15 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Newton, Wisconsin include both established campgrounds and dispersed options within state forests. Campers looking for primitive tent setups can explore R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest, where the Reno Horse Campground area offers hike-in tent sites with natural surroundings. Yellow River State Forest's Camp Glen Wendel, located in neighboring Iowa, provides backpacking opportunities with multiple backcountry tent sites along hiking trails.
Most tent-only areas feature basic fire rings and pit sites on natural terrain with minimal development. Sites at Sparta Campground along the Elroy-Sparta State Trail are described as "basic, with water, pit toilets, tables and fire rings." While some locations like Houston Nature Center offer drinking water and shower facilities, many primitive tent areas require campers to pack in all necessary supplies. Interstate noise can impact some sites, particularly at Sparta Campground, where one camper noted that "highway noise was indeed bad, all weekend long." During peak seasons, backcountry sites in popular areas fill quickly.
Areas farther from developed campgrounds offer deeper forest immersion with fewer amenities but greater solitude. The tent-only backcountry sites at Yellow River State Forest provide scenic camping with good trail access. According to one visitor, "The sanctioned campsites are beautiful and you will feel like you missed out if you skip them." Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for multi-day backpacking loops, with many sites situated in lush forested terrain. Backpackers should note that some trails in Yellow River State Forest are shared with equestrian users. Summer brings dense greenery and occasional wildlife encounters, while fall offers colorful foliage with fewer insects and crowds at most primitive tent locations.
"We backpacked to the quarry and found a large open area, perfect for multiple tents. The sandstone bluffs were in the background."
"If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners. "
from $40 - $120 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $100 / night
Check Availability"My friend and I were eager to test out some new backpacking gear for the first time in advance of a larger trip this summer."
"Yellow River has great backpacking sites. Park near ranger station and hike in or grab a map and find a smaller parking location near the trail you want to explore. Great scenery."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful place, tent camping is available. Great breakfast and romantic setting for our anniversary. They sell wine and food in the store. Host is amazing and friendly."
"The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail."
"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!"
"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"
"After biking 47 miles was a welcome respite on our first day of biking the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail. We spent a second night on our out and back along the trail."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Hiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects."
"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!"
LegendHiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects. Leave No Trace ethics include: minimizes fire impacts by gathering only dead, down, wood. Sounded by nature atop of hill hike near Fire tower ( only fire tower in Iowa), cell reception is found up here.
LegendPrairie Island has all of you basic amenities without being too far from town. This campground isn’t for everybody -- if you’re looking for extreme adventure and wilderness, this is not the place for you. If you’re interested in getting into camping and not investing the money into all the gear or having direct river access, this is the place for you! They seriously rent it all. Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and dutch ovens. The camp store sells all of the basics and fishing supplies. The shower house has flush toilets and pit toilets are located throughout the campground.
Personally, this campground is not the type that I like to stay at but it is really great for the type that wants to get into camping or the camper trailer type. Unfortunately, not enough activities to do besides boating on the river.
LegendThis review is for Yellow River State Forest's Big Paint Campground which consists of sites 35 through 61. Big Paint is a couple miles from Little Paint, a larger campground with 70+ sites. There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included.
Why did we choose Big Paint instead of Little Paint?
It's smaller and that's just our personal preference. There were only 4 sites occupied early Friday afternoon and a few more were reserved. We liked site 35, the first site on the left as you enter. This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass.
Activities
Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen; see photo of stocking calendar. We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground. You can also hike from Little Paint, and there are equestrian trails. This would also be a good area for X-country skiing and snowmobiling. A photo of the trail map is included. Caution: hunting is allowed in the non-campground area of the state forest.
Amenities
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Other than that, you can dispose of your trash and use a vault toilet. There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left.
Cost
You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee). There are 7 non-reservable sites at Big Paint. I doubt that Big Paint fills up; just check the reservation site to see if they get crowded.
https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/yellow-river-state-forest/r/campsiteSearch.do?search=site&page=siteresult&contractCode=IA&parkId=610130
GuideThe cart in sites are fantastic at Wildcat Mountain! Each site is spacious with most heavily treed for shade. Each site has a nice large flat pad for a tent or two, fire ring, bench and picnic table. Proximity to potable water, vault or modern toilets and designated parking are all within 400 yards of all sites.
The park is located in the Kickapoo valley area where the driftless area is amazing to hike. You can kayak or tube down the river that is flanked by high limestone bluffs. The hiking trails are well maintained. There is also extensive horse trails, a beautiful outdoor ampitheater for viewing sunsets and access to the river right in the park.
The campers were respectful and quiet. Our campsite was fairly clean when we arrived. Contactless registration due to covid 19. That made getting set up quick and easy! The cart provided was fairly big for less trips. I would happily camp here again!
GuideWonderful time in Perrot State Park. Camped in the group campground, site A. Plenty of room for many tents, and nice level ground to pitch tents on. Huge fire ring for large group fires, and both a large grill on the fire ring, and freestanding charcoal grill. Lots of options for hiking and walking in the park with more than 13 miles of trails. We did a 5 mile hike up and over two of the more popular bluffs. We also did a two-three hour canoe/kayak trip and had a blast.
There is not a swimming beach at the park, so if you're into that, you'll have to leave the park, but there is more than enough to do at Perrot State Park.
TravelerWe were at site #9, great spot for tent. There were only trees behind us and our neighbors were far enough way we had privacy. There was no electricity, but we charged our phones and my son’s iPad at the ranger station. There was no running water so bring sanitizer. The swimming pond was great and not rocky. The hikes were good but lots of mosquitoes which made it hard to enjoy. Wish there was more to do in the area. No showers and no electricity in the bathroom near our site.
GuideSome of the spots are a little uneven. Bring some leveling devices. This a very peaceful campground. Fire rings are on cement. Can find fire starters everywhere. No bugs in the 1st of June when we were there. Will plan on going back for sure. Reserve your spots cuz they go fast. If you love a great view and the smell of the outdoors this is your place!
LegendThe Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail. Trail Head Park is a nice tent only campground with walk-in sites. A majority of the sites have picnic tables and fire pits. The Nature Center has clean bathrooms and free showers. They recommend donations for the use of the showers.
$20 per night camping fee. You can pay inside the Nature Center or at the slot between the restroom mirrors. The sites are first come, first serve. Local firewood is available near the restrooms as well; take what you need and leave the center a donation.
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. Inside the Nature Center, they have interactive and interesting displays. The highlight of this campground is the Root River State Bike Trail and the Owl Center in the town of Houston.
I'd give the campsite 4/5 review. The location, the bluffs, the bike trail, and center get 5/5 review.
ScoutStayed here in a tent while on a bicycle camping trip and it was adequate. It is located in a city park within a couple minutes walk of the downtown area. The bike trail crosses the south end of downtown so close to that too. This would not be a good place to camp if you'd like to be out in nature
Biggest gripe is the slope of the tent sites. The majority of the tent sites are on an incline around a pond. There are also a lot of ducks that aren't very afraid of humans. None got into my gear though. There are fire rings at the tent sites. No picnic tables at the individual sites but there are some nearby in the park and there's also a covered picnic shelter. Hammocks would be difficult to impossible as the tent area is a strip of grass between pond and bluff, which has mostly brush or too whimpy of trees to hang from at the base. There are a couple huge oaks but none in pairs.
Quarter showers and clean restrooms are available. $20/night/tent which seemed a bit steep to me considering how slanted the sites were and quarter showers. It is cheaper than the other places within immediate biking distance which were $25/night.
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.
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.
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.
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!"
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Newton, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Newton, WI is Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Newton, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Newton, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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