- Camping with Hiking
The best camping near Wausau with hiking
100% (166) • 19 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Wausau
Clear Water Camp
1. Clear Water Camp
100%
(216)
48mi from Wausau · 12 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Livin’ the Mökki Life
2. Livin’ the Mökki Life
100%
(8)
27mi from Wausau · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
40 acres of Fields, Woods, Rocks and Trees. Camp in open spaces or in the woods. See the stars at night with no light pollution. Easy access to Ice Age Trail, Tomahawk, Merrill, Hwy 51, and nearby county parks and lakes. Enjoy a peaceful campfire with the option to experience an authentic Finnish wood fired sauna (for additional fee).
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Iola Pines Campground
3. Iola Pines Campground
40mi from Wausau · 51 sites
Iola Pines Campground in Iola, Wisconsin, stands out for its diverse range of camping options, catering to both big rig enthusiasts and those who prefer a more rustic tent experience. Our campground is packed with activities to keep guests entertained, including ladder golf, bean bag toss, kube, and themed weekends featuring fun events like candy bar bingo, scavenger hunts, and a cheeseball eating contest. Families can also enjoy sidewalk drawing and much more during these special weekends. We take pride in our updated bathrooms and free showers, as well as our pavilion and private group sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.
Our office/store is a delightful stop for ice cream and sweet treats, perfect for satisfying any cravings. We also offer camping essentials and personal hygiene items that you might have left behind. For your convenience, firewood is available for purchase and can be delivered directly to your campsite for an additional fee.
Situated in a prime location, Iola Pines Campground provides easy access to nearby attractions such as the River Ridge Trail, Northwest Passage Bike Trail, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and Hartman Creek State Park. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful campground soon!
Council Grounds State Park
4. Council Grounds State Park
100%
(4)
State park 16mi from Wausau · 55 sites
Discover Council Grounds State Park's scenic trails and waterfront fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Chequamegon National Forest
5. Chequamegon National Forest
75%
(4)
National forest 48mi from Wausau · 351 sites
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, what a unique name and deservedly so as the forest itself is as diverse and attention getting as it’s namesake! The deep northwoods of Wisconsin offers a ton of hiking, biking, and camping to get stoked about; there’s 800 miles of hiking trails alone. But if you’re looking for a truly unique outdoor experience, try offroading or cross country skiing old military roads in the winter. There’s stunning Lake Superior views from St. Peter’s Dome and 70 foot Morgan Falls is sure to cool you off on a hot summer day. We dig the Quartz Trail where you can see giant quartz deposits discovered by the Native Americans who used to inhabit the area. There’s plenty of camping options to make this a wilderness weekend (or more) and with over 1.5 million acres to explore, we doubt you’ll be running out of rad things to discover!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hartman Creek State Park
6. Hartman Creek State Park
83%
(3)
State park 49mi from Wausau · 84 sites
Discover Hartman Creek State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
100% (166) • 19 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Wausau
Clear Water Camp
1. Clear Water Camp
100%
(216)
48mi from Wausau · 12 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Livin’ the Mökki Life
2. Livin’ the Mökki Life
100%
(8)
27mi from Wausau · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
40 acres of Fields, Woods, Rocks and Trees. Camp in open spaces or in the woods. See the stars at night with no light pollution. Easy access to Ice Age Trail, Tomahawk, Merrill, Hwy 51, and nearby county parks and lakes. Enjoy a peaceful campfire with the option to experience an authentic Finnish wood fired sauna (for additional fee).
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Iola Pines Campground
3. Iola Pines Campground
40mi from Wausau · 51 sites
Iola Pines Campground in Iola, Wisconsin, stands out for its diverse range of camping options, catering to both big rig enthusiasts and those who prefer a more rustic tent experience. Our campground is packed with activities to keep guests entertained, including ladder golf, bean bag toss, kube, and themed weekends featuring fun events like candy bar bingo, scavenger hunts, and a cheeseball eating contest. Families can also enjoy sidewalk drawing and much more during these special weekends. We take pride in our updated bathrooms and free showers, as well as our pavilion and private group sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.
Our office/store is a delightful stop for ice cream and sweet treats, perfect for satisfying any cravings. We also offer camping essentials and personal hygiene items that you might have left behind. For your convenience, firewood is available for purchase and can be delivered directly to your campsite for an additional fee.
Situated in a prime location, Iola Pines Campground provides easy access to nearby attractions such as the River Ridge Trail, Northwest Passage Bike Trail, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and Hartman Creek State Park. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful campground soon!
Council Grounds State Park
4. Council Grounds State Park
100%
(4)
State park 16mi from Wausau · 55 sites
Discover Council Grounds State Park's scenic trails and waterfront fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Chequamegon National Forest
5. Chequamegon National Forest
75%
(4)
National forest 48mi from Wausau · 351 sites
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, what a unique name and deservedly so as the forest itself is as diverse and attention getting as it’s namesake! The deep northwoods of Wisconsin offers a ton of hiking, biking, and camping to get stoked about; there’s 800 miles of hiking trails alone. But if you’re looking for a truly unique outdoor experience, try offroading or cross country skiing old military roads in the winter. There’s stunning Lake Superior views from St. Peter’s Dome and 70 foot Morgan Falls is sure to cool you off on a hot summer day. We dig the Quartz Trail where you can see giant quartz deposits discovered by the Native Americans who used to inhabit the area. There’s plenty of camping options to make this a wilderness weekend (or more) and with over 1.5 million acres to explore, we doubt you’ll be running out of rad things to discover!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hartman Creek State Park
6. Hartman Creek State Park
83%
(3)
State park 49mi from Wausau · 84 sites
Discover Hartman Creek State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Amanda
September 2025
Tent
Amazing, private place place to camp. Adam and Jackie are super friendly and made sure to check in on us once in awhile (not too much, just enough). They are super dog friendly and my dogs loved running around off leash. The property is beautiful as well as the surrounding lakes and towns.
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J
Jeanne
September 2025
Tent
This was my first experience booking a Hipcamp site and it won't be my last. With Clearwater Camp's campsites located in varied topography, it would make it a different experience each time. Campsites were easy to find and were far enough from each other to feel like you were really out in the wild. But the rec center near the front of camp provided a nice spot to visit with other campers, create some art, and have a bite to eat. The camp hosts were extremely friendly and made sure that we had everything we needed. Combined with wonderful weather, we had a wonderful camping experience at Clearwater Camp!
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Karla (River)
September 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
Laura is a great hostess, she is well traveled, lots of upbeat energy and kind! Thank you! We had a great time-thanks again for all the little perks!
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Lizzi
September 2025
Tent
With pets
My group LOVED this campground! Adam and Jackie are amazing. A couple of our group members were joking that they were in love with them lol. It's the perfect mix of nature with some modern comforts. The port a potties are so clean and nice! Each site has its own basically. The rec room was a welcome reprieve when it rained for us! We will definitely be coming back. The sites are well spaced, clean, well maintained, everything you'd want! If you haven't been here yet, you need to go!
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D
Deborah
September 2025
Tent
What a pretty site on beautiful land. Very friendly people. My pups had a blast. Will definitely return next year. Thank you!!
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M
Margaret
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Had an amazing stay! The hosts were so kind and helpful, the nature was beautiful and abundant with lots of animals, and despite a rainy night in our tents it was quite peaceful and grounding. For those who like to camp with some modern comforts, the porta-potty's were neat and clean, the shower was perfect and warm, and the hosts have a nice communal area with an honor system style pay back for any foods, beverages, camping supplies, and other things you may need during your stay. The clubhouse/rec room was lovely as well with plenty of activities!
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M
Meghan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Adam and Jackie are great hosts! Will definitely be coming back!!
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Anita
September 2025
20 ft Class B
This location is just amazing in so many ways. A beautiful well kept property. I woke up with deer around my camper this morning. Adam met me when I arrived. Gave me a quick tour and went out of his way to be sure that I was comfortable. I highly recommend this hip camp, I can’t wait to come back again.
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Tim
September 2025
Tent
Stayed at site #2.
Plenty of room for me , my dog and my gear trailer.
Site was great and the host has the fire pit already stacked with wood and a fire starter brick..
Fire wood for sale on site.
