The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Appleton, Wisconsin

Looking to camp near Appleton, Wisconsin and enjoy the beauty of a river? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for all your camping needs. With over 79 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned camper or trying it out for the first time, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top campsites like Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), Wheel Inn Glamping (92 reviews), and 5 Secluded Acres on River (70 reviews). Plus, you can enjoy popular amenities like pets, trash facilities, and toilets. Embrace your love for surfing, fishing, and snow sports while camping in this picturesque location. With an average price per night of $50 and options as low as $10, you'll have an amazing camping experience without breaking the bank. Start planning your camping adventure with Hipcamp today!

98% (440)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to camp near Appleton, Wisconsin and enjoy the beauty of a river? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for all your camping needs. With over 79 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned camper or trying it out for the first time, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top campsites like Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), Wheel Inn Glamping (92 reviews), and 5 Secluded Acres on River (70 reviews). Plus, you can enjoy popular amenities like pets, trash facilities, and toilets. Embrace your love for surfing, fishing, and snow sports while camping in this picturesque location. With an average price per night of $50 and options as low as $10, you'll have an amazing camping experience without breaking the bank. Start planning your camping adventure with Hipcamp today!

98% (440)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Uncle Ben’s Camping

92%

(6)

37mi from Appleton · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Abrams, WI

One of my favorite home away from home’s. This property will help you reground and connect with nature. I have added the necessities of life, while keeping the property as natural as possible. My goal is to share this great experience I’ve created with you and your family. From the outdoor shower to the walking trails that weave through the woods and over Tibbet Creek you will love your stay! A couple of the sites are more remote than others by design. Not all can be driven up to. The furthest would be approximately a 500’ walk. A wagon is available to carry your items to your site. There is a large pond if you would like to fish or swim, and a John boat and a paddle boat to use also. Each site has its own fire pit with a cooking grate. Firewood available for purchase on site. Most sites are set with views of a water feature. Some tents are available to rent if you don’t have your own.

2. Village Inn On The Lake RV Park

95%

(22)

40mi from Appleton · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Two Rivers, WI

Cozy RV park located along coast of Lake Michigan. A short 40 min drive to Green Bay's Lambeau field. if you are looking for fall colors, cruise the scenic byway to the orchards of Door County. Our all-inclusive property offers full hookups with electric pedestal offering 20, 30, 50 amps plus Sewer/Water on each site. Hotel amenities include Indoor pool and hot tub with restrooms and showers available for your use. We offer camping or glamping if you would like to stay indoors, book a hotel room at our 36-room Inn. E-Bike rental, Mini golf, full bar, pizza, ice cream and snacks available for purchase. Plenty of biking and hiking trails nearby. Your pick of paddling, fishing, birding or sailing. We are a short walk to Beach Access where dogs are welcome. We are open year round, water and sewer is off during winter months. However, winter hiking and the magic of the season is an adventure to experience.

3. Cricket Ranch

99%

(344)

