12 Best Private Campsites Near Sparta, WI, US 2026

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time camper, we've got you covered. With over 180 available options near Sparta, Wisconsin, you'll find the ideal private campsite to suit your needs. Looking for a serene and secluded getaway? Check out Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland, with 239 glowing reviews. Prefer a cozy and peaceful retreat? Shady Rest Acres, with 171 reviews, is the place for you. Or maybe you're after a unique and enchanting experience? Maggies Merry Mirror, with 70 reviews, will leave you in awe. No matter which campsite you choose, you'll enjoy popular amenities like cooking equipment, pet-friendly spaces, and the chance to cozy up around a campfire. And with activities like wildlife watching, biking, and hiking at your fingertips, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure near Sparta, Wisconsin.

100% (162)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time camper, we've got you covered. With over 180 available options near Sparta, Wisconsin, you'll find the ideal private campsite to suit your needs. Looking for a serene and secluded getaway? Check out Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland, with 239 glowing reviews. Prefer a cozy and peaceful retreat? Shady Rest Acres, with 171 reviews, is the place for you. Or maybe you're after a unique and enchanting experience? Maggies Merry Mirror, with 70 reviews, will leave you in awe. No matter which campsite you choose, you'll enjoy popular amenities like cooking equipment, pet-friendly spaces, and the chance to cozy up around a campfire. And with activities like wildlife watching, biking, and hiking at your fingertips, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure near Sparta, Wisconsin.

100% (162)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

100%

(496)

37mi from Sparta · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Houston, MN

Welcome ; Located in southeast Minnesota's Driftless region of hills, valleys, fields and forests, we are a grass based working dairy farm with over 100 acres of woodland, including an extensive trail system and campsites in our wooded acres. What makes this woodland special is it's quiet, secluded setting and over 6 miles of hiking / skiing trails. Our farmstead sits three quarter of a mile off the paved county highway on our well maintained gravel driveway. Each of our campsites are secluded from the others with their own sawdust compost toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces, and firewood. Two of our sites require 4WD with a minimum of 6 inches ground clearance to access, and two are accessible with 2WD. If you do not have 4WD we can help transport your gear while you enjoy the walk in. There are plenty of woodland birds, deer, turkeys, raccoons and squirrels sharing the woods with you. At night it is common for owls to visit the campsite area to say hello, and coyotes talking in the distance. The winding trails through 100 acres of woodland offer a variety of woodland habitats, from Old growth Maple to mixed hardwood, to dense brush, to the edges of open pastureland. Bring your fat bike or mountain bike for an enjoyable ride. For winter users there is a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging winter cross country skiing or snowshoeing / hiking on the property. However the Rock Bottom Cabin is our only heated and insulated site and is available for winter booking. Winter access is walk in only with snow on the ground or in the forecast. We can help transport gear. This property is part of a working pasture-based dairy farm and guided tours of the dairy and cattle are available when scheduling allows. Children 12 and younger are free at our campsites. No need to be counted as guests , but please let us know when requesting to book. We do not allow non-booked visitors to our campsites due to the secluded, remote location, and accessibility.

2. Captain Morgan's Pirate Ship

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(13)

47mi from Sparta · 5 sites · Lodging · Lyndon Station, WI

Pirate Ship Adventure Cabin offers a unique glamping experience where the thrill of pirate lore meets the comfort of modern luxury. It's a family-friendly retreat where memories are made, and imaginations set sail on a sea of endless possibilities. Come aboard Captain Morgan's ship and enjoy your glamping experience!

3. Shady Rest Acres

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(316)

30mi from Sparta · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Brownsville, MN

