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Waupaca River Retreat
Hosted by Brenda · Weyauwega, Wisconsin
3 sites · RV, Tent · 8 acres
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Staff verified
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Brenda is a Star Host
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Select a site
RV/tent sites
3 sites
Riverfront Campsite #3
98%
(23)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Riverfront Campsite #1
88%
(17)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Riverfront Campsite #2
100%
(7)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Reviews
95% Recommend47 ratings · 44 reviews
The Waupaca River Retreat offers a warm and welcoming camping experience with hosts who go above and beyond to make guests feel at home. Many campers appreciated the beautiful riverside location and the availability of kayaks for enjoyable paddling trips. While most reviews were positive, some guests noted the proximity to train tracks and road noise, which could disrupt the tranquility for light sleepers. Overall, the combination of friendly hosts and river activities makes it a popular spot for visitors.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Brenda and her family, went way and beyond to make us feel like family. They are so kind and generous and always looking out for your needs. They have a wonderful daughter that goes out of her way as well showing her horses. They have kayaks to take on river. Which I’m going to come back to our favorite camping spot and go kayaking next visit. The other campers were so friendly and helpful as well. Fishing was a blast on a doc they have there . The trails are clean well kept up. It’s a very quiet retreat My sister and I loved it there. So come try out this place you won’t regret it. Thank you Brenda and Josh. We miss you guys already. Linda and Theresa… we will see you again …
The hosts were amazing. They showed us to our campsite and treated us to fresh eggs and local cheese. On our second day, they set us up with kayaks and drove us upriver so we could paddle back to our campsite. The Waupaca River was high due to recent rain, so the float back was very enjoyable—not too fast, not too slow.
Our son loved fishing from the dock and took a kayak back out fishing after our trip. The hosts provided firewood and checked in to make sure everything was good. The fire grate was top-notch, and the picnic table is full-sized (like the ones in state parks). The hosts even offered a horseback ride, but we declined.
There are a couple of towns nearby for activities. We were slightly concerned about train noise based on other reviews, but it didn't bother us. Just pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper! We stayed at Site 1, and another group was at Site 3. We had plenty of privacy, though it might have felt a bit tight if Site 2 were also booked.
Overall, Josh and Brenda were truly amazing hosts, and the wooded site on the river—complete with the dock and kayaks—made for a great holiday weekend. Thanks, Josh and Brenda!
Recommends
· September 2026
Tent ·
Riverfront Campsite #3
Waupaca River Retreat is the perfect campsite to unwind and unplug. The hosts of the campsites, Josh and Brenda, have a level of hospitality that is unmatched. They have kayaks to rent out and will even bring you up river so you can float right back down to your campsite. Thank you two for a great retreat this Labor Day weekend. We cannot wait to come and relax again!
Brenda, Josh, and Olivia were terrific hosts. They took us to a couple different kayak spots and picked us up. They brought us fresh eggs every day and water upon request, and always responded promptly to any questions. They keep their campsites very nice and tidy. The site is beautiful and we can't wait to go back.
This campsite is phenomenal! Not only are the hosts friendly and available, but they provide a beautiful clean environment. Its tucked back, so when you're camping it's hard to believe there's a road close by. They provide a plethora of perks that are meant to optimize your experience (ex. Canoes, paddle boards,optional string lights)
If you want to enjoy a quiet camping experience this is amazing, but if you need anything or are looking for a social interaction there are not enough nice things to say about the hosts!
Owner was awesome but portable was horrible our camp was closest to it so smelled it every day noise from trains are non stop even on the weekends wouldn't recommend it we didn't stay at site much just used it to sleep
The scenery was 10/10. It's right on the river with trees everywhere, and it's absolutely beautiful. I specifically needed a heavily wooded area to film a video, and it was perfect for that part of my trip. The campsites also have wooden privacy fences between them, which was a nice touch. The hosts even left me a dozen farm-fresh eggs, which was an unexpected and appreciated gift!
One thing to be aware of is the firewood policy. They charge $20 per day for unlimited firewood. That may be a great value for larger groups or people who burn a lot of wood, but as a solo camper I only needed about $20 worth of wood for my entire five-day stay. Because of that, after day 1 I chose to buy my firewood elsewhere.
If you're looking for peace and quiet, though, this may not be the best choice. The campground is very close to the highway, so there's constant traffic noise. The biggest drawback, however, is its proximity to a very active railroad. Trains passed by at all hours of the day and night, blowing their horns, so it was difficult to enjoy the natural sounds of the area.
I appreciated how well they accommodated us and helped with some little things we needed. Swimming in the river and using the kayaks and SUPs was great! We had everything we needed! The sites were spacious and close to the parking. Lots of shade for the hot days. There is road noise nearby and train noise but otherwise everything was great!
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Riverfront Campsite #3
Great camp sites right on the river. Hosts are fantastic very helpful and responsive. Would stay again.
Recommends
· July 2026
Amazing hosts and property!
15 ft pop-up camper · With pets ·
Riverfront Campsite #2
Josh and Brenda where awesome hosts! The property is beautiful. The river there is mostly sandy and my kids loved floating on tubes between the 2 docks. Can't recommend enough just don't forget your bug spray.
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent ·
Riverfront Campsite #1
Brenda and Josh are awesome. Highly recommend camping here. Made us feel like family. Definitely coming back here again!
