RV Parks In Rice Lake, Wisconsin
45.5061° N, 91.7382° W
Quick Overview
Rice Lake anchors Barron County in northwest Wisconsin, a lake-country town where US-53 makes it an easy expressway stop between Eau Claire and Superior. For RVers this is classic north-woods fishing and lake country: the town wraps around Rice Lake itself, and dozens of lakes, flowages and rivers sit within a short drive. The camping season is short and sweet, running roughly May through October, with most campgrounds closing by mid-October when the fall color fades and the cold moves in.
On the private side, the standout is Northwood Shores, a resort with 89 full-hookup sites, 50-amp service and pull-throughs that welcome big rigs, open May through October with WiFi and pet-friendly spots. V & M Happy Campers RV Park keeps 21 full-hookup sites with pull-throughs at budget rates, and Country Quiet RV Park offers full hookups with 50-amp service in a quiet rural setting. These private parks give you full sewer hookups close to the lakes.
For a more rustic feel, the public options are excellent. Barron County runs two established campgrounds: Veterans Memorial Park on Prairie Lake, with electric hookups, drinking water and a boat launch, and Southworth Memorial Park, also with electric sites. About 40 minutes south near Chippewa Falls, Lake Wissota State Park offers large wooded sites, a swim beach and a dump station on a big flowage lake; reserve through the Wisconsin DNR. Between the fishing, the county public parks, and easy US-53 access, Rice Lake is a relaxed base for a north-woods week. The town wraps around its namesake lake with full grocery and big-box shopping, fuel and RV service on hand, so you can stock up and settle in rather than chasing supplies. Day trips run east to the Blue Hills trails and south to Chippewa Falls, all within an hour. Just come prepared for mosquitoes near the water in high summer and pack the bug spray, and expect a short season that closes down fast once mid-October arrives.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Rice Lake
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All Dump Stations Near Rice Lake
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piece Of Heaven Campround | 2.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Wolf's Den Tavern & Resort | 7.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Shady Rest Campground | 8.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Northwood Shores | 8.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Country Quiet RV & Campground | 10.3 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Prairie Lake Estates & Campground. | 10.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Featherstone RV Park | 12.5 mi | 4.6 | RV Park | Varies |
| Whitetail Ridge Campground | 12.6 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lotts Landing | 14.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rolling Thunder RV Park & Camp | 16.6 mi | 4.2 | Dump Station | Varies |
Piece Of Heaven Campround
2.0 miWolf's Den Tavern & Resort
7.9 miShady Rest Campground
8.2 miNorthwood Shores
8.8 miCountry Quiet RV & Campground
10.3 miPrairie Lake Estates & Campground.
10.5 miFeatherstone RV Park
12.5 miWhitetail Ridge Campground
12.6 miLotts Landing
14.9 miRolling Thunder RV Park & Camp
16.6 miTraveling to Rice Lake by RV
Rice Lake is one of the easier towns to reach in northern Wisconsin because US-53 runs right past it as a four-lane expressway. That connects south to I-94 at Eau Claire in about 45 miles and north toward Superior and Duluth, so towing a big rig in from either direction is straightforward with no low bridges or tight mountain grades to worry about. US-8 and WI-48 branch east and west toward the smaller lake communities, and the county roads out to individual lakes get narrower, so slow down on those last few miles. In town you'll find full grocery and big-box shopping, fuel along US-53, and propane and RV service locally or down in Eau Claire. There's no camping allowed within Rice Lake city limits, so plan to land at a county park or private RV park. For state park reservations and current park conditions, check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before you arrive, since northern parks fill on summer weekends.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Rice Lake, Wisconsin, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Rice Lake
Rice Lake is an affordable place to camp compared with resort destinations. The Barron County public parks, Veterans Memorial and Southworth, charge modest nightly fees for electric sites, making them the value choice if you don't need full sewer at the site. Private full-hookup parks like Northwood Shores sit in the mid range, with V & M Happy Campers running toward the budget end and starting around $30 a night. Lake Wissota State Park to the south requires a Wisconsin vehicle admission sticker plus a nightly camping fee, and an annual sticker pays off fast if you're touring the state's parks. Fuel and groceries in Rice Lake run at typical rural Wisconsin prices, generally cheaper than tourist towns. Because the camping season is short, some parks discount shoulder weeks in May and late September, so if you have flexibility, those are the best value and the quietest times to visit.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Rice Lake by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
5F - 22F
Crowds: Low
Freezing, snowy and windy. Campgrounds close; ice fishing and snowmobiling take over. Snow covers the ground about 98 days a year.
