Tent campsites in the region surrounding Genoa, Wisconsin feature a mix of primitive and established options in densely forested terrain along the Mississippi River valley. R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest offers dispersed camping with sandstone bluffs as a backdrop, while Yellow River State Forest provides backcountry tent camping approximately 25 miles southeast of Genoa. Houston Nature Center Campground, located about 30 miles northwest in Minnesota, provides designated tent sites at the trailhead of the Root River State Bike Trail.
Most primitive tent areas feature minimal improvements, with hand-built fire rings being the primary amenity. Sites in Yellow River State Forest require hikers to carry in all supplies, as no drinking water is available at backcountry locations. The Paint Creek area headquarters serves as the starting point for several backcountry trails leading to primitive tent setups. During summer months, insects can be prevalent in these densely forested locations. Campers should practice Leave No Trace ethics, including gathering only dead, downed wood for fires. Potable water is typically available only at main registration areas or ranger stations.
Tent camping in this region offers exceptional solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities. Yellow River State Forest's backcountry tent areas feature multiple secluded sites amid diverse terrain. Walk-in tent sites at Camp Glen Wendel and Camp John Schultz provide fire rings and benches with minimal foot traffic from other campers. The area's lush forests support abundant wildlife, including seasonal butterfly populations. Many trails connect the various backcountry tent areas, making them suitable for multi-day hiking trips. Sites vary in size and proximity to water features. According to a visitor on The Dyrt, Yellow River's primitive tent areas have "wonderful spots to camp and the creeks are very clean and pretty," noting they "have only run into other people once or twice" despite multiple visits to these backcountry tent sites.
"We backpacked to the quarry and found a large open area, perfect for multiple tents. The sandstone bluffs were in the background."
$40 - $120 / night
"If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners. "
"The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail."
"This campsite is at the trailhead for the Root River Bike Trail. This bike trail is so awesome and by far the best in the tri-state area!"
$12 / night
"My friend and I were eager to test out some new backpacking gear for the first time in advance of a larger trip this summer."
"Yellow River has great backpacking sites. Park near ranger station and hike in or grab a map and find a smaller parking location near the trail you want to explore. Great scenery."
"Hiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects."
"Awesome campground, if you require electric bring a generator. Water is available but needs to be carried in. we loved the lack of cell phone reception!"
"Beautiful place, tent camping is available. Great breakfast and romantic setting for our anniversary. They sell wine and food in the store. Host is amazing and friendly."
$15 - $21 / night
"This is a walk-in campground intended for very light camping, particularly for those biking the Elroy-Sparta or Lacrosse Trails, as it is right on the Elroy-Sparta trail and only a 10 minute bike ride"
"After biking 47 miles was a welcome respite on our first day of biking the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail. We spent a second night on our out and back along the trail."
LegendHiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects. Leave No Trace ethics include: minimizes fire impacts by gathering only dead, down, wood. Sounded by nature atop of hill hike near Fire tower ( only fire tower in Iowa), cell reception is found up here.
GuideLocated on the far western edge of Wisconsin this state park offers a little of everything - hiking trails connected to the camp grounds, boat access to the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, overlook of where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi River, showers and flush toilets, playground/basketball/tennis courts, etc. Depending on what part of the park you are in (and the season) you can be away from it all or have almost all the comforts of home. There are 2 campgrounds within the park - Homestead (back in the woods and a little more rustic with vault toilets and no showers) and Ridge (on the bluff). Also both an indoor group site and outdoor group site. Campsites are mix of RV (+/- electric) and tent. Ridge Campground sites- located on the bluff they stay dry even when the rivers are at flood level. Some sites have views of the river right from the tent/RV. During peak season you will definitely need a reservation (likely months in advance), but there are a few same day spots held in reserve. Also during peak season there is a concession stand near the campground and boat rental (canoe/kayak) near the boat launch (neither were open when I camped there but were on a separate day trip)
A short drive from the state park is Effigy Mounds National Monument with additional trails and a reverse of the scenic view (looking south and east instead of west/northwest). Definitely worth a look since its FREE and so close by. Also in the area is Villa Louis (historical homestead) which can be toured for a modest fee (good rainy day activity). If coming from Madison area be sure to check out some of the small wineries along the drive either to or from the park.
LegendPrairie Island has all of you basic amenities without being too far from town. This campground isn’t for everybody -- if you’re looking for extreme adventure and wilderness, this is not the place for you. If you’re interested in getting into camping and not investing the money into all the gear or having direct river access, this is the place for you! They seriously rent it all. Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and dutch ovens. The camp store sells all of the basics and fishing supplies. The shower house has flush toilets and pit toilets are located throughout the campground.
Personally, this campground is not the type that I like to stay at but it is really great for the type that wants to get into camping or the camper trailer type. Unfortunately, not enough activities to do besides boating on the river.
LegendThis review is for Yellow River State Forest's Big Paint Campground which consists of sites 35 through 61. Big Paint is a couple miles from Little Paint, a larger campground with 70+ sites. There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included.
Why did we choose Big Paint instead of Little Paint?
It's smaller and that's just our personal preference. There were only 4 sites occupied early Friday afternoon and a few more were reserved. We liked site 35, the first site on the left as you enter. This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass.
Activities
Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen; see photo of stocking calendar. We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground. You can also hike from Little Paint, and there are equestrian trails. This would also be a good area for X-country skiing and snowmobiling. A photo of the trail map is included. Caution: hunting is allowed in the non-campground area of the state forest.
Amenities
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Other than that, you can dispose of your trash and use a vault toilet. There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left.
