Goose Island Campground

For Wisconsin residents seeking an exceptional outdoor experience, Goose Island Campground in Stoddard, WI, stands out as a true gem. Nestled along the scenic backwaters of the Mississippi River, this expansive county campground offers a diverse range of camping options and amenities, making it a favorite destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape into nature. Whether you're a seasoned RVer, a tent-camping aficionado, or simply looking for a picturesque spot to enjoy the sunset, Goose Island provides an unforgettable setting.

Goose Island Campground is celebrated for its breathtaking views, especially the stunning sunsets and moon views over the water, which many visitors describe as "next level." Despite facing challenges like past floods, the campground consistently impresses with its beauty and well-maintained facilities. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the everyday and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. In this article, we’ll explore everything Goose Island Campground has to offer, from its convenient location and wide array of services to its unique highlights and why it's such a beloved spot for locals across Wisconsin.

Goose Island Campground is ideally situated at W6488 County Rd G I, Stoddard, WI 54658, USA. This prime location places it approximately three miles south of La Crosse, making it easily accessible for residents from across Wisconsin and surrounding areas. Being just off Highway 35, the campground offers convenient access while retaining a secluded, natural feel.

The strategic positioning of Goose Island in the Mississippi River backwaters provides unparalleled access to one of North America's most iconic waterways. This means campers have direct opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking right from the campground's multiple boat ramps. For those who enjoy exploring on land, the camp is part of the larger Goose Island County Park, which features five miles of nature trails. Additionally, the La Crosse River State Bike Trail is directly accessible from the campground, making it a fantastic base for cyclists.

Despite its tranquil, natural setting, Goose Island Campground is just a short drive from the urban conveniences of La Crosse. This means campers can easily access grocery stores, restaurants, emergency services, and other city amenities if needed, providing the perfect balance between rustic outdoor adventure and modern comfort. The proximity to a larger city ensures that any forgotten essentials can be quickly acquired, enhancing the overall convenience of your stay. This blend of accessibility to both wilderness and city life makes Goose Island a truly convenient and appealing destination for many Wisconsin campers.

Goose Island Campground offers a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to cater to a wide range of campers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay:

• Diverse Campsites: With over 350 sites, Goose Island provides options for every camping style. These include padded, grassy, and primitive sites, as well as asphalt pads. There are 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical services available, with many sites also offering water hook-ups. Some sites are "big rig friendly."
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: The campground boasts three modern restroom and shower facilities, which are noted by reviewers for being very clean. Showers are coin-operated, and all restrooms feature flush toilets and hot showers.
• Camp Store and Office: A well-stocked camp store and office area are available, staffed by friendly people. The store offers bait sales, refreshments, forgotten items, and firewood for sale. There's also a game room for entertainment.
• Laundromat: For extended stays or convenience, a laundromat is available on-site.
• Sanitary Dump Stations: Three sanitary dump stations are located throughout the campground for RVers.
• Boat Ramps and Rentals: The campground features three boat ramps for easy access to the Mississippi River. Kayak and canoe rentals are also available.
• Recreational Areas: Campers can enjoy two playground areas for children, miniature golf rental, volleyball, and basketball. There are also designated paved areas for walking and running, including a safe beach area.
• Wi-Fi Hotspot: A Wi-Fi hotspot is available around the camp store.
• Fishing and Wildlife Viewing: Excellent fishing opportunities are available, and the backwaters of the Mississippi are ideal for wildlife viewing, with common sightings of eagles, ducks, geese, deer, fox, beaver, raccoon, and muskrats.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase at the camp store, noted by a reviewer as being a "great value."

Goose Island Campground is truly a standout destination for Wisconsin campers, boasting several key features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and high praise:

