Tent camping near Amery, Wisconsin offers primitive experiences in the diverse St. Croix River Valley landscape. The area features rolling hills, hardwood forests, and wetlands with an elevation range between 900-1,100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels during July and August, making spring and fall popular camping seasons in this corner of western Wisconsin.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Apple River County Park Campground provides direct access to fishing spots. "This is a good spot for fishing, and canoeing or kayaking," notes a reviewer who suggests it's "a good stopover if on a weekend paddling trip."
Trail exploration: William O'Brien State Park Campground offers extensive hiking trails through varied terrain. "We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling," shares one camper who visited in spring.
Lake activities: Straight Lake State Park Campground provides access to both Straight Lake and Rainbow Trout Lake. A visitor noted, "There are two parking lots. One by the stream connecting straight lake and Rainbow Trout lake. Path good condition."
What campers like
Secluded sites: The primitive campgrounds near Amery offer varying levels of privacy. At Afton State Park Campground, "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts diverse wildlife. A camper at William O'Brien mentioned seeing "a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite" and others report hearing "frogs all night" in the campgrounds.
Rustic experience: Those seeking minimal development appreciate the primitive nature. At Trade River Equestrian Camp, a reviewer noted, "If you love seclusion and don't mind zero amenities, bugs, mud and brush, go for it! It is a survivalist's dream."
What you should know
Varying facilities: Campgrounds offer different levels of amenities. Lily Springs Regenerative Farm provides "a designated (and clean!) portapotty for each campsite," while some other locations have no facilities at all.
Seasonal conditions: Weather and bugs affect camping quality. A camper at Straight Lake State Park noted, "The amount of mosquitos seemed higher than other Wisconsin locations."
Site access challenges: Many campgrounds require hiking to reach sites. At Governor Knowles State Forest, a visitor reported, "The hike in was not easy. Downed trees over uphill sections, large sections of mud and some overgrown brushy spots."
Tips for camping with families
Cart assistance: Some parks provide equipment to help with gear transport. At Straight Lake, "The park offered carts to help pack in camping supplies," making the hike-in process more manageable for families with children.
Water safety planning: Lakes may have limited access points. A reviewer at Straight Lake noted, "The lake shore was blocked by lots of vegetation with one small access point which would be great for kayaks."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for animal sightings. At Lily Springs Farm, a camper shared, "The goats are friendly and are quiet once it starts to get dark. A goat tender comes twice a day to feed the goats."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most primitive campgrounds near Amery limit vehicle size. Apple River County Park has "15 simple campsites geared towards tent camping, though 5 of the sites are equipped with electricity so folks with vans or small trailers might be comfortable here."
Electrical options: Limited hookups exist at select locations. At William O'Brien State Park, "We planned this weekend with friends to camp in our matching teardrop trailers," indicating the park can accommodate small trailers at certain sites.
Parking considerations: Plan for distance between parking and campsites. At Cedar Point Resort, a reviewer appreciated that "Shuttle is nice, takes you right to the park," solving transportation challenges for RVers who want to visit nearby attractions.
