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Best Campgrounds near Sarona, WI

351 Reviews

Sarona, Wisconsin features a range of camping options within a landscape of lakes and forests. Chinty Lake Roadside Camp offers free primitive sites for tent and RV camping, while developed campgrounds like Shell Lake Municipal Park and Whitetail Ridge Campground provide full hookups and amenities. Most established campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some like Country Quiet RV Park and Log Cabin Resort also offering cabin rentals. The region includes several waterfront campgrounds situated on popular lakes like Shell Lake and Birchwood's Chetac Lake.

Camping season in the Sarona area typically runs from May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. Many established sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. The area features a mix of municipally-operated parks and privately-owned campgrounds, each with varying amenity levels from primitive to full-service. Accessibility varies significantly between locations, with some sites offering level, easily accessible spots while others present more challenging terrain. "Most of the sites I checked had at least 30A electric; most also had 50A. All have water and it appears all but the very back row along the municipal parking lot have sewer as well," noted one visitor about Shell Lake Municipal Park.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Sarona region. Shell Lake Municipal Park provides lakefront camping with convenient in-town amenities, while Doolittle Park in Birchwood offers family-friendly facilities including a public beach, playground, and boat launch. A review mentioned that "for what it is - a rustic, small, free campground - it's very nice," regarding a nearby primitive site. Several campgrounds provide recreational opportunities beyond camping, with amenities like swimming beaches, fishing access, and boat launches. Visitors particularly value campgrounds that balance natural settings with convenience, as sites like Eagle Point Park demonstrate with their combination of quiet lakeside camping and proximity to town services. Family-oriented campgrounds like Red Barn feature additional attractions such as playgrounds, animal encounters, and organized activities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Sarona, Wisconsin (179)

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Recent Camping Photos near Sarona, WI

160 Photos of 179 Sarona Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sarona, WI

351 Reviews of 179 Sarona Campgrounds

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Lovely River, Too Much Hustle

    Interstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. Many of the exterior loop sites have river access, which was a highlight, and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes thanks to being right on the water. The nearby towns are also very charming and worth exploring.

    That said, the campground is small and very crowded, likely because it’s so close to the Cities and popular with canoe rentals. Expect a lot of traffic noise, and in the fall, migrating geese can be very loud (which didn’t bother me, but might for some). The ranger office had limited hours, and since firewood is locked up, there’s no self-serve option. Another downside: a riverboat cruises by frequently, blasting music in the evenings and giving tours during the day.

    The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but just too small and busy for my preference—I don’t think I’d return.

    Best sites seemed to be 21 (great river views, less private), 23 (fun detached tent pad), and 18 (most private). Sites 4–5 were also lovely but close to the bathrooms and camp host, so expect more foot traffic.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    Free parking, no water, no gray dump, no trash.

    This is the trailhead for a very beautiful mountain biking trail and the roads that lead up to this area are incredibly gorgeous especially in the fall. The red building in the pictures is an emergency cabin. You can go in it and look around if you want. It's not at the trailhead, it's about 10 minutes from it on your way in.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Eagle Point Park

    Quiet lake campground

    I stayed here one night while traveling. The bathrooms seemed fire. I could not find a dumper on site. There is a dump station. Plenty of tent only camping areas. All sites require some leveling. Some of the sites have water hookups. Lots of people use the park during the day. It was very quiet at night.

    There is a coffee shop about a 20 minute walk from the park. There is a public swimming beach less than a 10 minute walk from the park.

    You might be able to get a large rig into the first few spots. But if you try to drive the loop around to the other sites, you might not make it. But I did not have trouble in my 25 foot motor home.

    I had great 5G signals from Verizon and T-mobile here.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Very quit night

    Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters 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 You’re about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good

  • Christy E.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Lucius Woods County Park

    Beautiful Campground

    The site we had was difficult to back our 32’ camper into. The bathrooms and showers are very clean. A swimming beach, hiking trails and playground are available. Entertainment is available on Saturday nights but we are not staying on a Saturday night. The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Camp Waub-O-Jeeg

    Waub O Jeeg- Tent camping

    Checking was easy with owner on site. A little steep getting up to x Some of the site. Bathroom and shower house were great

  • The Rolling Panda ..
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Old Logging Trail — St. Croix State Park

    Beautiful park!

