Marathon Park Campground

Hello Wisconsin campers! If you're seeking a convenient and quiet camping spot that blends the tranquility of nature with easy access to city amenities, Marathon Park Campground in Wausau, Wisconsin, might be the perfect destination for your next adventure. Located right in the heart of Wausau, this campground offers a unique urban camping experience within the expansive Marathon Park, a hub of recreational activities and natural beauty. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate a clean, well-maintained environment and the ability to explore a vibrant city without venturing far from their campsite.

Camping in Wisconsin is diverse, ranging from remote wilderness sites to bustling family resorts. Marathon Park Campground carves out its own niche by providing a balance. It’s designed for campers who value electricity at their sites, clean restroom facilities, and a peaceful atmosphere amidst towering pines, even while being situated within a dynamic city park. This makes it particularly appealing for RVers and tent campers alike who use their rig as a base to explore local attractions, visit family, or attend events in Wausau.

While some traditionalists might miss the crackle of a campfire (as noted in reviews, campfires are generally not allowed), Marathon Park Campground offers other compelling advantages. The positive feedback consistently highlights its cleanliness, the presence of walking trails, and its overall quiet ambiance, especially in the evenings. For Wisconsin residents looking for a straightforward, comfortable, and centrally located place to park their camper or pitch their tent, Marathon Park Campground provides a practical and enjoyable option. It’s a clean and well-managed facility that, despite a few quirks, serves as an excellent gateway to experiencing all that Wausau and Marathon County have to offer.

Marathon Park Campground is strategically located within Marathon Park in Wausau, WI 54401, USA. Wausau, the county seat of Marathon County, is a prominent city in central Wisconsin, renowned for its strong economy, arts and culture scene, and proximity to Rib Mountain State Park and the Wisconsin River. This central location makes the campground highly accessible for visitors from across Wisconsin and beyond.

The park's address at 1201 Stewart Avenue places it along a major thoroughfare in Wausau, ensuring easy navigation for incoming campers. Its urban setting means that all the amenities and attractions of Wausau are just a short drive or even a walk away. Campers can conveniently access grocery stores, gas stations, a wide variety of restaurants (from casual diners to upscale eateries), and essential services. This accessibility is a significant advantage for those who enjoy exploring local attractions, dining out, or need to restock supplies during their camping trip.

Furthermore, being part of Marathon Park itself means campers have immediate access to the park’s extensive facilities without needing to drive. The park features paved roads, which are beneficial for all types of vehicles, including larger RVs and trailers. Its central Wisconsin location also makes it a practical stopover for travelers heading further north or south through the state. Marathon Park Campground offers the unique benefit of urban convenience seamlessly blended with a pleasant, natural camping environment within a bustling city.

• Electric Campsites: The campground offers electric-only campsites, providing essential power for RVs and other camping needs. Some sites even have 50-amp service, with the majority being 30/20/15 amp.
• Heated Shower Building: Marathon Park Campground features a heated shower building, a significant comfort especially during cooler camping seasons. While some older reviews mention cold water, newer information confirms a heated facility, aiming for a more comfortable experience.
• Flush Toilets: Clean flush restrooms are available for campers' convenience, ensuring a more comfortable experience than primitive facilities.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available on-site for RVers to empty their waste tanks. Please note that there may be an additional charge (e.g., $7) for dump station use for those not staying on a site with full hookups.
• Fresh Water Access: Potable water is accessible within the campground for refilling fresh water tanks.
• Pets Welcome: The campground is pet-friendly, allowing furry companions to join your camping adventure (with restrictions, typically on leash and owners must pick up waste).
• Walking Trails: Campers have direct access to nice walking trails within Marathon Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous walk amidst the pine forest.
• Year-Round Operations (Limited Services Off-Season): The campground generally opens May 1 to October 31 for full camping, with possible limited winter camping options. It's always best to check with Marathon County Parks for specific seasonal availability.