Spring
Mar - May
35F - 55F
Crowds: Low
Muddy and cool early, warming fast by May. Ice-out opens fishing and parks begin reopening.
Summer
Jun - Aug
59F - 78F
Crowds: High
Warm, wet and peak season for fishing and lake time. Book lakeside sites well ahead; bring bug spray.
Fall
Sep - Oct
38F - 58F
Crowds: Medium
Crisp air, strong color, no mosquitoes. Late September is ideal before mid-October closures.
Explore the Rice Lake Area
Fishing is the reason a lot of RVers come to Rice Lake, and the water delivers: Rice Lake and nearby Prairie Lake hold musky, walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike and panfish. If you're new to musky water, a half day with a local guide is money well spent. Book your summer weekends early, because the northern camping season is short and the lakeside sites at Northwood Shores and the Barron County parks fill fast from June through August. Our favorite window is actually late September: the fall color comes on strong, the mosquitoes finally quit, and you can usually get a site without a reservation. Bring good bug spray for high summer, since the same lakes that make the fishing great also breed mosquitoes near shore at dusk. The Blue Hills to the east add hiking and biking trails if you want a break from the water.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Rice Lake
Are there full-hookup RV parks in Rice Lake, Wisconsin?
Yes, several private parks offer full hookups. Northwood Shores is the largest, with 89 full-hookup sites, 50-amp service and pull-throughs that welcome big rigs, open May through October. V & M Happy Campers RV Park has 21 full-hookup sites with pull-throughs at budget rates, and Country Quiet RV Park provides full hookups including 50-amp service in a quieter rural setting outside town. If you want full sewer at your site, these private parks are your best bet. The public options nearby, the Barron County parks, offer electric hookups but not full sewer, though they make up for it with lakeside settings and lower nightly fees.
When does the camping season run in Rice Lake?
The northern Wisconsin camping season is short. Most campgrounds around Rice Lake open in May and close by mid-October, with the peak running June through August when the weather is warm and the fishing is good. Fall color in late September and early October is a beautiful, quieter time to visit before parks shut down for winter. After mid-October the cold and snow arrive in earnest, and by January highs sit around 18F with lows near 5F, so the developed campgrounds close and the region shifts to ice fishing and snowmobiling. If you're planning an RV trip, aim for the May-through-September window, and book ahead for summer weekends since the season is compressed.
What fishing is there around Rice Lake?
Rice Lake is serious fishing country, which is why many RVers come. Rice Lake itself and nearby Prairie Lake hold musky, walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike and panfish, and the wider Barron County area is dotted with dozens of lakes, flowages and rivers. Barron County Veterans Memorial Park sits right on Prairie Lake with a boat launch, making it easy to fish from camp. Musky is the trophy draw here, and if you're new to musky water, hiring a local guide for a half day is a smart investment. Spring after ice-out and fall are prime for walleye, while summer is good all around. Bring your own boat or launch from the county parks.
Can big rigs camp near Rice Lake?
Yes, several parks handle big rigs comfortably. Northwood Shores is the most big-rig friendly, with 89 sites, 50-amp full hookups and pull-throughs that fit large coaches and long fifth wheels. V & M Happy Campers also offers pull-through full-hookup sites that accept big rigs. Country Quiet RV Park welcomes big rigs with 50-amp full hookups too. The county parks and Lake Wissota State Park have more variable site sizes, so if you're running a large rig, confirm the length when you reserve. Getting there is easy since US-53 is a four-lane expressway, so the drive in poses no clearance or grade problems for a big rig from either direction.
Are there public campgrounds near Rice Lake?
Yes, and they're a good value. Barron County operates two public campgrounds close to town: Veterans Memorial Park on Prairie Lake, with electric hookups, drinking water and a boat launch, and Southworth Memorial Park, also with electric sites for tents and RVs. Both offer a more natural lakeside setting at modest nightly fees. About 40 minutes south near Chippewa Falls, Lake Wissota State Park is a larger public state park with big wooded sites, a swim beach and a dump station on a flowage lake; reserve through the Wisconsin DNR. Between the county parks and the state park, you have solid public options if you'd rather not pay private-park rates for full hookups.
