Tent camping around Haugen, Wisconsin centers on the densely forested Washburn County landscape where rolling terrain intersects with multiple waterways including the Namekagon River. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with higher humidity levels from June through August. Winter camping options remain limited with most sites closing after mid-October when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing access points: Namekagon Trail Bridge provides excellent fishing opportunities along the river banks. One camper notes, "We caught great fish and camping off the rice banks was great," recommending turning a paddling trip into a "nice float/fishing trip" with multiple shore camping options.
Canoe routes: Phipps Landing offers both drive-in and water access camping for paddlers. Arctic D. explains, "You can drive in and park at this site, or canoe down the Namekagagen and pull up. There are 2 small sites with fire pits near the parking & landing, and one large group site with fire pit to the far back."
Trail hiking: The Ice Age Trail runs adjacent to Straight Lake State Park, providing connectivity to a larger trail network. The park accommodates hikers with equipment transport assistance, as one visitor mentions, "The park offered carts to help pack in camping supplies."
What campers like
Lake proximity: Straight Lake State Park Campground offers ten private sites with water access. Loren S. describes the setup: "There are two parking lots. One by the stream connecting straight lake and Rainbow Trout lake. Path good condition. Fire ring and picnic table with private site."
Riverside locations: Most riverside camping sites in the region provide immediate water access. At the Dog Town campsite near Namekagon Trail Bridge, campers appreciate the seclusion though one visitor cautions, "very secluded, brig your bug spray! These sites are first come first serve."
Affordability: Several tent sites in the area operate on free or low-cost systems. Arctic D. notes that at Phipps Landing, "Camping is free, FCFS [first come, first served]" with no reservation system in place.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Howell Landing typifies the basic infrastructure of the area. Nickole D. describes it as a "Clean, well kept little campground, which consisted of one large group site. Tent only with access to the Namekagon River. Plenty of parking."
Insect conditions: Mosquito populations vary significantly by location and season. Tiffany K. observed at Straight Lake that "The amount of mosquitoes seemed higher than other Wisconsin locations."
Water requirements: Most primitive sites require visitors to bring water or filtration systems. At Phipps Landing, Arctic D. advises, "Bring your own water or filtration. No rubbish bins."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: The group camping arrangement at certain locations affects privacy levels. At Howell Landing, one visitor notes "The only downside was no separation from other parties due to the group site setup."
County park alternatives: Apple River County Park Campground offers family-friendly facilities with easy water access. Janet R. describes it as having "adjacent day use areas including a group picnic shelter and playground. This is a good spot for fishing, and canoeing or kayaking."
Campground noise factors: Road proximity affects some camping locations. Paul H. mentions that Phipps Landing has "A little road noise from nearby highway" despite being "a lovely spot on the Namekagon River."
Tips from RVers
Electric access: K and C Country Air Campground provides full hookup options for RVers seeking more amenities than the primitive tent sites in the region. Forest R. describes it as a "great place water sewer electric sites. Very quiet campground."
Small trailer options: Some county campgrounds accommodate compact campers despite primarily serving tent campers. Janet R. notes that at Apple River County Park, "5 of the sites are equipped with electricity so folks with vans or small trailers might be comfortable here."
Seasonal operations: Most RV-friendly campgrounds in the Haugen area operate on limited schedules. K and C Country Air Campground runs "May 1 to mid October" with 25 sites available during the primary camping season.
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