Best Tent Camping near Barronett, WI

Tent camping opportunities near Barronett, Wisconsin include both established campgrounds and more secluded primitive sites. Straight Lake State Park Campground offers tent-only hike-in sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Kirby Lake Primitive Campsite provides a more rustic experience approximately 15 miles southwest of Barronett. Most campgrounds in the area are situated near lakes or rivers, making them ideal for campers seeking water-based activities.

The terrain at most tent campgrounds consists primarily of forest floor with minimal site preparation. Many locations, like Straight Lake State Park, provide carts to help campers transport gear to walk-in sites. Drinking water is available at select locations such as K and C Country Air Campground and Howell Landing, but most primitive sites require campers to bring their own water or filtering equipment. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, while backcountry sites typically have no facilities. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with most sites allowing fires in designated rings when conditions permit.

Tent-only sites in the region offer varied experiences depending on location and amenities. The walk-in sites at Straight Lake State Park provide more privacy than drive-in options, with one camper noting the park offers "remote, hike-in sites with fire ring and picnic table with private site." Primitive camping areas like Phipps Landing feature small sites with fire pits accessible by car or canoe. Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months, particularly at wooded sites. Most tent campgrounds are first-come, first-served, though some locations like William O'Brien State Park (about 60 miles south) offer reservable tent sites. The Namekagon River provides opportunities for multi-day canoe camping trips with riverside tent sites at locations like Howell Landing and Namekagon Trail Bridge.

Best Tent Sites Near Barronett, Wisconsin (42)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Barronett, WI

342 Reviews of 42 Barronett Campgrounds


  • Katherine T.
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Solid option with star gazing

    This is a solid state park offering. The sites are decently spaced with good tree cover. Noise seemed to travel between sites, I had some loud neighbors during the day but they settled down before quiet hours. The grass was easy to get tent stakes into. Bathrooms were your basic state park situation. Clean with warm showers so no complaints from me. The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance.

  • D
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Great spot for first time camping

    This was my first time camping EVER, and I wanted a balance of car camping ease with quiet wilderness. I stayed in the E loop. No electric sites, which cut down the number of big rig RVs, but there were plenty of small campers and trailers. To me, this means louder guests than tent campers. That said, people tended to quiet down by 9-10p. There was occasional noise during the day from crop dusters and motorized boat traffic on the St. Croix.

    Site 87 had nice privacy — less between sites 87 and 89 and much more between 87 and 85 (see photos). Site 89 is a double site, so be prepared for a little more activity if someone books there. If I went again, I'd try to snag site 85. Large trees and vegetation between sites, especially on the outside loop. Plenty of space for hammocks. The site itself was level and very spacious. We had a five person tent and could have put up a bug house easily. The fire pit was clean and had a grate on top. Pit toilets were clean and had plenty of toilet paper, especially for the end of a holiday weekend. Bugs were minimal, but could have been because the weather was on the cooler side (50s-60s).

    A couple random notes:

    • Firewood is $6/bundle. Self-pay available if the ranger station is closed. Bring exact change since you'll be paying by envelope.

    • The ranger station was open for window service, and they sold fire starters, soda, t-shirts, etc. Not sure when hours are exactly. They were open when I went around 3-4p Sunday and Monday to buy wood.

    • Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent.

  • amber  N.
    Sep. 1, 2019

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Secluded, River Front Buck Hill Site

    Backpack site Buck Hill is right on the river, beautiful view to the east. Circled by flowers (goldenrod in the late summer), brush and trees. End of the path so zero foot traffic / passersby. Fine size for us but if you had two tents maybe tight. Fire ring and picnic table of course. No drinking water (we brought a bladder). It’s a great place to star gaze. There’s a teeny somewhat treacherous path to the river- no beach or anything (water was super low when we went) - Just can get your feet wet.

    Down the path a little bit is an unenclosed toilet - not the best. The other direction down the path (only about 20 ft) is a smallish bear box.

    You can harvest your own wood (at this time) and that was really great - bring a backpacking saw!

    Only downside to the site— you can hear cars on both sides (river and opposite side of forest).

    It was a 2.37 mile walk from the parking lot, mostly shaded.