We loved tent camping on Josh and Brenda’s land! They are so kind and helpful, they were flexible in arranging check in. The fresh eggs were a nice and generous surprise! The campsites sites are beautiful, clean and well maintained right along the river. Site 1 is closest to the porta potty, site 2 is in the middle and site 3 is on the other side. There are wood fences separating the sites for privacy which helps but the sites are pretty close together. They have 2 awesome docks we used for fishing and sunbathing! The property is close to the highway so there is road noise which is something I wish I would’ve known. Overall we had a great time and would definitely recommend!
Recommends
· June 2026
13 ft pop-up camper ·
Riverfront Campsite #2
Very welcoming Hosts to ensure you have an amazing camping experience. Pleasant campsites and a clean river to enjoy.
Recommends
· June 2026
16 ft car · With pets ·
Riverfront Campsite #1
I enjoyed the camp hosts and it was very clean and accommodating. I would recommend these sites to anyone looking for a quiet, peaceful, clean camping area. Our canoe trip was fun.... They welcomed visiting family and greeted themselves to everyone. It was a wonderful trip.
We enjoyed camping at Weyauwega!!! We stayed for almost 4 days. Our favorite activity was that they offered to drive us upstream to allow us to flow down on canoes or kayaks in the river to fish and get back to the dock at the campsite! We had a large diversity of fish we caught off their dock at the campsite. We caught red horn sucker fish, large mouth, small mouth, blue gills, bullhead catfish, white suckers, and who knows what else because some of our line and bait got off! It was a super relaxing get away and very nice area. Thank you Josh, Brenda, and Olivia for driving us and showing us the area!
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
Riverfront Campsite #2
Amazing place and Amazing people. Brenda and Josh were outstanding hosts and the land is beautiful. The river camping experience was a blast! Very good fishing and an awesome kayak float with tons of different wildlife to view. Definitely will be back!
This was my first time booking with hip camp and I'm so glad I did. Josh and Brenda were perfect hosts. Getting to the site was easy. Communication was clear. The sites are right on the water and the pictures don't do it justice. Such a beautiful place with so much wildlife around to see. Josh and Brenda were friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. They recommended kayaking adventures we wouldn't have done otherwise and picked us an and dropped us off. Truly amazing hospitality. We couldn't have asked for more from our stay. I would recommend it to anyone.
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
Riverfront Campsite #3
Absolutely the best host family ever. The campground was well stocked clean and beautiful. We will be back asap. Thank you Josh, Brenda and Olivia. What a great place
Amazing view I had a blast owners are super nice and friendly I felt right at home definitely coming back next year I give it 15 out of 10 lol
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!
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. 👏🤗
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Riverfront Campsite #1
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.
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Riverfront Campsite #3
Beautiful. Peaceful. Restful. We were the only ones on the property for our stay. The trains didn’t bother us. The hosts hospitality is unbeatable. Plenty of firewood. Wonderful stay.
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Riverfront Campsite #3
The site was beautiful and everything I was hoping for. Brenda and her family were extremely kind and accommodating. I felt very taken care and safe. Side note: I bet it is absolutely beautiful at these sites when the leaves change colors off the water.
This was the best camping trip I’ve ever been on (and I camp a lot!)
Brenda and Josh went above and beyond any hosts I’ve had through Hipcamp. Their property is beautiful, thoughtfully arranged, and full of small touches that made our stay both convenient and memorable.
They rented us kayaks, drove us to a river drop-off, and we had a gorgeous, exciting trip downstream. They had also planned a tubing excursion for us, though the weather didn’t cooperate. Our campsite itself was spacious, private, and quiet, with a great layout. Every night we stretched out on the dock to take in the stars.
Brenda and Josh also brought us farm-fresh eggs and recommended wonderful things to do in Waupaca, Weyauwega, and the surrounding areas. You absolutely cannot beat $20 a day for unlimited firewood. By the end of our stay, it honestly felt more like visiting family than renting a campground.
Their warmth and hospitality made all the difference. I would recommend this site to anyone—whether you’re a solo camper (you’ll feel very safe with their presence) or a large group renting all three sites. My friends and I are already planning to return with more guests.
This listing is a hidden gem now, but it won’t stay that way for long. Once people realize how special this spot is, it’ll be tough to get a reservation.
Brenda and Josh were exceptional hosts. They went out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Our campsite was spacious and inviting, it had everything a camper would need to enjoy their stay.. not to mention the farm fresh eggs we were given… so tasty!
There was a pontoon dock just off of our site (although anyone camping there can use it) that allowed you to sit and take in the sunrises, sunsets, all the wildlife in and around the river… it was stunning!
We camped with tents and loved it! Most evenings we sat out on the pontoon deck in the river and watched the birds and wildlife. Mornings were particularly special, and the highlight of our day. Site is secluded, private and well shaded. Toilet is clean, and we bathed everyday in the river. Our hosts Brenda and Josh went out of their way to attend to our every need. Highly recommended and will stay here again!
We loved staying at the river retreat. It was beautiful! The river was gorgeous, they had access to renting kayaks, canoes and paddle boards with two docks you can go on. The hosts were so generous and kind, they gave us a dozen farm fresh eggs when we arrived, along with a tour. The bathroom was clean and fully stocked. We had a blast and hope to come back soon!
Second camping experience at Waupaca River Retreat. Hosts again went above and beyond to accommodate my needs. Thank you for everything.
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Riverfront Campsite #3
Great place, with great hosts. Kayaks available for reasonable price.
My kids really enjoyed the fishing!
Location
Weyauwega, Waupaca, Wisconsin, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Brenda R.
Joined in August 2024Things to do nearby
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