The best forest camping in Wisconsin

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Wisconsin’s forests offer over 4,400 ways to sleep under the trees. You’ll find campsites tucked in pine groves, alongside trout streams, and deep in hardwood stands—many for less than the cost of a coffee, with options starting at $3 a night and an average price of $44. Bring your tent or hammock and get ready for campfires, hot showers, and pet-friendly sites. Wildlife-watching here isn’t just a bonus—it’s practically a guarantee, with deer, owls, and curious foxes wandering the woods. For a tried-and-true spot, check out Purplehaze Acres (434 reviews), 🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾 (370 reviews), or Bad River Wilderness (362 reviews). Most sites let you hike straight from your tent, and swimming holes pop up once the ice melts. Pack sturdy boots, bug spray, and your sense of adventure—the forest in Wisconsin doesn’t disappoint.

98% (5.2K) 5,155 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Wisconsin

Bad River Wilderness

1. Bad River Wilderness

98%
(540)
Mellen, WI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
On the upper Bad River, I have a special location that I'd like to share for others to enjoy. I was fortunate to acquire this land 20 years ago and now that I have retired from the United States Air Force, I can dedicate time to create peaceful campsites along the river. This land was originally railroad property as the railroad companies bought much land in the late 1800's to have options to place their railroads. There is still a railroad track nearby but it has been unused since 2015 and it makes a nice hiking path along the river for many miles to the north into the national forest. There are 3 waterfalls nearby and I will have many signs leading to the waterfalls. There are 4 total campsites on the property, 1 site you can drive to (Eagle Pines), and 3 tent sites that require 1/8 mile hike to 2 sites, and a 1/4 mile hike to the other hike-in site. There is no leash required for good pups. If your pup is aggressive with other dogs or people please leash them when on the hiking trails. If your pups would stay in your campsite no leash is required. Other campers may be hiking past your campsite on the trails that is still over 100 feet away from others campsites. You may run into others on the trails where others dogs may not be leashed. If your dog is aggressive to other dogs even if yours is on leash if you can’t control them please muzzle them.
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Cedar Hills Campground

2. Cedar Hills Campground

94%
(320)
Mazomanie, WI · 40 sites · Tents, RVs
Cedar Hills is a wonderful private campground located on a ridge above 800 acres of stunning DNR land and only a couple minutes drive from historic Sauk City, WI and its many great restaurants. Enjoy great views and 2 miles of hiking trails, personal fire pits and private campsites with access to large pavilion and many communal spaces. Founded in 1979 Cedar Hills has a long history and large community of regulars some of whom have maintained and added to their sites for decades, making this place truly a labor of love. Large sections of this campground are clothing optional, and the whole campsite is strictly 18 and above. Cedar Hills is LGBTQ friendly. Located on a ridge above 800 acres of stunning DNR land and only a couple minutes drive from Sauk City WI and 150 miles from Chicago. Enjoy great views and 2 miles of hiking trails, personal fire pits and private campsites with access to large pavilion. Winter campers may enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing and access with your snow machine Founded in 1979 Cedar Hills has a long history and large community of regulars some of whom have maintained and added to their sites for decades, making this place truly a labor of love. Large sections of this campground are clothing optional, and the whole campsite is strictly 18 and above and LGBTQ friendly. Come and visit our 40 sites located on a breathtaking ridgeline with stunning views of the valleys below.
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🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾

3. 🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾

99%
(574)
Cashton, WI · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Once a working farm, now a haven for wildlife and peace. Primitive, laid-back camping experience. Surrounded by Amish farms. Check out our full property for individual campsites descriptions. * 100 acres of rewilded habitat * Spring water * Creekside camping * ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 BIPOC, LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 friendly. All are welcome!
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Amnicon Falls State Park

4. Amnicon Falls State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Wisconsin · 29 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Amnicon Falls State Park.
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Big Bay State Park

5. Big Bay State Park

100%
(6)
State park in Wisconsin · 61 sites
Discover Big Bay State Park's scenic shores and lush campgrounds.
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Lake Ponder

6. Lake Ponder

97%
(78)
WI · 1 site · Tent, RV
Back in the 1800s the land conditions were ideal for a raspberry farm. The original settler's barn and farmhouse were still standing in 1960 when our family obtained the land. Since then, old buildings have diminished back to Earth. What used to be a small creek is now a small pond and trout stream. We have a cabin, outhouse, outdoor shower and other camping accommodations depending on the camping experience you are looking for! Reconnect with nature, find your tranquility, enjoy the wildlife, be amazed by the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. There's swimming, or just relaxing here!
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Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

7. Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

92%
(100)
South Range, WI · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
At Amnicon you'll find the perfect blend of far-enough-away and easy-enough-to-get-to. We're located at the end of a 5-mile-long dirt road, just 30 minutes outside of Duluth, MN. Our site features 600 acres of protected forests along the Amnicon River on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The wildlife is abundant, and we even have an eagle's nest on site. You'll enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the waves on Lake Superior, and waking up to 118+ species of birdsongs. We have an enormous sandy beach on Lake Superior that's a great place to watch the sunset and have a SMALL campfire. You're going to love it here.
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Purplehaze Acres