How cold does it get in Rice Lake in winter?
Cold enough that the campgrounds close. Rice Lake winters are freezing, snowy and windy, with January the harshest month, averaging a high around 18F and lows near 5F, and it regularly drops below zero. Snow covers the ground about 98 days a year, roughly a quarter of the year. That's why the RV camping season here runs only May through October. If you visit in winter, the region turns to ice fishing on the frozen lakes and snowmobiling on an extensive trail network, but you won't be tent or RV camping in a developed park. For RV travel, stick to the warm months; even May and late September can bring chilly nights, so pack layers.
Do I need reservations for Rice Lake campgrounds?
For summer weekends, yes. The northern camping season is short, so demand concentrates from June through August, and the lakeside sites at Northwood Shores and the Barron County parks fill fast on Fridays and holidays. Book those as early as you can. Lake Wissota State Park to the south is popular too and reservable through the Wisconsin DNR up to eleven months ahead. Midweek and in the shoulder seasons of May and late September, you can often find sites without a reservation, and those quieter times are our favorites anyway. If you're flexible on dates, arriving Sunday through Thursday gives you the best odds and sometimes better rates at the private parks.
Is there a dump station near Rice Lake?
Yes. The private full-hookup parks, Northwood Shores, V & M Happy Campers and Country Quiet, offer full sewer hookups right at many sites, so you can empty tanks without a separate stop. The Barron County parks have electric hookups and typically a dump station on site for campers, though not full sewer at each pad. Lake Wissota State Park about 40 minutes south also has a dump station. So whether you stay at a private park or a public county or state park, you'll have convenient places to dump and refill fresh water in the Rice Lake area. Confirm dump availability and any small fee when you check in, since the county parks vary.
What is there to do around Rice Lake besides fishing?
Plenty, especially if you like the outdoors. Boating and swimming are big on Rice Lake and the surrounding waters, and the Barron County parks have beaches and boat launches. The Blue Hills, about 25 miles east, are ancient low mountains with hiking, mountain biking and silent-sports trails, plus fall color. Lake Wissota State Park to the south adds more trails, a beach and camping on a large flowage. The town of Rice Lake has restaurants, shopping and a walkable downtown for a break from the water. In fall, leaf-peeping drives through the county are excellent, and in winter the area becomes a hub for snowmobiling and ice fishing if you return in the cold months.
Are pets allowed at Rice Lake campgrounds?
Generally yes, with standard rules. Private parks like Northwood Shores advertise pet-friendly sites, and most others in the area welcome leashed, well-behaved dogs. The Barron County public parks and Wisconsin state parks including Lake Wissota allow pets but require them to stay leashed and cleaned up after, and some limit dogs on swim beaches. Always confirm any breed or number limits when you reserve at a private park. With so much lakeside space and trail access around Rice Lake, this is good dog country, but watch for ticks in the tall grass and woods, and carry water for your pet on warm summer days near the lakes.
How far is Rice Lake from Eau Claire and the Twin Cities?
Rice Lake is well connected for a north-woods town. Eau Claire is about 45 miles south on US-53, roughly a 45-minute drive, and that's where you'll find the nearest interstate, I-94, plus full-size shopping, RV dealers and service. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area is around two hours southwest via US-53 and I-94, making Rice Lake a reasonable weekend destination for Twin Cities RVers. To the north, US-53 continues toward Superior and Duluth in about two hours. This easy expressway access is a big part of the appeal: you get remote lake-country fishing and camping without a long, white-knuckle drive on narrow roads to reach it.
Are the mosquitoes bad in Rice Lake?
They can be, especially near the water in early and midsummer. The same lakes, flowages and wetlands that make the fishing so good also breed mosquitoes, and June and July evenings near shore can get buggy at dusk and dawn. Bring good repellent, consider a screen room or screened awning at camp, and pick a breezier, more open site if bugs bother you. The good news is that the bugs ease off considerably by late August and are essentially gone by the crisp days of late September, which is one reason we love early fall here. Ticks are also present in the tall grass and woods, so check yourself and your pets after hiking.
