- Riverside Camping
The best river, stream, or creek camping in Wisconsin
97% (4.3K) • 4,650 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Wisconsin
Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN
1. Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN
99%
(578)
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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Amnicon Adventures & Retreats
2. Amnicon Adventures & Retreats
93%
(151)
South Range, WI · 8 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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West Fork Sports Club
3. West Fork Sports Club
99%
(139)
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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Interstate State Park
4. Interstate State Park
100%
(5)
State park in Wisconsin · 84 sites
Discover the scenic beauty of Interstate State Park and its outdoor adventures.
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Campfires
Showers
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.
Bad River Wilderness
6. Bad River Wilderness
98%
(640)
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.
This property is for sale if you may be interested. Please ask and I’ll send you the details.
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Old Red Mill Oasis
7. Old Red Mill Oasis
99%
(47)
Stevens Point, WI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This unique riverside retreat is located on the shores of the Plover River, on a dam remnant behind a former working mill. Campers will enjoy a park-like atmosphere with numerous benches, stone fire pits, and hidden trails among riverside, grassy, and forested areas. It's an ideal location to fish, kayak, or enjoy a 20-minute float from the dam to the Sharonwood bridge. The campground host offers guided kayak tours and/or shuttle services along the Big Plover River for an additional fee.
The Old Red Mill Oasis is located on County Highway Y, 1.5 miles north of Jordan County Park and Jordan Pond, within 5 miles of the city of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, which offers numerous recreational opportunities. (See additional information section.)
Site 1 – River Edge Site
The River Edge site is a cleared area along the Plover River which includes a cracked granite fire pit, concrete bench, and nearby picnic table. It is an ideal site for tent camping.
Site 2 – Woodland Fern Site
The Woodland Fern site is a large shady site among mature trees ideal for tent or hammock camping. The site includes two cleared areas and a portable fire pit. There are lovely benches along the river and hammock chairs nearby.
Site 3 – Boardwalk Trail Site
The wooded Boardwalk Trail opens to secluded grassy site ideal for tent or hammock camping. A stone fire pit is included.
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Cricket Ranch
8. Cricket Ranch
99%
(291)
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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Ice Age Retreat
9. Ice Age Retreat
99%
(83)
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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Potable water
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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Toilets
Campfires
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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Toilets
Campfires
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Purplehaze Acres
14. Purplehaze Acres
98%
(689)
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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Superior Beach Camp
15. Superior Beach Camp
97%
(192)
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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🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽🌾
16. 🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽🌾
99%
(627)
Cashton, WI · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Once a working farm, now a haven for wildlife and peace. Primitive, laid-back camping experience. 100 acres of rewilded habitat surrounded by Amish farms.
Beaver Haven is our OG location, with five beautiful walk-in dispersed sites along Weister Creek 🦫.
At Coyote Car Camp and The Willows, you can car camp creekside 🚌!
The Frond, on the east side of the property away from the other campsites and the creek, is a great option for larger or livelier groups, especially those with a 4WD vehicle 🌿.
We encourage all campers to consider adding Hipcamp’s Sensible Weather Guarantee at the time of booking, as we’re unable to provide refunds for weather-related cancellations outside of our cancellation window 🌦️.
✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 BIPOC, LGBTQ+ friendly. All are welcome! 🏳️🌈 ❤️
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Uncle Ben’s Camping
17. Uncle Ben’s Camping
90%
(20)
Abrams, WI · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
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S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock
18. S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock
93%
(76)
Viroqua, WI · 1 site · Tent, RV
Hey there Happy Campers!
We welcome you to our small slice of Driftless heaven. This private campsite is located in prairie land, surrounded by agricultural and wooded property (it’s quiet). Within a few minutes drive you have access to some of the best trout streams a fishing license can buy. You're also in close proximity to amazing hiking and biking trails, agri-tourism (apple pickin' good times!), endless photography opportunities, wineries, birding, stargazing and visits to downtown Viroqua! After a long day of adventuring, come back to this quiet retreat, make some brandy old fashions and enjoy the ambiance of the stars and crackling camp fire!
This site can accommodate 2 large tents with plenty of room for a camp kitchen, fire pit and seating area. There is newly constructed composting style outbuilding (please read instructions before using it) and a camp kitchen table along with solar powered lighting.
Firewood and other supplies are conveniently available in downtown Viroqua. Be sure to check out the various retailers and restaurants while you're there!
Hope you enjoy the camp and we just ask to please leave it better than you found it!
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Dirt Road River Retreat
19. Dirt Road River Retreat
100%
(5)
Portage, WI · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Drive a mile down a bumpy dirt road into the woods and land at a secluded quiet location on the Wisconsin River. Enjoy the sandbars that you can walk out to and even camp on if you’re comfortable doing so. I live in the house on the property, there is an acre of flat land to park a camper or stay in a tent. I also have a small tiny house in the yard that has a queen size and twin size bunked beds inside, equipped with electricity, a space heater and an air conditioner.
Electrical hookup
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Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶
20. Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶
97%
(54)
Mukwonago, WI · 1 site · Tent, RV
Peace and quiet served daily-no other tents in sight! This is off the beaten path next to the Fox River with no other campers nearby. You can bring your own RV/tent/campervan or choose to stay in the tipi. There are two kayaks with life jackets labeled for guests to use during their stay.
As you drive on the dirt road to the site there are farm fields to your left and the Fox River is straight ahead.
