River, stream, or creek camping near Rhinelander

Splash in Boom Lake or cross-country ski through the forest when camping near Rhinelander.

98% (37 reviews)
98% (37 reviews)

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6 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Rhinelander

100%
(11)

Elvoy River

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · WI
Private undeveloped 40 acre parcel bordered by a trout stream, a forest service paved road (which is an ATV route), and other unoccupied parcels. The Chequamegon–Nicolet National Forest surrounds this little section of private lands making this spot a great access point for immediate hiking, biking, fishing (trout stream on the property), wild foraging, site-seeing, off-road exploration, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and star gazing. Lots of wildlife there--bear lumber through the adjacent swamp, wolves pictured on neighbor's game cam, fox often den on the property, whippoorwills (endangered species) fly and sing at night, turkeys nest there, grouse drum for mates, and deer with their fawns just wander through. Good berry picking in late summer, blueberries on the south side and blackberries border the field. Open field area will easily accommodate large group of trailers or RVS, and a lower level next to the river is open to smaller trailers, tents, and vans, just be aware of any possible high water due to heavy rains and resulting sloppy areas down close to the river, so you don't get stuck. Both the upper and lower areas are mowed, so flat and lush grass for tents throughout. A jeep trail circles the property, so easy access to the whole 40. Amazing star gazing spot, too. No light pollution makes for perfect Milky Way shows. The river is maybe a foot deep off the lower level (and about 18 feet wide), but it gets too shallow to canoe over the gravel beds and too deep in holes and truncated areas to allow small children to explore downstream unattended. Still a great spot to wash off, wade, cool off, and catch a nice brooky! Some German Browns in there, but best to fish those at night. The forest roads leading away from the property are amazing, stunning maple forests, small creeks, bridges, jeep trails, and plenty of areas to float or kayak the rivers. If you like ATV riding, this is a great spot, right off the trail and plenty of room to park your trailers. No formal toilet, so bring something to contain your waste and bag it up, or we have a handicap-type bedside toilet seat over a deep hole on the upper level (aka vault toilet). Bag up all your trash and I will haul your bags when you leave, no need to haul it home. Wood--if you bring a chainsaw, you can easily get plenty of hardwood just down the road in the national forest. Due to spruce bud worm, the property was recently select cut, and the branches are numerous, so gather all the downed wood you want on the property; plenty there. Three fire rings available, one with an adjustable grill (USFS style) on the lower level, a simple rock ring in upper field and another simple rock pit next to the river. Some noise should be expected--County Hwy A is 150 yards away so you will hear vehicles, and the ATVs do zoom down that forest road on weekends, but not right next to your tent or camper; camping spots are 150 yards in. During bear hunting season, you will hear the bear hounds barking as they pass by in the distance. Nights though, very quite, just wild life sounds. And since it is unpopulated there, no one will complain about your music, laughing at 3 am, generators, or your truck lights as long as you keep your activities by the campsites. Though if you are noisy , the wildlife will not come near. The area has 3 bar/restaurants--just drinks, drinks and burgers, full menu and steaks. ATV gas, ice, and crawlers are also available. One bar is quite historic, 1940s log building, only 13 stools, and that one is just a mile away. The owner is very accommodating, so if you need your water tanks filled, just ask Dennis at the Elvoy Tavern (open Fri-Sun). On Hwy 55 just north of the old town of Alvin (1 mile north off Hwy 70, and then go another mile north), you will see an artesian spring--great water there! Fill your jugs when you come and then again to take home. Just look for the obvious turn off gravel at the bottom of two hills. Cellular service is ATnT with good reception. Verizon has the least reception. Overall, this property is great for people who like forests, streams, foraging, off-roading, hiking, biking, fishing, and primitive camping. Not a good fit for those who need electricity, flush toilets, city water hookups, pavement, handrails, and fenced off wildlife.
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from 
$45
 / night
100%
(3)

River's Edge Adventure Company

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Mercer, WI
River's Edge is a four season adventure company in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, outfitting adventurers with equipment and guidance. The property is located on the Manitowish River, Heart of Vilas County bike trail, and Iron County snowmobile trails. Campsites are located on the west end of the property, in proximity to all the activities, and include full hookups, a picnic table and fire ring. Bathroom is available for campers, however there is no shower. Campers get a discount on rental equipment.
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from 
$55
 / night

Huckleberry camp

2 sites · Tents40 acres · Prentice, WI
Walk in sites in primitive style. 3 sites available on a walk-in path. Each has a fire ring. Located 25 minutes from Tomahawk. Perfect for backpackers and hikers or just as an overnight stop and see the sights as you wander on through. Dogs welcome! Forage if you like! Creek runs through the property. No water or electric provided… but perfect for an adventure in the northwoods!
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from 
$15
 / night
90%
(15)