• Stunning Mississippi River Views & Sunsets: This is consistently highlighted by visitors. The campground’s location on the backwaters of the Mississippi River offers unparalleled views, especially at sunset and during moonlit evenings. These "next level" natural spectacles create a truly memorable camping experience.
• Expansive and Diverse Campsites: As one of the largest county campgrounds in Wisconsin with over 350 sites, Goose Island offers immense variety. Campers can choose from primitive tent sites, padded grassy spots, or asphalt pads with 20/30/50 amp electrical service and water hook-ups. This ensures there's a perfect spot for every type of camper, from solo adventurers to large families.
• Exceptional Cleanliness of Facilities: A recurring positive note in reviews is the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. Maintaining clean facilities is a top priority for campers, and Goose Island consistently delivers on this front, enhancing the overall comfort of the stay.
• Abundant Recreational Opportunities: With direct access to the Mississippi River via three boat ramps, and kayak/canoe rentals available, water-based activities are a major draw. Additionally, the direct connection to the La Crosse River State Bike Trail, along with nature trails, playgrounds, and sports courts, ensures there's never a dull moment.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Reviewers frequently mention the "friendly people" staffing the store and office area. A welcoming and supportive team significantly enhances the camping experience, making visitors feel valued and comfortable.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With playgrounds, ample space for kids to play, and a safe beach area, Goose Island is clearly designed with families in mind. The variety of activities caters to all ages, ensuring a fun and engaging trip for everyone.
• Resilience and Upkeep: A testament to the park's quality is its ability to remain "still great" even after being "ravaged by a big flood earlier in the year," as noted by a reviewer. This indicates a strong commitment to maintenance and recovery, ensuring the campground consistently offers a positive experience.
• Excellent Fishing and Wildlife Viewing: The backwaters are a "veritable paradise" for sportsmen, with excellent fishing and abundant wildlife, including deer, eagles, ducks, geese, fox, beaver, raccoon, and muskrats.

As a large, well-established county campground, Goose Island Campground, managed by La Crosse County Facilities Department, typically has a structured pricing system rather than frequent, publicly advertised "promotions" in the commercial sense. However, they do offer competitive rates and a straightforward reservation process that can be considered a "deal" in terms of value.

Based on common practices for public campgrounds and the available information:

• Value for Money: The extensive amenities, clean facilities, and prime natural location provide significant value for the camping fees charged, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious but quality-seeking campers.
• Reservations Available: The ability to reserve sites online or by phone, with credit cards accepted, is a convenience that helps campers plan their trips without last-minute stress, especially for popular seasons. A reservation fee and deposit are required.
• Seasonal Rates: While not a "promotion," understanding the camping season (April 15th to October 30th) allows campers to plan for specific times that might align with lower demand and potentially lower rates, if applicable.
• Firewood Value: A reviewer specifically noted that the "wood was a great value," indicating that basic necessities within the campground are priced fairly.

For the most current information regarding camping fees, specific site availability, and any potential group rates or off-season discounts that may apply, it is always recommended to directly contact Goose Island Campground. Their official website or a direct phone call would be the best source for up-to-date pricing and reservation details.

For reservations, inquiries, or any further information about Goose Island Campground, you can reach out directly using the following contact details:

• Address: W6488 County Rd G I, Stoddard, WI 54658, USA
• Phone: (608) 788-7018
• Mobile Phone: +1 608-788-7018

The campground season typically runs from April 15th to October 30th, and reservations can be made starting on the first business day of the year. You can also visit the La Crosse County website for more details, including online reservation options, campground maps, and specific camping fees. Direct communication with the campground staff is highly recommended to confirm availability and address any specific questions you may have before your visit.

For Wisconsin residents, Goose Island Campground offers an ideal escape, perfectly blending convenience with a rich outdoor experience. Its location just south of La Crosse means it’s easily accessible for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation without requiring extensive travel, making it a prime choice for those looking to maximize their time enjoying our beautiful state.

What truly sets Goose Island apart for locals is its ability to deliver a high-quality camping experience consistently. Despite being a large county campground, it maintains an impressive standard of cleanliness for its facilities, which is a major comfort for any camper. The diverse range of campsites, from primitive spots for tent campers to full hook-up sites for large RVs, ensures that everyone can find their perfect fit.

The abundant recreational opportunities available right at your doorstep are a huge draw. Direct access to the Mississippi River backwaters for boating, fishing, and kayaking, combined with extensive nature trails and a direct connection to the La Crosse River State Bike Trail, means there’s no shortage of activities to fill your days. For families, the playgrounds and safe beach area create a fun and secure environment for children to play. Add to this the stunning sunsets and moonlit views, which provide truly unforgettable natural spectacles, and you have a destination that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Goose Island Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it’s a community-centric space that celebrates Wisconsin's natural beauty and fosters a love for the outdoors. With friendly staff and well-maintained grounds, even after environmental challenges, it proves its resilience and commitment to providing an outstanding experience. For Wisconsin locals seeking a memorable, accessible, and activity-rich camping adventure, Goose Island Campground is an undeniable top choice. We highly recommend adding it to your must-visit list for your next outdoor escape.