Tent camping options in Newton, Wisconsin range from primitive backcountry sites to campgrounds with modest amenities. The area sits within the Driftless Region, characterized by rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and deep valleys that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping offers cooler temperatures with less insect activity.
What to do
Trout fishing access: The area around Camp John Schultz provides excellent fishing opportunities. One camper notes, "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!"
Hiking to the fire tower: Yellow River State Forest contains Iowa's only fire tower, accessible from the backcountry sites. "Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects. Leave No Trace ethics include: minimizes fire impacts by gathering only dead, down, wood," reports a visitor to Camp John Schultz.
Biking the Root River Trail: Houston Nature Center serves as a trailhead for this popular route. A camper explains, "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!" The center includes a bike servicing station for cyclists needing repairs.
Visit the International Owl Center: Located in Houston near the Nature Center campground, this unique attraction offers educational opportunities. "The International Owl Center was a welcome discovery. Best tent campground on the Root River Trail," mentions one visitor.
What campers like
Quiet natural settings: Many primitive tent sites offer seclusion from crowds and noise. At Reno Horse Campground, one camper 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."
Night sky viewing: Rural locations away from light pollution provide stargazing opportunities. "The sites are simple, well separated with a very short walk, easy to take multiple trips," notes a camper at Sparta Campground.
Budget-friendly options: Many tent sites in the region remain affordable. A visitor to Yellow River State Forest mentions, "This site fills up really fast becaue of the cheap price of only 9 dollars. This is the cheapest but one of the best campsites ive been to."
Clean facilities: Some campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Spotless showers and bathrooms, access to drinking water," reports a Houston Nature Center visitor, where facilities receive consistent praise.
What you should know
Site access varies: Many tent areas require some walking from parking areas. At Sparta Campground, a visitor explains, "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 into the town of Sparta."
Reservations and payment systems: Most primitive sites operate on a first-come basis. "Sites are basic with water, pit toilets, tables and fire rings. I originally planned to stay here but came across the non-resident charges (my state does not do this)," reports one camper regarding Sparta Campground fees.
Insect activity: Bugs can be prevalent in wooded areas, particularly in summer months. A Yellow River State Forest visitor notes, "Lots of quiet, and many more great views on the upper trails. There are some thin trails down steeper hillsides, so make sure to take it slower if the ground is muddy."
Limited cell service: Many remote tent sites have poor or no reception. At Camp Glen Wendel, one backpacker reports, "great park with a few longer trails for backpacking. have used these trails/this park to prepare for longer trips. wonderful spots to camp and the creeks are very clean and pretty!"
Tips for camping with families
Natural playgrounds: Some campgrounds offer unique play areas. At Shady Rest Acres, campers can interact with farm animals. A visitor notes, "Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows, sheep, goats, chickens, bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs."
Swimming options: Local creeks provide cooling water activities. At Northend Campground, "Small lil park that they allow people to camp in. I've seen RV's and tents here. Nice sand bottom creek to swim in right behind campground, pool is a few blocks away."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local animals. A camper at Reno Horse Campground reports, "There are many hiking trails, including a trail that goes on top of the bluff with views of the forest and of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River. The bugs weren't too bad, no ticks, no critters and no road noise."
Short hiking loops: Several campgrounds feature trails suitable for children. At Houston Nature Center, "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."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Most primitive tent areas lack services for larger vehicles. At Justin Trails Resort, options expand beyond basic tent camping. A visitor notes, "Beautiful place, tent camping is available. Great breakfast and romantic setting for our anniversary. They sell wine and food in the store."
Alternative accommodations: Some locations offer cabin options alongside tent sites. At Shady Rest Acres, "The cabin is delightfully lovely with beautiful decor, two full sized beds, space for a few kids to crash, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker) as well as a wood stove for cool nights."
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. A visitor to Sparta Campground explains, "The most disappointing factor for me was the highway noise. I had read about that from another reviewer, and it was indeed bad, all weekend long. I had to wear noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the noise in order to sleep."
