Rib Mountain State Park Wisconsin (WI) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Rib Mountain State Park is a prime destination for RV camping, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Established in 1927, the park holds a rich cultural past, with Native American tribes once inhabiting the area and using the mountain’s quartzite formations for tool-making. The park’s most striking feature is its namesake, Rib Mountain, which stands as the third highest point in Wisconsin. Its quartzite cliffs were formed over a billion years ago by massive glacial movements.

The park’s weather is characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. RV renters should come prepared for varying temperatures, especially during spring and fall. It’s essential to check the forecast before embarking on a trip and to pack appropriate clothing. Winter RV camping can be a magical experience, but renters should ensure their vehicles are equipped for cold weather conditions.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Rib Mountain State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Rib Mountain State Park.

Transportation

When planning a visit to Rib Mountain State Park it’s essential to know the available transportation options and restrictions. The park is easily accessible by private vehicles with multiple entrances located along the park’s perimeter. Visitors should be aware that there are restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 50 feet for RVs and trailers. This ensures that all campers can safely navigate the park’s roads and campgrounds. Additionally there are no public transportation options directly to the park making private vehicle travel the most convenient choice for visitors.

Rib Mountain State Park offers limited parking options for RVs. There are no designated RV parking areas throughout the park and overnight parking outside of designated campsites is not allowed. For RV campers it is recommended to use alternative transportation methods such as walking or biking to explore the park.

Getting around Rib Mountain State Park is made easy with several transportation options. Visitors can take advantage of the park’s walking paths which offer scenic views of the area. Additionally there are shuttle buses available during peak season for those who prefer not to walk.

Top Campsites in Rib Mountain State Park

Wausau East Campground
Location

Located just a few miles from Rib Mountain State Park Wausau East Campground is the most popular campsite in the area. With 70 sites this campground can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 45 feet in length. The campground offers a variety of amenities including full hookups free Wi-Fi and a playground for kids. Visitors can enjoy hiking biking and fishing in the nearby park. Pets are welcome and the campground is open from May to October.

Marathon County Park Campground
Location

Situated on the banks of the Eau Claire River Marathon County Park Campground is a favorite among campers who love water activities. The campground has 30 sites with electric hookups and accommodations for RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length. Amenities include a boat ramp fishing pier and a swimming beach. Visitors can also enjoy hiking biking and picnicking. Pets are allowed and the campground is open from May to September.

Riverside Campground
Location

Nestled on the banks of the Wisconsin River Riverside Campground is a peaceful and scenic campground that offers 40 sites with electric hookups. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length are welcome. The campground offers a variety of amenities including a boat ramp fishing pier and a playground for kids. Visitors can enjoy hiking biking and fishing. Pets are welcome and the campground is open from April to October.

Bear Lake Campground
Location

Located on the shores of Bear Lake this campground offers 25 sites with electric hookups and accommodations for RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length. Visitors can enjoy swimming boating and fishing in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Amenities include a boat ramp picnic tables and fire rings. Pets are welcome and the campground is open from May to September.

Fern Island Campground
Location

Fern Island Campground is a first-come-first-served campground located within Rib Mountain State Park. The campground offers 17 sites with accommodations for RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length. Visitors can enjoy hiking biking and picnicking in the park. Pets are welcome and the campground is open from May to October.

Pine Ridge Campground
Location

Pine Ridge Campground is a first-come-first-served campground located within Rib Mountain State Park. The campground offers 14 sites with accommodations for RVs and trailers up to 25 feet in length. Visitors can enjoy hiking biking and picnicking in the park. Pets are welcome and the campground is open from May to October.

Boulder Lake Campground
Location

Boulder Lake Campground is a first-come-first-served campground located within Rib Mountain State Park. The campground offers 12 sites with accommodations for RVs and trailers up to 25 feet in length. Visitors can enjoy hiking biking and fishing in the park. Pets are welcome and the campground is open from May to October.

Private Campgrounds
Location

If the campgrounds within Rib Mountain State Park are full there are several private campgrounds nearby that offer accommodations for RV renters. Some popular options include Indianhead Resort & Campground Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort and Wausau West Campground. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities including full hookups Wi-Fi and recreational activities.

Backcountry Camping
Location

For those who prefer a more rustic camping experience Rib Mountain State Park offers backcountry camping in designated areas. Visitors must obtain a permit from the park office and follow all park rules and regulations. Backcountry camping is only permitted in certain areas of the park and campers must pack out all trash and leave no trace.

Hiking the Rib Mountain Trails

If you’re an outdoorsy RV camper looking for a scenic hike Rib Mountain State Park offers 13 miles of trails that wind through the park’s diverse landscape. The trails range from easy to challenging so there’s something for everyone. The park’s most popular trail is the Granite Peak Trail which leads to the highest point in Wisconsin. From the top you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The trailhead is located near the park’s entrance and the hike takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Biking the Park Roads

Rib Mountain State Park is a popular destination for RV campers who love to bike. The park’s winding roads offer a scenic and challenging ride with rolling hills and beautiful views of the surrounding forests. The park’s main road Rib Mountain Drive is a favorite among cyclists. The road is closed to vehicles on Sundays during the summer months making it the perfect time to hit the pavement.

