.

M
Mark
Aug 08, 2024

Nice campground with fairly clean showers. Proximity to the highway is the only drawback - constant highway noise. With so many businesses/attractions around, this place would greatly benefit from highway sound barriers.

E
Erin Kiessling
Aug 07, 2023

Campsites are large. Strictly non-electric "to keep it quiet and peaceful," however they had a Kubota tractor running at 9am and you can still hear the highway traffic. The bathrooms are also terrible. No soap in the restrooms and the showers are the type you have to push a button continuously for water to come out. The showers are nearly impossible to use if you have long hair.