Vista Royalle Campground

The Great Outdoors

Campsites at Vista Royalle Campground are just 30 minutes’ drive from the Hartman Creek State Park, which sprawls across 1,417 acres near Waupaca. It’s dotted with picturesque lakes that can be explored along a section of the long-distance Ice Age National Scenic Trail as it stretches 1,200 miles across the state of Wisconsin. It also extends through the nearby Emmons Creek Fishery Area, which surrounds a coldwater trout stream and several springs near Fountain Lake.Around an hour’s drive north of Vista Royalle Campground is the George W. Mead Wildlife Area, which encompasses 33,000 acres of grasslands, hardwood forests, and conifer bogs. Much of the protected area’s wetlands and lowlands were used for farming in the early 20th century, although the cold conditions and acidic soils proved unsuitable for agriculture. You can stretch your legs on the 70 miles of hiking trails that wind through the wildlife area or get active on the seven-mile bike loop near the Berkahn Flowage. Begin your visit at the sustainably designed Stanton W. Mead Education and Visitor Center to learn about the park’s native flora and fauna, then head out to spot some of the 250 bird species that have been recorded here.Bancroft campers are also within easy reach of the Sandhill State Wildlife Area, which sprawls across 9,150 acres of gently rolling sandy ridges. Mature oak, aspen, and jack pines dominate the park, together with large areas of wildlife-filled marshes and flowages. Aside from a small herd of American bison, the Sandhill State Wildlife Area is also home to white-tailed deer, furbearers, and a variety of birdlife that includes Canada geese, ruffed grouse, and bald eagles.

Exploring the City

Camping at Vista Royalle Campground is just five minutes' drive from the center of Bancroft, where you’ll find a small supermarket if you want to stock up on groceries. There’s also a gas station here if you need to fill up your RV rental and a grill-style restaurant if you don’t feel like cooking.For a more extensive choice of supermarkets and services, make the 30-minute drive into Wisconsin Rapids, which serves as the seat of Wood County. It sprawls along both banks of the Wisconsin River and is packed with cultural attractions and family-friendly museums. Learn about the people and events that have shaped the city at the South Wood County Historical Corporation Museum, where old photographs, artifacts, and school yearbooks are on display. Also of note is the Wisconsin River Paper Making Museum, which occupies a 100-year-old mansion. It details the development of a dam on the Wisconsin River and the early years of the Consolidated Water Power & Paper Company, as well as hosting traveling exhibits about paper making around the world.Just across the Wisconsin River is The Alexander House, Center For Art & History, which features changing art exhibitions and informative displays that detail the local history. Admire the colonial architecture of the house before stepping inside to explore the period-furnished rooms, which are illuminated by state-of-the-art lighting.If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss a visit to the Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo. Get up close to their friendly alpacas, coatimundis, and playful lemurs, then say “hello” to the sheep, goats, and mini donkeys at the Petting Zoo. Aside from its animal enclosures, the zoo is also home to a children’s playground, picnic facilities, and a cycling area. Alternatively, you can head to one of the local recreational reserves, such as Robinson Park or Gaynor Park, to take advantage of the play equipment and skate facilities.Whether you want to wildlife spot in the reserves of central Wisconsin or discover the cultural sights of Wisconsin Rapids, book an RV rental in Portage County and start planning your next vacation.