47mi from Appleton · 5 sites · Tents · Cascade, WI

We are honored to again be named one of the Best Hipcamps in Wisconsin for 2024. Thank you to our guests for your wonderful reviews and helpful suggestions! And a special thank you to one of our guests, Brandon "Da Garbage Disposal" Clark, for featuring Cricket Ranch in his YouTube series "Outdoors Unsupervised: Survival Season 6". Learn more about this land: Cricket Ranch is a crazy combo of Nature's past, present, and future. The property was a farm with 75% of it corn fields until 30 years ago. It has been virtually untouched since then and in just a few decades it has reinvented itself as a forest. Chambers Creek runs thru the west side of the property. As a headwater of the Milwaukee River, it is part of the Great Lakes Basin and a source for Lake Michigan. Wisconsin has identified Chambers Creek as an Exceptional Resource Water (ERWs), Less than 10% of Wisconsin waterways carry this designation. What we do (or don't do) now affects the Great Lakes later. And you'll find fossils in the rock walls of some of the earliest examples of complex life on Earth (from 460 mya, Ordovician, Cambrian). No digging required. Seriously. How they got there is a very long story in the making and involves ancient inland seas, plate tectonics, glaciers, German immigrants, and 19th-20th century farming. Off the Beaten Path @ Cricket Ranch provides a true back to nature environment for campers, sometimes called "backcountry camping". Located on 50 acres of private forest, field, and valley, our campsites are very secluded and separated by acres of woodland. Each layout is unique, embracing what nature has provided. Backpacking (or wagoning) to your camp from the parking area is necessary as the 5' wide paths do not accommodate cars/trucks. Hiking distance from parking area: (1) Camp Cricket is 600 Ft. (2) Haen Hollow is 250 ft. (3) Rocky Top is 700 ft. (4) Grapeline is 1000 ft. Feel fee to explore the land! We are located near the Niagara Escarpment so, as previously mentioned, you might even find a 460 million year old fossil on one of the field rock walls. Keep it! So we can keep a count of how many are found, and out of an overabundance of curiosity, please let us know and send some pics of your find. Chambers Creek provides a spot to cool your feet, stone step, or just listen to the relaxing sound of a babbling brook. The creek is overgrown with brush so access is limited but we do have a trail that follows the creek for about 300 yds. We intend to clear some more of the underbrush in the near future to allow for better enjoyment and management of this invaluable natural resource. Near by: Kettle Moraine National Forest is a 10 minute drive, boasting great hiking and the can't-miss-it view from atop Parnell Tower. Lake Ellen has a nice no-fee public boat landing just 2 miles away. The lake has clear water and is stocked periodically with Pike and Walleye. It is surprising how un-busy this lake is so bring your boat, kayak, paddle board, and/or assorted flotation devices and check it out. Our parking area can accommodate boat trailers during your stay.

4. Clear Water Camp

100%

(216)

35mi from Appleton · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Waupaca, WI

A private sanctuary with 30 acres located just north of Waupaca's Chain O' Lakes with groomed hiking and/or biking trails. Terrain is varied with ponds, hills, and valleys. Shower, potable water, and rec room available. PLEASE NOTE with heavy rain all wheel drive (AWD) is needed to park next to your site. If you don't have AWD, there's parking by the rec room. We can transport you to your site if there are issues. Firewood is available for purchase in addition to a 24 x 32 rec room/storm shelter. Kayaks and SUPs available to rent too! The rec room offers a fun room full of games (ping pong, darts, and other fun games) and a living room area with multiple TVs. We have a kitchen area with a refrigerator (no water) with snacks, pizza, and beverages available. Head into town for shopping, coffee, and baked treats. Or head to the Chain for crystal clear water, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, skiing, or dining at one of Waupaca's signature restaurants. Clear Water Camping has a rich history. The location is where the stagecoach house (still standing) was built in 1847 to support the nearby granite quarry.

5. County D(ope)

100%

(10)

48mi from Appleton · 1 site · Tent, RV · Brussels, WI

Open grassy lot on along the origins of sugar creek in the quiet farmlands of southern Door County. Room for boats and a located near Bayside and Lakeside boat launches. Close to the highway for easy access to Sturgeon Bay and the rest of northern Door County. Water and electrical hookups far from owner’s house. This is the gateway to Door County!

6. Pondfront RV Site near Road America

100%

(43)

37mi from Appleton · 1 site · RV · Glenbeulah, WI

K Our pond front RV site is located on the northern tip of the Kettle Moraine Forest within 300 yards of the hiking trails. 2 miles from the gates at Road America, Elkhart Lake WI, and Elkhart’s swimming, biking trails and great restaurants. 30 Amp power and water hook ups for RV's are available. The Kettle Moraine Ice AgeTrail is just across the pond. The Glenbeulah Millpond offers fishing and kayaking and we provide free use of our kayak and paddleboat. We usually have a bunch of firewood for the included firepit and a nice table and chairs for your picnics. Swimming is near by at Elkhart Lake and the mountain biking trails in the Kettle Moraine Forest are wonderful. There is WiFi. We have a dog that is overly friendly and will hang out near your camper. If you want to bring your pets we ask that you talk with us first to make sure they will all get along. We do not have a sewer connection for your black and grey water tanks but there is a dump station just 4 miles away. There are no toilet facilities on site.