8. Purplehaze Acres

98%
(968)
Rubicon, WI · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging
Purplehaze Acres is a 60-acre organic rustic farm in Rubicon, WI and resides at the beginning of the approx. 650-mile Niagara Escarpment--known locally as "The Ledge". We are in close proximity to the Ice Age Trail, and the natural treasures of the great Horicon Marsh, Lake Sinnissipi/Rock River with canoeing/kayaking/fishing, Ledges County Park, and the world-renowned Holy Hill Shrine. Nearby Hustisford ("Husti") offers unique shopping and dining experiences. Need a few organic groceries? Make sure to visit Back To The Best Organic grocer only 3 miles away, featuring food raised on local organic farms including Purplehaze Acres. We offer a variety of camping alternatives, with 7 tent sites, 1 group site, and a cabin. There is potable water, charcoal grills, firepit grates, eggs and, available for purchase, firewood. COMING SOON: Did you forget something? If so, check out our Camp Cupboard Store. Your approach via 1/2-mile dirt drive up the hills and through the woods . . . to not your grandmother's typical house you go. You'll find wonderful vistas, wildflowers, berries, trails up into the woods, a 900' grass runway for aviators on an overall great "peace" of earth. ☮
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CAMP Door County

9. CAMP Door County

100%
(18)
Sister Bay, WI · 86 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
CAMP Door County is the newest luxury camping playground on the Door Peninsula. Located just outside of Sister Bay (home of the famous “Fall Fest” each October), our campground offers 20 full hookup seasonal sites and 56 spacious sites equipped with full hookups, including 50/30/20 amp power, water, and sewer services. In addition, we have 20 Primitive Camping sites and 4 Scandinavian Cottages. Each site features a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for gatherings under the stars. Experience the beauty of nature of your Door County surroundings while enjoying our modern facilities. Amenities include 24/7 Heated Showers, 24/7 Restrooms, 24/7 Laundry, Pine Provisions (grocery & retail store), The Pine Lounge & Bar, Swedish Sauna, Dog Park, on-site Mountain Bike Trails, Children's Playground, Propane Filling Station, Bike Rentals and Bike Cleaning Station. This campground is designed to be your "Basecamp" while exploring Door County while providing ultimate comfort, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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Interstate State Park

10. Interstate State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Wisconsin · 84 sites
Discover the scenic beauty of Interstate State Park and its outdoor adventures.
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Mirror Lake State Park

11. Mirror Lake State Park

100%
(6)
State park in Wisconsin · 121 sites
Venture into the water for a swim or a day of boating at this Wisconsin state park!
Newport State Park

12. Newport State Park

100%
(10)
State park in Wisconsin · 14 sites
Discover Newport State Park's serene wilderness and starry nights.
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Pattison State Park

13. Pattison State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Wisconsin · 58 sites
Discover Wisconsin's tallest waterfalls and serene nature at Pattison State Park.
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Cricket Ranch

14. Cricket Ranch

99%
(346)
Cascade, WI · 5 sites
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.
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Nature's Touch Campground

15. Nature's Touch Campground

91%
(46)
Wisconsin Dells, WI · 73 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Nature's Touch Campground, your ultimate getaway nestled 6 minutes away from downtown Wisconsin Dells! Our campground is open mid April-mid October. It offers a variety of tent sites, cabin rentals, RV sites, and modern amenities for our guests. The campsites are spacious and well-maintained, with water and electric hookups available. With a wide variety of RV, cabins, and tent sites, you can find the perfect one for you and your family. We have full hookup sites, water and electric sites, and 50- or 30-amp electric. Pull-through sites are available for larger rigs. For seasonal availability or information please email naturestouchcampground@gmail.com. But the magic of Nature's Touch extends far beyond its picturesque setting. Dive into relaxation at our sparkling pool, perfect for cooling off on warm summer days. Indulge in family fun at our game room, where laughter and friendly competition abound. And don't forget to explore our camp store, stocked with essentials and treasures. Something exciting always happens at Nature's Touch Campground, from themed weekends to outdoor adventures. Join us for nature hikes, marshmallow roasts, themed weekends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So gather your loved ones, and embark on a journey to Nature's Touch Campground, where every moment is an opportunity for adventure, relaxation, and cherished family moments. We can't wait to welcome you home away from home.
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Fall Hall Glen

16. Fall Hall Glen

99%
(46)
Black River Falls, WI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Atop a ridge, nestled in the heart of the forest, you will find Fall Hall Glen located a few miles south of Black River Falls. Home to Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp (wcyc.org), Fall Hall Glen was made popular in the early 1920’s and rich with history, Fall Hall Glen offers rustic cabins set next to the trickling creek, a great lodge with a picturesque waterfall view, and acres of peaceful prairie to pitch a tent. While you’re here, take advantage of the local trout streams, ATV trails, and public land access; or find peace and rest among the towering pine forest beside a stream, where the water cataracts and falls just beneath your feet. Access to the public bathhouse, with clean restrooms and showers, is included with any cabin rental.
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Terra Growers Organic Farm