Is Rice Lake a good base for exploring northern Wisconsin?
Yes, it works well as a hub. Sitting right on the US-53 expressway in Barron County, Rice Lake puts you in the heart of northwest Wisconsin's lake country while keeping easy access to services. From here you can day-trip east to the Blue Hills for hiking and biking, south to Lake Wissota State Park and Chippewa Falls, and reach dozens of fishing lakes within a half-hour drive. The Chequamegon National Forest lies to the northeast for public-land exploring. Rice Lake itself has full shopping, fuel and RV service, so you can stock up and base here comfortably for a week rather than moving camp constantly. It's an affordable, central, low-hassle spot for a north-woods trip.
Are there full-hookup RV parks in Rice Lake, Wisconsin?
Yes, several private parks offer full hookups. Northwood Shores is the largest, with 89 full-hookup sites, 50-amp service and pull-throughs that welcome big rigs, open May through October. V & M Happy Campers RV Park has 21 full-hookup sites with pull-throughs at budget rates, and Country Quiet RV Park provides full hookups including 50-amp service in a quieter rural setting outside town. If you want full sewer at your site, these private parks are your best bet. The public options nearby, the Barron County parks, offer electric hookups but not full sewer, though they make up for it with lakeside settings and lower nightly fees.
When does the camping season run in Rice Lake?
The northern Wisconsin camping season is short. Most campgrounds around Rice Lake open in May and close by mid-October, with the peak running June through August when the weather is warm and the fishing is good. Fall color in late September and early October is a beautiful, quieter time to visit before parks shut down for winter. After mid-October the cold and snow arrive in earnest, and by January highs sit around 18F with lows near 5F, so the developed campgrounds close and the region shifts to ice fishing and snowmobiling. If you're planning an RV trip, aim for the May-through-September window, and book ahead for summer weekends since the season is compressed.
What fishing is there around Rice Lake?
Rice Lake is serious fishing country, which is why many RVers come. Rice Lake itself and nearby Prairie Lake hold musky, walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike and panfish, and the wider Barron County area is dotted with dozens of lakes, flowages and rivers. Barron County Veterans Memorial Park sits right on Prairie Lake with a boat launch, making it easy to fish from camp. Musky is the trophy draw here, and if you're new to musky water, hiring a local guide for a half day is a smart investment. Spring after ice-out and fall are prime for walleye, while summer is good all around. Bring your own boat or launch from the county parks.
Can big rigs camp near Rice Lake?
Yes, several parks handle big rigs comfortably. Northwood Shores is the most big-rig friendly, with 89 sites, 50-amp full hookups and pull-throughs that fit large coaches and long fifth wheels. V & M Happy Campers also offers pull-through full-hookup sites that accept big rigs. Country Quiet RV Park welcomes big rigs with 50-amp full hookups too. The county parks and Lake Wissota State Park have more variable site sizes, so if you're running a large rig, confirm the length when you reserve. Getting there is easy since US-53 is a four-lane expressway, so the drive in poses no clearance or grade problems for a big rig from either direction.
Are there public campgrounds near Rice Lake?
Yes, and they're a good value. Barron County operates two public campgrounds close to town: Veterans Memorial Park on Prairie Lake, with electric hookups, drinking water and a boat launch, and Southworth Memorial Park, also with electric sites for tents and RVs. Both offer a more natural lakeside setting at modest nightly fees. About 40 minutes south near Chippewa Falls, Lake Wissota State Park is a larger public state park with big wooded sites, a swim beach and a dump station on a flowage lake; reserve through the Wisconsin DNR. Between the county parks and the state park, you have solid public options if you'd rather not pay private-park rates for full hookups.
How cold does it get in Rice Lake in winter?
Cold enough that the campgrounds close. Rice Lake winters are freezing, snowy and windy, with January the harshest month, averaging a high around 18F and lows near 5F, and it regularly drops below zero. Snow covers the ground about 98 days a year, roughly a quarter of the year. That's why the RV camping season here runs only May through October. If you visit in winter, the region turns to ice fishing on the frozen lakes and snowmobiling on an extensive trail network, but you won't be tent or RV camping in a developed park. For RV travel, stick to the warm months; even May and late September can bring chilly nights, so pack layers.
Do I need reservations for Rice Lake campgrounds?