7. Waupaca River Retreat

96%

(27)

29mi from Appleton · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Weyauwega, WI

Located on the Waupaca River, there is plenty to do here! Enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, and so much more! Several routes to choose from. Amazing wildlife includes whitetail deer, turtles, bald eagles, black terns, blue herons, cranes and trumpeter swans. Conveniently located minutes from Waupaca, Hartmans Creek State Park and Chain O Lakes. Great fat tire bike trails in the area. Sites are large to stretch out. Ground is cleared woodland. Site includes picnic table and metal fire pit. Firewood available for purchase on-site.

Camper favorites near Appleton

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Clear Water Camp

100%

(216)

35mi from Appleton · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Waupaca, WI

A private sanctuary with 30 acres located just north of Waupaca's Chain O' Lakes with groomed hiking and/or biking trails. Terrain is varied with ponds, hills, and valleys. Shower, potable water, and rec room available. PLEASE NOTE with heavy rain all wheel drive (AWD) is needed to park next to your site. If you don't have AWD, there's parking by the rec room. We can transport you to your site if there are issues. Firewood is available for purchase in addition to a 24 x 32 rec room/storm shelter. Kayaks and SUPs available to rent too! The rec room offers a fun room full of games (ping pong, darts, and other fun games) and a living room area with multiple TVs. We have a kitchen area with a refrigerator (no water) with snacks, pizza, and beverages available. Head into town for shopping, coffee, and baked treats. Or head to the Chain for crystal clear water, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, skiing, or dining at one of Waupaca's signature restaurants. Clear Water Camping has a rich history. The location is where the stagecoach house (still standing) was built in 1847 to support the nearby granite quarry.

County D(ope)

100%

(10)

48mi from Appleton · 1 site · Tent, RV · Brussels, WI

Open grassy lot on along the origins of sugar creek in the quiet farmlands of southern Door County. Room for boats and a located near Bayside and Lakeside boat launches. Close to the highway for easy access to Sturgeon Bay and the rest of northern Door County. Water and electrical hookups far from owner’s house. This is the gateway to Door County!

Pondfront RV Site near Road America

100%

(43)

37mi from Appleton · 1 site · RV · Glenbeulah, WI

K Our pond front RV site is located on the northern tip of the Kettle Moraine Forest within 300 yards of the hiking trails. 2 miles from the gates at Road America, Elkhart Lake WI, and Elkhart’s swimming, biking trails and great restaurants. 30 Amp power and water hook ups for RV's are available. The Kettle Moraine Ice AgeTrail is just across the pond. The Glenbeulah Millpond offers fishing and kayaking and we provide free use of our kayak and paddleboat. We usually have a bunch of firewood for the included firepit and a nice table and chairs for your picnics. Swimming is near by at Elkhart Lake and the mountain biking trails in the Kettle Moraine Forest are wonderful. There is WiFi. We have a dog that is overly friendly and will hang out near your camper. If you want to bring your pets we ask that you talk with us first to make sure they will all get along. We do not have a sewer connection for your black and grey water tanks but there is a dump station just 4 miles away. There are no toilet facilities on site.

Waupaca River Retreat

96%

(27)

29mi from Appleton · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Weyauwega, WI

Located on the Waupaca River, there is plenty to do here! Enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, and so much more! Several routes to choose from. Amazing wildlife includes whitetail deer, turtles, bald eagles, black terns, blue herons, cranes and trumpeter swans. Conveniently located minutes from Waupaca, Hartmans Creek State Park and Chain O Lakes. Great fat tire bike trails in the area. Sites are large to stretch out. Ground is cleared woodland. Site includes picnic table and metal fire pit. Firewood available for purchase on-site.

Public campgrounds near Appleton

83%

(3)

Hartman Creek Campground

41mi from Appleton · 84 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hartman Creek State Park

100%

(3)

Point Beach State Forest Campground

43mi from Appleton · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Point Beach State Forest

Stories from the community

Z

Zac

October 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Waupaca River Retreat

Amazing view I had a blast owners are super nice and friendly I felt right at home definitely coming back next year I give it 15 out of 10 lol

A

Ashley

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

Clean, private, and spacious. Easy, wide walk in with wagons. Jay brought us a big haul of firewood. Would recommend.