Cost
You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee). There are 7 non-reservable sites at Big Paint. I doubt that Big Paint fills up; just check the reservation site to see if they get crowded.
https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/yellow-river-state-forest/r/campsiteSearch.do?search=site&page=siteresult&contractCode=IA&parkId=610130
GuideWonderful time in Perrot State Park. Camped in the group campground, site A. Plenty of room for many tents, and nice level ground to pitch tents on. Huge fire ring for large group fires, and both a large grill on the fire ring, and freestanding charcoal grill. Lots of options for hiking and walking in the park with more than 13 miles of trails. We did a 5 mile hike up and over two of the more popular bluffs. We also did a two-three hour canoe/kayak trip and had a blast.
There is not a swimming beach at the park, so if you're into that, you'll have to leave the park, but there is more than enough to do at Perrot State Park.
GuideThe cart in sites are fantastic at Wildcat Mountain! Each site is spacious with most heavily treed for shade. Each site has a nice large flat pad for a tent or two, fire ring, bench and picnic table. Proximity to potable water, vault or modern toilets and designated parking are all within 400 yards of all sites.
The park is located in the Kickapoo valley area where the driftless area is amazing to hike. You can kayak or tube down the river that is flanked by high limestone bluffs. The hiking trails are well maintained. There is also extensive horse trails, a beautiful outdoor ampitheater for viewing sunsets and access to the river right in the park.
The campers were respectful and quiet. Our campsite was fairly clean when we arrived. Contactless registration due to covid 19. That made getting set up quick and easy! The cart provided was fairly big for less trips. I would happily camp here again!
TravelerVery nice walk-in site right on the river. LOTS of bugs to the point it was uncomfortable so make sure to bring bug spray. Tent pad, fire ring and picnic table available. Trees available that are good for those who hammock.
GuideSome of the spots are a little uneven. Bring some leveling devices. This a very peaceful campground. Fire rings are on cement. Can find fire starters everywhere. No bugs in the 1st of June when we were there. Will plan on going back for sure. Reserve your spots cuz they go fast. If you love a great view and the smell of the outdoors this is your place!
LegendThe Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail. Trail Head Park is a nice tent only campground with walk-in sites. A majority of the sites have picnic tables and fire pits. The Nature Center has clean bathrooms and free showers. They recommend donations for the use of the showers.
$20 per night camping fee. You can pay inside the Nature Center or at the slot between the restroom mirrors. The sites are first come, first serve. Local firewood is available near the restrooms as well; take what you need and leave the center a donation.
Trail Head Park has a 1 acre natural playground near the campsite. When I visited during the week, I only saw a small group of people using the playground. The playground has a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more. Inside the Nature Center, they have interactive and interesting displays. The highlight of this campground is the Root River State Bike Trail and the Owl Center in the town of Houston.
I'd give the campsite 4/5 review. The location, the bluffs, the bike trail, and center get 5/5 review.
Dispersed tent camping opportunities around Genoa, Wisconsin range from walk-in sites at state parks to backcountry camping in dense woodland areas at elevations between 650-1,300 feet. The region's driftless topography creates unique camping experiences with ravines, rock formations, and small streams throughout the camping areas. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with cooler nights in the 50s.
Bike trail access: Houston Nature Center Campground provides tent sites at the trailhead of the Root River State Bike Trail. "Wonderfully quiet and safe. Had bathrooms and showers. Right at the end of the root river state trail. Singing toads at night," notes April S. The trail offers extensive cycling opportunities through the region.
Disc golf courses: Justin Trails Resort offers tent camping with disc golf courses on-site. "Beautiful place, tent camping is available. Great breakfast and romantic setting for our anniversary. They sell wine and food in the store," explains Michael V., who adds that "disc golf is busy here, in winter they have sledding hills."
Fishing spots: Local waterways provide trout fishing opportunities near several campgrounds. At Camp John Schultz, Kimberly W. recommends you "come trout fish!" noting it's an "awesome campground" though water "needs to be carried in." The nearby creeks and streams are known for their clean water and good fishing.
Hiking network: Extensive trail systems connect many camping areas. Kevin C. describes Camp Glen Wendel as a "great backpacking loop" and notes there are "lots of quiet, and many more great views on the upper trails," though he cautions that "there are some thin trails down steeper hillsides, so make sure to take it slower if the ground is muddy."
Secluded tent sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at backcountry locations. At Camp Glen Wendel, James M. notes the "sites have fire rings and benches, some more spacious than others. This Camp has wonderful stands of coniferous trees. The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side."
Stargazing opportunities: The lack of light pollution makes for excellent night sky viewing. Macel C. describes Yellow River State Forest as a "great gem" with "well spaced out camp sites, very primitive. Great spot to view the stars."
Quarry camping: Unique geological features create distinctive camping settings. At R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest, Joanna B. reports "we backpacked to the quarry and found a large open area, perfect for multiple tents. The sandstone bluffs were in the background. There are multiple handmade rock fire pits, some rock chairs, tables and lots of space."
Limited cell coverage: Some campers appreciate the chance to disconnect. Kimberly W. notes at Camp John Schultz, "we loved the lack of cell phone reception!" though James M. points out you can find "cell reception up here" if needed at the nearby fire tower, which is "the only fire tower in Iowa."
Water access limitations: Most backcountry tent sites require bringing your own water. At Camp John Schultz, James M. advises that "potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk" but not at the campsites themselves. Plan accordingly for water needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Genoa, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Genoa, WI is Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Genoa, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Genoa, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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