Ethereal Gardens

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Antigo, WI
Clear cut in the 50's, and hit by a tornado in the 90's, this land has come a long way in being restored. The forest has grown back, the tornado damage cleaned up, I'm currently working helping to reestablish native plants. Adjacent to county forest land this land is teeming with life and has an almost supernatural feel to it at night...in fact, if your lucky you might see the dancing purple lights that have appeared from time to time. Otherwise the fireflies provide their own light show :)Learn more about this land:Tents can camp anywheres on the property, RV's must stay at designated sites. Farm is 3 acres field, the rest forest and wetlands with a small creek running through. The property is part of the Harrison-Hewitt county forest. It is a few short miles from the Eau Claire Dells, and only a mile or so from the Plover River Fishery, Springbrook(Trout fishing and kayak accessible) the Ice Age Trail. It is 5 miles from WI Hwy 45 which is on the way to many points in the WI & upper MI Northwoods. Its 25 miles from Granite Peak Ski area. We have all sorts of wildlife; loons, turkey, grouse, foxes, red squirrels, wolves, black bear, a cougar, whitetail deer plus woodpeckers, plovers and songbirds and more.
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from 
$10
 / night
100%
(15)

Esker Ridge

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Townsend, WI
A hidden gem nestled between the comforts of lake living and a backdoor to the expansive Nicolet National Forest.  Recreational opportunities are year-round, including recreational vehicle and fishing opportunities on and around the 417 acre lake flowage.  The private +2 acre property has panoramic views of the secluded headwaters opening into the main flowage.  Set back off the main lake, wildlife viewing, especially birding, is the best I have experienced. Neotropical migratory bird species are abundant in the Spring as well as a resident breeding pair of Trumpeter Swans, many ducks(!), Bald Eagles, Loons, Sand-Hill cranes; many woodpecker spp. including Pileated; Screech, Barred and Great horned owls.  Some of the more entertaining wildlife include deer, otter, beaver, muskrats, red squirrels and the occasional wandering black bear (no problem bears).  In the Spring, the esker's neighboring wetlands come alive with many frog and turtle species.  For me, the allure of the wild still dominates here.  The esker provides an amazing vantage point with nearly 270 degree panoramic views of the flowage. From the Gazebo, take one of two paths to the overlook before descending down to the lakefront.  In 2021, I plan on adding a short pier but the natural rocky peninsula already provides excellent access into the deeper thalweg, an excellent fishing/ swimming hole!  All pontoon and fishing boats can be accommodated here. Learn more about this land:The property is located towards the end of a Forest Service road (Meadowlark Lane) with one year-round resident at the end. There's a large turn-around for trailers and larger vehicles. Neighbors are well separated, located over the ridgeline and out of earshot. The property has a relatively wide, flat 100 foot driveway to the cabin from the road. Easy access to the cabin from the driveway. The cabin is surrounded by mature maple/birch/balsam/hemlock forest and several wetland/tamarack bogs (very diverse terrain bordering the lake). At the base of the cabin there's a small pier for direct kayak and canoe access.  Larger boats can easily dock on the lake-end of the property, a short walk from the cabin. From the natural driveway a concrete paver staircase leads up to the main campsite (see pics).  The campsite includes a 3 season 14 foot enclosed gazebo with electricity.  Essentially, the land is a 2 acre esker (kettle moraine feature) that serpentines through the woods to Reservoir "Pond" lake system. Excellent views of the lake! The Flowage has headwaters from McCauslin brook and connects 3 lakes totaling 417 acres.  Maximum depth 27 feet.  Fishing and Pontoon boat docking on shoreline. The closest boat launch is on Horn Lake which is passed on the way to the cabin and approximately a half mile away as the crow flies. Plenty of areas for tenting/ wall tents, 2 picnic tables (one near the cabin and the other by the gazebo), and a separate outhouse with toiletries at the top of the hill. Attractions in the Area:  Sleepy Hollow Minature Golf on Nicolet Rd (just East of Horn Lake) Sunset Resort of Townsend located on the SE end of the flowage.  Accessible by boat or short drive from camp on Burnt Dam Road.  Hill Crest Lodge Supper Club on Nicolet Rd (you'll pass on the way in) 4 Stars.  Birch Hills Resort and Bar (over the bridge from Hill Crest) 5 Stars.  Mike's Supermarket/ Pintsch's TrueValue (just thought I'd mention where to get provisions) (also on Nicolet Rd), TownsendPotawatomi Casino, CarterOld Town Hall cafe and bloody bar- Traditional American food, Townsend (Excellent Breakfast!)Sweet Memories Candy Store, Lakewood (If you have a sweet tooth, this place is over the top Willy Wonka style, many candy filled rooms that seem to never end!)Lakewood Ski and Sport- Outdoor Gear, Lakewood.  Talk to Dave- great guy. Ski/ SUP and Bike rentals.Northern D'lites- Lakewood ice cream/ burgersLakewood Super Valu Grocery Store (has more to offer over Mike's grocery in Townsend)*Maiden Lake Supper Club- Excellent!  Best Supper Club UpNort hands-down.  Excellent sunset views over Maiden lake from the patio bar. Go Early!Cathedral of the Pines- Old Growth White and Red pine.  I can't believe the whole state looked like this at one point.  One tree is has enough wood to build a house!Maiden Lake, 3rd clearest lake in WI.  Great snorkeling over the fish cribsBoot Lake -State Campground and Beach- Best swimming beach in the area.Jones Creek trails- year round hiking, Mt biking and Cross country skiingMcCauslin Brook Golf and Ctry Club, LakewoodWaubee Lake Lodge- worth the drive. Huge modern wood lodge live-edge bar and 40+ foot cathedral ceilings. Great buffet. Woodland Trail Winery, Lakewood (winery Northern woods style with craft beer selection)
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from 
$85
 / night
100%
(2)