• Urban Park Setting: A major highlight is its unique location within Marathon Park, a large and diverse urban park. This means campers get a peaceful, wooded camping experience (amidst "tall pines") without being far from city amenities.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Reviews frequently praise the campground for being "Clean" and "well maintained." This commitment to cleanliness, particularly in restrooms and showers, enhances the camping experience.
• Heated Shower Building: While some past experiences might suggest otherwise, current information indicates the presence of a heated shower building, a valuable amenity for comfort, especially during spring and fall camping.
• Access to Park Amenities: Beyond the campground, Marathon Park offers a wealth of features including playgrounds, tennis courts, pickleball courts, a splash pad (seasonal), an outdoor dog exercise area, and even a miniature train at Marathon Junction. This makes it an ideal spot for families or those who enjoy varied recreational activities right outside their tent or RV.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its urban location, the campground is often described as "Quiet" and "peaceful," particularly in the evenings, offering a relaxing retreat. The presence of a "quiet pine forest" enhances this serene ambiance.
• Convenient for City Exploration: Its central Wausau location makes it an excellent base for exploring the city's attractions, including downtown shops, restaurants, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, and local events.
• Electric Hookups: For RV and trailer campers, the availability of electric hookups is a significant convenience, allowing for comfortable stays with appliances and lighting.

As Marathon Park Campground is managed by the Wausau & Marathon County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department, specific commercial-style promotions like "buy one night, get one free" are uncommon. However, there are typically standard pricing structures and policies that offer value, and special considerations that might be seen as advantageous for locals:

• Standard Pricing: Marathon Park Campground has set nightly rates. For example, some sources indicate a nightly rate of around $28 USD for electric-only sites. It is essential to confirm current rates directly with Marathon County Parks.
• Military Discount: Some sources indicate that a military discount may be available, with nightly rates starting from $18 for eligible service members. This is a significant saving for military families and individuals.
• Reservation Flexibility: While minimum stay requirements (e.g., 2-day minimum for online reservations between May 15 and Oct 31, or for holiday weekends) exist, walk-up self-registration may allow for single-night stays, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.
• Access to Park Amenities: The "value" of staying at Marathon Park Campground extends beyond the campsite itself. Your stay provides direct access to the numerous amenities within Marathon Park, such as playgrounds, splash pads (seasonal), tennis courts, and walking trails, without additional entry fees for these park features.
• Longer Stays: The maximum stay is typically 14 days, allowing for extended vacations or a temporary base for those exploring the Wausau area.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, potential discounts (like military), and reservation policies, it is highly recommended to visit the Marathon County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department website or contact them directly via phone.

• Address: Wausau, WI 54401, USA (located within Marathon Park, actual park address is 1201 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401)
• Phone: (715) 261-1550 (Wausau & Marathon County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department)
• Camping Information / Specific Park Contact: (715) 261-1566 (as per some sources, this may be a more direct line for campground inquiries)

For reservations, questions about specific site features, or any other inquiries regarding Marathon Park Campground, please contact the Wausau & Marathon County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department directly using the provided phone numbers. Their staff will be able to assist you with planning your visit.

For Wisconsin residents, particularly those in or around the Wausau area, Marathon Park Campground offers a highly suitable and practical camping option. Its unique position within a large urban park provides an accessible escape into nature without sacrificing the conveniences of city life. This makes it an ideal choice for quick weekend getaways, family visits, or attending local events in Wausau, saving locals the time and cost of traveling to more remote destinations.

The campground's commitment to cleanliness, especially in its heated shower building and restrooms, ensures a comfortable experience that many campers prioritize. While the absence of campfires may be a drawback for some traditionalists, the availability of electric hookups, combined with access to grills, still allows for enjoyable outdoor cooking. The numerous amenities within Marathon Park itself—from walking trails to playgrounds and various sports facilities—provide ample opportunities for recreation right at the campers' doorstep, making it exceptionally family-friendly.

Moreover, for locals, Marathon Park Campground serves as a convenient and quiet base for exploring all that Wausau has to offer, from its vibrant downtown to cultural attractions and outdoor adventures on Rib Mountain. It’s a well-maintained, pet-friendly, and reasonably priced option that delivers a straightforward and enjoyable camping experience, perfectly blending urban accessibility with the serene beauty of a wooded park within central Wisconsin.