Once the site of the historic V.J. Fetzner Brewery from the late 19th Century. The land is now used as a hobby farm, honey bee sanctuary and nursery to a unique tree species normally not found in Southeastern Minnesota. Remnants of the brewery are still visible. Foundation walls outline the massive structure of the brewery. Nestled in the center of the foundation is the entrance to the sixty-seven foot deep cave that once held barrels of beer and can be accessed by canoe only. Hops have been located on the property and are believed to be ancestors of those raised to make the beer once stored in the cave. The pond that provides access to the cave was dug out in the early 1990's to create a fish out for the Spring Falls Trout Farm that used to exist across the highway. Some of the original brood stock still exist and continue to naturally stock the pond. It is not uncommon to see fish that are five to ten pounds in size. We do not allow fishing from our pond. The residents house is built to scale to the original brew master's house. While the house is only twenty-four years old it looks as though you have taken a step back in time. The name Shady Rest was given to the house by the Brew Master's wife. We thought it was appropriate to keep the name alive. Shady Rest Acres is comprised of twenty-three acres of beautiful woodlands and pasture that are protected forever in the Minnesota Land Trust. The pasture is home to Scottish Highlander cows, two miniature donkeys, five sheep, four goats, honey bees and a flock of chickens. Scottish Highlanders were selected for both their grazing and browsing abilities. They are very docile and make excellent pasture mates to the smaller species sharing the pasture. The cows are excellent forest managers. They clear out invasive species such as Honey Suckle, Buckthorn, and Barberry which can often be difficult to manage. A guided tour with the host can be taken to meet the pasture animals. The forest is comprised of many tree species. Some are unique in that they normally do not grow in this region of Minnesota. The yellow birch is a species normally found in Northern Minnesota. It's bark is golden in color and glistens when the sun hits it just right. We have a cluster of several yellow birch including one that is so big that the bark no longer looks golden but instead is grey and very rough. Years ago the largest of these trees made excellent wood for turning bowls. Blue Beech (musclewood) can also be found on the property. As the name indicates the bark is shaped like muscles. Songbirds and some other species will use different parts of the tree as a food source. Towering white pines also speckle the landscape. Mother pine requires at least two humans arm lengths to encircle the whole tree. She is a favorite resting spot for the barred owl. There is oak, elm, maple, ceders, poplars and numerous other species. Honey bees are an integral part of the landscape. We partnered with a friend and started raising honey bees two years ago in order to do our part to keep pollinators thriving. Their hives are located in the pasture where it has the perfect amount of early morning sun to get them moving and afternoon shade to balance out the summer heat. It is not uncommon to see them pollinating garden plants, trees and wild flowers around the property. One of their favorite feeding spots is the acre and a half prairie which offers a range of plants including big blue stem, wild indigo and baby blue stem, to name a few. Not only are honey bees essential to the food chain but they also provide a very enriching experience when they are observed moving about their hives. There is nothing more relaxing and fascinating than watching these amazing creatures.

4. Fall Hall Glen

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(43)

18mi from Sparta · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging · Black River Falls, WI

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. 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.

5. Bluffscapes Camping

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(138)

28mi from Sparta · 3 sites · Tents · Brownsville, MN

This 235 acre property, located in the Driftless Region, has been in our family for over 100 years. From the wooded bluffs there are beautiful views of the Mississippi River and surrounding valleys. We never tire of hiking in the woods, seeing many different kinds of wildlife, or seeing the beauty of nature in any season of the year. Learn more about this land: Wooded campsites on bluff top overlooking the Mississippi River. Hardwood forest offering hiking trails, bird and wildlife watching. Convenience store, public boat landing and Mississippi River Trail bicycle route within a mile of the property. You can either take a 20 minute hike to the campsite or if conditions are dry we can give you a ride in our Ranger for a small fee. The trail does get steep in a few areas and the hike can be strenuous for some campers. NO smoking or alcohol.

6. The Hill Family Camping

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(186)

33mi from Sparta · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · Wonewoc, WI

The Hill is a private forested camp area that was originally made for a large group of friend's annual party.  Spanning 4 acres on top, there is space for campers including 30 amp plug-ins, tents, and has buildings on-site for groups if needed.  We also an add on of a simple rental glamper we call the Sugar Shack (listed as an Extra). The variety of trees, open space, and a group areas including fire pit, horseshoes/bags, and walking paths make the Hill a beloved getaway. Elroy/Sparta trail is 4 miles away that you can reach on the 400 trail just 1.2 miles from Hill.  Golf course in town, paddle on Baraboo, fish/swim at Dutch Hollow, or hike at Wildcat --all within 15 miles.

Stories from the community

A

Alicia

2 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Captain Morgan's Pirate Ship

Cute little cabin. Cozy and warm in the winter watching the snow!

Make sure this gate stays latched after you go in or out. It keeps the cattle where they're supposed to be. ;)

L

Logan

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bluffscapes Camping

Beautiful campsites with stunning views, and great host. No complaints.

Rock Bottom Cabin located in a secluded hardwood forest

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David

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

My wife and I had such a great stay at the Rock Bottom Cabin. It is a very cozy and secluded place. We particularly enjoyed hiking the great network of trails on their beautiful land. We hope to be back!

Scott

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Captain Morgan's Pirate Ship

Yeng was great- solid communication before and after our stay. While the weather was rought, our family enjoyed the novelty of glamping on the 'ship'. Our accomodations were warm and cozy despite night temps in the 30's, and we loved playing cards and hanging out in the small galley. It was also a plus to have the Dells nearby for activites during a rainy day.

D

Dave

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

A great private site in a very scenic area. Mike is great!

