Tent camping near Danbury, Wisconsin centers around the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, a 252-mile protected waterway with elevations ranging from 680 to 1,350 feet above sea level. The riverway corridor features northern hardwood forests dominated by maple, birch, and pine species, creating a dense canopy over many primitive camping areas. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with spring typically offering higher flows suitable for paddling but potentially limiting some riverside campsites.
What to do
Paddling routes: The Namekagon River section near Danbury offers multiple put-in points for overnight paddling trips. A camper at Howell Landing noted, "Clean, well kept little campground, which consisted of one large group site. Tent only with access to the Namekagon River. Plenty of parking."
Fishing access: Multiple shoreline access points allow fishing for smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. At Grace Lake Road Dispersed, one visitor mentioned, "Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it's a short walk. You're about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good."
Rock climbing: For campers willing to drive 40 minutes from Danbury, sandstone formations provide technical climbing opportunities. A visitor at Robinson Park Camping shared, "Rock climbing including the state's best 12a/b!!! Sigma lives up to the hype."
What campers like
River access: Direct water access from many sites allows for swimming and spontaneous paddling. At Schoen Park, a camper reported, "There's another small site cut out from the road that's somewhat separated from the main sites. There's enough room for small campers. Road is good."
Wildlife viewing: The riverway corridor hosts diverse wildlife including deer, river otters, and numerous bird species. A camper at Namekagon Trail Bridge observed, "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."
Primitive solitude: Many sites offer significant distance from neighboring campers. As one visitor noted about Grace Lake Road Dispersed, "This spot was super nice and peaceful! Lots of different dispersed spots. Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here."
What you should know
Narrow access roads: Several camping areas require navigating tight forest roads unsuitable for larger vehicles. One camper at Grace Lake Road Dispersed warned, "Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it's a short walk."
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas have minimal or no amenities. Bring necessary supplies including drinking water, waste bags, and toilet paper. At Robinson Park Camping, a camper noted, "There are both group campsites and individual campsites here. From the entrance road, once you see the camping rules sign you will take a right down a dirt road to the individual sites."
First-come availability: Most dispersed and primitive sites near Danbury operate without reservations. A Robinson Park camper advised, "I enjoyed this little spot in early April. I wanted to be close to Banning State Park without the reservations. Early spring in Minnesota left us little cover between sites, but we were the only ones there."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose established campgrounds with toilets for easier family camping experiences. A camper at Robinson Park Camping mentioned, "Picnic tables, fire rings, and a tent pad at every spot. Realistically, each site was only big enough for one tent."
Bug preparation: Bring sufficient insect repellent, especially during summer months. A visitor to Grace Lake Road Dispersed reported, "A lot of ATV traffic but super friendly people, really buggy but a few nice spots to pull into for the night."
Water safety: The Saint Croix and Namekagon Rivers have variable currents and depths. Bring personal flotation devices for all family members if planning water activities. At Namekagon Trail Bridge, a camper advised, "We spent 3 days and 2 nights in the river in our canoe. Caught great fish and camping off the rice banks was great."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Danbury cannot accommodate large RVs. At Schoen Park, a camper cautioned, "Don't try to bring any thing to big into here or you will be in trouble. We have a 19' travel trailer and it wasn't a problem but turning around is tight."
Parking challenges: Even small trailers face limited parking and turning radius at most riverway camping areas. Consider parking at trailheads and walking to campsites when possible.
Seasonal road conditions: Forest access roads deteriorate significantly during spring melt and after heavy rains. A Robinson Park visitor noted, "The road back to the sites was a small two track with giant pot holes and lots of overgrowth."