    Side note: we checked out Deer Creek site which is much closer to the car. It is a hike in / canoe site. It’s wayyy more spacious, and even has two separate clearings. Also has cool stairs down the to water, and a much more expansive view of the river. We will be staying there next time! We want to take a few days to canoe the whole length of the park, camping along the different sites. Next year! :)

  • Steph H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Group site with a view

    Group campsite one is a lovely open site right on the St Croix River. This is a walk in site but fairly close to the parking area. Plenty of grassy space to play and set up several tents. If the 5 group sites it is probably the farthest from the vault toilets but still not that far away. The sites are all right next to each other so there is no privacy and no guarantees another group won’t disturb your group at night or vice versa. The park is not very large but what it offers is lovely. In the river side you’ll enjoy rocky trails and the famous potholes and in the hill side you’ll enjoy views from way up high.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2024

    Paint Rock Springs Campground — St. Croix State Park

    No service

    Felt nice to spend a weekend without cell service about an hour away from home. Forgot to take my usual photos and video of the site all set up but had a few random to share. Nice campground. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are flush toilets and showers and the office has a store for any last minute needs.

  • A
    Jun. 22, 2018

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Rolling prairies along the river

    Some nice hiking and beautiful landscapes of wildflowers, grasses, and the river Typical state campground set up, not a ton of privacy but enough. Stayed 3 nights, tent camping. Biy certified firewood outside the park if you plan on using a lot. A nice weekend getaway close to the metro!

  • Lindsay T.
    Oct. 2, 2022

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Excellent, can't wait to return!

    Great campground with plenty of privacy and space between sites.  Excellent hiking trails along the river.  Restroom/shower building and vault toilets well maintained.

  • Susan M.
    Jul. 17, 2020

    Camp Waub-O-Jeeg

    Great little campground! One of our faves.

    We live in Minneapolis and love having this camp close to home, yet far enough to feel like we are up north. We come here a lot during the summer!

    The camp is rustic, in a good way. Lots of trees, nice sites with water and electric and a dump station (that’s not stinky!) Bathrooms have been renovated recently too.

    Depending on what type of camper you are, there are lots of options. What you won’t find is an RV Park that is open and on top of each other. There are sites big enough for large campers, there are drive-in tent sites (several have been upgraded with electric this year), and a few walk-in sites. There are some seasonal campers too who are friendly and willing to help out if you need something.

    A previous review mentioned the roads. They washed out one night when there was really heavy rain and big storms but the owners where fixing them right away the next day. They said that happens now and then because it is a dirt road but they have all the equipment to fix them promptly. You can tell they care a lot about the campground and they are very attentive. They are good about coming around and monitoring what’s going on. They enjoy good conversation too.

    It is a kid friendly campground. I often see kids meeting each other from different sites and then hanging out and playing games together. There are nice playgrounds on both the A and B hill.

    The campground owners are great and very helpful. They will help you get situated into your site and bring you firewood and even a cooked Heggies pizza! They are also great about explaining the different sites and making sure it will work for the type of camping you are doing. They truly are hosts!

    There is a walking path down to the river and the Lions Park is in walking distance. There is a big hill up into the campground, (because of the river) but there is parking at the Lions Park if you want to drive. The Lions Park also has a boat launch for the St. Croix and there is a parking lot at camp where you can store it during your stay.

    Taylors Falls is two miles away where you will find cute shops, ice cream and good dining. St. Croix Falls is right over the river where you have more restaurants, a grocery store, Menards and a Walmart.

    There are a few ATV’s and mini bikes but they mostly stay over on another hill where there are trails set up for them and no campsites are over there. If you enjoy riding, bring them along!

    For the most part, people are respectful of the 10pm quiet hours. If people are loud, the campground owners have asked that you call them no matter how late so they can take care of it. They appreciate k owing if others are not being respectful, day or night.

    The camp store has lots of necessities like ice, snacks, s’mores stuff and more. They have games you can check out and little items you may have forgotten at home.

    We often stay at State Parks. We liked this camp because it is similar when it comes to rustic and wooded, but they don’t have all the strict rules like the State Parks. We will keep coming to Camp Waub O Jeeg!