For summer weekends, yes. The northern camping season is short, so demand concentrates from June through August, and the lakeside sites at Northwood Shores and the Barron County parks fill fast on Fridays and holidays. Book those as early as you can. Lake Wissota State Park to the south is popular too and reservable through the Wisconsin DNR up to eleven months ahead. Midweek and in the shoulder seasons of May and late September, you can often find sites without a reservation, and those quieter times are our favorites anyway. If you're flexible on dates, arriving Sunday through Thursday gives you the best odds and sometimes better rates at the private parks.
Is there a dump station near Rice Lake?
Yes. The private full-hookup parks, Northwood Shores, V & M Happy Campers and Country Quiet, offer full sewer hookups right at many sites, so you can empty tanks without a separate stop. The Barron County parks have electric hookups and typically a dump station on site for campers, though not full sewer at each pad. Lake Wissota State Park about 40 minutes south also has a dump station. So whether you stay at a private park or a public county or state park, you'll have convenient places to dump and refill fresh water in the Rice Lake area. Confirm dump availability and any small fee when you check in, since the county parks vary.
What is there to do around Rice Lake besides fishing?
Plenty, especially if you like the outdoors. Boating and swimming are big on Rice Lake and the surrounding waters, and the Barron County parks have beaches and boat launches. The Blue Hills, about 25 miles east, are ancient low mountains with hiking, mountain biking and silent-sports trails, plus fall color. Lake Wissota State Park to the south adds more trails, a beach and camping on a large flowage. The town of Rice Lake has restaurants, shopping and a walkable downtown for a break from the water. In fall, leaf-peeping drives through the county are excellent, and in winter the area becomes a hub for snowmobiling and ice fishing if you return in the cold months.
Are pets allowed at Rice Lake campgrounds?
Generally yes, with standard rules. Private parks like Northwood Shores advertise pet-friendly sites, and most others in the area welcome leashed, well-behaved dogs. The Barron County public parks and Wisconsin state parks including Lake Wissota allow pets but require them to stay leashed and cleaned up after, and some limit dogs on swim beaches. Always confirm any breed or number limits when you reserve at a private park. With so much lakeside space and trail access around Rice Lake, this is good dog country, but watch for ticks in the tall grass and woods, and carry water for your pet on warm summer days near the lakes.
How far is Rice Lake from Eau Claire and the Twin Cities?
Rice Lake is well connected for a north-woods town. Eau Claire is about 45 miles south on US-53, roughly a 45-minute drive, and that's where you'll find the nearest interstate, I-94, plus full-size shopping, RV dealers and service. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area is around two hours southwest via US-53 and I-94, making Rice Lake a reasonable weekend destination for Twin Cities RVers. To the north, US-53 continues toward Superior and Duluth in about two hours. This easy expressway access is a big part of the appeal: you get remote lake-country fishing and camping without a long, white-knuckle drive on narrow roads to reach it.
Are the mosquitoes bad in Rice Lake?
They can be, especially near the water in early and midsummer. The same lakes, flowages and wetlands that make the fishing so good also breed mosquitoes, and June and July evenings near shore can get buggy at dusk and dawn. Bring good repellent, consider a screen room or screened awning at camp, and pick a breezier, more open site if bugs bother you. The good news is that the bugs ease off considerably by late August and are essentially gone by the crisp days of late September, which is one reason we love early fall here. Ticks are also present in the tall grass and woods, so check yourself and your pets after hiking.
Is Rice Lake a good base for exploring northern Wisconsin?
Yes, it works well as a hub. Sitting right on the US-53 expressway in Barron County, Rice Lake puts you in the heart of northwest Wisconsin's lake country while keeping easy access to services. From here you can day-trip east to the Blue Hills for hiking and biking, south to Lake Wissota State Park and Chippewa Falls, and reach dozens of fishing lakes within a half-hour drive. The Chequamegon National Forest lies to the northeast for public-land exploring. Rice Lake itself has full shopping, fuel and RV service, so you can stock up and base here comfortably for a week rather than moving camp constantly. It's an affordable, central, low-hassle spot for a north-woods trip.
What is the highest-rated dump station in Rice Lake?
The highest-rated station is Featherstone RV Park with a rating of 4.6/5 stars.
Are there free dump stations in Rice Lake?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Rice Lake.
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