R

Red Rosie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waupaca River Retreat

Above and beyond! That's how Brenda and her family role. They are the most genuinely kind and caring people. They truly treat you like family. I took my 2 kiddos (ages 8 and 9) and our dog, for a fall camping adventure. The property is absolutely beautiful. Their are 3 campsites right on the river. We happened to be the only people there, so we had it to ourselves! But, would be a perfect spot if you have a larger group to book all 3 sites together. Brenda and her family truly made us feel like family. We had a couple bumps in the road- it was my first time taking my kids camping by myself, but they made me feel like I had a safety net, in case anything happened. I felt completely safe and it put my mind at ease. My daughter said if she could rate her stay, she'd give it "450 trillion out of 5 stars". My son said, the experience was, "one for the books"- meaning he had so much fun, he can't stop talking about it. :) Aside from the top notch host, they offer things to do, like kayaking and fishing. They will even drive you to a place to start and you'll finish at your campsite. They have 2 docks right on the river, which offer gorgeous views of sunset and sunrise. Also, just to bask in the peacefulness surrounding you. I could go on and on about how amazing our experience was... but you should check it out for yourself! We can't wait to go again!! We're already planning our next adventure there!

Amy

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

Third annual camping trip to Grapeline, and every year it's a home run! We love the convenience of having the Bell tent up and ready to go when we arrive. This property is so close to so much great outdoor adventure we keep coming back year after year. See you in 2026!

M

Megan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

Stayed at Rocky Top for one night, what a lovely, secluded campsite! Even though there were campers at other sites I barely heard or saw them. Nice sunset view and the creek was calming. The wagon was awesome amenity as the site is a little ways in and up a bit of a hill. The only minor con was a bit of road noise but it wasn’t too loud or distracting.

Julia

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

Directions to get to the site were easy enough to follow. Portapotty was clean and well maintained. Firewood was available on site for $5 with a wagon which was helpful. We cooked our dinner over the fire grate provided & ate at the picnic table. Overall a lovely stay. We took a nature walk during sunset to scope out a bit of the land. Was cool to see the rock walls & get some history from The land owner. When we crawled into the tent for the evening we were awoken twice throughout the night from our dog barking at what seemed to be human footsteps through the fallen leaves on the path leading up to our site. We were quite spooked to say the very least… other than that, we heard truck noise from the road throughout the night which brought some comfort to us. The owner said he never heard of such a thing in the middle of the night.. Would recommend, just be aware & prepared as always when tent camping.

Direct river access! Great for kayaking (they have some but we brought our own), canoeing, fishing and perhaps a tube float during summer months!

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waupaca River Retreat

Fishing off the dock, kayaking the river, getting to meet some of Brenda and Josh's "pets" (a stud horse and the sweetest little goat!) whilst stoking a fire was the perfect weekend escape. Yes, the train horns do occur, but we thought they were funny! Seeing a flock of 50 Sandhill Cranes all take off at once was a speechless moment along with watching changing leaves gently fall onto the river 🍂🛶. Plenty of firewood and kindling on site as well as all the water and eggs you could chug! Brenda was thoughtfully communicating throughout brooking process and a gracious host during our stay. We can't wait to come back with some friends! Can't recommend enough for fellow camping sweethearts and nature-loving families. 👏🤗

D

Dr. Joel

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Village Inn On The Lake RV Park

We really liked being able to use the pool, hot tub and mini-golf as an RV camper. We want to make plans for a family camping event next year with some staying in campers and some at the hotel.

Rob

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

Great camping spot would recommend to others. We had a group of 6, 4 dogs and 3 tents and had plenty of space. Trashcan was full when we got there with trash on the ground and no wood was left in the precut bundle area. Can hear the traffic from the site but really wasn't a problem for us. Overall would go again.

B

Brenda

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Cricket Ranch

Super nice property and host! We stayed at Grapeline and barely heard any traffic from the road. Would recommend!