B

Becky

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Mike and Joan thought of everything. It was a perfect short stay for us. We appreciated the kindness shown to us and the ride to and from the site. We had our own little spot in nature with everything we needed. Campfires were so easy with the setup provided. Loved the presence of drinking water and wash up water. The compost toilet bathroom was clean and perfect. I’d come back in a heartbeat. Remember to bring warm sleeping bags or blankets if you are headed there in the fall!

p

pamela

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

2 nights at The Hill Family Camping

The site is beautiful in Autumn and very quiet except for occasional traffic. Bill was very friendly and clearly shows pride in his ancestral land. He has hand crafted a beautiful building as a replica of a lodge in Yellowstone. The entire area in that part of Wisconsin is visually outstanding.

K

Kyle

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Patty and Michelle are awesome hosts. Very available and acommodating if you need anything but totally out of your hair otherwise. Heart's Content was a lovely spot where you could hear the soft trickle of water flowing from pond to pond as you slept. Very close to a lot of cool spots including a great bluff hike in Reno, MN, and great boating/island hopping opportunities at Goose Island in LaCrosse, WI. The farm animals were all very chill and friendly and were very respectful of our space at the campsite, like not wandering in and being all up on us while we prepped meals or anything like that. They'd sometimes graze on the underbrush that rings the site. The goats loved being fed food scraps like carrot/potato skins, banana peels, etc. There was a very clean and well maintained outhouse on the premises and a water spigot nearby with very clean water. Great price on a generous amount of firewood that is stored in a dry shelter. Buy it in person, not through the app. ;)

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Elisha

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Loved camping on Mike and Joan's land! Everything was wonderful, clean, and well designed and organized! Loved seeing all the work that went into the site as well as the trails around the property. Highly recommend and we will be back!

Will

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Captain Morgan's Pirate Ship

Charming efficiency stay, this tiny house was a great hub for exploring the Dells and Devil's Lake. We nearly had the whole campground to ourselves in early October. The tiny house had a small fridge, range top and coffee maker, TV/DVD player we didn't use and the queen bed up top was cozy. Outdoor shower and sinks indoors had very limited hot water but the restrooms were very clean and comfortable.

Evan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fall Hall Glen

The site was huge and scenic with the stream and the pines. No one was using the youth camp area when we went in the fall, so they let us take the short walk to the bathrooms which was a nice perk especially for kids. Private and plenty of space for 3 tents.

Heidi

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Bluffscapes Camping

A beautiful campsite and close to hiking, kayaking or canoeing, fishing. Allen is a great host and takes very good care of the sites and his land. The views are stunning and its very peaceful. Breeze helps to keep bugs away mostly.

J

Joshua

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fall Hall Glen

Beautiful spot right on the water! Hope to stay there many more times!

T

Tara

September 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

We had a great time! We had so much fun following the map to explore all it had to offer. Beautiful land and super helpful people. Looking forward to going again and staying longer. Thanks for the amazing time!

M

Meagan

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Hill Family Camping

We had an amazing time camping on Bill & Kari’s land! The site was beautiful, peaceful, and had everything we needed! We already can’t wait to come back!

C

Christine

September 2025

24 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Hill Family Camping

Bill and Kari are wonderful hosts. We checked in after late and they helped us get settled.

Mason

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

We loved our weekend deep in the woods staying in the Wooden Tent. Mike was great to work with and guided us right to the site and gave us a map of the trails to hike on. This is such a cool site and Mike and Joan's willingness to share their land with others. We had a few rain showers while trying to set up and the wooden tent was bone dry inside! The site has firewood, your own saw dust out house, garbage/ recycling, wash water, drinking water, chairs around the fire/ cooking area, they have literally thought of everything. Make sure if you visit you bring plenty of lights its dark dark that deep in the woods. It also seems 4-5 degrees cooler being that deep in the woods. We also didn't have any mosquitoes when we visitied mid September. At night you could hear owls and coyotes off in the distance. We did not see a single other person while camping and the few other sites are far away from each other so the nature sounds can be heard all day and night! We will 100% stay here again in the future. I will never camp at a regular camp site with neighbors again after this experience! Thanks again Mike and Joan for sharing your land and a great/ cool experience.

J

Joe

September 2025

21 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Round Mound is an excellent campsite. Beautiful views, very private, and Mike and Joan and done a wonderful job taking care of all the little things to make it great (very nice and clean outhouse, firewood, trail map, drinking water, etc.) Mike greeted us and took us to the site - he was helpful, friendly and very accommodating. I highly recommend staying with Mike and Joan!

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Nellie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Beautiful working dairy farm, happy cows, lots of beautiful hiking trails! We had a blast and we were sad we couldn't stay longer. Thanks Joan and Mike!

A

Anne

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Such a cool and unique spot!! How often do you have the chance to stay in an old boat rescued from the bottom of The Mississippi. Mike was very nice and showed us around the property. It had everything we needed, firewood, water, chairs. And the outhouse was the cleanest one I’ve ever been in. Definitely would recommend!