Primitive camping near Luck, Wisconsin offers riverside sites along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The area features forested terrain with elevations ranging from 780-900 feet above sea level. Camping spots typically provide basic amenities with vault toilets, though several locations don't offer potable water, requiring campers to pack in their own supplies.
What to do
Fishing access: County Road O Landing provides direct access to the St. Croix River. "Pretty campsite with boat ramp to St Croix river," notes one visitor who appreciated the easy water access at County Road O Landing.
Bird watching: The St. Croix River corridor serves as a migratory pathway for numerous bird species. A camper at County Road O described waking up to "amazing bird calls" before departing at 6am, highlighting the rich avian activity in early morning hours.
Hiking opportunities: The area connects with the Ice Age Trail and offers riverside walking paths. At Sandrock Cliffs, visitors can enjoy walking routes along the river. One camper noted, "The hiking trail was awesome also, you hike along the Saint Croix river."
What campers like
Natural settings: The riverfront locations provide scenic camping spots with direct water views. A visitor to Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway commented, "Nice place for camping, on the sandstone cliffs, beautiful area. Good location."
Quiet atmosphere: Many sites offer peaceful settings when visited during off-peak periods. "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," shared a camper visiting County Road O Landing.
Accessibility options: Some sites provide features for visitors with mobility needs. Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River includes "a table has an extra long side for those in a wheelchair. The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy."
What you should know
Seasonal insect conditions: Summer months bring significant mosquito populations. A County Road O Landing visitor stated directly: "The only problem was the mosquitoes," while rating their June experience.
Variable site conditions: Campsite quality can fluctuate based on recent use and seasonal factors. At Sandy Cove, one camper observed: "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."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. Most sites offer minimal coverage, though Grace Lake Road Dispersed campsites received positive reports despite limited connectivity: "This spot was super nice and peaceful! Lots of different dispersed spots."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: Choose locations with basic amenities when camping with children. "We were there in June and there was only one other group there. The hiking trail was awesome also," reported a Sandrock Cliffs visitor, suggesting weekday visits might offer more space.
Activity planning: Incorporate river-based recreation for family enjoyment. One camper at Chinty Lake Roadside Camp simply described it as "Outside peaceful," highlighting the simplicity that can appeal to families seeking nature immersion.
Safety awareness: River conditions can change rapidly following precipitation. At Sandy Cove, a camper noted how historic snowfall and subsequent thaw significantly altered the camping area, demonstrating the importance of monitoring weather patterns when planning family outings.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many primitive sites have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger vehicles. One visitor to Grace Lake Road Dispersed reported: "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."
Overnight parking options: Some locations permit parking in boat launch areas for self-contained units. A County Road O Landing camper shared: "We ended up staying in the parking lot near the boat ramp and woke up to amazing bird calls and left before 6am."
Location verification: GPS coordinates sometimes lead to incorrect locations. A Grace Lake Road camper advised, "Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here," highlighting the importance of researching directions beyond digital navigation.
