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Bad River Wilderness

98%

· Mellen, Ashland, Wisconsin

60 acres hosted by Dean W.

1 RV/tent site · 3 tent sites

Best in Wisconsin: 2nd place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Dean is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

Private sites

96% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

Update: This property was just awarded 2nd place for 2024 as the 2nd best Hipcamp in Wisconsin out of 252 Hipcamp's based on reviews and ratings! Thank you to all who have enjoyed this amazing property and provided a review or rating!!! 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 abandoned since 2015 and it makes a nice hiking path along the river for many miles to the north. 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.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Swimming hole

Waterfall

98%

387 ratings · 301 reviews

Kalena Q.recommends

August 28, 2024

Eagle Pines On The Bad River

We loved the swimming spot

Absolutely amazing! So peaceful and quiet! When booking this the biggest question I had was swimming. Right by the campsite is very shallow, but we got in the Cano and went down stream a couple of bends and there is an area that opens up that we were able to swim in and float around. The site itself is very large can easily fit 3 large tents no problem. There was also wood on site to pay for which was very nice! Along with some campfire tools like large tongs and marshmallow sticks. One of the best sites I have stayed at and I will definitely be back next year!

Nick G.recommends

August 26, 2024

Bad River Point Hike-In Campsite

Very nice spot right on the river. Lots of helpful touches like bear boxes, camp chairs, and a canoe to use along the river. Site is quite private and spacious. Good directions to the three waterfalls within 2 or so miles of the site. Would recommend!

Jayden H.recommends

August 23, 2024

Eagle Pines On The Bad River

I absolutely loved camping on Dean’s land. It was extremely peaceful and very beautiful. Dean was quick to answer any questions we had. Love that he has canoes for quick and easy use. Very quiet at night, amazing for listening to the nature. Will definitely be coming to stay again sometime soon

Nathan K.recommends

August 13, 2024

Bad River Point Hike-In Campsite

Great location and great host! Dean's directions were clear and made it easy to figure out exactly where to set up camp. There were a few stumps to navigate but we found a spot for our tent and slept great with the sound of the river. There is definitely space if you have a hammock or a tree tent and want to avoid trying to navigate any roots. The chairs and picnic bench were great for eating and relaxing next to the firepit to unwind.

Melanie L.recommends

August 12, 2024

Balsam Shores Hike-In Campsite

Melanie

If you enjoy peace and quiet and a private area this is amazing . It is a rough hike in but so worth it!!

Andrés C.recommends

August 12, 2024

Cayuga Falls Hike-In River Campsite

Beautiful & worth the drive

You can tell Dean does a great job in maintaining his land which makes the best experience for us campers. He went above and beyond, chairs (5) for the fireplace, a thermometer in a tree, tools to reduce the logs from the ground to a smaller size for the fire, a rake to clean your spot for the tent, a shovel, (2) life vests, a big canoe for 4 people with anchor and paddles, cooking grate over the fire. Dean's communications and directions were spot on Dogs loved it! There's plenty space for 2 tents at least. We have a 6 person tent plus a 12'x12' screen canopy and both fit perfectly fine, the tent was on the left side of the firepit, facing the river, on the right next to the table the screen canopy. Its true there are tree stumps but that doesn't stop you from having a great time! The Cayuga is more secluded than the other 2 spots, longer hike but way worth it. The hike is 473 steps from the parking lot, there are plenty of signs and flags, so just read everything Dean sends you. It's not challenging but a bit intense going up and down, real fun! Recommendation is always look ahead the weather forecast and have rain gear as well as propane tanks to cook in case it rains. Even though some people rated poorly due to stuff that no one can control such as weather or bugs, the place feels like paradise. I'm mean for the love of god you are camping in the wilderness if you don't like bugs go book a hotel. Definitely recommended and will eventually go back!

Location

Mellen, Ashland, Wisconsin, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking