# Bad River Wilderness

See photos, check availability, and book on Hipcamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/wisconsin-bad-river-wilderness-3r57h2n8

- **Location:** Mellen, Wisconsin, United States
- **Price:** from $25.00/night
- **Rating:** 98% recommend (645 reviews)
- **Sites:** 4
- **Size:** 41.5 acres
- **Host:** Dean W.

## Overview

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.

## Highlights

- **Best Hipcamps in Wisconsin:** Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
- **Best in Wisconsin: 3rd place:** Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
- **Amazing views:** Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
- **Family-friendly:** Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
- **Staff verified:** Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
- **Private sites:** 96% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

## Amenities

- **Amenities:** Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Cooking equipment, Picnic table
- **RV amenities:** Generators
- **Activities:** Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Paddling, Off-roading (OHV), Climbing, Snow sports, Swimming, Whitewater paddling, Wildlife watching
- **Terrain:** Forest, River, stream, or creek, Swimming hole, Waterfall, Mountainous, Wetlands

## Sites

- **Eagle Pines** (rv-tent, up to 28 guests, $47.00/night)
- **Bad River Point** (tents, up to 9 guests, $25.00/night)
- **Balsam Shores** (tents, up to 12 guests, $25.00/night)
- **Cayuga Falls Hike-In River Campsite** (tents, up to 8 guests, $25.00/night)

## Recent reviews

> Dean was an absolutely amazing host, and his property is incredible! We stayed at Eagle Pines & had the most wonderful weekend. The site was well maintained, clean, and is absolutely beautiful. Dean was incredibly detailed which we found very helpful in finding the site. He was responsive & kind throughout our stay and we could not say nicer things! We would recommend over and over again.
>
> - Maddie F., October 25, 2026

> I wish I had taken photos….the host mentioned he didn’t have good RV photos. It would have helped my decision.
>
> - Martha R., October 20, 2026

> I couldn’t have asked for a more fantastic camp site and overall experience!
>
> - Aj P., October 19, 2026

> 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!!
>
> - Lisa A., October 12, 2026

> Great camping spot!
>
> - Rachel B., October 9, 2026