The best river, stream, or creek camping in Wisconsin

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Pitch a tent or roll in with your caravan—Wisconsin’s river camping scene delivers. With over 4,300 riverside campsites, you’ll find spots right on the water and tucked under big cottonwoods. Average rates hover around $45 a night, but if you’re watching your budget, there are options for as little as $5. The top picks? Purplehaze Acres (434 reviews) sits minutes from the riverbank, while 🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾 (370 reviews) draws regulars for its laid-back vibe and easy water access. For bluff views above the Mississippi, Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff (362 reviews) is a favorite. Expect toilets, pet-friendly rules, and campfires allowed at most sites. Anglers love the spring walleye run; winter campers bring skis and snowshoes. Wildlife-watchers, keep an eye out for herons and eagles—this is their territory.

98% (3.9K) 4,640 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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Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN

2. Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN

100%
(521)
Dakota, MN · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a very private location. In its former life this property was a limestone quarry. Evidence of it's history remain with high rock walls on both ends of the property. In the center of the property is about 5 acres that is flat and covered with wildflowers and small trees. There are several good options for camping in this area. Surrounding this area is another 15 acres of hills and trees. We have a scenic overlook open to all guests where you can relax and sit on a wooden swing while enjoying the beautiful view of the Mississippi River below. There is a boat ramp just a mile down the hill for boating or fishing on the Mississippi and the city of La Crosse, WI and La Crescent, MN are each only about a five minute drive. Great River Bluffs State Park and countless other recreational opportunities are just minutes away.
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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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Interstate State Park

4. 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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Kohler-Andrae State Park

5. Kohler-Andrae State Park

100%
(8)
State park in Wisconsin · 125 sites
Discover Kohler-Andrae State Park's dunes, beaches, and wildlife.
Wildman Resort on the Peshtigo

6. Wildman Resort on the Peshtigo

Athelstane, WI · 1 site · Tent, RV
Relax and unplug in Wisconsin's Northwoods! You'll be staying at Wildman Adventure Resort's Peshtigo River Outpost. Tucked underneath towering hemlocks and pines, this gorgeous Northwoods gem boasts a mix of glamping, cabins, and camping, all along the banks of the Peshtigo River. Enjoy a private hiking trail along the river, a sand volleyball court, horseshoes, and excellent fishing. In summer, you’ll find wild blackberries and raspberries growing throughout the property. In fall, the beech, maples, and aspen put on a spectacular display of fall colors. At night, enjoy a fire at your site and take in incredible stargazing thanks to the area’s dark skies. The outpost is shared with other guests, but the property is private to those staying here, ensuring a peaceful, nature-filled experience. Every campsite and glamping cabin has a private firepit and picnic table. For those seeking a little rush of adrenaline, you're in the right place! Guided whitewater rafting, climbing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding trips are available to book at the same outpost as your stay.
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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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Clear Water Camp

9. Clear Water Camp

100%
(219)
Waupaca, WI · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
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Pattison State Park

10. 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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Perrot State Park

11. Perrot State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Wisconsin · 101 sites
Discover Perrot State Park's scenic trails and river views.
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Great River Bluffs State Park

12. Great River Bluffs State Park

100%
(6)
State park in Minnesota · 31 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Great River Bluffs State Park.
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Wild River State Park

13. Wild River State Park

100%
(9)
State park in Minnesota · 134 sites
Discover Wild River State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
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West Fork Sports Club

14. West Fork Sports Club

99%
(108)
Viroqua, WI · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Est. 1966, the West Fork Sports Club has been a special place for multiple generations of both local community members and people from across the country. Nestled in between two valleys with 3,500 feet of stream front property on the West Fork of the Kickapoo, we truly have one of the most unique campgrounds you'll ever visit. Having avoided glacial drift during the last ice age, the Driftless area boast beautiful valleys, bluffs and rolling hills that you won't find anywhere well in Wisconsin. We are an Environmental Conservation Club always accepting new members. A temporary membership is included in camping fees and goes toward environmental conservation work and maintaining grounds, free wifi, etc. Our 20 acre property boast 3,500 feet of stream-front class 1 trout fishing on the West Fork of the Kickapoo (a top 100 trout stream in the US). Our entire stretch of stream is fully improved and excellent to fish. We have a healthy native brown trout population. We work with a local school science program to raise and stock brook trout every year. We have resident Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, Oriels, Willow Fly Catchers, Hummingbirds and many other avian species. Nestled between two valleys, we frequently have stunning sunsets. We are far enough way from light pollution to easily see the Milky Way Galaxy on a clear night. The star gazing is amazing and if you keep your eyes up at night, you're pretty much guaranteed to see a shooting star, if not multiple. The West Fork Sport Club is truly a special campground. We're a short 15 minute drive from Viroqua which has a lot of great local shops, the Driftless Café (Owned and operated by Wisconsin Foodie host Luke Zahm) and a fantastic farmer's market. We're 25 minutes from Wild Cat Mountain which has extensive hiking trails. There are also two great vineyards within 15 minutes. Even on a rainy day, you will have plenty of fun options. ***Electric sites and cabins are not reservable through Hipcamp. Please visit our website for more information.
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Cricket Ranch

15. 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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Superior Beach Camp

16. 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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Pink River Ranch in the Driftless

17. Pink River Ranch in the Driftless

99%
(36)
Blanchardville, WI · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Tucked along the banks of the Pecatonica River, Pink River Ranch offers peaceful nights, soft pink sunsets, and the gentle soundtrack of chorus frogs. You’ll find the quiet beauty of nature paired with a few thoughtful comforts—yes, including real bathrooms and hot showers. Our ranch is home to a friendly mix of sheep, cattle, goats, chickens, cats, and dogs. We love our animals and imagine you will too. Guests share a clean, well-kept restroom space, available to both our vintage Airstream and tent site visitors. It includes a shower, tub, and standard facilities. For those craving a little extra connection to the outdoors, there’s also an open-air shower. Potable water is available on-site, and each campsite is provided with a 5-gallon potable water jug for your convenience. Each campsite is set up with a small camp grill, fire ring, and picnic table—everything you need for a simple, cozy stay. All tent sites are walk-in only, creating a quieter, more immersive experience. A nearby parking area is available, along with wagons to help transport your gear. Sites are just a short one- to five-minute walk from your vehicle. Firewood and charcoal are available for purchase and can be reserved ahead of your stay (cash or Venmo). We also offer a selection of camping essentials for rent to help you pack a little lighter. If you’re looking to explore, we’re conveniently located near New Glarus, Yellowstone Lake State Park, House on the Rock, Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds State Park, and Mineral Point. We also have one women’s and one men’s bike available for shared use—perfect for a quick ride into town for coffee or a bite to eat. We can’t wait to welcome you to this special place—our little slice of heaven on earth
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Fall Hall Glen

18. 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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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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Ice Age Retreat

20. Ice Age Retreat

99%
(60)
Palmyra, WI · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Surrounded by the Kettle Moraine Forest, we purchased this property in October of 2022 to be closer to nature and to share this property with you. We look forward to hosting you. The forest provides many opportunities enjoy! Close to the Ice Age Hiking Trail, Blad Bluff Scenic Overlook within walking distance of our retreat. Hiking, Moutain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe, Horse Back Riding and much more
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field