This is a large hilltop site with an open sky. Four-wheel drive recommended if vehicle needed.

A

Amanda

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Clear Water Camp

Amazing, private place place to camp. Adam and Jackie are super friendly and made sure to check in on us once in awhile (not too much, just enough). They are super dog friendly and my dogs loved running around off leash. The property is beautiful as well as the surrounding lakes and towns.

B

Becki

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

This was our first time staying at a Hipcamp. Don't think we will ever go to another crowded campground again. This is exactly what we were looking for. We adopted 2 rescue dogs a few years ago and one is not so great with people. Pretty much put an end to our camping. This site was absolutely perfect. We picked the furthest site away from the others, Grapeline. It was not a bad walk at all, remote enough that we could let the dogs off leash. We still encountered other campers when we were coming and going for the day, near the parking area and Porta potty. Lake Michigan is near by and Kettle Morain for some great hiking. This trip and the camp were exactly what we were looking for. Perfect!

C

Charisse

September 2025

14 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Clear Water Camp

Parked our camper van in the beautiful, pond-side Site 6 and loved the seclusion, peace, and spaciousness. The walking trail that is cut through the forest is gorgeous, and the shared clubhouse is an awesome place to hang out, eat, play games, and relax! The garage door bug screen is such a great idea and allows fresh air in while you enjoy the space. Owners are warm and personable, and clearly care about the spaces provided and their guests. This was our second time there, and we will certainly be back! Thanks, Jackie and Adam for a great stay! Charisse

Private site surrounded by beautiful spruce trees.

J

Jeanne

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clear Water Camp

This was my first experience booking a Hipcamp site and it won't be my last. With Clearwater Camp's campsites located in varied topography, it would make it a different experience each time. Campsites were easy to find and were far enough from each other to feel like you were really out in the wild. But the rec center near the front of camp provided a nice spot to visit with other campers, create some art, and have a bite to eat. The camp hosts were extremely friendly and made sure that we had everything we needed. Combined with wonderful weather, we had a wonderful camping experience at Clearwater Camp!

C

Chris

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

Great communication from the host, everything exactly as described. We had a question upon arrival and Jay was very helpful. The site was well maintained and the property is beautiful.

Kaitlin

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waupaca River Retreat

We loved being back at Waupaca River Retreat. The sites have had some great upgrades including privacy screens between the sites, chairs overlooking the river, and a nice pathway between the sites and to the parking area. Brenda and her family are so welcoming and hospitable. Olivia even brought us fresh eggs on her horse! We saw otters and herons and heard coyotes and so many birds. This little spot is special -- a perfect place for a weekend in the woods.

S

Shannon

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Cricket Ranch

We had an awesome time at Cricket Ranch! We were lucky enough to have the entire property to ourselves for a night of camping! The host, Jay, was incredibly communicative and accommodating. It’s awesome that he has firewood for sale right in the general area, porta potty was very clean & all sites were awesome as we did explore with our 3 dogs! The off leash amenity of this location is hard to beat! We will be back!

We have installed concrete yard blocks to give you a level place to park

Kathryn

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Pondfront RV Site near Road America

This property was simply amazing! The view was incredible and peaceful! Next time we are in the area we will definitely stay there!

K

Katie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

Awesome spot! Tent camped at site 5, it felt nice and private. You hear a little car traffic during the day but it’s pretty quiet at night and doesn’t take away from the experience. Wonderful spot to see the stars. The sled is very helpful getting supplies to the site from your car. There is a bit of a hill towards the actual site itself so have decent shoes on, again nothing crazy or undoable. I would recommend this spot if you need a relaxing getaway!

Lizzi

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clear Water Camp

My group LOVED this campground! Adam and Jackie are amazing. A couple of our group members were joking that they were in love with them lol. It's the perfect mix of nature with some modern comforts. The port a potties are so clean and nice! Each site has its own basically. The rec room was a welcome reprieve when it rained for us! We will definitely be coming back. The sites are well spaced, clean, well maintained, everything you'd want! If you haven't been here yet, you need to go!