Showers on site.
Massive, posh / super nice (leather/animal heads/ bar / game table / fireplace / tv / fridge / kitchen) clubhouse on site.
Kayaks on site.
Easy access.
Super friendly.
Will be trying their other sites as well.
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P
Paula
September 2025
Tent
We stayed at campsite #2 and our group had a wonderful time! Our dogs had plenty of space to swim and explore. Definitely check out the rec room during your stay.
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Corynn
September 2025
Tent
Had a great stay! Jackie & Adam were fantastic hosts, and made a point to check in with everyone staying. We were impressed by how well they care for the place! So many thoughtful details that made the stay enjoyable and easy. We will definitely be back!
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Brendan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Third time staying at clear water campsite #7. This place has only gotten better every year we have returned. The hosts Adam and Jackie are so friendly. They have firewood at the campground and bring it up to your site. We love the amenities at this camp, from the warm showers to the common area. The hosts have suggestions for activities and kayaks for rental. Its all so appreciated and makes an already great spot into something amazing.
Site #7 is our favorite at Clear Water camp. Its private and away from the other campsites. Only about a 5 minute walk to the common area/ shower. The site has its own private port o potty that was very clean. There are dozens of spots at camp 7 to pitch tents and spread your group out. Lots of shaded flat spots for tents, plenty of room to park cars and a great fire ring. The site has gotten bigger every year we return which is fantastic. I Would absolutely recommend this campsite at this awesome campground. We cant wait to return.
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E
Emma
September 2025
Tent
I have now stayed here two times and will definitely be staying again! It’s beautiful, peaceful, easy to navigate, has everything you may need and wonderful hosts
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Bob & Tanya
September 2025
15 ft travel trailer
INCREDIBLE hosts. Adam and Jackie were SO welcoming, and offer a lot more than your typical Hipcamp site. There is a gathering space, complete with food and beverages (for purchase), lounge area, games, and more. The entire property is well spaced - and you feel complete seclusion even if there are other guests present. Wonderfully maintained, and Adam will even help you with a smaller ATV if you need to get your adventure wagon in to tighter places! Definitely will be coming back, and highly recommend!
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Megan
September 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Our site, #2 Secluded Pond Oasis, at Clear Water Camp was absolutely perfect for us! The site was very large and very secluded and private. Our dogs were able to be off leash which was a HUGE perk for us and they LOVED being right on the water. The pond was clear and we had a lot of fun splashing around, kayaking, and fishing. We caught a few bass and a sunfish! The trails were well maintained and we enjoyed exploring the property. The clubhouse was well stocked with essentials and fun games and the porta-potties and shower were kept clean and were well lit at night. We really couldn't have asked for a better experience! Thank you, Adam and Jackie for sharing your little piece of paradise with us! We definitely plan to come back.
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Cat
August 2025
16 ft car
Very welcoming owners! The public hangout space is wonderful!
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M
Michelle
August 2025
Tent
This was a beautiful camp. It was very secluded and the hosts were there for anything we needed. The rec room was far enough away that we would not have heard anything if people were there (but close enough to walk to easily.) There was only one slight negative, and that was a little bit of traffic that you could hear when the wind was still, usually in the evening. It was not enough to bother us, and we don’t like noise. There was also some kind of hum/roar in the early morning we couldn’t figure out. Farm equipment? That did bother us some, as it was during the quiet waking hours. It too was not loud or excessive, just noticeable above the birds. It’s really impossible to escape this little bit of noise unless you go up into the north woods, so the camp did meet our expectations and we would easily go back. Highly recommend.
See moreM
Molly Jo
August 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Another perfect weekend at this campsite! I love how quiet and secluded it is. I love showing up and having that first fire in the fire ring. Host are amazing.! Friendly and thoughtful and the cleanest Porta potties I’ve ever seen in my life.
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R
Ryan
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Adam and Jackie were great hosts. Super nice and friendly. I got delayed and let them know I wouldn't get there until 9 pm and they had lit our campfire for us which was really awesome!
Definitely a great spot!
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Molly Jo
August 2025
20 ft travel trailer
It’s our second time at this spot because, well, it’s absolutely perfect! The camp host has thought of everything.
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