Gilman Scout Park

For Wisconsin residents seeking a blend of natural beauty and practical convenience in their camping adventures, Gilman Scout Park presents an intriguing option. Nestled in the village of Gilman, this compact campground offers a unique experience that balances outdoor immersion with easy access to essential amenities. Campgrounds throughout Wisconsin are cherished gateways to the state's diverse landscapes, providing opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature. They cater to a wide array of preferences, from primitive backcountry sites to full-service resorts, each offering a distinct flavor of the Wisconsin outdoors.

Gilman Scout Park stands out as a small, community-oriented campground. It’s designed to provide campers with a comfortable yet straightforward experience, featuring basic but essential facilities that cater to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. Its location on the banks of the Yellow River adds a scenic element, while its proximity to the village center ensures that necessities are never far away. Understanding the specific characteristics and offerings of Gilman Scout Park is crucial for local Wisconsin users planning their next outdoor escape, ensuring their expectations align with the park's convenient, affordable, and woodsy environment. This article will delve into the factual details of Gilman Scout Park, providing a clear and engaging overview for prospective visitors.

Gilman Scout Park is centrally located at 131003630000, Gilman, WI 54433, USA. While the numeric address might seem unusual, it indicates a specific parcel within the village of Gilman, a community in Taylor County, Wisconsin. This location is a significant advantage for campers, as the park is situated "in the village of Gilman." This means unparalleled accessibility to local conveniences that are often lacking at more remote campgrounds.

For residents across Wisconsin, especially those in the central and northern parts of the state, Gilman offers a relatively easy drive, often involving state highways that lead into the village. Once in Gilman, the campground's central location means that campers have "2 gas stations, grocery store, hardware store, restaurant and two bars within 1.5 miles." This proximity to essential services, including places to refuel, restock, and dine, significantly enhances the camping experience, particularly for those on longer road trips or families who prefer the convenience of nearby amenities. The park's setting on the "banks of the yellow river" adds a scenic and natural element, despite its integration into the village. While the campground is noted to be "very close" to train tracks, which can be a source of noise, its overall accessibility to village life remains a key highlight for many campers in Wisconsin.

Gilman Scout Park, despite its modest size of 8 sites, offers a comprehensive set of services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience. Based on customer reviews and typical village campground offerings, campers can expect the following:

• Campsites: The park features 8 designated campsites suitable for both tent camping and RVs. Each site is equipped with essential amenities to support a pleasant stay.
• Fire Pits: All campsites include dedicated fire pits, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires for cooking, warmth, and ambiance.
• Picnic Tables: Each site is furnished with picnic tables, with "some with shelter," providing a convenient surface for dining, food preparation, or simply relaxing outdoors.
• Paved Areas: The campground offers "paved areas for your car or RV," which is a notable convenience, especially for RVers, as it provides a stable and clean parking surface.
• Electrical Hookups: While not explicitly stated for every site in the provided review, other public information indicates that sites with electricity are available, often requiring a key from a local store and an additional fee. This is a significant amenity for RV and modern tent campers.
• Pit Toilets: For restroom facilities, the campground provides "pit toilets," which are a common feature in rustic or smaller campgrounds, offering basic sanitation.
• Hand Pump for Water: Access to drinking water is available via a "hand pump for water," indicating a more traditional, off-grid water source that requires manual operation.
• Proximity to Village Amenities: A key "service" is the park's location within the village, offering direct access to gas stations, a grocery store, a hardware store, a restaurant, and two bars, all "within 1.5 miles." This eliminates the need for long drives to resupply.
• Dump Station (Off-Site): While not directly on-site, the Village of Gilman website indicates that the "Town of Jump River allows Dumping of Campers" with a prior call to 715/668-5360 and a $15 fee. This is an important consideration for RVers needing waste disposal.

Campers should be prepared for pit toilets and the need to pump water, and RVers should plan for off-site waste disposal. Verification of current electrical key pickup location and fees is recommended before arrival.

Gilman Scout Park offers several distinct features and highlights that make it an attractive option for campers in Wisconsin, particularly those seeking value and convenience in a natural setting. While some aspects might be a consideration for certain campers, the overall package is quite appealing:

• Exceptional Value: At "A great value for what you get," reportedly $5.00 a night (though other sources suggest higher, current prices should be confirmed), the affordability of Gilman Scout Park is a significant highlight. This makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious campers looking for a quality experience without a hefty price tag.
• Wooded and Shady Area: The campground is described as "a very wooded and shady area, great for those hot days." This provides natural relief from the sun, offering comfort during warmer months and a more immersive forest feel.
• Riverside Location: Being "on the banks of the yellow river" offers scenic beauty and potential opportunities for riverside activities like fishing or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of the water. The Yellow River itself is known for various paddling opportunities in the broader area.
• Convenience to Village Amenities: A major highlight is the park's integration into the village of Gilman. Having "2 gas stations, grocery store, hardware store, restaurant and two bars within 1.5 miles" provides unparalleled convenience for campers who appreciate easy access to supplies, food, and local establishments.
• Basic but Functional Facilities: The presence of fire pits, picnic tables (some with shelter), paved areas, pit toilets, and a hand pump for water means that all essential camping needs are met, allowing for a comfortable stay despite the rustic nature of some amenities. The note about "new picnic tables and fire pits" indicates ongoing maintenance and improvement.
• Not Too Crowded: One review notes it's "Not too crowded," suggesting a more peaceful atmosphere than larger, busier campgrounds, which can be a significant draw for those seeking solitude.

However, prospective campers should be aware of a few considerations:

• Proximity to Train Tracks: A common point across reviews is that the "train tracks are very close" and trains can be "very loud!!!" This is a significant noise factor that campers should be prepared for, especially during the night.
• Openness of Sites: One review mentioned it was "A little too open for our camping tastes," which might suggest less privacy between sites than some campers prefer, despite the wooded setting.
• Pit Toilets Only: While functional, the pit toilets are described as "icky" and smelling, with flies, which might be a deterrent for those accustomed to flush restrooms.

Overall, Gilman Scout Park is an excellent choice for campers who prioritize affordability, convenience to town, and a shaded riverside setting, and are prepared for train noise and basic restroom facilities.

Based on the provided information and the nature of Gilman Scout Park as a village-run campground, specific "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional commercial sense are not typically advertised. Village campgrounds usually focus on providing affordable access to camping facilities rather than running discount campaigns.

The primary "offer" that makes Gilman Scout Park highly attractive is its consistently low daily rate. While one review states "$5.00 an nite a great value," other public information from the Village of Gilman website indicates current rates of "$15 Per Night to Camp for Non-electricity Site" and "$20 Per Night Site With Electricity," with a "$10 Deposit for the Key to get Electricity!" These rates, even at the higher figures, remain highly competitive and represent excellent value for camping in Wisconsin, especially considering the amenities provided and the convenient location.

For any unique circumstances or long-term stay inquiries, prospective campers are advised to directly contact the Village of Gilman office or the park management using the provided phone numbers. This will ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information on current fees, availability, and any potential, albeit unlikely, special arrangements or updated policies.

For individuals in the Wisconsin region interested in learning more about Gilman Scout Park, including inquiries about camping availability, current conditions, or specific amenities, the following contact information is available:

• Address: 131003630000, Gilman, WI 54433, USA (This is the specific parcel ID, the general location is within the Village of Gilman)
• Phone: (715) 447-8650
• Mobile Phone: +1 715-447-8650

To obtain the key for electricity at sites with hookups, visitors are directed to contact the "Gilman Cornerstone located on the West End of Town 180 Main Street." For RV waste disposal, it's advised to "CALL 715/668-5360 beforehand to Dump" at the Town of Jump River for a $15.00 fee.

Prospective campers are highly encouraged to utilize the provided phone numbers to directly contact the park management or the Village of Gilman office. This direct line of communication is the most reliable way to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding current rates, site availability, and any specific details about the electrical hookups, key pickup, or waste disposal procedures. It is always advisable to call ahead, especially concerning electrical access and dump station arrangements, to ensure a smooth camping experience.

Gilman Scout Park, located in Gilman, WI, offers a particularly suitable camping experience for Wisconsin locals, primarily due to its exceptional value, convenient location, and natural amenities. For budget-conscious campers, the park's highly affordable rates (even at $15-20 per night, which is still very competitive) make it an incredibly accessible option for enjoying the outdoors without a significant financial outlay. This value proposition is a major draw for individuals and families across the state looking for an economical getaway.

The campground's integration within the village of Gilman is a significant advantage for locals. Having "2 gas stations, grocery store, hardware store, restaurant and two bars within 1.5 miles" means that campers have immediate access to essentials and local services, providing a level of convenience not often found at more remote campgrounds. This accessibility reduces planning burdens and allows for more spontaneous trips. The park's setting "on the banks of the yellow river" and its "very wooded and shady area" provide a natural and picturesque environment, offering a refreshing escape from daily life while still being close to town.

While the proximity to train tracks might be a concern for some, requiring ear protection for light sleepers, many locals find this a minor trade-off for the overall benefits. The availability of electrical hookups, new picnic tables, and fire pits enhances the comfort of the stay, making it suitable for both tent campers and RVers. For Wisconsin residents seeking a straightforward, affordable, and convenient camping experience that offers a blend of natural charm and easy access to village amenities, Gilman Scout Park stands out as an excellent choice, providing a unique and valuable option for their outdoor adventures.