Columbia Park

For Wisconsin locals seeking a serene camping experience combined with fantastic lake access, **Columbia Park** in Malone offers an idyllic retreat. Managed by Fond du Lac County Parks, this picturesque campground is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and direct connection to the expansive waters of Lake Winnebago. Whether you're a seasoned angler, a boating enthusiast, or simply looking for a quiet escape with a scenic view, Columbia Park provides a welcoming environment. This article will guide Wisconsin residents through the various facets of this charming park, highlighting its prime location, the services it provides, its unique features, and why it's a perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure.

Columbia Park is located at **N10340 Calumet Harbor Rd, Malone, WI 53049, USA**. This address places the park directly on the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago, approximately ten miles northeast of Fond du Lac. For Wisconsin residents, this location offers excellent accessibility. It's a convenient drive from many major population centers in the state, with well-maintained county and state roads leading directly to the park. The proximity to Fond du Lac ensures that campers have easy access to larger city amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, and other services, should they need them. However, the park itself maintains a quiet, natural ambiance, allowing visitors to feel truly immersed in the lakeside environment. The direct access to Lake Winnebago is a significant draw, particularly for those interested in boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the expansive views that the lake provides. This blend of natural beauty and convenient access makes Columbia Park an appealing destination for a wide range of Wisconsin campers.

Columbia Park, as a well-maintained Fond du Lac County Park, offers a comprehensive set of services and amenities designed to enhance the camping experience, particularly for those drawn to the lake. The park contains a modern 40-unit campground with key facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Services typically offered include:

• **Campsites with Electrical Hookups:** The campground provides 40 modern campsites, each equipped with electrical hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp services available), accommodating various RV sizes.
• **Restrooms & Showers:** Clean and well-maintained restrooms and showers are available, a feature positively noted by visitors.
• **Boat & RV Sanitary Dump Stations:** Convenient dump stations are on-site for both recreational vehicles and boats, making waste disposal easy.
• **Boat Launches:** The park is well-known for its excellent boating facilities, offering six boat launches, which are free to use for campers.
• **Overnight Boat Docking:** Approximately 900 feet of harbor wall allows for overnight docking for 40-50 boats, with fees payable to the campground host.
• **Annual Marina Slip Rentals:** A 4-slip marina is available for annual rentals, catering to long-term boaters.
• **Fish Cleaning Station:** A dedicated fish cleaning station is available, a popular amenity for anglers.
• **Boat Washing Station:** For launch users, a boat washing station is also provided.
• **Picnic Facilities:** The park features various picnic facilities, including two open-air picnic shelters and one enclosed shelter, available for rent.
• **Playground:** A playground area is available for children.
• **Basketball Court:** A court for basketball enthusiasts.
• **Part-time Campground Hosts:** Friendly part-time campground hosts are on-site to assist campers with reservations, answer questions, and ensure a smooth experience.
• **Online Reservation System:** Campers can make reservations for campsites, shelters, boat slips, and docking space conveniently online through the Fond du Lac County Parks website.
• **Firewood Sales:** Firewood is often available for purchase at county parks, though it's always good to confirm on-site.

These services make Columbia Park a very functional and enjoyable destination, especially for those looking to combine camping with water activities on Lake Winnebago.

Columbia Park's charm lies in its harmonious blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and practical amenities. Several features and highlights make it a standout choice for Wisconsin campers:

• **Stunning Lake Winnebago Views:** The park's prime location directly on Lake Winnebago provides breathtaking views, especially from the campsites and the observation tower. Reviews confirm the "great view of Lake Winnebago and surrounds."
• **Observation Tower:** A unique 70-foot observation tower and navigation beacon marks the harbor entrance. Campers can "safely climb" this tower to "heat a great view," offering panoramic vistas of the lake and the surrounding landscape, including distant wind farms.
• **Boating and Fishing Hub:** Columbia Park is "probably best known for its boating facilities," with multiple boat launches, ample parking for cars and trailers, overnight docking, and a fish cleaning station. This makes it a haven for anglers and recreational boaters.
• **Quiet Campground Atmosphere:** Despite its popularity, the campground is praised as "nice, quiet campground too" and a "nice small park." This provides a peaceful environment for relaxation.
• **Well-Kept Facilities:** Campers consistently note that the park is "well kept" and that the "showers are decent" and "bathrooms clean." This commitment to maintenance enhances the overall experience.
• **Adjacent Restaurant/Supper Club:** The convenience of an "adjacent restaurant/supper club" means campers can easily enjoy a meal or a drink without leaving the immediate area. This offers a nice alternative to cooking at the campsite.
• **Good for Tents & RVs:** The ground is described as "good for tents," and with 40 modern units with electrical hookups, it accommodates both tent campers and RVs, including big rigs, offering a variety of site types (back-in and some pull-through).
• **Proximity to Local Amenities:** While tranquil, the park is only a "mile or two away" from the nearest bait shop and within a short drive of local towns, offering convenient access to supplies and local charm.
• **Seasonal Campground Hosts:** The presence of part-time campground hosts adds a personal touch and ensures assistance is available on-site for campers.

