Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Located along the beautiful Wisconsin River near the site of Native American encampments, Council Grounds State Park is a favorite for water enthusiasts. The park offers many recreational opportunities including family and group campsites, wooded trails, a beach area and an accessible fishing pier. A boat landing offers access to Lake Alexander and the Wisconsin River.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Council Grounds State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in October, swimming in July–August and boating & paddling in June–September.
What can you do at Council Grounds State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Council Grounds State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Council Grounds State Park needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
Can you camp at Council Grounds State Park in winter?
Camping here is seasonal, generally May–October. Council Grounds State Park offers family and group campsites, open from May 1 to October 31.
What state parks and trails are near Council Grounds State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Rib Mountain State Park (19 mi), Bearskin State Trail (36 mi) and Willow Flowage (37 mi).
Good for
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: N1895 Council Grounds Dr. Merrill, WI 54452
- Phone: 715-536-8773
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible fishing pier
- Adaptive equipment: Adaptive kayak
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Rib Mountain State Park (19 mi)
- Bearskin State Trail (36 mi)
- Willow Flowage (37 mi)
- Wiouwash State Trail (40 mi)
- Wolf River State Trail (45 mi)
Closures and alerts for Council Grounds State Park: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.