  • N
    Jun. 7, 2018

    William O'Brien State Park Campground

    Homey, Picturesque, Fresh Air

    I camped here in April and got a camping spot on the edge of the River Campground facing the woods. I loved this spot and it was plenty big for parking two cars, tent, hammock, chairs, you name it! It appears that most tent camping is on the outer edges and RV camping is in the middle. No one was noisy, wasn't a "party" campground which was great for peace and quiet. It was great being so close to the river trail. Great views and fresh air!


Guide to Barronett

Tent campsites near Barronett, Wisconsin range from rustic boat-in sites along the Namekagon River to hike-in forest locations with varying levels of privacy. Most primitive sites in this northwest Wisconsin region sit at elevations between 1,000-1,200 feet, creating cooler evening temperatures even during summer months when daytime highs average in the mid-70s. Seasonal timing affects site availability, with many locations operating from May through October.

What to do

Canoe camping trips: Access riverside tent sites along the Namekagon River with options for multi-day paddling adventures. "Beautiful river! Instead of paddling down the river I'd recommend turning this into a nice float/fishing trip. They provide nice maps depicting where off shore camping sites are," notes a camper about Namekagon Trail Bridge.

Ice Age Trail hiking: Explore segments of Wisconsin's notable long-distance trail near several campgrounds. A visitor to Straight Lake State Park Campground mentions "The Ice Age Trail also runs next to this park," making it convenient for backpackers wanting to sample portions of this 1,200-mile footpath.

Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for anglers. One camper at Straight Lake State Park specifically highlighted "Remote, hike in, Rainbow trout" in their review title, indicating the fishing opportunities available.

What campers like

Privacy at walk-in sites: The extra effort to reach some campsites rewards with additional seclusion. A camper at William O'Brien State Park recommended, "I stayed at Savannah campground because the sites are slightly bigger and more private than Riverway. Compared to Wild River State Park, the sites at Savannah are pretty cramped with inconsistent vegetation between sites."

Wildlife viewing: Many campsites provide opportunities for nature observation. "You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," reports a William O'Brien State Park visitor about the Savanna Campground area.

Group camping options: Several locations offer designated group sites for larger gatherings. At Howell Landing, one camper noted, "Clean, well kept little campground, which consisted of one large group site. Tent only with access to the Namekagon River. Plenty of parking."

What you should know

Mosquito preparation: Bug protection remains essential for comfort during warmer months. According to one Straight Lake State Park camper, "The amount of mosquitos seemed higher than other Wisconsin locations," suggesting particular vigilance at this site.

Site availability strategies: Visit midweek for better site selection at popular locations. "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop," reported one William O'Brien visitor.

Water access limitations: Some lakefront sites have restricted shoreline access despite proximity to water. At Straight Lake, a camper observed "The lake shore, when we visited, was blocked by lots of vegetation, geese droppings with one small access point which would be great for kayaks."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Select campgrounds with children's recreation areas for additional entertainment. Apple River County Park Campground features "adjacent day use areas including a group picnic shelter and playground" according to a reviewer who noted it offers "15 simple campsites geared towards tent camping."

Wildlife education opportunities: Use nighttime frog calls and turtle sightings as teaching moments. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night," notes one family-friendly review from William O'Brien State Park.

Park shuttle services: Some campgrounds offer transportation to nearby attractions. Cedar Point Resort and Campground provides a "Shuttle [that] is nice, takes you right to the park. Great place for kids," according to one visitor who recommended it despite noting it was "Kind of pricey."

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup locations: For RVers requiring power, K and C Country Air Campground offers "water sewer electric sites" according to a camper who described it as a "very quiet campground."

Limited RV options: Many campgrounds in the area prioritize tent camping with restricted RV accommodations. Apple River County Park Campground has only "5 of the sites equipped with electricity so folks with vans or small trailers might be comfortable here."

Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds with RV facilities operate with limited seasonal schedules. K and C Country Air Campground operates only from "May 1 to mid October," requiring advance planning for shoulder season visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Barronett, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Barronett, WI is K and C Country Air Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Barronett, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 42 tent camping locations near Barronett, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.