Free camping near Hudson, Wisconsin concentrates along the St. Croix River watershed, where multiple primitive sites offer riverside access. The river level fluctuates seasonally, with spring runoff typically causing high water from April through early June. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping months, while overnight lows can drop below 50°F even in July.
What to do
Birding expeditions: County Road O Landing provides excellent birdwatching opportunities along the St. Croix River. "We woke up to amazing bird calls and left before 6am," notes one camper at County Road O Landing.
Boat access camping: Foster Island offers primitive watercraft camping sites accessible only by boat, providing a more secluded experience for paddlers exploring the river system. The island location requires adequate watercraft experience and proper equipment for river navigation.
Trail exploration: Sandy Cove connects to multiple hiking paths along the riverbank. "The spot is along the ice age trail. Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north," reports a visitor to Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River.
What campers like
Early morning tranquility: Riverside sites offer peaceful dawn experiences when wildlife activity peaks. "Pretty campsite with boat ramp to St Croix river," mentions a camper who stayed at County Road O Landing.
Multiple camping options: County Road O Landing provides flexibility with several site locations. "We arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road, there are a few spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, but we parked near the trailhead and it was perfect," explains one visitor to County Road O Landing.
Wheelchair accessible features: Some sites include adapted facilities for visitors with mobility needs. Sandy Cove provides "a pad at the bottom of the path up to the open air vault toilet, a fire ring, and a table. The table has an extra long side for those in a wheelchair."
What you should know
Seasonal insect conditions: Summer brings heavy mosquito activity at many riverside locations. "We camped here on our way to the badlands starting from michigan. It was easy to find, and the spot itself was good and had restrooms. The only problem was the mosquitoes," reports a June visitor to County Road O Landing.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly by carrier. County Road O Landing offers "1 bar of Verizon (no T-mobile service)," according to a recent camper.
Flood impacts: River sites experience seasonal flooding that can affect amenities and access. One Sandy Cove visitor noted: "We visited in April after historic snowfall and thaw causing the river to flood. I'd imagine when the river is lower with the fire ring and table where they're supposed to be this would be a nice place for the night."
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra garbage bags: Some locations show evidence of previous visitors leaving trash. A Sandy Cove camper observed "a good amount of refuse around the pad," suggesting families should be prepared to pack out their own waste and potentially clean up existing litter.
Visit Lions Park: Families staying at Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River can access additional recreation facilities nearby. "The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy," notes one visitor.
Consider shoulder season visits: Early fall offers reduced insect activity while maintaining reasonable temperatures for family camping. June visits may require extensive insect protection based on camper reports.
Tips from RVers
Trailhead parking for larger vehicles: RV campers can find suitable overnight spots away from the boat launch area. "We parked near the trailhead and it was perfect," mentions an RV visitor to County Road O Landing.
Nighttime arrival challenges: RV campers arriving after dark report navigation difficulties. "I pulled into the campsite late at night and was really confused where to go," explains one camper, suggesting daytime arrival for first-time visitors.
Boat ramp proximity consideration: RVers should evaluate their comfort with proximity to active boat ramps. Some sites are located "near the boat ramp and bathroom," which may bring additional traffic during peak boating hours.