Fishing at Park Pond

If you’re an RV camper who loves to fish Rib Mountain State Park has you covered. The park’s Park Pond is stocked with a variety of fish including bass bluegill and catfish. The pond is located near the park’s amphitheater and there’s a fishing pier for easy access. Fishing licenses are required for anyone over the age of 16.

Climbing the Granite Peak Chairlift

For RV campers who want to experience the thrill of Rib Mountain’s highest peak without the hike the Granite Peak Chairlift offers a scenic ride to the top. The chairlift operates during the summer months and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. At the top you can enjoy a meal at the Peakside Restaurant or take a hike on one of the park’s many trails.

Disc Golf at the Park Course

Rib Mountain State Park is home to a challenging 18-hole disc golf course that winds through the park’s forests and hills. The course is open year-round and is free to play. Discs can be rented from the park office. The course is located near the park’s quarry area.

Sightseeing at the Park’s Scenic Overlooks

Rib Mountain State Park offers several scenic overlooks that provide stunning views of the surrounding area. The park’s most popular overlook is the Quarry View which offers panoramic views of the park’s old quarry and the surrounding forests. The overlook is located near the park’s nature center.

Nature Watching at the Park’s Nature Center

Rib Mountain State Park’s nature center is a popular destination for RV campers who love wildlife. The center offers interactive exhibits and programs that teach visitors about the park’s diverse ecosystem. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer foxes and birds. The nature center is located near the park’s entrance.

Photographing the Park’s Instagram-Worthy Spots

Rib Mountain State Park is a photographer’s paradise with several Instagram-worthy spots throughout the park. Some of the most popular photo spots include the Granite Peak Chairlift the Quarry View Overlook and the park’s many hiking trails. RV campers who love to take photos will find plenty of opportunities to capture the park’s natural beauty.

Stargazing at the Park’s Observatory

Rib Mountain State Park is home to the UWSP Astronomy and Physics Department Observatory which offers stargazing programs for visitors. The observatory is located at the top of Rib Mountain and offers stunning views of the night sky. Programs are offered on select evenings during the spring and fall.

Picnicking at the Park’s Shelters

Rib Mountain State Park offers several picnic shelters that are perfect for RV campers who love to dine al fresco. The shelters are located throughout the park and offer scenic views of the surrounding area. Some of the most popular picnic spots include the Quarry View Shelter and the Homestead Shelter.

Season-specific experiences in Rib Mountain State Park

Spring brings a renewed sense of life to Rib Mountain State Park making it the perfect destination for RV campers. One popular activity is hiking the trails such as the 60-foot observation tower trail which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to the Granite Peak Ski Area which transforms into a mountain biking haven in the spring. For those interested in history the park features a quarry that dates back to the 1800s. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to learn about the area’s mining history. Additionally the park boasts a beautiful butterfly garden which is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. Lastly the park offers several picnic areas with grills perfect for a springtime cookout.

Summer is a popular time for RV campers to visit Rib Mountain State Park and for good reason. The park features a beautiful beach area perfect for swimming sunbathing and picnicking. Visitors can also rent kayaks canoes and paddleboards to explore the park’s tranquil waters. Hiking is another popular activity with over 13 miles of trails winding through the park’s forests and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. For golfers the park features a challenging 18-hole course with rolling hills and scenic vistas. The park’s amphitheater also hosts a variety of concerts and performances throughout the summer months. Lastly the park offers a variety of educational programs such as guided nature hikes and birdwatching tours which are perfect for families and nature lovers.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Rib Mountain State Park especially for RV campers looking for recreational activities and landmarks to explore. One of the most popular activities during this season is hiking the trails that wind through the park offering breathtaking views of the colorful foliage. The Granite Peak Chairlift is another must-see attraction providing a bird’s eye view of the park and surrounding area. The park’s observation tower is also a great spot to take in the fall scenery. For history buffs the park is home to several historical landmarks including the oldest ski jump in the United States which still hosts competitions today. Finally RV campers can’t miss the annual Rib Mountain Fall Festival which features live music food vendors and craft booths.

Winter brings a whole new set of recreational activities to Rib Mountain State Park making it a popular destination for RV campers. One of the most popular activities during this season is skiing and snowboarding on the park’s slopes which offer a range of difficulty levels for all skill levels. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also great ways to explore the park’s winter scenery. The park’s Granite Peak Chairlift is also open during the winter offering stunning views of the snow-covered landscape. For those looking to warm up the park’s heated shelter is a great spot to relax and enjoy a hot beverage. Finally the park’s annual Winterfest celebration features ice sculptures live music and winter activities for the whole family.

(Limited time offer expires soon)
Up to 10% OFF RV Rental*
(Limited time offer expires soon)
Up to 10% OFF RV Rental*