If needing to to get groceries, Walmart and Aldi's are about 5 minutes away. Local towns are Mukwonago and East Troy. Chicago is 90 minutes away and Milwaukee and Lake Geneva are 30. Fork in the Road and David Alan Alan's Smokehouse & Saloon are popular restaurants in Mukwonago. Or you can try mead in East Troy at the Hive! The Alpine Valley Music Theatre is 15 minutes away. Location is near I-43 & Highway 83. Summerfest is the world's largest musical festival and it is located 30 minutes away.
You can Venmo or use cash while you are at the campsite to purchase wood for one dollar a piece. There is also charcoal available with the site along with a weber grill.
Lastly, the river might give you muddy toes-consider it a souvenir! But feel free to bring some water to rinse off and keep things fresh.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Magdalena
4 days ago
Weekend Trip to Dirt Road River Retreat
I loved staying here. The RV had everything I needed for my stay, very clean and well maintained with a great view of the river. I haven’t seen another RV this clean!! The host was absolutely amazing with keeping in touch. I highly recommend staying here.
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Anastasiia
5 days ago
Tent
With kids
We really enjoyed our stay! The campsite was beautiful, peaceful, and very private, with an absolutely stunning sunset. Having access to the kayaks was a wonderful bonus!
The only minor issue was that some farm equipment was blocking the road when we arrived, so we had to get out of the car and move it slightly to get through.
Overall, we had a great experience and really enjoyed our time there!
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Roni
5 days ago
25 ft pop-up camper
We arrived Friday evening to the location that had great directions amd easy to find. The site we stayed at was Big Aspen. Very beautiful location with a lot of trials to explore. There was water near our site. No bathrooms but we have a pop up toilet tent so that didn't affect us. There was plenty of fire wood that was provided The host had farm fresh eggs that were delivered to us Saturday morning just in time. Very delicious. Over all we had an incredible time and would recommend. Pet friendly!
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Lisa
5 days ago
Tent
With kids
Wow!! What can I say? From the rugged hike in, to peak the fall colors, to the sounds of waterfalls at night, this was a truly wonderful camping experience for us. Dean is a great host. He provided tons of detailed information about our site, and about the surrounding areas. Also very responsive, answering questions promptly. We can't thank you enough! We'll definitely be back!!
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Cooper
5 days ago
Tent
It was amazing! The campsite was clean and easy to find. It was close to several trail heads 10/10 would come back!
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Jamie
1 week ago
Tent
Group trip
Bad river point campsite was beautiful as usual and we had a wonderful time except for the noisy neighbors until 2 am both nights of our stay. This doesn’t reflect on the host at all as the sites are as described.
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Lisa
1 week ago
Tent
With pets
Dean’s property is beautiful. I will absolutely be back to camp at all the sites he’s created.
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Kiara
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
We did really love it and in summer we are going to come back
See moremary
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Exactly as pictured and the host went above and beyond he was awesome ...will be back when weather gets warmer
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Joshua
2 weeks ago
21 ft travel trailer
Great place! Call ahead to get instructions but once you do it's pretty simple. The hosts are great and it was beautiful.
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Meredith
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
With pets
This spot was amazing! Chris has the sites maintained so so well it was wonderful. There are a couple of camping spots but they are all spaced perfectly so it still feels private. The area is peaceful and quiet, I can’t wait to visit again!
There was one… not perfect aspect but it is to be expected while camping! The bugs…. Stink bugs to be exact. There was literally 100s of them on my set up during the day. It was honestly a comical amount of stink bugs to the point I’m heavily considering that maybe I was a particularly voracious bird in a past life and the stink bugs had a personal vendetta against me. Were they annoying? Sure. But I’ll take stink bugs over mosquitos and gnats any day of the week.
Overall amazing site and weekend! I’ll definitely be back!
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Becky
2 weeks ago
Tent
Definitely 1 of my top 5 campgrounds ever and I'm talking about 500+ campgrounds around the country. The host is very responsive, detailed and so polite checking in and making sure i found it ok and had everything i needed. Definitely give it a 5 star rating!
See moreVictoria
2 weeks ago
Tent
Would definitely recommend camping here! Campsites were clean and it was a beautiful area!
See moreEthan
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Honestly, it had more to offer then large campgrounds. More scenery plenty of things to do and town nearby. Far enough away from town lights that the night sky was clear. 10/10 definitely recommend.
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Tucker
2 weeks ago
Tent
Absolutely fantastic stay, great views, and even better fishing.
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Amanda
2 weeks ago
With pets
I loved my stay and the Hosts were so kind and responsive! This place was so beautiful and peaceful. Just be aware of the lil creatures at night! Lil Chipmunks run on the roof and the fruits that fall hard on the ground from the trees, freaked me out the first night. The Host came and told me this info and explained the noises and I felt much better to sleep lol. So glad I got to experience this gem! Will be coming back here.
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Matthew
2 weeks ago
Caroline
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Our group had a wonderful time at Flutterby. The arrival instructions were very clear and the site is beautiful and feels very secluded. We really enjoyed the gelato too! In late September, there were little to no bugs (except non-biting flies in the afternoon hours).
See moreKevin
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
This is a great place to camp solo or with a small crew. I had my 3 boys (6/10/12) out for the weekend and we had a blast. Site was very well maintained and it was awesome to have a pile of firewood to use at your pleasure.
Chris was super responsive. We ended up here after our original place was underwater. He responded immediately and was waiting at the property to welcome us. He told us about local attractions for the kids and was on his way.
There are multiple sites at this property. While they are somewhat visible from each other, there’s enough distance that you don’t hear others if they’re quiet - we had no issues with 2 other groups there during our time.
We’ll be heading back next year. Great site, proximity to the park and more.
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Rachel
2 weeks ago
