Wisconsin River Islands
32 mi north · Bureau of Land Management
to your public lands! Wisconsin is home to over 15,000 lakes, 84,000 river miles, and countless islands.
Outdoors
Picnic spots near Madison
Day-use and picnic areas near Madison on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
13picnic areas
32 mito the closest
May–Septemberbest months
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
Closest picks
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
52 mi northeast · Fish and Wildlife Service
At more than 33,000 acres, Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese.
Grant River
73 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
Spread along the banks of the Upper Mississippi River, the Grant River Campground, located in the "Catfish Capital of Wisconsin," is a modern campground that offers a plethora of outdoor and recreational activities.
Map of all 13 places
Map of 13 places loads as you scroll.
30 to 75 miles (5)
Wisconsin River Islands
to your public lands! Wisconsin is home to over 15,000 lakes, 84,000 river miles, and countless islands.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Kayaking
- Photography
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
At more than 33,000 acres, Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese.
- Archery
- Biking
- Birding
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Nature education
Grant River
Spread along the banks of the Upper Mississippi River, the Grant River Campground, located in the "Catfish Capital of Wisconsin," is a modern campground that offers a plethora of outdoor and recreational activities.
- Birding
- Camping
- Evening Programs
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water Access
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
Fifteen campgrounds dot the shoreline along the upper Mississippi River Project. Facilities include campsites, boat ramps, picnic shelters, interpretive programs, hiking trails and eagle watching in the winter months.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Blanding Landing
Blanding Landing is situated in a lush river valley on the east bank of the great Mississippi, just 13 miles from Galena, Illinois. Rich deposits of minerals line the landscape.
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water Access
- Wildlife viewing
75 miles and farther (8)
Mississippi River - Pool 9
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Genoa, WI and Lynxville, WI.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area
Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is a hidden gem located on the Mississippi River. Whether you like camping, fishing, boating, or just taking in nature, Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is the perfect place.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
Mississippi River - Pool 10
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Lynxville, WI. and Guttenberg, IA.
- Boating
- Fishing
- History
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Mississippi River - Pool 8
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Dresbach, MN and Genoa, WI.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Mississippi River - Pool 7
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Trempealeau, WI and Dresbach, MN.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Mississippi River - Pool 6
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Trempealeau, WI and Dresbach, MN.
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Illinois Waterway
Ever want to see the operation of a lock and dam? The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center offers you that as well as impressive towboats of mammoth proportions navigating through the Starved Rock Lock, which is one of eight on the Illinois…
- Nature education
- Picnicking
Mississippi River - Pool 5A
There is no public access or facilities at the Lock and Dam. There are public facilities scattered throughout the Pool.Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Winona, MN and Trempealeau, WI.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Madison. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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More outdoors near Madison
Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Madison?
Wisconsin River Islands (Bureau of Land Management), about 32 miles north of Madison as the crow flies. Next are Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (52 mi) and Grant River (73 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Madison?
Based on Madison’s average highs, May–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.