17. Terra Growers Organic Farm

95%
(145)
Waunakee, WI · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
Terra Growers is a 100 year-old certified organic family farm located in Springfield WI near Madison. We keep bees, raise free-range chickens and Mangalitsa pigs, and cultivate an extensive variety of orchards, berries and vegetables. Terra Growers features campsites, drive-up and RV sites, and an on-farm store that is open year-round. Our campsites feature comfy sand foundations, shade, privacy, views, and fire pits (if your preferred site doesn’t already have one, we’ll build you one). Most of our sites are “walk up” (we have a hand trolley you can use and/or we’re happy to assist), unfurnished, and have some distant road noise depending on the location of the campsite you choose. If you have specific needs please don’t hesitate to inquire prior to booking your stay. Kindly review our refund policy prior to booking. In the event of foul weather, we can offer a rain check. There is no money-back guarantee.
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Bouressa Family Farm

18. Bouressa Family Farm

100%
(47)
New London, WI · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
There's 2 properties, both beautiful and special. ADDED AMENITIES!!! Shower available! Game Room!! Porta-potty/Outhouse!! Pedal boat on the pond!! AND visit the farm with the CUTEST farm babies!!!!! "The Twenty" is a neat campsite right on the Little Wolf River. This land has been in my family for generations. My dad tells stories of fishing the holes while they made hay when he was a kid. Definitely fishing opportunities, as well as floating down the river (tube, canoe, kayak, sup). There's a nice swimming hole right out from the campsite. The other property is on my pasture-based farm. It's a few miles from the Little Wolf. There is the "FarmStay" Camper, as well as a couple campsites nestled in the woods with a great views of the pastures, woods, and wetlands. We've also recently added a pond that's able to be used by our guests to swim in! There are 100+ acres that can explored on this 100% pasture-based beef operation. We're working on improving the trails. It's beautiful out there! Farm tours and canoe/tube rental available. The surrounding area has a TON of activities to offer for water fun and exploring! Feel free to ask! HipCamp STAR Host!!! woohoo!
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The English Pale Campground (21+)

19. The English Pale Campground (21+)

97%
(101)
Melrose, WI · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The English Pale Campground is located along the Black River in Jackson County, 1 mile west of the Village of Melrose. The entire property only allows guests and occupants who are 21 or older. Sites/house can be booked 6 months in advance. The main campground is 70 feet above the river, so the beach access paths have 14% grade change . We have 5 rustic (no hook-ups) RV/Travel Trailer/Tent sites "up top", a fully furnished “Manor” House, a travel trailer as well as 2 rustic beach sites and 2 rustic river sites that are located along the river. The property is a total of 70 acres, which includes the 4+ acre beach, a mile of river front and trails through the woods that connect them all. IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION: The river edge erosion wall construction is complete however it suffered extensive damage. The area will need to be repaired this summer (July and August) but not on weekends. The English Pale opened in 2021 and is a developing property. In November of 2025 an erosion wall was built along the Black River. This included clearing of a section of the forest, building a gravel access road and an riprap river wall to prevent further erosion. Since 2016 over 60 feet of the riverbank has washed away. ATV/UTV/golfcarts are allow to operate on gravel pathways without any permits. This includes up to but NOT on the beach. A permit from management must be obtained for ATV/UTVs to operate ON the beach. Our property offers a reasonable expectation of privacy and we do not offer day passes as our target guests are campers. We are an adult only property, but not a nudist campground, as that is not our central theme. We do not prohibit our guests from nudity for the purpose of sunbathing on the beach, campsites or sundeck, but nudity is not allowed in general common areas. Part of our nature is allowing discreet nudity for tanning purposes. While we target couples for time together, singles and groups are welcome. This is NOT a party campground, our goal is to let you connect with nature. More campground information can be found on our main web page or on Facebook at The English Pale Campground and Resort. The entire property can be rented by contacting us directly by phone or email.
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Superior Beach Camp

20. Superior Beach Camp

99%
(204)
South Range, WI · 1 site · Tent, RV
Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty and privacy of a cleared camping area situated above 500' feet of sand and pebble beach on the world’s greatest lake. Agate campsite is very generously sized and is all yours. Surrounded by a mix of poplar and birch with a few white pine sprinkled in, the main camp area is set back from the lake atop a 70' bluff with peekaboo views of Lake Superior. A short walk down a private path from your campsite gives you access to a beautiful Lake Superior beach to swim, skip rocks, search for agates, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town of Duluth on the opposite shore. Agate campsite previously featured a "look out point" that has been altered by the natural erosion of the red clay banks that comprise much of Lake Superior's south shore. While you can still access this area, doing so will require more effort and care, and we no longer allow camping on the point. Superior Beach Camp located is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Explore this amazing area or stay at camp, set up your chair in the sand and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora. Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 15 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the the wonderful local dining and tap room scenes of Duluth and Superior. Canal Park, downtown Duluth, is a 25 minute drive. If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Stop through the charming lakeside village of Cornucopia on your way. Or perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp. Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting). Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here. Superior Beach Camp is a clean, quiet, peaceful, primitive setting. We appreciate that our campers help us keep it this way; remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can enjoy a clean campsite.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field