    The drive into the park was absolutely beautiful!! Stayed at old logging trail campground. I was initially worried because I didn't realize the site was right next to a vault toilet, but besides for the occasional flashlight at night, it felt secluded. It was very buggy, so be prepared for that. I can't wait to go back so I can explore more of the park!

  • C
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Dongola Campground

    Beautiful, quiet, spacious!!!

    Of all the RV parks we have stayed at, Dongola Campground is by far our favorite! It’s just far enough out of town to be tranquil but close enough for convenience. There are groomed/mowed trails that wind through the beautiful 40 acre property, great for walking, bicycling, or golf carts. We even saw a bald eagle during our stay here.

Guide to Sarona

Camping near Sarona, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The hiking was awesome" at Wild River State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: Many lakes in the region provide great fishing spots. A visitor at Pine Point County Park noted, "Nice county park with several lakes in the area for fishing."
  • Water Activities: Kayaking and canoeing are popular. One family at Lake Chippewa Campground mentioned, "The kayaking/canoeing was an amazing adventure that everyone should try."

What campers like:

  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like Hayward KOA are praised for their kid-friendly activities. A reviewer said, "This campground is a child's paradise," highlighting the playground and pool.
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Riverview Campground remarked, "The showers and bathrooms were very clean."
  • Secluded Sites: Many campers enjoy the privacy offered by sites at places like Boulder. One camper noted, "The campsites are private and quiet."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Riverview Campground warned, "The mosquitoes were voracious!"
  • Site Size: Some campgrounds have tight sites, which can be challenging for larger rigs. A visitor at Pine Point County Park mentioned, "The sites were a bit tight for large rigs."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many areas have spotty cell reception. A camper at Lake Chippewa Campground noted, "We did get some random Verizon connectivity...but no internet."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Keep kids engaged with planned activities. A reviewer at Hayward KOA shared, "There were activities for her to do all day long."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One family at Lake Chippewa Campground enjoyed the "good and affordable" concession restaurant.
  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer space for kids to play. A camper at Brunet Island State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are shaded and large."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Dimensions: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Lake Chippewa Campground advised, "We found a trailer in the site...it would be tight."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Some campgrounds do not sell firewood. A camper at Pardun’s Jack Pine Campground noted, "Bring your own wood this time of year."
  • Utilize Amenities: Take advantage of available amenities like laundry and rentals. A reviewer at Wildwood RV Park & Campground mentioned, "The camp store has essentials and clothing for sale."

Camping near Sarona, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy all the beauty and fun this area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sarona, Wisconsin located and what are the nearby towns?

Sarona is located in northwestern Wisconsin, approximately 60-70 miles northeast of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. It's situated in Washburn County, with the nearby town of Shell Lake just a few miles away. Other surrounding communities include Spooner to the north, Rice Lake to the south, and Cumberland to the southwest. The area is part of Wisconsin's lake country, with numerous bodies of water including Shell Lake and Long Lake. Visitors can use Shell Lake Municipal Park as a convenient base for exploring the region.

What outdoor activities and attractions can visitors enjoy near Sarona, Wisconsin?

The Sarona area boasts abundant outdoor recreation options. Water activities dominate with excellent fishing at Two Lakes, where visitors can tie boats at the water's edge and enjoy forest camping. The nearby Chippewa River at Brunet Island State Park Campground offers calm kayaking waters among lily pads and wildlife, plus a 20-mile paved bike trail. Hikers can explore the Ice Age Trail near Straight Lake. The St. Croix River valley provides spectacular rock formations, swimming holes, and scenic hiking trails. Wildlife watching, mountain biking, and seasonal activities like fall foliage tours round out the recreational opportunities in this nature-rich region.

What camping options are available in the Sarona, Wisconsin area?

The Sarona area offers diverse camping options for all preferences. Whitetail Ridge Campground & Backwoods Saloon provides full amenities near Sarona, while Red Barn Campground offers family-friendly accommodations by Shell Lake. For those seeking more natural settings, nearby state parks provide excellent alternatives. Additionally, several RV parks cater to travelers with larger rigs, including sites with full hookups. The region's county parks often feature more rustic camping with beautiful lake access for fishing and swimming, perfect for those wanting a more immersive outdoor experience.

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