The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Above and beyond! That's how Brenda and her family role. They are the most genuinely kind and caring people. They truly treat you like family. I took my 2 kiddos (ages 8 and 9) and our dog, for a fall camping adventure. The property is absolutely beautiful. Their are 3 campsites right on the river. We happened to be the only people there, so we had it to ourselves! But, would be a perfect spot if you have a larger group to book all 3 sites together. Brenda and her family truly made us feel like family. We had a couple bumps in the road- it was my first time taking my kids camping by myself, but they made me feel like I had a safety net, in case anything happened. I felt completely safe and it put my mind at ease. My daughter said if she could rate her stay, she'd give it "450 trillion out of 5 stars". My son said, the experience was, "one for the books"- meaning he had so much fun, he can't stop talking about it. :) Aside from the top notch host, they offer things to do, like kayaking and fishing. They will even drive you to a place to start and you'll finish at your campsite. They have 2 docks right on the river, which offer gorgeous views of sunset and sunrise. Also, just to bask in the peacefulness surrounding you. I could go on and on about how amazing our experience was... but you should check it out for yourself! We can't wait to go again!! We're already planning our next adventure there!

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Susan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Old Red Mill Oasis

Pretty spot along the river. Access to kayaking and tubing during warm weather. Michael was a friendly host. Good privacy between sites. One heads up, Google maps will tell you that you’ve arrived, but you’ll need to go just a little further before you see the red building.

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Annabelle

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverside Roost

We had such a wonderful time at Riverside Roost! The campsite right along the river is stunning and the fresh eggs, bread, & jam were delicious. If you are a big critter fan this is the spot for you! Lots of frogs, fish, turtles, crawdads, bugs, etc. as well as the chickens that wander around! Paddling along the water is a treat and the dam, albeit a little noisy, brought a nice cool air to the site. The campsite itself is nestled into the property and I think it’s a great site, though if you want more options for walking trails/exploring I’d utilize the plenty of parks and public sites in the area as well. We can’t wait to come back!

Direct river access! Great for kayaking (they have some but we brought our own), canoeing, fishing and perhaps a tube float during summer months!

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Elizabeth

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waupaca River Retreat

Fishing off the dock, kayaking the river, getting to meet some of Brenda and Josh's "pets" (a stud horse and the sweetest little goat!) whilst stoking a fire was the perfect weekend escape. Yes, the train horns do occur, but we thought they were funny! Seeing a flock of 50 Sandhill Cranes all take off at once was a speechless moment along with watching changing leaves gently fall onto the river 🍂🛶. Plenty of firewood and kindling on site as well as all the water and eggs you could chug! Brenda was thoughtfully communicating throughout brooking process and a gracious host during our stay. We can't wait to come back with some friends! Can't recommend enough for fellow camping sweethearts and nature-loving families. 👏🤗

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Olivia

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverside Roost

we had an amazing time at Kelli’s campsite!! everything was so beautiful and well maintained. We got a wheelbarrow of wood which was perfect for us! We loved saying hi to the chickens. She was very kind and accommodating. Would love to come back soon!!

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Eric

October 2025

3 nights at Old Red Mill Oasis

Michael is an incredible host! He had everything ready for us upon arrival. We will definitely be back!

Tom

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverside Roost

Beautiful spot next to a river. We rented kayaks as well and had a wonderful time. River was very pretty and easy to navigate. Even caught some fish. Kelli was great. Will be back.

Leng

October 2025

Tent

5 nights at Riverside Roost

Relaxing and pretty secluded. This was the 2nd time returning and I decided to stay sun-fri. We saw, maybe 2 other people there. Still very very low to no light pollution to do stargazing weather permitting of course. Kelli reached out more than a few times to make sure we were doing ok and if we needed anything and to make sure to let her know if we did. Great hosts. We definitely be back next year.

This is a large hilltop site with an open sky. Four-wheel drive recommended if vehicle needed.

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Amanda

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Clear Water Camp

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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Charisse

September 2025

14 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Clear Water Camp

Parked our camper van in the beautiful, pond-side Site 6 and loved the seclusion, peace, and spaciousness. The walking trail that is cut through the forest is gorgeous, and the shared clubhouse is an awesome place to hang out, eat, play games, and relax! The garage door bug screen is such a great idea and allows fresh air in while you enjoy the space. Owners are warm and personable, and clearly care about the spaces provided and their guests. This was our second time there, and we will certainly be back! Thanks, Jackie and Adam for a great stay! Charisse

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Tony

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Old Red Mill Oasis

Sanctuary vibes. The waterfall sound at site #1 and the stream trickle sound at site #2 were both serene to sleep near to. Michael also kindly allowed me to borrow one of his kayaks, and of course, from up river the flow leads directly to his Oasis.

Private site surrounded by beautiful spruce trees.

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Jeanne

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clear Water Camp

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!

Kate

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverside Roost

Kelli did such an awesome job hosting us! It was an amazing place to camp and we will definitely be back! I highly recommend the Amish bread and home grown eggs! Huge fire pit and the dam provided the best atmosphere ever. The stargazing at night was just the cherry on top!

Kaitlin

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waupaca River Retreat

We loved being back at Waupaca River Retreat. The sites have had some great upgrades including privacy screens between the sites, chairs overlooking the river, and a nice pathway between the sites and to the parking area. Brenda and her family are so welcoming and hospitable. Olivia even brought us fresh eggs on her horse! We saw otters and herons and heard coyotes and so many birds. This little spot is special -- a perfect place for a weekend in the woods.

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STEPHANIE

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Old Red Mill Oasis

The Old Red Mill Oasis is heaven on earth in Central Wisconsin! The whole property along the Big Plover River has been carefully curated, with gazing benches showcasing meditative views. I loved to listen to the rush of the river at the Red Mill, and walk the manicured trails. My doodle dog Yummy is in absolute bliss on the land! The mushroom hunting was sublime in the prime! Michael is such a gracious host and wants to make your experience a memory to last forever. The kayaking is supreme, with a few different options. It's a treat when the heron leads you back to camp. Thank you, Michael!

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Joanna

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Old Red Mill Oasis

Michael was a lovely host and the campsite was gorgeous!! Only wish we could have stayed longer!

Lizzi

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clear Water Camp

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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Deborah

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clear Water Camp

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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Tara

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverside Roost

Beautiful campsite by the water. The sound of the waterfall from the dam was so calming! The hosts were extremely responsive and nice. It was super easy to find. We had a great time.