Whispering Woods

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Mountain, WI
Located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is four acres of beautiful woods with three different clearings perfect for your up north retreat! Whether it’s hitting the Atv/Utv trails, fishing, hiking, swimming, or just absorbing the peace Whispering Woods brings you access to it all! Located on a dead end road near Maiden Lake, Whispering Woods is private and secluded. Whispering Woods has a beautiful crystal clear creek flowing through it that leads to a private no motor lake. Enjoy fishing for panfish right off the pier or use the paddle boat, John boat, or kayaks provided to meander down the creek and catch rock bass. The lake is known for panfish, bass, walleye, and northern. The crystal clear water in both the lake and the creek make for beautiful paddling as you watch the fish swim right underneath you and observe the turtles. Please be respectful of the nesting loon platforms and other lake owners. Please do not use their floating rafts. Enjoy the numerous surrounding lakes such as Chute Pond, Maiden Lake, Boot Lake, Townsend Flowage and more! Bagley Rapids is minutes away. Located near Townsend, Mountain and Lakewood which provide multiple dining options, bait shops, gas stations, and more. Please be respectful of this land. Please do not tamper with the campers or shed. Please feel free to use any wood you find already down in the woods or take from the numerous stick piles found near the campsites. Please do not use the cut firewood. The wood in the stick piles has been stacked for your use and is good dry wood that will provide you with hot fires. We do not even use the cut wood in the summer, spring, or fall. My young children and I have worked hard to clear those sites and cut wood for our own personal use in the winter so please respect the effort we have put in so we can continue to enjoy our land and share this beautiful location with others. There is no electric or water so please plan your trip accordingly. Please leave no trace and carry out what you bring in. There are no toilets available so you will need to provide your own portable toilet. Peeing on a tree is fine, but no pooping in holes. If you chose to drive down to the campsite by the creek you are doing so at your own risk as vehicles have gotten stuck trying to get back up especially after a rain fall and had to get towed out. It is recommended you park up on top and walk the short distance down. ATV/UTV are fine going down to the creek campsite. The long driveway has plenty of room for multiple vehicles, trailers, and boats. Absolutely no hunting or shooting of guns is allowed on the property. Bears have been seen on the property so please use bear safe camping practices. If your children use the ninja line or hammocks on site they do so at their own risk and we are not held liable for any injuries that may occur. You may notice a zip line. The seat will be removed and is not to be tampered with or used. Quiet time is between 10pm-6am. No illegal activity (including fireworks) are allowed. You may see us up there but we will respect your privacy and space. We welcome company and conversation but also respect you may prefer to be left alone. Please feel free to send me a message with any questions you may have and enjoy your time up north!
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$50
 / night

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River, stream, or creek camping near Rhinelander guide

Overview

Looking to go camping near Rhinelander, Wisconsin and want to be close to a river? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 140 options for camping near Rhinelander, Wisconsin with a river, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Check out top campsites like Bad River Wilderness (158 reviews), Wheel Inn Glamping (92 reviews), and Maggies Merry Mirror (70 reviews) for tried and true favorites. Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, pet-friendly areas, and toilets. If you're looking for adventure, you'll love the range of activities available, including snow sports, horseback riding, and surfing.

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