Best Tent Camping near Hayward, WI
Tent camping options near Hayward, Wisconsin include several primitive sites along the Namekagon River, part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Phipps Landing offers three established tent sites with one providing more seclusion than others, while Howell Landing features a large group tent site with good river access. These backcountry-style tent campgrounds provide basic amenities with a focus on natural surroundings rather than developed facilities.
Most tent sites in the Hayward area feature dirt or natural forest floor surfaces with minimal site development. Phipps Landing and Howell Landing both have pit toilets but campers must bring their own water or use filtration systems from the river. A review noted, "Bring your own water or filtration. No rubbish bins. Camping is free, first-come, first-served." Fire rings are available at several locations, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Many sites offer drive-in access with small parking areas, while others provide walk-in tent sites requiring short hikes from parking areas.
The tent camping experience around Hayward emphasizes river access and natural settings. A visitor commented that Howell Landing is a "clean, well-kept little campground" though noted the "only downside was no separation from other parties due to the group site setup." Secluded tent sites can be found at locations like Phipps Landing, where one site is notably more private than others. Several backcountry tent campgrounds in the area serve as convenient access points to the Namekagon River, making them popular with paddlers and anglers. The river system provides additional primitive camping opportunities, with one camper mentioning "camping off the rice banks was great" when describing a multi-day canoe trip with overnight tent camping. Road noise can occasionally be heard from nearby highways at some locations.