The combination of direct lake access, the unique observation tower, and the overall peaceful, well-maintained environment makes Columbia Park a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts in Wisconsin.

Promotions and special offers for Columbia Park, being a Fond du Lac County Park, generally follow a structured fee system rather than offering frequent, large-scale discounts. However, there are clear pricing structures and potential savings through seasonal passes for certain amenities. Here's what Wisconsin locals should be aware of:

• **Campsite Fees:** The standard camping fee is approximately $25.00 to $30.00 per night for an electrical site. This represents a very affordable rate for a well-equipped county park.
• **Reservation Fee:** A non-refundable reservation fee of $5.00 typically applies to each booking.
• **Boat Launch Permits:** While boat launches are free for campers, a daily launch fee of $6.00 applies for non-campers. Fond du Lac County also offers a seasonal permit for $35.00, which is valid at Columbia Park, Wolf Lake, and Highway 45 Wayside, providing excellent value for frequent boaters.
• **Annual Marina Slip Rentals:** For boaters looking for a more permanent solution, 4-slip marina is available for annual rentals (pricing for this would need direct inquiry).
• **Cancellation Policy:** The cancellation policy is structured:
  • Cancellations 7 days or more prior to reservation: Full camping fee refund (as a coupon code for future use in the same or next calendar year) minus the non-refundable reservation fee.
  • Cancellations 4-6 days prior: Forfeiture of the first night's camping fee; subsequent nights refunded as a coupon code (minus reservation fee).
  • Cancellations 3 days or less prior: Forfeiture of all camping and reservation fees.

The best "promotion" for Columbia Park lies in its inherently affordable rates for a lakeside campground with electrical hookups and extensive boating facilities. For frequent users of Fond du Lac County's boat launches, the seasonal permit offers a significant saving. Always check the official Fond du Lac County Parks website for the most current pricing and reservation policies.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Columbia Park and its campground facilities, you can use the following contact details. Keep in mind that direct contact with the Fond du Lac County Parks Department or the on-site campground hosts is the most reliable way to get up-to-date information:

• **Address:** N10340 Calumet Harbor Rd, Malone, WI 53049, USA
• **Phone:** (920) 929-2933 (This is the main phone number for Fond du Lac County Parks, which manages Columbia Park).
• **Mobile Phone:** +1 920-929-2933 (Likely directs to the same main parks department line).
• **Fond du Lac County Parks Department Office:** (920) 929-3135 (Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, for assistance with reservations and general inquiries).

The official website for Fond du Lac County Parks (fdlco.wi.gov/departments/departments-n-z/parks-trails/county-parks/columbia-park) is also an invaluable resource for online reservations, detailed park information, and current policies.

For Wisconsin locals, Columbia Park in Malone is an exceptional choice for a tranquil and amenity-rich camping experience, particularly if you have a passion for lake activities. Its prime location directly on Lake Winnebago provides not only stunning views and refreshing breezes but also unparalleled access for boating and fishing, complete with multiple launches, ample parking, and even overnight docking. The park's "nice, quiet campground" atmosphere ensures a relaxing escape, while the provision of modern electrical hookups, clean restrooms, and showers guarantees comfort for both RV and tent campers. The unique 70-foot observation tower offers a fantastic vantage point to appreciate the vastness of Lake Winnebago and its surroundings, adding a distinct highlight to your stay. For those who appreciate well-kept facilities and the convenience of an adjacent supper club, Columbia Park offers a well-rounded and affordable outdoor getaway right here in Wisconsin. It's the ideal spot for a peaceful lakeside retreat, a productive fishing trip, or simply to enjoy the natural beauty that the Badger State has to offer.